The 2021 Texas Tech Red Raiders football team represented Texas Tech University during the 2021 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Red Raiders play their home games at the Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas, and compete in the Big 12 Conference. With a 41–38 win over Iowa State on November 13, Texas Tech became bowl eligible for the first time since the 2017 season. The team finished the season with an overall record of 7–6 for the Red Raiders’ first winning season since 2015.
The team was led by third-year head coach Matt Wells for the first eight games. Wells was fired on October 25, with offensive coordinator Sonny Cumbie being named interim head coach.[1]Baylor associate head coach/outside linebackers coach Joey McGuire was named as Texas Tech’s 17th head coach on November 8; Cumbie continued to serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.[2] On November 24, McGuire announced that he would be retaining Cumbie as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.[3] However, on November 30, it was announced that Cumbie would become the head coach at Louisiana Tech; Cumbie would coach Texas Tech for its bowl game.[4]
Following the regular season, kicker Jonathan Garibay was elected to the All-Big 12 Football First Team, while wide receiver Erik Ezukanma, offensive lineman Dawson Deaton, linebacker Colin Schooler, defensive back DaMarcus Fields, and punter Austin McNamara were selected to the second team.[5]
Table of Contents
Previous season[edit]
The Red Raiders finished the 2020 regular season 4–6 and 3–6 in Big 12 play to finish eighth in the conference. They were not eligible to play in post season play. Offensive coordinator David Yost was fired after the season and replaced by Sonny Cumbie.[6]
Preseason[edit]
Award watch lists[edit]
Listed in the order that they were released
after-content-x4
Big 12 media days[edit]
The Big 12 Media Days were held on July 14–15, 2021 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Texas Tech was represented by head coach Matt Wells, offensive lineman Dawson Deaton, and linebacker Riko Jeffers.[14]
Big 12 media poll[edit]
Big 12 media poll[15]
Predicted finish
Team
Votes (1st place)
1
Oklahoma
386 (35)
2
Iowa State
351 (4)
3
Texas
273
4
Oklahoma State
266
5
TCU
255
6
West Virginia
185
7
Kansas State
163
8
Baylor
124
9
Texas Tech
103
10
Kansas
39
Preseason All-Big 12 team[edit]
The 2021 Preseason All-Big 12 Team was announced on July 7, with three Texas Tech players being selected.[16][17]
Team
Player
Position
Year
1st
Erik Ezukanma
WR
JR
2nd
Dawson Deaton
OL
SR
1st
Austin McNamara
P
SR
Schedule[edit]
Date
Time
Opponent
Site
TV
Result
Attendance
September 4
6:00 p.m.
vs. Houston*
ESPN
W 38–21
43,478
September 11
6:00 p.m.
Stephen F. Austin*
ESPN+
W 28–22
55,271
September 18
6:00 p.m.
FIU*
Jones AT&T Stadium
Lubbock, TX
ESPN+
W 54–21
50,118
September 25
11:00 a.m.
at Texas
ABC
L 35–70
98,349
October 2
2:30 p.m.
at West Virginia
ESPN2
W 23–20
54,090
October 9
6:00 p.m.
TCU
Jones AT&T Stadium
Lubbock, TX (rivalry)
ESPN
L 31–52
55,821
October 16
3:00 p.m.
at Kansas
ESPN+
W 41–14
25,106
October 23
11:00 a.m.
Kansas State
Jones AT&T Stadium
Lubbock, TX
FS1
L 24–25
52,874
October 30
2:30 p.m.
at No. 4 Oklahoma
ABC
L 21–52
82,732
November 13
2:30 p.m.
Iowa State
Jones AT&T Stadium
Lubbock, TX
ESPN2
W 41–38
47,158
November 20
7:00 p.m.
No. 9 Oklahoma State
Jones AT&T Stadium
Lubbock, TX
FOX
L 0–23
53,169
November 27
11:00 a.m.
at No. 8 Baylor
FS1
L 24–27
43,901
5:45 p.m.
