Texas Tech Drops a Tough One in Late-Night Clash With Arizona
The Matt Wells Era has suffered its first set back after the Texas Tech Red Raiders lost to the Arizona Wildcats in the desert, 28-14.
The Wildcats and Red Raiders met up in Tuscon, Arizona for a high-flying thrill fest, and instead threw together a sludge puddle in the first half as the first nine drives of the game ended in either a punt, fumble or interception.
It wasn't until Arizona jumped offsides and Bowman hit Vasher on a long pass down the sideline on the free play that the Texas Tech offense would get close enough to punch it in with SoRodorick Thompson.
Khalil Tate would respond for Arizona and tie the game after a 7-play, 75-yard touchdown drive. After three more punts, Khalil Tate would take the ball himself 84 yards to the endzone . That gave Arizona a 13-7 lead after a missed PAT -- a lead they would hold until halftime. Texas Tech would have one more chance to score in the half, but they would stall their drive and try a fake field goal that blew up quickly.
The prevalent thought at halftime, at least by myself, is that the Red Raiders would respond, because Kevin Sumlin teams can't finish out a game strong. How wrong I was.
Alan Bowman would come out in the second half, stall another drive, and get hurt in the process. He'd go back to the locker room, but return after a bit of medication and some secret sauce. Upon his return, he'd hit McLane Mannix on a 66-yard pass, then an 8-yard touchdown pass to the same man. That's where the good news ends for Texas Tech.
Arizona would absolutely take over the rest of the game, scoring two fourth-quarter touchdowns. The first drive was a 6-minute, 75-yard drive that featured a free 3rd down courtesy of the Texas Tech defense and a burnt corner that led to a 47-yard chunk to set up the touchdown. Another punt from Texas Tech would set up the dagger drive from Arizona, a 99-yard, 13-play, down-your-throat, running-all-over-you-roughshod approach from Sumlin's squad. The resulting touchdown pushed the score to 28-14.
It's only one loss, but to be outplayed in the second half by this Arizona team is not a good omen for the future of the 2019 Texas Tech season. The Red Raiders will now take a week off and prepare for the Oklahoma Sooners in Norman, Oklahoma.
Listen to The Rob Breaux Show w/ Karson Robinson on Monday for a full recap and a grading of the three aspects of the game. Spoiler Alert: The special teams will have the best grade, because Austin McNamara is a beast.