At 2:42 Sunday morning on the East Coast, the chants of “Raider! Power!” echoed through the broadcast as the last college football game of a wild week six slate came to its conclusion. The offensive shootout never came as both defenses played outstanding. But it was the Texas Tech defense that had the best showing of the night as it guided the Red Raiders to a 28-22 win over Arizona.
Texas Tech Defense Showed Out
Coming into this game, it appeared like this Texas Tech defense was going to have big problems against Arizona’s offense. However, this game was a bit of a coming-out party for the Red Raiders. Tim DeRuyter’s defense did not allow Arizona to score a touchdown until there was 1:13 left in the third quarter. They intercepted Wildcats quarterback Noah Fifita two times in the game. Tetairoa McMillan wasn’t stopped. He did finish the game with eight receptions for 161 yards, but he was not making game-breaking plays all night.
Typically when Arizona head coach Brent Brennan sees McMillan put up those types of numbers, it means a good night for the offense. But McMillan was the only one who seemed to make any impact on the Texas Tech secondary. He also was the victim of Arizona’s third turnover as the ball was punched out of his hands with just over two minutes remaining in the game. This defensive effort also came when they were asked to do more of the heavy lifting in this game. The Texas Tech defense was on the field for 21 more plays and for almost 13 more minutes of game time.
Where Was The Texas Tech Offense?
This was because the other side of the Red Raider ball was inconsistent for the entire night. In the first half, the offense was able to move the ball a little bit. But it was clear that Arizona’s defense was up to the challenge from the Big 12’s number one total offense. When the Red Raiders came out of halftime with a 18-3 lead, it seemed as if the offense was still in the locker room. Texas Tech only had 17 yards of offense in the third quarter. For the game, they only had 332 total yards of offense. This was a team that came into the game averaging 486 yards per game this season. In the third quarter, running back Tahj Brooks fumbled for only the fifth time in his illustrious Red Raider career. He also had a career first that he wishes he never had. He fumbled it for a second time in the fourth quarter.
But with the game on the line, Brooks delivered for the team when it mattered the most. With 2:10 remaining on the clock, it took Brooks only three carries to go 43 yards for what would be the game-clinching touchdown. He finished the game with 21 carries for 128 yards and three touchdowns. It was yet another example of growth from this team in finding new ways to win games instead of losing them. Dating back to last season, Texas Tech has a seven-game winning streak in one-score games.
Red Raiders Aim To Get Healthy On Bye Week
With this win, the Red Raiders are currently the only 3-0 team in the Big 12. They are in sole possession of first place. It is a tremendous mile marker for the program in Joey McGuire’s third season as the Red Raider head coach. Texas Tech now enters the bye week aiming to get healthy. They came into this game against Arizona with many players nicked up specifically on the defensive side of the ball. This week off should present the perfect time to get fresh before welcoming Baylor to Lubbock in two weeks.