vs. Mississippi State*
ESPN
W 34–7
48,615
Schedule Source:[18]
Coaching staff[edit]
2021 Texas Tech Red Raiders Football Roster
Quarterbacks
Running backs
4 SaRodorick Thompson – Junior (6’0, 210)
5 Chadarius Townsend – Senior (6’0, 200)
14 Xavier White – Junior (5’11, 190)
23 Kyron Cumby – Sophomore (5’8, 180)
27 Cam’Ron Valdez – Freshman (5’9, 195)
28 Tahj Brooks – Sophomore (5’10, 215)
33 Ronnie Hart – Sophomore (6’0, 205)
Wide receivers
10 Kaylon Geiger – Senior (5’10, 180)
11 McLane Mannix – Senior (5’10, 190)
13 Erik Ezukanma – Junior (6’3, 220)
18 Myles Price – Sophomore (5’10, 175)
19 Loic Fouonji – Sophomore (6’4, 205)
22 Sterling Galban – Junior (5’11, 175)
24 Cole Kirkpatrick – Freshman (6’0, 185)
29 Ben Gair – Freshman (6’1, 195)
32 Jake Bishop – Sophomore (5’7, 175)
45 Austin Brougham – Junior (6’2, 195)
47 Jalen McCoslin – Freshman (6’0, 180)
82 Nehemiah Martinez – Freshman (5’9, 185)
83 Cameron Cantrell – Sophomore (6’1, 195)
84 J. J. Sparkman – Freshman (6’4, 215)
85 Trey Cleveland – Sophomore (6’4, 190)
86 Dalton Rigdon – Senior (5’11, 170)
89 Jerand Bradley – Freshman (6’5, 210)
Tight ends
15 Travis Koontz – Senior (6’5, 255)
26 Jason Lloyd – Sophomore (6’4, 240)
41 Jayden York – Freshman (6’3, 215)
43 Henry Teeter – Junior (6’4, 230)
80 Mason Tharp – Freshman (6’8, 230)
88 Jed Castles – Freshman (6’7, 225)
Long snappers
30 Jackson Knotts – Freshman (5’11, 185)
61 Jacob Mauch – Sophomore (6’3, 220)
62 Hayden Welte – Sophomore (6’5, 220)
Offensive linemen
50 Josh Burger – Senior (6’4, 295)
51 T. J. Storment – Senior (6’7, 325)
53 Trevor Roberson – Sophomore (6’11, 345)
57 Blake Spence – Freshman (6’1, 255)
58 Jack Tucker – Freshman (6’7, 285)
63 Aaron Castro – Sophomore (6’3, 295)
64 Clayton Franks – Junior (6’4, 290)
65 Tay Yanta – Freshman (6’4, 350)
66 Matt Keeler – Freshman (6’6, 295)
67 Blake Burris – Freshman (6’3, 300)
68 Casey Verhulst – Senior (6’6, 305)
69 Caleb Rodkey – Freshman (6’4, 300)
70 Weston Wright – Junior (6’6, 315)
71 Brett Canis – Freshman (6’6, 315)
72 Landon Peterson – Sophomore (6’6, 300)
73 Dawson Deaton – Senior (6’6, 310)
74 Larry Moore – Freshman (6’6, 290)
75 Jacoby Jackson – Freshman (6’6, 330)
76 Caleb Rogers – Sophomore (6’5, 290)
77 Ethan Carde – Junior (6’8, 315)
79 Jacob Votaw – Freshman (6’5, 265)
Defensive linemen
19 Tyree Wilson – Junior (6’6, 280)
43 Jake Justice – Sophomore (6’6, 210)
49 Charles Esters III – Freshman (6’3, 245)
51 Robert Wooten – Sophomore (6’3, 240)
59 Isaac Smith – Freshman (6’6, 240)
78 Alexander Poole – Senior (6’1, 305)
90 Devin Drew – Senior (6’2, 280)
91 Nelson Mbanasor – Senior (6’3, 275)
92 L. B. Moore – Freshman (6’3, 240)
93 Troy Te’o – Senior (6’2, 280)
94 Tre’Jon Lewis – Sophomore (6’4, 250)
95 Jaylon Hutchings – Junior (6’0, 300)
96 Philip Blidi – Sophomore (6’4, 275)
97 Tony Bradford Jr. – Junior (6’1, 290)
98 E’Maurion Banks – Freshman (6’5, 295)
99 Gilbert Ibeneme – Sophomore (6’3, 285)
Placekickers
36 Trey Wolff – Junior (6’4, 205)
46 Jonathan Garibay – Senior (6’0, 215)
60 Landon Reeves – Junior (5’9, 155)
Linebackers
1 Krishon Merriweather – Senior (6’0, 240)
2 Brandon Bouyer-Randle – Senior (6’2, 235)
6 Riko Jeffers – Senior (6’2, 235)
16 Jesiah Pierre – Sophomore (6’2, 245)
17 Colin Schooler – Senior (6’1, 230)
20 Kosi Eldridge – Senior (6’1, 225)
24 Jacob Morgenstern – Senior (6’4, 230)
32 Tyrique Matthews – Junior (5’11, 220)
33 Matthew Young – Senior (6’1, 240)
34 Bryce Robinson – Sophomore (6’0, 230)
