The Red Raiders heard a lot this week about how Mike Leach had so much to play for playing the school that somehow screwed him out of money so many moons ago. National writers wrote headlines about how that might spur on the Miss St. players to play for their coach at the 2021 AutoZone Liberty Bowl.

That's not what happened, though. In fact, it was the opposite.

Texas Tech players may have taken an exception to Leach lobbing ridiculous claims at their school. Or maybe the Red Raiders just really wanted to play for a golden pumpjack-donning Sonny Cumbie and SEC teams just don't really care about bowl games or playing for their coach's decade-old vendetta.

The Red Raiders scored on their opening drive capped off by a Tahj Brooks rushing touchdown. Texas Tech would add a field goal from Jonathan Garibay in the first quarter taking a 10-0 lead. The Red Raiders then traded a Mississippi State touchdown for another Garibay field goal to make the score at the half 13-7.

The Red Raiders defense was incredible, holding Mississippi State inside the game plan and not giving up any big plays. The second half was more of the same, with Texas Tech scoring two touchdowns in the 3rd quarter. Once on a Donovan Smith touchdown run that followed a deep pass to Jerand Bradley. The second came on a scramble drill touchdown from Smith to JJ Sparkman.

The second half was highlighted by Texas Tech's defense shutting out the Bulldogs and forcing a 4th and 16 turnover on downs and two turnovers. First was an interception by Eric Monroe, then a fumble recovery by DaMarcus Fields.

Texas Tech outgained the Bulldogs 512 yards to 344 yards -- well under Mississippi State's average. The Red Raiders also ran for 264 yards as opposed to Mississippi State's 54 yards.

It was a dominating effort any way you look at it. And for what it's worth, if there was a pirate curse, it's been exorcised. Thoroughly.

Check out photos from the game below:

Texas Tech Dominates Mississippi State at AutoZone Liberty Bowl (December 28th, 2021)

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