This Texas Tech, FIU game was critical in determining how quickly the Red Raiders could bounce back after getting a scare from SFA last week. Texas Tech’s 54-21 victory was not perfect. But the effort and performance by the Red Raiders in front of their home crowd is one that should give fans a good feeling heading into conference play next week against the rival Texas Longhorns.
Slow Start Verse Three
The slow starts by the Red Raiders are going to be a problem with Big 12 play on the horizon. Against the Panthers, the first quarter played out like this:
- Defense forces three-and-out
- Offense goes three-and-out
- FIU scored on a nine-play touchdown drive (7-0)
- Offense goes three-and-out
- Defense forces three-and-out, muffs punt, FIU takes over
- Pick-six by Marquis “Muddy” Waters (7-7)
- FIU drives back down the field, misses a 32-yard field goal
The offense looked out-of-sync and the team appeared to be as flat as they were against SFA just one week ago.
Speed Arrived In The Second Quarter
After FIU missed the field goal, both sides of the ball started to play with speed. The Red Raider offense would score a touchdown on four consecutive drives before halftime. Tyler Shough, who would finish the game going 26-35 for 399 yards and four touchdowns, had a couple of deep balls thrown with great touch and accuracy. If the Red Raiders are going to compete in the Big 12, stretching the defense with deep shots is going to be a requirement.
It was also the first game this year where the ball was spread out to multiple receivers. A total of 11 different players received a pass from Shough. Kaylon Geiger, the transfer wide receiver from Troy, lead all receivers with six receptions and 121 yards. Tight end Travis Koontz would match Geiger’s six receptions, and while he only had 53 yards, he did have two touchdowns. Erik Ezukanam, who had gone over 100 yards receiving in the first two games of the season, didn’t even see his first target of the game until late in the first half. Ezukanam would finish the game with 28 yards on three receptions.
Rushing Attack Continues To Thrive
The rushing attack welcomed back SaRodorick Thompson back as he found the endzone for the first time this season. Tahj Brooks and Xaiver White still lead the rushing attack with Thompson working back into game shape. Brooks would finish with 47 yards on nine carries while White would add 36 yards on seven carries. Overall, the Red Raiders would rush for a total of 175 yards. Offensive coordinator Sonny Cumbie should feel confident about the rushing offense all season long.
Defense Was Stifling For Three Quarters
The defense appeared to wake up after the pick-six and began to swarm around the field towards the end of the first quarter. Coming into the game, the defense knew it had to key in on D’vonte Price in the FIU backfield. Price would end up being held to 51 yards on 15 carries. Stifling the rushing attack early, combined with the offense catching fire, forced FIU to abandon its rushing attack. The Panther rushing offense would finish with only 47 yards as a team.
In the 2nd half of its three games this year, Texas Tech has surrendered a total of 16 points. FIU quarterback Max Bortenschlager looked uncomfortable all game. He would finish the game 12-27 for 190 yards. Remove the blown coverage by Texas Tech that resulted in a 69-yard touchdown pass, his numbers would read 11-26 for 121 yards and one touchdown.
Texas Tech, FIU Game Completes First Step To Bowl Game
As things stand after week 3 of the college football season, Texas Tech is halfway to a bowl game. They had to have all three of these victories if they wanted to snap their multi-year bowless streak. Next week will be the first real opportunity to gauge where this team stands in the Big 12 as they travel to Austin to battle the hated Longhorns.
