In an important conference opener, the Texas Tech Red Raiders traveled to face the Arizona State Sun Devils, emerging victorious with a commanding 38-14 win. The game showcased a strong performance from the Red Raiders, who leaned on their rushing attack and capitalized on key defensive plays.
Texas Tech came out strong, quickly establishing a 14-0 lead with touchdown passes from quarterback Behren Morton to receiver Josh Kelly and tight end Mason Tharp. However, the Red Raiders missed an opportunity to extend their lead when a close-range field goal attempt fell short.
As the first half progressed, the Sun Devils found their rhythm. With time winding down, Arizona State struck back with a big passing play, narrowing the gap and shifting the momentum as they went into halftime trailing 14-7.
The second half began with tension, as Texas Tech found themselves in a precarious 21-14 situation after a costly interception. Memories of their earlier loss to Wake Forest, where they squandered a 24-0 lead, crept in, raising concerns among fans.
However, the tide turned when defensive back Maurion Horn intercepted an Arizona State pass and returned it for a touchdown. This pivotal play reignited the Red Raiders’ energy and momentum, putting them ahead 28-14.
With confidence restored, Texas Tech’s defense dominated, forcing multiple turnovers throughout the second half. The Red Raiders controlled the clock and the game, ultimately securing a 38-14 victory. The Red Raiders went on to only allow 170 yards of total offense which was a stark difference considering the defensive inefficienty in Weeks 1 and 2 were what ultimately cost them the games. There was a lot of rumble about how poorly Tech had played defensively in the NDL Live chat this past week and the team heard the message loud and clear and wanted to come out and prove the critics wrong.
Game Statistics:
Total Offense: Texas Tech 377 yards, Arizona State 170 yards
Rushing Yards: Texas Tech 131 yards, Arizona State 51 yards
Passing Yards: Texas Tech 246 yards, Arizona State 119 yards
Standout Players:
Tahj Brooks (RB): Despite an early injury, Brooks set the tone for the run game.
Cam Ron Valdez (RB): Stepped up effectively in the second quarter.
Josh Kelly (WR) and Mason Tharp (TE): Both caught crucial touchdown passes.
Maurion Horn (DB): Key defensive play with a touchdown interception.
With this essential win, Texas Tech improves to 1-2 overall and 1-0 in Big 12 conference play. They now prepare for an out-of-conference matchup against Fresno State later this week. This game will mark a rematch between Coach AUChase and Coach JustGiver, who faced off last season in a matchup between UAB and Troy. The Red Raiders will look to build on their momentum and continue their push for a successful season.
We caught up with Coach AUChase for a quick soundbite and he said "We needed this one. We lost a few really heartbreaking games in Weeks 1 and 2. In this business you can't let those games linger and beat you twice. We have a tough road to hoe in this conference but the only way to give yourself a chance it to keep that 1-0 mentality and focus on ourselves and what we can do to make some noise. Win or lose I want our players to continue fighting. Some anxiety started to creep in on the player's faces in the 3rd quarter but I'm proud of their ability to flush it and get back in the fight to get us this conference opening win. Good game to Coach Priest."
In a challenging matchup, Arizona State University faced off against Texas Tech University and suffered a disappointing 38-14 loss. The Sun Devils struggled on both sides of the ball, with their offensive woes compounded by a lackluster defensive performance.
From the outset, Texas Tech established dominance, quickly finding their rhythm and taking control of the game. Their offense, firing on all cylinders, exploited Arizona State's vulnerabilities and consistently moved the ball downfield. The Red Raiders showcased a balanced attack, effectively mixing their passing and rushing plays to keep the Sun Devils on their toes.
Arizona State's troubles began early, with the Sun Devils' quarterback throwing four costly interceptions. These turnovers proved detrimental, giving Texas Tech short fields and momentum that they capitalized on throughout the game. Despite some flashes of potential from the Sun Devils’ offense, they were unable to mount any sustained drives or find the end zone consistently.
The Sun Devils’ defense struggled to contain Texas Tech’s explosive playmakers, allowing the Red Raiders to score at will. The Texas Tech offense took advantage of every opportunity, scoring four touchdowns and consistently extending drives with key conversions.
As Arizona State reflects on this defeat, they will need to regroup and address the critical issues that plagued them in this game, particularly ball security and defensive cohesion. With the season still ongoing, the Sun Devils will be looking to bounce back and learn from this tough loss as they prepare for their next challenge.
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