In a thrilling game, Tahj Brooks shone for the Texas Tech football team, racking up 133 rushing yards and scoring four touchdowns, leading the Red Raiders to a 56-48 victory over Oklahoma State on Saturday. Brooks made a significant impact by catching a 25-yard touchdown pass late in the second quarter, bringing the score to 21-14 in favor of Tech. His touchdowns in the second half included runs of 2 yards, 40 yards, and 1 yard, the longest of which came on a critical fourth-and-1 situation, pushing Texas Tech ahead 42-35.
As the game progressed, Oklahoma State managed to respond but Brooks’ final touchdown with just over six minutes left solidified a 49-42 advantage. The victory was sealed when linebacker Jacob Rodriguez recovered a fumble in the end zone and later intercepted a pass with just seconds remaining on the clock. Rodriguez finished the game with 13 tackles and was pivotal in the defensive efforts despite challenges.
Quarterback Behren Morton had an outstanding performance, throwing for a career-high 404 yards and four touchdowns, showcasing his skill under pressure with a key third-down conversion late in the game.
Currently, with a record of 7-4 and 5-3 in conference play, Texas Tech is just one game away from first place in the Big 12 as they prepare for their regular-season finale. The Big 12 remains tightly contested, with several teams closely matched in conference losses.
While the game highlighted some defensive weaknesses, particularly with five second-half touchdowns allowed, Rodriguez’s clutch plays helped salvage the defensive performance. The team’s special teams also made significant contributions, with Kelby Valsin’s onside kick return putting Tech in a favorable position.
Overall, the Red Raiders’ performance was notable, particularly given the challenges presented by their wounded defense and the historical difficulty of winning in this stadium. They improved their record in one-score games to 6-1 this season and claimed their third victory in Big 12 road games, demonstrating resilience and determination.
For Texas Tech fans, this victory is a testament to the team’s ability to overcome obstacles and compete fiercely in the Big 12, offering hope as they look ahead to the rest of the season.