Joey Johnston

It’s easy to get blinded by offensive stars — Graham Harrell! Sam Bradford! Michael Crabtree! — in Saturday night’s Big 12 South mega-game between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Oklahoma Sooners. But open wide and focus. If you’re searching for a key, maybe even a springboard that could send Texas Tech (10-0) or Oklahoma (9-1) down a national-championship path, look to the other side.

Look to defense.

Contrary to popular belief, yes, it actually does exist at Texas Tech and Oklahoma.

Even though the national perception seems to think of 80 combined points as a low-ball prediction for this matchup.

Even though it’s impossible to write about these defenses without including the words “much-maligned’’ in the same sentence.

These units automatically suffer by comparison. Texas Tech’s offense is second nationally (but its defense is 60th). Oklahoma’s offense is fourth nationally (but its defense is 55th).

The most compelling moments will be when Oklahoma’s offense opposes Texas Tech’s defense. We all know about Bradford, the sophomore who has passed for 3,406 yards and 38 touchdowns. The Sooners have scored 72 touchdowns, best in the Big 12.

But did you know Texas Tech has allowed just 24 touchdowns, tied for best in the Big 12? Probably not, but defense isn’t something you consider automatically when thinking about Texas Tech.

Since coach Mike Leach took over, the Red Raiders have been the nation’s most prolific passing program, whether the quarterback was Kliff Kingsbury, B.J. Symons or the current starter, Graham Harrell (the nation’s passing-yardage leader at 407.7 yards per game).

The turning point for Texas Tech’s upward mobility, though, may have occurred last season in a 49-45 loss against Oklahoma State. You remember that one, don’t you? Cowboys coach Mike Gundy had his meltdown (“I’m a man!’’), rendering the outcome as almost irrelevant.

But Leach wasn’t pleased, either. The Red Raiders surrendered 610 yards to Oklahoma State. He promoted Ruffin McNeil to defensive coordinator. Ever since, Texas Tech’s defense has improved steadily.  

The Red Raiders held Texas to 110 yards under its total-offense average. Texas Tech limited Oklahoma State quarterback Zac Robinson to 182 yards passing and big-time receiver Dez Bryant (60 catches, 15 touchdowns) to four receptions.

There are stars in defensive end Brandon Williams (10 sacks), along with safeties Darcel McBath and Daniel Charbonnet. Before this season, no Texas Tech defensive player had a three-interception game in the program’s 83-year history. This season, McBath and Charbonnet each have had games with three interceptions.

Video   Mad Dog Minute: Shootout in Norman Nov. 17: Christopher Russo has a prediction for this Saturday's showdown between Oklahoma and Texas Tech. Is an undefeated team going to fall? NBC Sports

McNeil is careful not to campaign for more attention. He knows the offense is why the Red Raiders are in the national spotlight. But Leach knows improved defensive play has made a huge difference.

Meanwhile, Oklahoma’s defense might have the biggest challenge of all. Texas Tech’s quarterbacks have attempted 499 passes. They have thrown just six interceptions. They have been sacked just five times. Absolutely remarkable.

Special feature Heisman Hopefuls Bradford, Tebow on top now NBCSports.com

Obviously, the challenge for Oklahoma’s defense is to disrupt. The knee injuries to defensive ends Auston English and Alan Davis don’t make things easier. The Sooners’ defense has been more opportunistic of late, forcing 15 turnovers in its past four games (after getting zero in the loss against Texas), but Texas Tech is a different deal.

Also on NBCSports.com NFL: Compare NFL playoff teams, vote on winners College football: Pressure is on OU in BCS title game NBA: A toast to teams that are already toast College hoops: Cal already contending under Monty MLB: Free agent tracker, updates team needs, more NHL: Here's what to expect in second half of season

There will be some touchdowns on Saturday night — probably lots of them. But don’t be surprised if the difference is not Harrell or Bradford, but which defense is the best at producing two or three stops.

MORE FROM COLLEGE FOOTBALL

College football Section Front

Oklahoma can silence Big 12 critics with win   Video: BCS Championship Game preview   Mad Dog: 5 reasons why Florida will win   Video: Sooners, Gators expect lots of scoring Interactive matchups for BCS title game   Slideshow: Key players, coaches in BCS title game Walters: Amazing Meyer can do no wrong, right? Meyer, Stoops taking fast track to greatness Hold that pose: Florida, Oklahoma play for No. 1 Meyer says Utah, Texas, USC should lobby for No. 1 College football Section Front   Add College football headlines to your news reader: