PULLMAN, WA — The Texas Tech Red Raiders traveled to Washington this weekend to play the Washington State Cougars. Unfortunately for Texas Tech fans, the Red Raiders had four turnovers, went 1/5 on 4th down conversions, and over 100 yards in penalties. Wazzu rolled the Texas Tech 37-16.
`1st Quarter
The Red Raiders' coughed up the football on the opening kick return. The defense got responded with a hot start with an interception on the opening drive. Chapman Lewis picked off Washington State's John Mateer to send Texas Tech's offense on the field. Neither team took advantage of their opening drives, but Washington State finally broke onto the scoreboard midway through the 1st Quarter. Mateer punched the ball into the end zone from 4 yards out to take the lead 7-0.
Texas Tech responded later in the 1st Quarter with a productive drive of their own. Behren Morton hit several quick passes to push the Red Raiders down the field. However, a personal foul completely killed the drive when the Red Raiders made it to the Cougars' 12-yard line. Tech's Gino Garcia nailed a field goal to put Tech on the board, 7-3.
Texas Tech in action against Washington State
(Credit: Texas Tech Football)
2nd Quarter
Tech would fail to convert two 4th down attempts in the 2nd quarter. The first an incomplete pass from Morton, where the Cougars played the perfect defense, and the second, a run stuffed on 4th and 1. Washington State capitalized on the field position switch on the second attempt to score another touchdown. A 43-yard touchdown run extended the Cougars lead to 14-3.
To make matters worse, Texas Tech had the ball stripped on the first play of the ensuing drive. The Cougars scooped up the loose ball and returned all the way down to the 3-yard line. Washington State scored on the next play to push the lead to 21-3.
Texas Tech finally looked like the Red Raiders with their backs against the wall. Morton led Texas Tech on a 6-play, 75-yard drive, ending with some trickery for a touchdown. On the touchdown, Morton swung a backward pass to Coy Eakin behind the line, who then threaded a perfect pass to Johncarlos Miller for a 20-yard touchdown.
With time winding down in the 1st half, Tech had the opportunity to climb back into the game. However, Morton sailed a pass over Josh Kelly's head for an interception. Washington State took advantage of another Tech turnover to increase the lead to 27-10.
The Red Raiders limped to the locker room, needing to regroup.
3rd Quarter
Both defenses showed out in the first half of the 3rd quarter. Washington State went on a long drive on the opening possession to move deep into Texas Tech territory. However, a goal line stand from the Red Raiders forced a turnover on downs. Washington State returned the favor on Tech's ensuing possession when the Cougars stopped Texas Tech on a 4th and 11. Penalites killed another drive for the Red Raiders and they walked away with zero points.
Washington State took that momentum to march down the field in six plays to score another touchdown. Tech forced a 4th down, but the Cougars scored from one yard out to extend their lead to 34-10.
4th Quarter
The Red Raiders ended a promising drive in the 4th quarter with yet another turnover. Texas Tech's 4th turnover of the night was caused by pressure in the face of Behren Morton on 2nd and goal. The throw had no power and was easily picked off at the Cougars' 3-yard line.
Tech finally scored again in the 4th quarter but missed the 2-point conversion. Morton hit several open receivers to move down the field and capped off the drive with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Cameron Dickey.
A successful onside kick led to another strong drive from the Red Raiders that ultimately failed on a 4th and 3. Tech finished 1/5 on 4th down conversions for the night to go along with four turnovers. With time running out, the Red Raiders could not muster up a comeback. Texas Tech dropped their first game of the season, 37-16.
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