Texas Tech vs Baylor recap
Texas Tech traveled to Waco on Saturday to take on familiar opponent Baylor. The Red Radiers have struggled greatly on the road in the McGuire era with a record of 1-6 heading into this game. Texas Tech had goals of returning the favor of the 45-17 rout that Baylor put on Texas Tech last year.
Midway through the season, Texas Tech has completely shifted its identity as a football team. Heading into the season, experts were a fast-paced, prolific passing attack. But injuries and the emergence of superstar RB has transformed the Texas Tech Red Raiders into a ground and pound football team.
Running back Tahj Brooks recorded a career high 170 rush yards and added a touchdown to his night. Brooks became the first Red Raider in 20+ years to rush for 100+ yards in four straight games. Brooks also recorded a career high in carries at 31.
Baylor has had its own set of issues with injuries at the Quarterback position, but starter Blake Shapen is back and fully healthy for the Bears. Shapen had a respectable 324 yards and a score as Baylor nearly matched Tech’s total yards, but the difference maker was on 4th down. Baylor converted just one of six tries on 4th, ripping momentum out of McLane stadium every single time. When Texas Tech needed stops, they delivered.
Both Baylor and Texas Tech had a receiver that had huge days. Starting with Red Raider Myles Price, Price seemed as if he was 7/11: Always open. Price hauled in 10 catches, a season high for 90 yards. Price also had an impressive punt return late in the 4th quarter to put an exclamation point on the impressive game TTU played all night.
A lone positive note for the Baylor Bears was the explosive threat Monaray Baldwin provided for Baylor. Baldwin hauled in five catches for an impressive 124 yards. Baldwin highlighted his night with a 71 yard catch on 4th down in his best attempt to keep Baylor in the game.
Key players for the Red Raiders on defense included true freshman Ben Roberts and Syracuse transfer Steve Linton. Roberts was thrown into the starting lineup after Jacob Rodriguez suffered a broken foot in week 1. Roberts continued his impressive year leading the team in tackles with seven, and adding two TFL to his stellar year.
On the defensive line, Steve Linton started the year off slow. But DC Tim DeRuyter focused on getting him in situations that he could be successful in. Steve Linton exploded vs Baylor, sacking the QB three times and forcing two fumbles. Linton was the absolute force Texas Tech was expecting to have this year. It is hard to replace an NFL talent like Tyree Wilson, but if Steve Linton can continue efficient production, it will elevate this Red Raider Defense.
What’s next? Texas Tech will welcome Kansas State next week at home and Baylor will enter their bye week.
