The Texas Tech football team concluded the regular season in spectacular fashion, delivering a standout performance against West Virginia with a dominating 52-15 victory on Saturday at Jones AT&T Stadium.
In front of home fans, the Red Raiders (8-4, 6-3) surged to an impressive start, scoring on their first seven drives. Although they initially settled for field goals on their first two possessions, they quickly found their rhythm, finding the end zone on the next five drives. Behren Morton led the charge with a stellar passing game, throwing for 359 yards, while Tahj Brooks delivered a remarkable performance on the ground with a personal best of 188 rushing yards. Josh Kelly also excelled as a receiver, amassing 150 yards.
Texas Tech’s defense was equally effective, forcing havoc in the first half with three sacks, an interception, and a fumble recovery, all contributing to a commanding halftime lead of 35-3. This marked a rare occasion where the Red Raiders secured a decisive victory over a Big 12 opponent, especially considering their previous conference games had been won by narrow margins.
Key statistics highlight Texas Tech’s accomplishment: Morton surpassed the 3,000-yard passing milestone, making him the first Red Raiders quarterback to achieve this since 2017. Additionally, Kelly joined an elite group by reaching 1,000 receiving yards for the season, a feat last accomplished by a Texas Tech player in 2018. This victory also signifies the most conference wins for the program in years, improving their record in Big 12 play to 6-3.
Tahj Brooks continued to break records; he recorded his 11th game surpassing the 100-yard mark this season, setting a new single-season record for the Red Raiders. Moreover, he became the first running back in Texas Tech history to surpass 1,500 rushing yards in consecutive seasons, further solidifying his legacy.
This remarkable victory not only celebrates the seniors but also sets a hopeful tone for the upcoming bowl game, where the Red Raiders have the opportunity to achieve a nine-win season for the first time since 2009. With a strong finish in sight, Texas Tech fans have much to be optimistic about moving forward.
Overall, this game exemplifies resilience and potential, offering optimism for the future of the program.