Well, history was made in Arlington, Texas, as the No. 4 Texas Tech Red Raiders captured their first-ever Big 12 Championship with a commanding 34-7 victory over No. 11 BYU at AT&T Stadium. The Red Raiders improved to 12-1 on the season and almost certainly secured a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff.
The Game
The Big 12 Championship features #4 Texas Tech and #11 BYU in a nationally televised game on ABC. This game has got some attention nationally. Because the CFP is disrespecting BYU like they always do, only one will come out the winner.
What started as a competitive battle turned into a Texas Tech showcase in the second half. After BYU struck first with a 14-play, 90-yard touchdown drive capped by LJ Martin’s 10-yard touchdown run, the Red Raiders responded with relentless pressure and suffocating defense. Texas Tech scored 34 unanswered points to dominate the final three quarters of play.
First Half
BYU got on the board first and took a 7-0 lead. But Texas Tech came back and scored 10 unanswered points to take the lead 7-10.
**My thoughts:
So far, so many non-called penalties on Texas Tech. Isn’t a chop block considered a penalty? Well, not to the CFP refs in the game. We will have to see how this goes.****
What was BYU doing running a punt fake pass on BYU’s 40?
BYU did hold TT to a FG in which they missed.
How did TT get that fumble? Lucky play.
TT kicked a field goal.
With 21 seconds left, what can BYU do? Knee the ball? Nope, they just ran the ball.
| BYU | 7 |
| Texas Tech | 13 |
Thoughts on the first half
Well the play calling on BYU has got to get better. TT is on the running game. Got to think of something else.
What the heck is up with the refs? Not calling, holdings, chop blocks. Is BYU getting screwed? Most likely.
2nd Half
BYU has the ball and is controlling the clock right now. But they were forced to kick a field goal and missed it. TT got the ball on their 36-yard line.
TT was on the prowl to extend the lead.
BYU’s defense held them in the red zone, TT tried a trick play, and it failed. But BYU had to start on its own 12-yard line.
BYU just threw a pick and let TT score a TD.
| BYU | 7 |
| TT | 21 |
So far, TT has scored 21 unanswered points.
BYU had the ball to start the 4th quarter, and they threw beyond the sticks and, wow, they got a first down.
TT got a forced fumble from BYU.
BYU just got another red zone, forcing a FG.
| BYU | 7 |
| Tech | 24 |
BYU threw an interception on the first play after that FG.
BYU’s defense is doing something. But the offense isn’t.
After that interception, they missed the FG.
BYU went back to the running game. Bear got 2 yards. Then threw it and got 6 yards and BYU went out again.
Went for it and failed.
Well, that is the game.
| BYU | 7 |
| TT | 34 |
Stats
Here are the game stats.
| BYU | Stats | Texas Tech |
|---|---|---|
| 59 | Plays | 74 |
| 200 | Total Yards | 374 |
| 3.4 | Yards per Play | 5.1 |
| 137 | Passing Yards | 215 |
| 63 | Rushing Yards | 159 |
| 14 | First Downs | 19 |
| 6/14 | 3rd down Efficency | 8/19 |
| 2 | Fumbles Lost | 0 |
| 2 | Interceptions | 0 |
| 4 | Penalties | 5 |
| 30 | Penalty Yards | 35 |
| 28:06 | Time of Poss. | 31:54 |
| 7 | Final Score | 34 |
Thoughts
This championship represents the culmination of a dream season for fourth-year head coach Joey McGuire and the Red Raiders program. Texas Tech hadn’t won a conference championship since capturing the Southwest Conference title in 1994, and its last solo championship came in 1955. The Red Raiders now head to the College Football Playoff as Big 12 Champions, carrying the momentum of an 11-game winning streak.
The sold-out crowd at AT&T Stadium, comprising approximately 70% Texas Tech fans, witnessed a historic achievement that will be remembered for generations in Lubbock. The Red Raiders dominated when it mattered most, proving they belong among college football’s elite programs.
Texas Tech’s defense, widely regarded as the best in the nation, lived up to its billing by holding BYU to just seven points after allowing an early touchdown. The Red Raiders’ ability to adjust and completely shut down the Cougars’ offense demonstrated why they’re positioned for a deep playoff run.
Next Post
Will be the College Football Playoff and Big 12 Bowl Games
YouTube
Discover more from JustinJenkins.info
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
