Texas Tech football: 3 Red Raiders that played well against Cyclones

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Oct 10, 2020; Ames, Iowa, USA; Texas Tech senior defensive back Zech McPhearson (8) returns a blocked field goal during their football game against Iowa State at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Powers-USA TODAY Sports /

DB Zech McPhearson

If there was a defensive star of the game on a day that saw ISU rack up 516 yards, that distinction would go to corner Zech McPhearson. He was credited with 10 tackles (7 solo) and a fumble recovery. And of course, he also scored Tech’s first TD of the game off of a blocked FG, his first career touchdown.

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The senior’s tackle total was a career-high for both his time at Texas Tech and at Penn State. Previously, his career-best as six tackles, which he has managed to accomplish on six occasions.

In the first quarter, McPhearson was in the right place when DL Eli Howard blocked an Iowa State field goal attempt. After Howard got a hand on the ball, it ricocheted right to McPhearson who plucked it out of mid-air and returned it 90 yards for the score.

Then, in the third quarter, he scooped up a fumble at the Tech 48-yard line and returned it to the ISU 39. While the fumble was caused by safety Eric Monroe, McPhearson deserves credit for being able to capitalize on that play and making certain that the Red Raiders gained possession.

In fact, both of McPhearson’s signature plays from Saturday resulted from the efforts of his teammates. But don’t overlook how important it was for McPhearson to be in a position to complete those plays, after all, that’s not always the case for Red Raider defenders.

For far too long, the Texas Tech football program has lacked playmakers. This program struggles to find players capable of making game-changing plays off of turnovers or in the kicking game and perhaps McPhearson is starting to emerge as one.

Earlier this year, he had his first career interception when he picked off a pass against Houston Baptist and he’s also been the Red Raiders’ most consistent defensive back in pass coverage (though that is a rather low bar to clear). And on Saturday, he had two of the biggest plays, and two of the only plays, that his team made in Ames.

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