Texas Tech Triumphs Over Arizona State in a Gritty Showdown
In a hard-fought battle at Jones AT&T Stadium, the Texas Tech Red Raiders emerged victorious against the Arizona State Sun Devils, clinching a 30-22 win on Saturday. While the game was far from a masterpiece, it showcased the resilience and determination of the Red Raiders as they secured their third win of the season and their first in Big 12 play.
Tech Finds a Way
The Red Raiders faced significant challenges throughout the game, particularly in the second half, where their offense struggled to maintain momentum. Quarterback Behren Morton had a mixed performance, completing 24 of 44 passes for 201 yards and two touchdowns. While he didn’t dominate the game, Morton managed to keep the team in contention, demonstrating enough poise to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Head coach Joey McGuire expressed pride in his team’s effort, emphasizing the importance of the win. “I’m really proud of our football team today,” McGuire stated. “I thought our guys fought really hard, and it’s great to be 1-0 in Big 12 play.” The Red Raiders relied heavily on their defense and special teams, with the latter contributing significantly by successfully converting three field goals throughout the match.
Red Raider Defense Steps Up
Texas Tech’s defense, which has experienced its share of ups and downs this season, delivered its best performance of the year against Arizona State. Key players like Chapman Lewis and CJ Baskerville made crucial contributions, with Baskerville snagging an interception early in the game. The defense effectively neutralized the Sun Devils’ lead threat, Cam Skattebo, limiting him to just 60 rushing yards.
The Red Raiders excelled in critical situations, forcing two turnovers on downs and showcasing their ability to rise to the occasion. McGuire praised the defensive unit, noting, “They got the big play, but besides that one play, we played really well on defense. We made them drive the field… They were 0-3 on fourth down, which is essentially like creating turnovers.”
Tech Keeps ASU in the Ball Game
Despite their defensive success, the Red Raiders struggled with discipline, allowing Arizona State to remain competitive throughout the contest. Offensive execution faltered at times, and untimely penalties hindered their ability to create separation from the Sun Devils. McGuire has emphasized the need for complementary football, and this game highlighted the ongoing challenges in achieving that balance.
Texas Tech Deeply Misses Lux
The absence of starting cornerback Bralyn Lux was palpable during the game, as his replacement, Macho Stevenson, faced difficulties in coverage and incurred multiple penalties. The situation worsened when CJ Baskerville briefly left the field, forcing walk-on safety Joseph Plunk to step in for his first defensive snaps. The Red Raiders will need to address these gaps in their secondary as they move forward in the season.
Red Raiders Match Best Start Under McGuire
With the victory, Texas Tech improved to 3-1 on the season and 1-0 in Big 12 play, matching McGuire’s start from the 2022 season. While this win may not have the same thrill as their dramatic overtime victory against Texas, it positions the Red Raiders for a promising opportunity ahead.
Next week, Texas Tech will host Cincinnati, aiming to capitalize on their three-game home stand. A win would not only mark McGuire’s best start to a season but also represent the best beginning for the program since Matt Wells’ final season in 2021. The Red Raiders are poised to build on this momentum and continue their quest for success in the Big 12.
For more insights and updates on Texas Tech football, fans can stay tuned to local sports coverage.