According to NCAA statistics, OU opponents have collected just 38 tackles for loss on 784 plays. But consider that Texas Tech, on 756 plays, has allowed just 18 tackles for loss.

“I think that’s why they’re undefeated and the No. 2 team in the country. Their efficiency,” said defensive coordinator Brent Venables, “is second to none. …(They) make very few busted or bad plays, negative plays that would put them behind the chains. So they’re always in attack mode instead of trying to play catch-up.”

Meet the Boz: Former OU linebacker Brian Bosworth is scheduled to attend a pregame tailgate party at Sooner Legends Inn and Suites in Norman on Friday from 7-9:30. The event is limited to 150 registered guests and can be reserved by calling 405-701-8100.

Sims revisited: Tuesday marked the 30th anniversary of Billy Sims’ 209-yard rushing output in the first half against Oklahoma State, a game OU won 62-7. The Sooners beat the Cowboys twice that day: Sims’ season total climbed to 1,762, surpassing the Big Eight record held by OSU’s Terry Miller.

O’Brien stop: The Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award concludes its road campaign this week in Norman and Tulsa. OU’s Sam Bradford, Texas Tech’s Graham Harrell and Tulsa’s David Johnson are semifinalists.

Fans can vote for their favorite semifinalist at O’Brien displays set up before kickoff outside Owen Field and Chapman Stadium. The fan vote will account for five percent of the overall O’Brien tally. Votes can also be made online at tulsaworld.com/voteobrien.

Run down: One OU-Tech premise suggests that Saturday’s winner will be effective running the football. Not necessarily.

“Here’s the problem with that premise,” said Kansas coach Mark Mangino. “Both of those teams are comfortable throwing the ball a ton.

… When you look at how well OU is throwing the ball and how well Tech is throwing the ball, I don’t think that premise works for this game.”

Noise factor: When Bob Stoops asked fans to be louder, he wasn’t admonishing Sooner Nation. He just wants to have every possible advantage. But Tech defensive end Jake Ratliff, for one, thinks OU fans won’t have a problem getting loud.

“Norman’s a tough place to play,” Ratliff said.

“I mean, there’s 90,000 fans screaming at you.

It’s a fun place to go. Don’t get me wrong. It’s a fun place to go and I like playing up there. But it’s definitely a tough place to play, especially after playing (at home) the last two weeks.”