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Oregon State coach JaMarcus Shephard made tackling a priority before Texas Tech after Houston rushed for 228 yards and averaged 7.4 yards per play. He linked explosive runs and extra yards after contact to failures to finish tackles. Better results this week are the preview writer's expectation, not an improvement already demonstrated.
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Oregon State QB Braden Atkinson debuted with 29 completions, 376 yards and a touchdown, but the offense averaged only 1.0 yards per rush with four sacks included. OC Mitch Dahlen cited some success from 12 personnel but said short gains kept creating second-and-long situations. The preview identifies more consistent rushing as a need against Texas Tech.
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Oregon State CB Jaheim Patterson is reported available against Texas Tech while working back into the rotation after an eligibility issue. The preview says his eligibility for the entire season remains unclear; this is game-specific availability, not confirmation that the season-long question is resolved.
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Texas Tech held Abilene Christian to 10 points in its opener, but the preview notes sustained possessions of 9, 11 and 15 plays, only one of which scored. LB Jamond Mathis led the defense with six tackles and 2.5 sacks. The report shows pass-rush production alongside an ability by the opponent to extend drives, rather than uniformly dominant defense.
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Texas Tech used three running backs against Abilene Christian: Cameron Dickey had 14 carries, J'Koby Williams 13 and Quinten Joyner 10. Joyner gained 43 yards and scored once. That opener supports a shared backfield role; the preview does not announce a new starter or a change in the rotation for Oregon State.