Texas Tech football: Turning points that doomed Red Raiders in Lawrence
Tech goes 3-and-out on its final drive
We’ve said all week that though the defense was the main reason for this loss, the offense shares the responsibility. And when the game was on the line and Tech had the ball with a chance to sneak out of town with a win, the offense fell flat on its face.
After KU tied the game 34-34, Tech began what would be its final possession of the game at its own 25. There was 5:12 remaining in regulation. The plan had to be to milk the clock while moving into field goal range leaving no time for another KU explosive play.
At this point, everyone in the stadium knew that the Tech defense had tapped out. Playing without three regulars on the defensive line and with several others playing banged up, Keith Patterson’s squad was barely clinging to life. This is when Tech desperately needed Jett Duffey and the offense to save the day.
It’s not wise to count on this year’s offense that way. We learned that again the hard way in Lawrence.
On first down, Tech picked up nine yards from Dalton Rigdon on a quick out. That’s a perfect start.
But on second down, Thompson dropped a pass. If he had secured the ball and made one player miss, as he’s apt to do, he would have easily reached the sticks.
On third down, the entire Red Raider o-line took the play off and Thompson was met in the backfield by a wave of blue jerseys. Thus, the Red Raiders had to punt.
Right then, we all knew Tech wasn’t going to see the ball again. The defense was too depleted, the home team’s momentum too strong to withstand.
Next. Statistics that show why Tech lost to Kansas. dark
It is hardwired in the brain of every Tech football fan to trust this program’s offense. When the game is on the line, we feel confident that it will find a way to get the job done. But this year’s offense is just a shell of those we were raised on. And when it had a chance to play the role of hero, the side of the ball that has been this program’s identity for two decades couldn’t pick up a single first down against the mighty Kanas Jayhawks.