STILLWATER, Okla. — Drew Mestemaker knows what it feels like to face Texas Tech. Two years ago, the Oklahoma State quarterback was a true freshman at North Texas, getting an early introduction to the intensity of college football against the Red Raiders.

Now, Mestemaker is preparing for another meeting with Texas Tech, this time as the starting quarterback of an Oklahoma State team looking to make a statement in the Big 12. And his memories of that first experience aren't particularly pleasant.

"That was not a fun game to be a part of," Mestemaker said ahead of Saturday's matchup. "Longest first half I've ever been a part of and flipped real fast."

North Texas traveled to Lubbock during the 2024 season, where Texas Tech overwhelmed the Mean Green in a 66-21 victory. Mestemaker entered the game as a freshman, gaining valuable experience in a difficult environment despite the lopsided result.

"I remember getting in and running around and making a few plays," Mestemaker said. "That atmosphere was wild to be a part of as a true freshman."

Much has changed for Mestemaker since that afternoon. After following Eric Morris from North Texas to Oklahoma State, the quarterback has developed into one of the Big 12's most productive offensive players. His emergence has helped fuel a resurgence for the Cowboys, who enter Saturday's matchup with a 6-3 record and a 4-2 mark in conference play. Mestemaker has established an Oklahoma State school record with eight consecutive 300-yard passing performances, breaking Mason Rudolph's previous mark of seven.

His latest outing was arguably his most memorable. Against Kansas State, Mestemaker completed 22 of 28 passes for 313 yards and four touchdowns while also scoring on the ground and catching a touchdown pass during Oklahoma State's 66-28 victory.

The performance highlighted the versatility and confidence that have become defining characteristics of the Cowboys' offense under Morris. It also demonstrated just how far Mestemaker has progressed since his first encounter with Texas Tech.

This time, the circumstances are considerably different. Rather than entering a difficult road game as an inexperienced freshman, Mestemaker will lead Oklahoma State into a nationally televised matchup at Boone Pickens Stadium.

The Cowboys are coming off their highest-scoring performance of the season and have already secured bowl eligibility for the first time since 2023. Saturday's game also carries a personal connection for Morris, who played quarterback at Texas Tech before beginning his coaching career.

While the storyline surrounding his head coach's alma mater adds another layer of intrigue, Mestemaker has emphasized maintaining the same approach that has helped Oklahoma State succeed throughout the season.

The Cowboys will host No. 10 Texas Tech on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. CT on ESPN in a blackout game. For Mestemaker, it represents another opportunity to measure his growth against an opponent that provided one of his earliest lessons in college football.

Source: Yahoo Sports