One other week, one other disappointing efficiency by Texas Tech. The Pink Raiders proceed to appear like a staff within the center to backside of the Large 12 as a result of as soon as once more that’s who they’re.
Texas Tech was held scoreless within the first half and, regardless of the protection holding Kansas State to a few factors within the first 25 minutes of the second half, the Pink Raider comeback fell quick.
Listed below are 5 takeaways from Texas Tech’s 31-21 loss to Kansas State:
Particular groups sputters
After having one of many higher particular groups models within the nation final season, Texas Tech has struggled mightily in that class the final two video games. Sure, they recovered a wonderfully executed onside kick and blocked a pair of punts in opposition to Texas, however in addition they had a punt blocked for a landing too.
This week the Pink Raiders allowed one other blocked punt that gave Kansas State a brief area on which they scored a landing. Trey Wolff, who final yr was one of the crucial correct kickers within the nation, missed two area targets of 33 and 35 yards that have been each usually simple makes for him. He additionally almost missed an additional level within the second half.
These six factors might have been large for the Pink Raiders however as an alternative, they’re left to surprise what if.
One other Bowman harm
As soon as once more, Alan Bowman is injured. The Pink Raider QB took a low hit from a Kansas State defender and instantly got here up limping. Bowman was taken to the locker room to be examined and didn’t return. He did, nevertheless heat up on the sidelines within the second half.
In his stead, Utah State switch Henry Colombi made his Texas Tech debut. Colombi accomplished 30-42 passes for 244 yards and two touchdowns. Colombi made good, secure throws for many of the recreation, aside from his interception. On that throw, Colombi chucked it into double protection off his again foot whereas beneath strain. He did this on a 3rd down in area aim vary after Kansas State retook the lead, killing Texas Tech’s momentum.
Pleasant protection
After a tough defensive outing in opposition to Texas, the Pink Raider protection held its personal in opposition to Kansas State. One of many Wildcats’ two first half touchdowns got here on a drive the place a blocked punt gave them a driving beginning at Texas Tech’s 16 yard line. The opposite got here on a 97-yard drive from a freshman backup quarterback.
However I like to provide credit score the place credit score is due. This protection was with out Riko Jeffers for many of this contest and have been capable of maintain it collectively. Within the second half when Texas Tech began its comeback, the protection held up. Kansas State solely scored three factors within the third quarter whereas the Pink Raiders dropped 14. They obtained beat badly on a deep ball to Briley Moore, however general, this was day for Texas Tech’s protection.
Expensive penalties
With penalties, it’s all about timing. Realizing which sorts of penalties a staff can stay with and which of them may cost a little a staff the sport is necessary. Texas Tech solely took six penalties in opposition to Kansas State, however almost each considered one of them was pricey.
With simply over 9 minutes within the second quarter, Jeffers was ejected for concentrating on Kansas State QB Skylar Thompson on a primary down and 20, giving the drive new life, the place it had already stalled. It additionally made the Pink Raiders play a tough highway recreation with out considered one of their finest defenders. The drive would finish in a landing.
Within the fourth quarter on fourth and three, Colombi scrambled his strategy to a primary down, or so it appeared. Left sort out Ethan Carde was referred to as for holding on the play, forcing Texas Tech to punt the ball to Kansas State in a one-possession recreation as an alternative of constant the drive. Kansas State would rating the game-sealing landing on the following drive.
Recent faces
Texas Tech’s offense was loaded with new faces within the recreation in opposition to Kansas State, not simply the brand new QB Colombi. Former The Colony standout and freshman receiver Myles Value scored his first landing at Texas Tech on a 13-yard move from Colombi.
Freshman wideouts Loic Fouonji and Ja’Lynn Polk notched their first receptions on the school degree as did freshman tight finish John Holcomb.
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