5 takeaways from Texas Tech vs. Texas: Red Raiders play smart, aggressive for win

Here are five takeaways from Texas Tech’s 37-34 overtime win against Texas on Saturday:

Gifts

With Texas Tech needing to set the tone early in this game, the Red Raiders capitalized on a few key opportunities. Early into the game, Texas Tech faced a 3rd-and-20 play. The Red Raiders ended up turning that into a fourth and manageable, which they converted and ended up scoring on the drive. On the very next drive, the Red Raiders faced a 3rd-and-26 where they drew a pass interference penalty. That drive ended a touchdown for Texas Tech as well. Needing to stay on the field to set the tone early, the Red Raiders rose to the challenge.

Protecting the ball

Turnovers have been a hurdle for Texas Tech so far this season. Coming into this game committing eight while only creating three, the Red Raiders had an undeniable weakness in this area. Texas Tech forced the first turnover of the game when safety Reggie Pearson intercepted a pass from Hudson Card in the second quarter. That was one of only two turnovers in the entire game, and both went in Texas Tech’s favor. Texas Tech also forced Texas running back Bijan Robinson to fumble on the Longhorns’ first play of the overtime period. The Red Raiders proved that when they avoid beating themselves, they’re a dangerous team.

Capitalizing on mistakes

Texas Tech quarterback Donovan Smith did his best Aaron Rodgers impression in this game. The Red Raiders got the Texas defense to jump offsides multiple times. The first time, Texas Tech drew a pass interference penalty that gave the offense an automatic first down. On the second instance, Smith threw a dime down the field to Trey Cleveland who made a massive catch in double coverage. Texas Tech created opportunities to move the ball down field in chunks and it capitalized on them.

New threats

Texas Tech’s talented tight end room had been quiet this season, but it chose a key game to breakout in. Texas A&M transfer Baylor Cupp had a massive game after entering the game with only two catches on the season. Cupp caught four passes for 65 yards and a touchdown. Mason Tharp also added 13 yards to the attack on a catch up the middle. The Red Raiders utilized their tight ends to carve up the Longhorn defense in the middle of the field.

Rolling the dice

Joey McGuire showed just how much he’s willing to roll the dice throughout the contest. Wanting his offense to stay on the field, McGuire attempted eight fourth down conversions over the game. That became a huge asset for the Red Raiders, who converted on six of those attempts. With the Texas defense doing its best to keep Texas Tech out of the endzone, the Red Raiders’ offense refused to go off the field.

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