No. 13 Texas Tech Snaps Manhattan Losing Streak in K-State Beatdown

MANHATTAN, KS — Behren Morton threw for 249 yards and two touchdowns in his return from injury, J’Koby Williams ran for 135 yards and a score, and No. 13 Texas Tech capitalized on five Kansas State turnovers to earn a 43–20 victory Saturday night, snapping an eight-game losing streak to the Wildcats.

The Red Raiders (8–1, 5–1 Big 12) earned their first win in Manhattan since 2008 and their best conference start since that same season under Mike Leach.

Both quarterbacks struggled early as Morton and Kansas State’s Avery Johnson traded interceptions on their opening possessions. But Texas Tech’s defense — which forced five turnovers overall — eventually shifted the game’s momentum.

After a Jayce Brown fumble, the Red Raiders took their first lead, 9–7. They closed the first half with a 55-yard field goal and turned another Kansas State miscue into a 41-yard touchdown run by Williams early in the third quarter to extend the lead to 19–7.

Playing through his first game back from a leg injury, Morton overcame an early interception to deliver key scoring drives. He connected with Caleb Douglas for a short touchdown in the third quarter, pushing the margin to 29–14. Cameron Dickey also added a touchdown run as the Red Raiders’ balanced offense piled up steady gains behind an efficient line performance.

Texas Tech’s defense smothered Kansas State down the stretch. Johnson — who threw for 199 yards and one touchdown while rushing for 86 yards and two more scores — was picked off twice and lost a crucial fumble late in the game. Linebacker John Curry scooped up that fumble and returned it for a touchdown with 4:52 remaining, sealing the Red Raiders’ win.

Kansas State (4–5, 3–3 Big 12) compounded its mistakes by failing to convert on all four fourth-down attempts, while Texas Tech turned takeaways into points throughout the night.

Despite committing turnovers of their own, the Red Raiders showcased resilience and efficiency with Morton back at the helm. The defense continued its elite form, forcing multiple takeaways for the seventh time this season.

Texas Tech returns home next Saturday to host undefeated BYU with major Big 12 title implications on the line. Kickoff in that matchup is scheduled for 11 a.m.