Texas Tech 16, No. 16 Kansas 13

Story by Russell Raunam
Alpha Media Intern

These two teams have been able to score lights out all season, both led by the
ground game, the QB’s can sling it if they have too. But on Saturday, it was all
but high scoring, with the defense making play after play.
The game opened up pretty normal for the Red Raiders: Feed Tahj Brooks. Tahj
sat at 83 rushing yards at the end of the 1st QTR and Kansas showed no signs
of stopping Brooks anytime soon.
But the Texas Tech defense started the game off hot holding Kansas to just four
possessions in the first half going three and out, three and out, failed 4th down
conversion, and a stuff on 4th and goal holding the high flying Jayhawks to 0
points in the first half. The first time all season.
Despite Tech’s defense playing nearly perfect, the offense was not much of any
help as Texas Tech entered halftime with a 10-0 lead.
Midway through the 3rd QTR KU star RB Devin Neal ripped a 60 yard
touchdown and that was when things started to turn in the game. Kansas cut
the lead down and only trailed by 6 as the score now became 13-7.
After a Texas Tech punt, Kansas marched down the field and cut the lead in half
kicking a field goal with 4:42 left in the 4th QTR, Kansas needed a stop if they
wanted any chance in this game.
With less than three minutes left in the game, Texas Tech stared at a 3rd and 8
to seal the game, but after Behren Morton missed on a throw to WR Coy Eakin,
the Jayhawks got the ball back looking to force OT.
After losing starting QB Jason Bean on the third drive of the game due to injury,
Kansas Freshman Cole Ballard was getting his first collegiate experience ever,
and had the chance to come up huge for the Jayhawks.
Ballard and the KU offense marched 77 yards in 14 plays to kick the game tying
field goal with just 25 seconds remaining in the game. Everyone in Lawrence,
Kansas thought the Jayhawks had completed the comeback, and will ride the
momentum to a win in overtime. Well everyone except the Red Raiders that
is…

Led by three great throws from Behren Morton that connected for 14, 16, and
33 yard gains, Jerand Bradley caught a deep pass down the sideline with 7
seconds left putting Texas Tech into the redzone for a go-ahead field goal.
Gino Garcia nailed the chip shot, and Texas Tech won their second road game
of the season, upsetting the Jayhawks and virtually spoiling their chances at a
Big 12 title game.
Tahj Brooks and Devin Neal both rushed for over 130 yards and a score, only
proving why each back will be playing on future Sunday’s. And after sloppy play
from the QB’s in a game where there was not a single passing touchdown, both
led game tying/winning drives when the team needed it most.
Texas Tech improves to 4-3 in B12 and 5-5 overall while Kansas drops to a 4-3
B12 record as well, but already clinched bowl eligibility with a 7-3 overall
record.
Texas Tech will host UCF at 4:00 next Saturday as it is their last home game of
the year looking to clinch bowl eligibility for the second straight year.