BIG 12 Oklahoma takes on Texas Tech in clash for conference crown

The Sooner defense isn't afraid of Red Raiders quarterback Kliff Kingsbury.
NORMAN, Okla. (AP) -- Texas Tech doesn't have much experience playing in big games. Oklahoma has plenty of it.
While today's game between No. 4 Oklahoma and No. 24 Texas Tech is arguably the biggest game in Red Raiders history, it's familiar territory for the Sooners (9-1, 5-1 Big 12) under coach Bob Stoops.
They won the national title just two years ago and have beaten Texas Tech three straight times in a game that's as pressure packed as any in college football. The winner today claims the Big 12 South Division title and a spot in the conference title game.
"Look at most of our championship games, championship and trophy games, some of the ones that have been higher-profile games, however you want to categorize it," Stoops said. "We usually have played decent."
Oklahoma is 10-1 against top-10 teams under Stoops. The Sooners are 3-0 this year against Top 25 teams -- 4-0 if you include No. 9 Alabama, which wasn't ranked at the time.
Top quarterback
Texas Tech (8-4, 5-2) has one of the nation's top quarterbacks in Kliff Kingsbury, but Oklahoma has done well against stars. The Sooners intercepted Chris Simms four times earlier this year. Colorado's Chris Brown needed 25 carries to gain 103 yards. Iowa State's Seneca Wallace was 4-of-22 for 43 yards and threw three interceptions.
"We've got another Heisman hopeful on our hands," linebacker Pasha Jackson said. "It's the way we like to play. If we go ahead and execute and do everything we can up to our potential, I don't have many doubts at all."
Oklahoma's only loss this year was a stunner -- after beating Texas, Iowa State and Colorado in succession, the Sooners went on the road and lost 30-26 to Texas A & amp;M.
The secondary gave up four touchdown passes against the Aggies after only allowing three in the first eight games combined. That loss was followed by a less-than-satisfactory defensive showing last week in a victory over Baylor.
Safety Eric Bassey said he expects a much better showing tonight.
"It doesn't get any bigger than this -- it's do or die, loser go home, and that's the kind of game we like," he said. "We're going to be very, very focused for this game."
Depends on the defense
Stoops said if the defense plays as it has the last two weeks, then his team will be in trouble.
"But if we play like we have for the seven or eight other games, then sure, we've got a chance," he said. "If we play like we have for the past, maybe, 30 games around here, we've got a good chance. Our players understand that."
Kingsbury has been outstanding for the Red Raiders. Through 12 games, he has thrown for 4,455 yards and 41 touchdowns with just 10 interceptions. Tech spreads its receivers across the field, and Kingsbury is a master at finding the one with the best chance to make a play.
He was at his best last week, going 38-for-60 for 473 yards with six touchdown passes and no interceptions in a 42-38 upset of then-No. 4 Texas.
"We know we can play against anybody," Kingsbury said. "We just have to take care of the ball. OU has always played us tough, but I think we have the confidence to go in there and play well."
Kingsbury's first career start came against Oklahoma in the final game of 1999. He threw three TD passes in a 38-28 victory, but is 0-2 against the Sooners since then. He has yet to throw for 300 yards against them.
While the focus will be on Kingsbury and Oklahoma's defense, the Sooners know they must score. They have a 1,000-yard runner in Quentin Griffin, who has come through in big games before.
"We'll take 'em however we can get 'em, quick strikes or long ones," quarterback Nate Hybl said. "But to hang onto the football and pick up those critical third downs when their offense is itching to get on the field is going to be key."