Texas Tech Football Comes Away With A Wild Win Over ASU

The Texas Tech football team came away with a thrilling 52-45 win over Arizona State Saturday night at Jones Stadium.

A rogue thunderstorm. An hour-long lighting delay. Offensive fireworks. A blown 18 point lead. The winning touchdown in the final two minutes of the game. What else would you expect from a late night game at Jones Stadium?

Fortunately, Kliff Kingsbury’s young team was able to come away with a win in the type of shootout that his teams have failed to pull off far too often in his five seasons. Texas Tech had a dominating first half that saw the Red Raiders play their most complete football since 2015. However, the second half resembled what we saw far too often in 2016.

Arizona State ran wild through the Texas Tech defense in the first 20 minutes of the second half to score touchdowns on four consecutive drives. Much of the ASU comeback was built on the connection between quarterback Manny Wilkins and wide receiver N’Keal Harry.

The two hooked up 13 times for 148 yards and a touchdown on the night. That included five completions for 89 yards during the four drives that brought the Sundevils back to tie the game.

But unlike last year, David Gibbs’ defense was able to make a stand when it was needed most. After Tech went three-and-out to give the ball back to ASU with 9:52 to go and the score tied, the Red Raider defense stiffened.

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In fact, the defense got the ball back in just three plays. Take a moment and let that sink in. When Texas Tech needed its defense to turn the tide, the defense came through. When was the last time that was said?

Ultimately, the offense shook out of its second half slumber to take the ball 90 yards on 12 plays eating 4:31 off the clock. The drive culminated in a rushing touchdown from wide receiver Dylan Cantrell with just 1:55 to play.

Then once again, the Red Raider defense came up big. Defensive ends Jalen Barnes and Eli Howard combined to sack Wilkins on third down and a desperation fourth down pass fell incomplete to secure the win.

Yes, in many ways this game looked like it was going to be another “typical Tech” letdown. The defense surrendered big plays and allowed 45 points to a team that managed just 37 against New Mexico State and a mere 20 against San Diego State. Texas Tech seemed to abandon an effective run game becoming far too one-dimensional in the second half. The Red Raiders needed their quarterback to once again put up video game numbers (543 yards and six touchdowns) to win. But finally, this game was different.

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Finally, Texas Tech withstood some punches from a capable opponent and did not fold. Finally, the Red Raiders made the plays that needed to be made. And finally, maybe this team is starting to learn how to win again.

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