Final Wrap: Kansas State 38, Texas Tech 21

Photos by John Altman

In a game that saw four different QB’s, two from each team, Kansas State once again proved they have Texas Tech’s number. The Wildcats have now won
eight straight vs the Red Raiders.

Last year, Texas Tech allowed Kansas State QB Adrian Martinez to rush for 171 yards and 3 rushing touchdowns. Tech fans might’ve suffered some deja vu on
Saturday as backup Kansas State freshman QB Avery Johnson came in during the 2nd quarter of the game, and rushed for 90 yards with an FBS season high
five rushing touchdowns.

In the first half, Kansas State held a lead, but Texas Tech was in striking distance keeping the game close. On the final drive in the 2nd quarter, Behren Morton led an impressive two minute drill resulting in a two yard TD run by Tahj Brooks to cut Kansas State’s lead to 3 heading into halftime.

This would go on to be the last drive of Morton’s night. After rumors had been swirling regarding his playing time for a few weeks, true freshman QB Jake Strong started and played the entire 2nd half for Texas Tech. Behren Morton suffered an undisclosed injury leaving head coach Joey McGuire to turn to Strong to end the game. Strong had his ups and downs as he led a 99 yard touchdown drive, but also threw three interceptions in back to back to back drives for the Red Raiders.
After scoring on his second drive of his college career, Strong and the Red Raiders could not find any rhythm. Strong’s last four drives ended in INT, INT,
INT, turnover on downs. While Kansas State’s final drives went to a tune of TD, punt, TD, TD, qb kneel.

Jake Strong threw 28 passes in the only half that he played in, while Tahj Brooks received just eight carries in the 2nd half. Heading into Saturday,
Brooks was riding a four game streak of over 100 rushing yards. Brooks fell just short, breaking the streak with 98 yards.
Texas Tech WR Coy Eakin led the team in catches and yards posting a 5 catch for 102 yard day. One of those catches included a 43 yard back shoulder throw
early in the fourth quarter.

For the Wildcats, the rushing attack played a large role in their game plan rushing 47 times while throwing just 18 times. Treshuan Ward led this rushing
attack with 15 carries for 118 yards. Both were team highs. Ball security has been an issue this year for the Wildcats, but this was the first game of the
season Kansas State did not record a turnover Ultimately, the Kansas State defense proved to be too dominant for QB Jake Strong and his first opportunity at playing time. Kansas State DB Kobe Strange recorded two 2nd half interceptions, and Kansas State went on to beat Texas Tech 38-21.

For the second straight year, Texas Tech will have 3 QBs play significant snaps. With More info on Behren Morton coming later in the week, teams will have to
prepare to face either QB. Which might be a positive for the Red Raiders. Texas Tech falls to a 3-4 overall record, and a 2-2 record in conference play.
Kansas State is 4-2 with a 2-1 conference record.