Mike Leach didn’t say Oklahoma State was an easy team to scout. But what’s changed with the Cowboys from last year?

Many of the same Cowboys who were ranked in the top 10 in early November last year are ranked in the top 20 and have the Big 12’s second best record this year. No. 17 Oklahoma State (7-2, 4-1 in the Big 12) hopes to keep the pressure on No. 2 Texas in the Big 12 South race by adding another win when Tech (6-3, 3-2) visits Stillwater, Okla., today.

Texas Tech defenders Richard Jones (99) and Brian Duncan (57) kept Oklahoma State's Zac Robinson (11) under wraps last year. (John A. Bowersmith)

“They’re big and strong and fast, and they’re a good team like they always are,’’ Leach, Tech’s head coach, said this week. “Really, they’re very much the same team we played last year, in most cases. They have several people back and are a good team, so we need to do the best we can to play like last year.’’

One difference between this year’s Oklahoma State and the Cowboys of the recent past: New defensive coordinator Bill Young has tightened up the production on that side of the ball. OSU has held three consecutive conference opponents — Baylor, Texas and Iowa State — under 300 yards for the first time since 1998. The Cowboys rank ninth nationally against the run, cornerback Perrish Cox leads the country in passes defended, and OSU ranks 35th in total defense.

OSU is the alma mater of the well-traveled Young, who was defensive coordinator on Kansas’ Orange Bowl team two years ago.

“I’ve always admired him and thought he was a really good defensive coordinator,’’ Leach said.

Last year, Tech walloped Oklahoma State 56-20, but that was in Lubbock with more than 55,000 people pulling hard for the Red Raiders, who were unbeaten at the time. In the recent past, Tech has found Stillwater a much tougher proposition.

The Raiders are winless on their last three trips there, and the losses have been some doozies. In 2003, OSU won a classic offensive shootout 51-49. In 2005, the Cowboys were on a five-game losing streak, and seemed to have little going for them — except it was the final home game for their seniors. Giving an inspired effort, they sprung a 24-17 upset on what had been a one-loss Tech.

And in 2007, the Red Raiders rolled up 718 yards — including a career-high 646 passing from Graham Harrell — and still lost 49-45.

The next day, Leach changed defensive coordinators and, in the 31 games since Ruffin McNeill took over, the defense has held its own more often than not.

“They play harder, and Ruffin brings a lot of enthusiasm and inspiration,’’ Leach said. “He’s got a lot of enthusiasm personally, and I think it rubs off on the players so we have a more inspired unit out there.’’

McNeill’s charges figure to have their hands full with Oklahoma State, even though the Cowboys have spent much of the season without All-America wide receiver Dez Bryant (NCAA suspension) and running back Kendall Hunter (ankle injury).

“I always like going against the best guys, but it helps us out,’’ Tech cornerback Jamar Wall said of Bryant’s absence. “It takes away one of their weapons and so it makes them have to go to something else.’’

Unfortunately for OSU opponents, the Cowboys have shown they have capable alternatives. With senior quarterback Zac Robinson, senior running back Keith Toston and an experienced offensive line, Oklahoma State is still averaging 34 points a game, which ranks 17th in the nation.

Toston is the Big 12’s second-leading rusher, and a line with four senior starters leads the nation in fewest sacks allowed. Robinson, who has 33 career starts, is the Big 12’s second highest-rated passer and keeps defenses honest with his ability to run.

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Texas Techat Oklahoma St.

coverage

Radio: 6 p.m. on 950 AM, 93.7 FM and 104.3 FM
TV: 7 p.m., ABC (channel 28; Suddenlink Cable channel 8)

RECORDS

Texas Tech 6-3, 3-2 in the Big 12 Conference; Oklahoma State 7-2, 4-1

TICKETS

About 5,000 remained as of late Friday afternoon. A crowd of about 53,000 is expected.

FAST FACTS

Tech freshman Eric Stephens has 543 yards on kickoff returns this season. Currently fourth on the Tech single-season list, he needs 79 yards to break Rodney Blackshear’s school record for kickoff-return yardage set in 1990. … Oklahoma state is 17-6 in its last 23 games, and five of the six losses have been to teams ranked in the top 15 of The Associated Press poll. … DE Brandon Sharpe is tied for fifth on Tech’s single-season sacks list with 101/2. Ahead of him are Shawn Jackson (11 in 1992), Aaron Hunt (12 in 2001), Brandon Williams (13 in 2008) and Adell Duckett (14 in 2003). … Oklahoma State has won the Big 12 rushing title three years in a row and leads the conference in rushing again this season. … Tech needs one victory to clinch its 17th year in a row without a losing season.

forecast

Cloudy. Temperature in mid to low 50s during game. A 50 percent chance of showers. North wind from 8 to 9 mph.

NEXT FOR TECH
The Red Raiders play their regular-season home next Saturday against Oklahoma. The kickoff time will be 11:30 a.m., and FSN (Suddenlink Cable channel 20) will provide television coverage.