Texas Tech squandered a significant halftime lead, lost two fumbles, and faced the risk of losing a game they had under control. However, the Red Raiders regrouped and Tahj Brooks delivered the critical play.
Brooks rushed for 128 yards and scored three touchdowns, while Jacob Rodriguez forced a late fumble, helping Texas Tech bounce back after losing a 15-point lead to defeat Arizona 28-22 on Saturday night. Coach Joey McGuire expressed pride in his team’s resilience, noting the intensity of the game.
Texas Tech (5-1, 3-0 Big 12) consistently pressured Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita, forcing quick throws and resulting in two interceptions and a turnover on downs, which built an 18-3 halftime lead. Despite their struggles, Arizona remained close, capitalizing on two of Brooks’ fumbles to take a 19-18 lead early in the fourth quarter.
After Arizona’s Tyler Loop missed a 48-yard field goal, Texas Tech regained momentum, setting up Gino Garcia’s 41-yard field goal for a 21-19 lead. With 2:21 left, Arizona (3-2, 1-1) took possession but suffered a fumble on the first play, recovered by Texas Tech, allowing Brooks to score a 32-yard touchdown.
Arizona coach Brent Brennan lamented their inability to finish drives, including missing a critical field goal. Texas Tech’s defense was effective, limiting Arizona to 3 of 14 on third downs. The Red Raiders have now won four straight games since losing to Washington State and are 3-0 in Big 12 play for the first time since 2013.
Coach McGuire emphasized the importance of moving forward, saying, “What a big, big Big 12 game.”
The game began favorably for Texas Tech, with Brooks scoring a 3-yard touchdown in the first quarter and the defense successfully shutting down Arizona. The Red Raiders limited the Wildcats to a field goal late in the first quarter and stopped them on fourth-and-1. Quincy Ledet intercepted a tipped pass, leading to Brooks’ second TD run.
Fifita threw another interception late in the second quarter, which allowed Texas Tech to score a last-second 30-yard field goal, leading 18-3 at halftime. In the third quarter, Arizona could only manage two field goals despite moving into Texas Tech’s territory.
The Wildcats ultimately scored with Quali Conley‘s 3-yard run and took a brief lead with Loop’s 37-yard field goal after recovering a fumble. Brennan noted, “You have to finish people, you have to knock them out and we didn’t.”
Although Texas Tech nearly let their lead slip away, their defense stepped up when necessary, and Brooks redeemed himself with a late touchdown. Arizona’s second-half resurgence was marred by missed opportunities.
Next Up: Texas Tech will enter a bye week before returning home on Saturday, Oct. 19, to face Baylor.
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