The Texas Tech football team celebrated their senior players with an emphatic victory, overwhelming West Virginia with a score of 52-15 on Saturday at Jones AT&T Stadium.
The Red Raiders, boasting an 8-4 overall record and 6-3 in conference play, started strong—even though they settled for field goals on their first two drives. They quickly found their rhythm, finding the end zone on their next five possessions. This impressive performance was highlighted by quarterback Behren Morton, who threw for 359 yards, running back Tahj Brooks, who achieved a career-high with 188 rushing yards, and wide receiver Josh Kelly, who recorded 150 receiving yards.
Defensively, Texas Tech unleashed a powerhouse performance, securing three sacks, an interception, and recovering a fumble in the first half. This led to a commanding 35-3 halftime lead, with Brooks scoring three touchdowns and seniors Tharp, Conyers, and Kelly making notable contributions.
Historic performances emerged in this game, with Behren Morton surpassing the 3,000-yard mark in passing for the season—a feat not accomplished by a Texas Tech quarterback since 2017. Meanwhile, Josh Kelly broke the 1,000-yard receiving milestone for the first time since 2018, marking a significant moment in his career.
This victory not only clinched an eight-win regular season for Texas Tech for the first time since 2009, but it also positions them to aim for a nine-win total with a potential bowl game victory. Additionally, the Red Raiders secured their most conference wins in a season since 2008, indicating a bright trajectory for the program.
Tahj Brooks continued to etch his name into Texas Tech history, reaching the 100-yard rushing mark for the 11th time this season—setting a new single-season record. With his impressive performance, he also established himself as the only running back in Texas Tech history to rush for over 1,500 yards in back-to-back seasons, a testament to his exceptional skills and consistency.
In summary, the Red Raiders’ triumph not only showcases their current strength but also hints at a promising future for the program, as they build momentum heading into bowl season and beyond. Their strong performances underline the growing talent within the team, setting the stage for continued success in upcoming seasons.