Battle-tested OK State, No. 15 Texas Tech open grueling Big 12 slate

With plenty of tests behind them, Oklahoma State and 15th-ranked Texas Tech have learned about strengths and weaknesses, with each team making progress.

What matters now, though, is how that translates into success in the rugged Big 12 Conference.

The Cowboys (12-1) and Red Raiders (10-3) open league play in Lubbock, Texas, on Saturday, the first step of an 18-game grind that doesn't offer a lot of breathe-easy opportunities.

"I don't know if you can ever say you're prepared for the Big 12...