It isn't difficult to understand how massive Texas Tech's 28-22 win over Arizona on Saturday night/Sunday morning was. Not only did it move the Red Raiders to 5-1 on the season and 3-0 in Big 12 play but it also was a step in putting to bed Tech's biggest issue during head coach Joey McGuire's tenure: winning on the road.
Sure, the skeptic can still point to the fact that McGuire is just 4-9 in true road games and 6-9 overall in games played away from Lubbock. However, this feels like it could be a turning point for this program.
That's because Arizona is a very good team that entered the season ranked. What's more, the Wildcats were picked fifth in the Big 12 preseason poll on the heels of a nine-win season in 2023.
It was also a game that tested the Red Raiders' fight. In the win, Tech had to overcome a ridiculously late kickoff (10 p.m. Central), one that tested Tech's collective body clock.
What's more, McGuire's team had to bounce back after two out-of-character fumbles by star running back Tahj Brooks. Normally, mistakes of that size would doom the Red Raiders, especially away from home.
We saw that happen earlier this season when four turnovers sank the Red Raiders on the road against Washington State. However, this is a different team than the one that was dominated by the Cougars in Pullman in week two.
Now, Tech sits atop the Big 12 standings as the only team with a 3-0 record in conference play. What's more, the Red Raiders will have a week off to recover and get ready for a home tilt with Baylor.
Though this win wasn't wrapped up until the rooster began to warm up his vocal cords on Sunday morning, Texas Tech fans were up late celebrating. And of course, they took to social media to express their joy. So let's look at some of the best posts about this huge win.
Arizona is West Texas π pic.twitter.com/5VdhV49FWe
β Texas Tech Football (@TexasTechFB) October 6, 2024
Everyone waking up hungover, but than realizing weβre first place in the BIG 12pic.twitter.com/wf1xnowFjg
β Barstool Texas Tech π΅ (@barstoolttu) October 6, 2024
BGB watching tech win yet another game pic.twitter.com/WcnWx4pgZX https://t.co/fBtySYnPoQ
β Coach Beans (@CoachBeansTTU) October 6, 2024
Rain or shine, day or night. π https://t.co/jTmNagiy6e pic.twitter.com/Fgm5UYtJI2
β Saddle Tramps π΅ (@SaddleTrampsTTU) October 6, 2024
Itβs 1:40am and I am ready to run through a brick wall
β Trevor Cobern π΅ (@TCobernRRS) October 6, 2024
Joey McGuire said Thursday on his weekly radio show with @GunsUpRadio: βWhen we wake up on Sunday, Texas Tech should be first in the Big 12 at 3-0.β
β Jarrett Ramirez (@JarrettDRamirez) October 6, 2024
Called their shot and ran with it. pic.twitter.com/VC7cgc5Np7
Texas Tech is 5-1, boss pic.twitter.com/RkHuQwZ1al
β Talkinβ Tech Podcast π(happy as a clam) (@TalkinTechPod) October 6, 2024
So close, Arizona. pic.twitter.com/DdEeLooyDj
β RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) October 6, 2024
Tech to Arizona.
β Tech N Tortillas π΅ (@techntortillas) October 6, 2024
pic.twitter.com/rMrggaxfPq
Big 12 standings (preseason ranking)
β Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) October 6, 2024
Texas Tech 3-0 (9th)
BYU 2-0 (13th)
Iowa State 2-0 (6th)
Colorado 2-0 (11th)
WVU 2-0 (7th)
ASU 1-1 (16th)
β Old Row Texas Tech π΅ (@OldRowGunsUp) October 6, 2024
Good night Tucson! pic.twitter.com/2K85eniFCJ
β Talkinβ Tech Podcast π(happy as a clam) (@TalkinTechPod) October 6, 2024
LFG!!! Tim DeRuyter hats off to you and your defense sir
β BJ Symons (@BJSymons) October 6, 2024
Bringing a road dub back to the LBKβΌοΈ pic.twitter.com/1OgXucEXOn
β Texas Tech Football (@TexasTechFB) October 6, 2024
Lmaooooooooooooooooo https://t.co/5TvVMZ4xlM
β Ya Boy Albie (@Mr_AlbieShore) October 6, 2024
Remember when we were all going to take toaster baths after week 2?
β West Texas is Best Texas π΅π (@wreckemtime) October 6, 2024
Good times
β The Rowdy Raider π΅ (@RowdyRedRaider0) October 6, 2024
Texas Tech keeps finding ways to win and that's what matters. Massive to start 3-0 and with a big road win. It's clear they believe and the culture is thriving.
β Craig Smoak (@CraigSmoak) October 6, 2024
Jacob Rodriguez for Heisman. For President. Sole Benefiiary of my Will.
β Seeing Scarlet (@SeeingScarlet_) October 6, 2024
YOU WONDERFUL HUMAN YOU! pic.twitter.com/D5f33wiOQe