Jacob Rodriguez knows exactly 'what he is' according to Joey McGuire

With a 19-0 lead and just 15 minutes remaining in the top-10 matchup, it seemed readily apparent that the No. 8 Texas Tech Red Raiders were going to defeat the No. 7 BYU Cougars.

A big part of the shutout performance through the first three quarters was senior linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, the undeniable leader of the Raiders' defense.

Through the first 45 minutes, Rodriguez had already earned 11 total tackles, one tackle for loss, and one interception for an eight-yard return. Simply put, he was everywhere, and his head coach, Joey McGuire, couldn't contain his pride for his veteran player.

"We've got to just let J-Rod do what he does," McGuire said between the third and fourth quarters. "You all know, the nation knows... he understands exactly what he is."

Jacob Rodriguez is the game-changer he thinks he is

At the collegiate level, there are a lot of players who think they are "that guy," when in reality, they are just another player. Rodriguez is the exact opposite.

As someone who started his career as a quarterback for the Virginia Cavaliers, Rodriguez decided to take a risk and bet on himself. He started as a walk-on for the Red Raiders, taking out loans to pay his tuition and sleeping on the floor of his brother's apartment.

Over the last four years, he has transformed into the undeniable defensive star that he is today, even earning the honor of being one of Texas Tech's captains this season.

During the game, following Rodriguez's interception, the crowd at Jones AT&T Stadium even started a chant for the linebacker to win the Heisman Trophy when all was said and done, something that would be a first for the position.

Heading into the Big 12 showdown with the Cougars, Rodriguez already had 74 total tackles (39 solo), seven forced fumbles, five pass deflections, two interceptions (26 yards), and one sack. He is the star that everyone in Lubbock thinks he is, and this weekend's game showed the nation that.