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Texas Tech football: How the Red Raiders were able to beat WVU

By Matthew Conner

Oct 24, 2020; Lubbock, Texas, USA; The Texas Tech Red Raiders react after the game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 24, 2020; Lubbock, Texas, USA; The Texas Tech Red Raiders react after the game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 24, 2020; Lubbock, Texas, USA; The Texas Tech Red Raiders cheerleaders run onto the field before the game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 24, 2020; Lubbock, Texas, USA; The Texas Tech Red Raiders cheerleaders run onto the field before the game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

Tech was the more disciplined team

If Texas Tech fans are still expecting this program to be one of the most penalized in the nation, they are letting the sins of previous regimes haunt them rather than looking at reality.  In actuality, the Red Raiders have been the least penalized team in the Big 12 so far in 2020 and that proved to be a huge key in Saturday’s win.

Facing the most penalized team in the conference, Tech had an edge of 60 yards in the penalty department.  What’s more, the Red Raider infractions were far less impactful.

For the game, Matt Wells’ team was flagged just three times for 19 yards.  Meanwhile, West Virginia was assessed seven penalties for 69 yards.  What’s more, a number of those flags on the visitors were back-breaking.

First of all, there was the eventful day of WVU middle LB Tony Fields II.  The Arizona transfer was not only ejected from the game for a targeting foul, but he also managed to pick up a penalty after said dismissal when he came off the sideline and onto the field to celebrate an apparent turnover (one that was eventually overturned).

Meanwhile, WVU also had a Leddie Brown TD reception called back by a holding penalty.  That drive would end with a field goal meaning that flag cost the Mountaineers four important points.

What I liked about Tech’s three-penalty performance was that none of the flags were of the idiotic variety (as was Fields’ second infraction).  There was a Jack Anderson false start, a holding by left tackle Ethan Carde, and a facemask against Tony Bradford Jr. who was simply unlucky as he tried to chase down WVU quarterback Jarrett Doege.

Outside of the opener against HBU when Tech was flagged 13 times, the Red Raiders have been penalized no more than six times in any game.  What’s more, in three of this year’s five games, there have been four or fewer flags thrown against Wells’ team.  That’s a welcome change for this program and on Saturday, the Red Raiders’ discipline was a huge key in their win.

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