In a Liberty Bowl that had the makings of an offensive shootout, it was one defense that reigned supreme in Memphis. Texas Tech beat Mississippi State by a score of 34-7. This Liberty Bowl victory gave Texas Tech its first bowl victory since the 2013 Holiday Bowl.
An Unexpected Start
Settled In An Offensive Struggle
Texas Tech Beat Mississippi State At Its Own Game
Texas Tech’s defense played its best game of the 2021 season. The pass defense of the Red Raiders was torched for much of the season. But against a team that was never hiding the fact it wanted to throw the ball, it held Bulldog quarterback Will Rogers in check all game. Rodgers’ was held to a season-low in passing yards (290) and only one touchdown. The Texas Tech defense also forced Mississippi State into three turnovers. The Red Raider defense who also struggled to get pressure on quarterbacks all year, sacked Rodgers four times in the game.
In Sonny Cumbie‘s last game on the Texas Tech staff, Cumbie arrived at the game in style and kept his emotions pumping just as that pump jack does all game. Thanks to a stellar rushing attack, Cumbie didn’t have to ask quarterback Donovan Smith to win the game. Smith finished the game 15-28 passing for 252 and one touchdown. Much like all his performances all season, Smith had a few flashes of brilliance. Those included a nice scramble down in the red zone before pulling up and throwing for his lone touchdown pass of the game. He also had a nice deep ball dropped into the arms of Jerand Bradley for 52 yards. But he also had moments where he held onto the ball too long and had a few other missed opportunities.
Texas Tech Beat Mississippi State And Ushered In A New Era
When the clock finally read 00:00 and Texas Tech beat Mississippi State, it signaled the official end of the Matt Wells era and the start of the Joey McGuire era. Wells’ offensive and defensive coordinators from this season are now moving on to new head coaching jobs of their own. McGuire will be making his debut as a head coach in the collegiate ranks in 2022. The Texas Tech program has been energized ever since the hiring of McGuire. He has already shown significant progress on the recruiting trail. For Texas Tech to secure its first bowl victory in eight seasons, optimism will be running high throughout the offseason for Red Raider nation.
