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Texas Tech football: Hidden moments in Saturday’s win over the Mountaineers

By Matthew Conner

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - OCTOBER 24: Receiver Erik Ezukanma #13 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders signals after picking up a first down during the first half of the college football game against the West Virginia Mountaineers on October 24, 2020 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TEXAS - OCTOBER 24: Receiver Erik Ezukanma #13 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders signals after picking up a first down during the first half of the college football game against the West Virginia Mountaineers on October 24, 2020 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /
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LUBBOCK, TEXAS – OCTOBER 24: Quarterback Henry Colombi #3 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders runs the ball during the first half of the college football game against the West Virginia Mountaineers on October 24, 2020 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TEXAS – OCTOBER 24: Quarterback Henry Colombi #3 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders runs the ball during the first half of the college football game against the West Virginia Mountaineers on October 24, 2020 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /

Colombi’s scramble sets up TD on the next play

Prior to this game, we discussed how Colombi’s feet could bring a new dimension to this offense even though he isn’t the next coming of Randall Cunningham.  We saw that play out to perfection on Tech’s second TD drive of the game.

After a Jack Anderson false start, Tech faced a 2nd-and-11 at their own 38.  Dropping back to pass, Colombi had to avoid the rush and he decided to pull the ball down and take off.

Picking up 14 yards, he crossed midfield and gave Tech a fresh set of downs.  One play later, SaRodorick Thompson would scamper 48 yards for a TD to put the Red Raiders up 13-7 and that run was successful because of Colombi’s legs.

On the television broadcast, they showed a replay from behind the play.  That angle clearly showed WVU safety Alonzo Addae, who was playing close to the line almost like a linebacker, crashing outside at the snap to prevent Colombi from taking the ball around the right end.

Thus, there was one less player at the second level of the defense, and the area Addae vacated is exactly where Thompson ran.  As he broke through the line, Addae was no longer in the play and there was no one to stop the Red Raider RB on his way to the end zone.

This is yet another way that Tech was able to benefit from what Colombi brings to the table.  Not only do his legs pick up bonus yards that Bowman just can’t, but just the mere threat of them also keeps defenses honest and makes them account for him on every play and that opened up a huge running lane for Thompson on Tech’s second TD.

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