Jakeem Grant: Top Ten Plays at Texas Tech

Nov 14, 2015; Lubbock, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders running back Jakeem Grant (11) breaks a tackle from Kansas State Wildcats defensive line backer Charmeachealle Moore (52) in the first half at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

No. 4 – Texas Tech’s Immaculate Reception

As Texas Tech and Texas battled in a Thanksgiving monsoon in Austin, the Red raider offense was struggling to get anything going. Quarterback Pat Mahomes was not on his game missing open receivers in the wet conditions.

Early in the second quarter, Mahomes lofted another poor pass, this one a deep ball intended for receiver Devin Lauderdale. But a Texas defender stepped up to make what looked to be an easy interception.

Fortunately, Lauderdale made a heads-up play by clobbering the defender and knocking the ball lose. Being in the right place at the right time, Grant who was chasing the play, had the ball flip right into his arms completing the 65-yard miracle.

And while this play was the result of being in the right place at the right time, Grant’s hustle turned out to be the difference. Despite not being the intended receiver, Grant did not just become a bystander and as a result, Texas Tech scored its first touchdown of the game and took the lead.

As a younger player, Grant was sometimes criticized for immaturity and a lack of effort but obviously he learned his lesson. Had Grant just done what many players would have and just watched the play unfold, Texas would have had an interception and the momentum while Texas Tech might have had the curse of Austin hanging over them once again.

Next: Over-the-shoulder vs. Texas 2015