Oklahoma State’s hopes for a trip to the Big 12 Championship took a hit Saturday as the erring Cowboys lost to Texas Tech (3-2, 1-1), 35-45, in Lubbock, Texas.

That gives OSU (4-2, 1-2) two Big 12 losses and puts them two games behind league-leading Oklahoma, Texas and Baylor.

Oklahoma State is off this week and will host Baylor on October 19 in Stillwater.

OSU had five turnovers – three interceptions and two fumbles by quarterback Spencer Sanders. The last time Oklahoma State committed that many turnovers was in 2012 against Kansas State.

Those overshadowed another good day by Cowboy running back Chuba Hubbard, who rushed for 156 yards and three scores. He had 105 yards in the first half.

“So, what are the key points? We had five turnovers and they don’t have any,” OSU coach Mike Gundy said. “We gave up big plays.”

Before judging the tape, Gundy wouldn’t attach all the blame to his quarterback but questioned the play of the offensive line, particularly in the first quarter.

“We didn’t protect very well, particularly in the first quarter,” Gundy said. “We didn’t play very well up front. I think that has something to do with our interceptions.”

Since he watches the game on the sideline, Gundy felt that the protection was a problem based on conversations with assistant coaches in the press box.

“Even if (Sanders) is to blame, he needs to learn from those mistakes,” Gundy said.

Sanders was 22 of 37 passing attempts for 276 yards.

Gundy admitted that nine weeks into the season, he may have miscalculated the level of preparation for this game.

“Honestly, we got outcoached,” Gundy said. “I could have worked them a little too hard.

“We have to look into the mirror and see what the issues are.”

Texas Tech quarterback Jett Duffey hit 26 of 44 passes for 424 yards and four touchdowns. He also ran for a 16-yard score.

“We weren’t good tacklers,” Gundy said.

Hubbard still leads the nation in rushing with 1,094 yards on 162 carries and 13 touchdowns. Hubbard is averaging 6.8 yards per carry.

Hubbard has rushed for at least 100 yards in eight of the past 10 games.

OSU star receiver Tylan Wallace had 11 catches for 85 and one touchdown. Sanders connected with Jordan McCray for a 73-yard touchdown.

Wallace is third in the nation in receiving with 703 yards and seven touchdowns. Despite drawing constant double coverage, Wallace is averaging 18 yards per catch.