TCU falls to the Red Raiders & Rally Possum 35-28 at the Jones

Article by Russell Raunam
Alpha Media Intern

Back in 2013, Texas Tech’s last Thursday night game consisted of an upset against TCU famously known as the “Fox Game” when a stray fox wandered around Jones AT&T stadium rallying the Red Raiders to an upset win.

Fast forward ten years later, to Texas Tech’s next Thursday night game, playing the same opponent, fans were greeted to a wild possum at the start of the second quarter. Now, fans are looking ahead  to the next time an animal might appear on the field.

Seeing a possum was not the only thing Texas Tech fans could cheer for as the Red Raiders beat TCU 35-28. In a game that found two backup QBs, both played well for their schools. TCU’s Josh Hoover tossed for 353 yards and a score, while Behren Morton threw for 282 and two touchdowns. But in the end, it was Hoover’s two interceptions that catapulted Texas Tech to their 3rd conference win of the year.

With the return of Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech was able to pair him with up and coming star Ben Roberts that played a pivotal role in stopping the run game. TCU’s RB Emani Bailey averaged 106 yards per game on the ground, The Red Raiders held him to 57, his second lowest total of the season.

On the other side of the ball, Tahj Brooks continued his impressive season, running for 146 yards and pushing his season total to over 1,000 yards, the first time in his career. Heading into Saturday Brooks ranks 4th in NCAA in total rush yards. This was the third time in four games Brooks has received over 30 touches. Texas Tech is pushing Brooks into a workhorse.

Texas Tech got off to a hot start, jumping out to a commanding 20-7 lead going into halftime, but after a quick TCU score, the game flipped when Texas Tech failed to convert a 4th down at their own 34 yard line. Five players later and just ten minutes into the third quarter, TCU had taken the lead 21-20 on Bailey’s second rushing touchdown of the game. The Horned Frogs had sucked the air out of Jones AT&T stadium.

After forcing a punt, TCU had the ball back deep into their own territory, when Dadrion Taylor-Demerson aka “Rabbit” picked off Josh Hoover, setting up a quick Texas Tech touchdown from Tahj Brooks. The Red Raiders had reclaimed the lead 28-21 on the last play of the third quarter.

When the Red Raiders got the ball back after forcing a TCU punt, they wasted no time going 92 yards, in just three plays. Morton connected with speedy wideout Drae McCray for a 44 yard touchdown to extend the lead to 14.

But TCU was not ready to throw in the towel, Hoover led a 16 play, 75 yard drive cutting the deficit in half, with the Horned Frogs only trailing by seven. After forcing a much needed punt, TCU had the ball down a touchdown, with 2:18 remaining.

After driving the ball in TTU territory, the game was sealed after Taylor-Demerson’s second INT of the game, giving the Red Raiders a much needed victory.

Did Texas Tech find out its secret recipe? A wild animal = wins? They might have to “release the possum” one more time to find out.