ESPN Big 12 Blog

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

LUBBOCK, Texas -- If Texas Tech's defense needed any inspiration, Ruffin McNeill had something ready for them this week.

Flickering images of the Tech's struggles last season against Oklahoma State in Stillwater served as more than a mere motivator. The wily coordinator knew it would also let them know exactly what he didn't want to do against the Cowboys' potent attack.

"We got embarrassed by how we played last year," safety Daniel Charbonnet said of the pre-game film sessions. "It kind of got us ready to play."

That might have been one of the bigger understatements in recent Big 12 history. The Red Raiders' defensive performance in a landmark 56-20 victory over Oklahoma State might have been the best indicator of Tech's recent defensive growth.

Only a year after being gashed for 49 points and a season-worst 610 yards against Oklahoma State, the Red Raiders had their own answer for the Cowboys and the nation.

Tech's defense might have been the biggest question in the eyes of many observers. The Red Raiders took note when many wondered if they could play well in back-to-back games after the emotional victory against Texas last week.

"We talked about how we needed all 11 men to play together out there," McNeill said. "And they went out and played pretty well."

After spotting Oklahoma State a touchdown on their opening possession, the Red Raiders forced punts on their next two defensive drives. And they allowed only two touchdowns during the rest of the game to hold Oklahoma State to their lowest scoring production of the season.

Understand this was the same Oklahoma State team that had scored at least 50 points five times this season.

"I'm very proud of how our defense played," Texas Tech coach Mike Leach said. "They were very scrappy. It took us a little while to get on track. They tried to make too much happen early. But once we settled in and started to fire off the ball and caught on to the tricks they tried to play on us, we were ready."

The change was noticeable to Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy.

"Tech's defense is very good," Gundy said. "They are playing good football and tackling better and they're playing with a better pass rush. I said earlier this week that I thought their defense is really playing with an almost offensive style of play."

And Tech's potent offense gives its defense a luxury that similar units don't have. A couple of defensive stops usually are enough to stop an opponent as long as the Red Raiders are humming on the other side of the ball.

That was the case Saturday night. After Tech jumped ahead, it effectively limited Oklahoma State's potent offense and took Big 12 leading rusher Kendall Hunter out of the Cowboys' repertoire.

Hunter did produce 112 yards, but 70 of those came in the first half. He was barely a factor in the second half as the Cowboys were forced to rely on passing more than they wanted.

And their job on Dez Bryant was just as impressive. Oklahoma State's top playmaker came into the game averaging a conference-best 117.1 yards per game. He was limited to four catches -- his low in a conference game this season -- for 86 yards. Bryant didn't make his first catch Saturday until the final minute of the first half.

"I've got to give all the credit to my defensive backs," linebacker Brian Duncan said. "They really got after him."

Much like the rest of the defense, which came with an attitude after last year's struggles against the Cowboys.

"We just focused on our jobs and we had a great scheme," safety Darcel McBath said. "And as long as we played our responsibilities, we knew they wouldn't have many big plays against us."