Texas Tech football is back in the national top 10, but the Red Raiders are entering a critical stretch that could determine whether they get another opportunity to play for a Big 12 championship.

No. 10 Texas Tech travels to Oklahoma State on Saturday night, carrying an 8-1 overall record and a 5-1 conference mark into a matchup with a Cowboys team that's 6-3 overall and 4-2 in Big 12 play.

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The stakes couldn't be much higher.

Texas Tech controls its path to the conference championship game. Three consecutive victories to close the regular season would guarantee the Red Raiders a return trip to AT&T Stadium in Arlington, where they could defend their 2025 Big 12 title.

But another loss would leave their championship hopes dependent on complicated conference tiebreakers.

For coach Joey McGuire, the challenge is keeping a talented team focused after Saturday's wild 53-48 victory over West Virginia.

Quarterback Thomas Castellanos delivered his most explosive performance since taking over the starting job, throwing for 362 yards and five touchdowns while rushing for another 102 yards.

Running back J'Koby Williams added 160 rushing yards and a touchdown, helping Texas Tech pile up 638 yards of total offense.

Over the past two games, the Red Raiders have averaged 43.5 points and 555 yards.

Those numbers are impressive, but the defense remains a concern after surrendering 48 points to West Virginia.

Texas Tech has been particularly effective rushing opposing quarterbacks, collecting 29 sacks this season, tied for eighth nationally. The Red Raiders have produced 18 sacks over their last four games.

That pressure could be essential against an Oklahoma State offense capable of challenging defenses through the air.

History suggests Saturday could become another shootout.

Texas Tech and Oklahoma State have combined for at least 70 points in 10 of their last 13 meetings.

Last season, however, the Red Raiders completely dominated the Cowboys in a 42-0 shutout, limiting Oklahoma State to just 182 total yards.

That victory included a spectacular opening sequence from Williams, who returned the opening kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown before catching another scoring pass on Texas Tech's first offensive play.

The Red Raiders lead the all-time series 25-24-3 but have struggled historically in Stillwater, posting a 9-14 road record against the Cowboys.

Texas Tech also enters Saturday with two victories over ranked opponents this season, defeating Houston and Arizona.

The Red Raiders climbed three positions to No. 10 in Sunday's Associated Press poll, while their most recent College Football Playoff ranking was No. 15.

"Control of their own destiny" is how Texas Tech's official game notes describe the championship situation.

That opportunity now comes with little room for error.

After Oklahoma State, Texas Tech travels to Baylor before closing the regular season against TCU on Thanksgiving.

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For the Red Raiders, the formula is simple: win three more games and earn another shot at the Big 12 championship.

The first obstacle awaits Saturday night in Stillwater.

Source: Yahoo Sports