College Game Recap: Texas Tech Red Raiders vs Texas Longhorns
The Texas Tech Red Raiders finally earned the victory they’d been looking for in Austin since Michael Crabtree stunned the Texas Longhorns in 08′.
Ultimately, 48-45 was the final score in Austin and was one of the more exciting games we’ve seen this year involving the Longhorns.
Nov 26, 2015; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns running back Chris Warren III (25) carries the ball against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the second half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Texas Tech beat Texas 48-45. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports
Texas Tech
Patrick Mahomes put up 372 yards in the air and had an additional 70 yards on the ground to go along with one rushing and one passing touchdown. DeAndre Washington was the star of the night as he led the Red Raiders in rushing with 173 yards on the ground and two touchdowns. While he didn’t have a run longer than 20 yards he was able to slip past tacklers for good chunks throughout the day. Jakeem Grant had another solid outing as he piled up 105 yards receiving while also having two of the best plays in the game last night. The first was a tip passed that looked reminiscent of the Immaculate Reception that went for 65 yards. DB Kris Boyd had a clear interception waiting for him when WR Devin Lauderdale broke up the pass, the ball fell right into Grants hands as he streaked down the sideline for a touchdown. The second highlight play Grant had was just like the “McCluster Fluster” a few years back. The touchdown came at a perfect time when the Longhorns defense hadn’t quite set themselves up and eventually was the nail in the coffin for Texas.
Texas
Despite losing the game Texas played relatively well facing off against the nations number 3 offense. They held the Red Raiders to 4-13 on 3rd down conversions and caused four turnovers. If not for a few big passes and a couple trick/lucky plays by Texas Tech the Longhorns would’ve won this game. Three players left the game due to injury including stars Malik Jefferson and Jerrod Heard, freshman running back Kirk Johnson was also injured after putting up three carries for 32 yards. The stat of the night however goes to Chris Warren III who exploded on to the scene in his first day with a heavy workload as he tallied 276 yards on the ground and four TDs. His 91 yard touchdown run in the second quarter showed now only his strength but his speed as well. Tyrone Swoopes also had a good day with 98 yards on the ground and two scores. The passing attack was essentially non existent and only gave the Longhorns a total of 64 yards on 11-23 attempts between the two QBs. For Texas their post season hopes are over but with all the injuries and youth of this team they gave a solid performance against Tech and look to take that into next week’s game.
What’s Next
Texas has their final game against the Baylor Bears where they’ll take on new starter Chris Johnson at QB. The Bears feature an offense similar to Texas Tech but come with a defense that’s a little more stout. It’ll be curious to see which players return for the Baylor game as D’onta Foreman, Johnathan Gray, Jerrod Heard, Malik Jefferson and Patrick Vahe are all out with injuries.
Texas Tech finishes their season at 7-5 and await their bowl invite.