The Texas Tech Red Raiders are off to a high flying 2-0 start this season. They have absolutely obliterated their foes so far this year and are showing no signs of slowing down. Their highly ranked transfer class as lived up to expectations so far this season, but now they have to face what some would consider their first “real” opponent. In my mind, the Oregon State Beavers aren’t all that scary, but Duke transfer Maalik Murphy leads them into Lubbock on Saturday afternoon. Let’s breakdown our favorite picks.
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Oregon State Beavers vs. #21 Texas Tech Red Raiders NCAA Football Insights
Maalik Murphy leads the Beavers in their first road game this year
Oregon State is still looking for their first win this season. They are 0-2 so far this year and neither have been a good showing from the team. They lost to California in Week 1 in their home opener, putting up just 15 points. In their next game, they lost to Fresno State 36-27 despite putting up over 525 total yards of offense. The Beavers still had double digit penalties, and were outscored 16-6 in the final quarter to lose by nine. Now they head to enemy territory for their first road test, in a town that has nothing better to do than cheer on their Red Raiders.
Texas Tech is nationally ranked and undefeated this year, and sure, I’ll be the first to admit they haven’t played anybody. However, they have still scored 67 against Arkansas Pine-Bluff and 62 against Kent State, so the offense is clearly clicking. On the flip side, I have little faith in the Beavers defense to really give them a run for their money. But, the Red Raiders go to Utah to face the No. 20 ranked Utes in their first Big 12 battle, so could they be caught looking ahead at home?
Matchup Information – Oregon State vs. Texas Tech – September 13
- Venue & Location: Jones AT&T Stadium (Lubbock, TX)
- Date: Saturday, September 13, 2025
- Kick Off: 3:30 p.m. Eastern
- Broadcast: FOX
Oregon State vs. Texas Tech Betting Odds
Odds are courtesy of BetOnline, one of our favorite online sportsbooks, as of September 12, 2025 at 1:58 p.m. eastern. Sign up today with Promo Code BNBOL55 for a 55% deposit bonus up.
Spread
- Oregon State +23.5 (-110)
- Texas Tech -23.5 (-110)
Moneyline
- Oregon State +1156
- Texas Tech -2500
Total
- Over 63.5 (-110)
- Under 63.5 (-110)
I’ll buy into the look ahead narrative, but not strongly enough to fade the Red Raiders. They are still light years ahead of the Beavers in terms of pure talent, and they are going to win this game. Do I worry about them covering the number? Maybe a little bit, because Murphy did light it up last week. If he can produce like he did against the Bulldogs, Oregon State will be able to put up more offensive points than we’ve seen so far this season. However, Texas Tech plays aggressive and lets it fly.
I think they put up tons of points in this one, especially early on.
Oregon State vs. #21 Texas Tech NCAA Football Picks and Predictions
Reggie Virgil has nine catches for over 100 yards and three touchdowns this year
Oregon State vs. Texas Tech Prediction: Texas Tech Wins and Covers, Over 63.5
Best Bet: Texas Tech 1H Team Total Over 23.5 (-125) Bovada
Now the full game team total is listed around 42.5, even 43.5 on some books. I took the first half because I am worried about them slowing down a bit if things get out of hand. Regardless, they have started very strong early in games this season and I don’t see it stopping.
The Red Raiders scored 47 points in the first half in Week 1, and every scoring drive took less than three and a half minutes. In Week 2, they scored 48 points before halftime, and again, scored nearly every drive in under four minutes of game time. They are very efficient on offense, move the ball in chunks, and aren’t afraid to play quickly to tire out their opponent.
The Red Raiders are efficient on third down, and have gone for over 600 total yards of offense in each of their two games. Now what about the Beavers’ defense?
Oregon State allowed 17 first half points to California (14 in the first quarter), and 20 to Fresno State. While we are asking for the Red Raiders to score at least four times (three of which need to be touchdowns), the offense is more than capable. Sure, they may be looking ahead to Utah in the second half, but early on, Behren Morton should start strong in one more tune up game before Big 12 play gets going.
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