35 Patrick Curley – Junior (6’2, 235)
39 Charles Robinson – Freshman (6’0, 230)
42 Gage Elder – Freshman (5’11, 215)
47 Ethan Frasier – Sophomore (6’1, 230)
48 Derrick Lewis II – Freshman (6’1 205)
50 Trent Low – Freshman (6’1, 205)
54 Bryce Ramirez – Sophomore (6’0, 220)
56 Jackson Baggett – Sophomore (6’3, 220)
Defensive backs
0 Seth Collins – Senior (6’3, 200)
3 Kobee Minor – Freshman (6’0, 190)
7 Adrian Frye – Senior (6’0, 190)
8 Malik Dunlap – Junior (6’3, 215)
9 Marquis Waters – Senior (6’1, 200)
10 Cam White – Junior (6’1, 200)
11 Eric Monroe – Senior (5’11, 205)
12 Rayshad Williams – Junior (6’2, 190)
15 Cole Boyd – Sophomore (6’3, 200)
21 Cameron Watts – Junior (5’10, 195)
22 Reggie Pearson Jr. – Junior (5’11, 200)
23 DaMarcus Fields – Senior (6’0, 200)
25 Dadrion Taylor-Demerson – Junior (5’11, 190)
28 Louis Ortiz – Freshman (5’11, 195)
29 Nate Floyd – Freshman (6’0, 175)
31 Joseph Plunk – Freshman (5’10, 165)
37 Imari Jones – Freshman (6’1, 165)
38 Jett Whitfield – Sophomore (5’11, 200)
40 Luis Jaramillo – Sophomore (6’0, 185)
41 Joe Shaw – Freshman (5’10, 165)
45 Chief Collins – Freshman (5’11, 190)
46 Jonathan Davis – Freshman (6’1, 170)
Punters
31 Austin McNamara – Junior (6’4, 185)
48 Grant Nickel – Freshman (6’0, 160)
Game summaries[edit]
vs. Houston (Texas Kickoff)[edit]
Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Houston Cougars (Texas Kickoff) – Game summary
TTU – Jonathan Garibay 34-yard field goal, 0:36. Red Raiders 24–21. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 1:15.
Fourth quarter
TTU – Xavier White 3-yard pass from Tyler Shough (Jonathan Garibay kick), 2:05. Red Raiders 31–21. Drive: 8 plays, 71 yards, 2:52.
TTU – Tahj Brooks 44-yard run (Jonathan Garibay kick), 1:00. Red Raiders 38–21. Drive: 2 plays, 48 yards, 0:15.
Top passers
Top rushers
TTU – Tahj Brooks – 15 rushes, 134 yards, 2 TD
HOU – Mulbah Car – 13 rushes, 37 yards
Top receivers
This was Texas Tech’s second appearance in the Texas Kickoff game, with the team’s first appearance being a 27–47 loss to Ole Miss in 2018.
Houston received the opening kickoff, starting the drive at its own 25-yard line. The Cougars would drive down the field, capping the drive off with a 1-yard run from Clayton Tune. On the ensuing kickoff, Houston attempted an onside kick and recovered it. The Cougars would score another touchdown, this time with a 23-yard pass from Tune to Nathaniel Dell to go up 14–0 following Dalton Witherspoon’s kick. The Cougars would kick it off this time, giving Texas Tech’s offense its first drive of the game. The Red Raiders made it down to the Houston 2-yard line, but running back Xavier White fumbled the ball and was recovered by Donavan Mutin for Houston. Houston would go three-and-out on its next drive, punting the ball away. On the next play, running back Tahj White ripped off a 41-yard run for a touchdown. On the Cougars’ following offensive play, Tune was intercepted by Reggie Pearson Jr.
After being down 7–21 at halftime, Texas Tech scored 31 unanswered points in the 2nd half for a 38–21 victory. The Red Raiders’ defense picked off Houston quarterback Clayton Tune four times, including a pick six touchdown.
Stephen F. Austin[edit]
Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks at Texas Tech Red Raiders – Game summary
Period
1
2
3
4
Total
Lumberjacks
7
6
0
9
22
Red Raiders
7
0
14
7
28
at Jones AT&T Stadium, Lubbock, Texas
Date: September 11
Game time: 6:00 p.m.
Game weather: Temperature: 90 °F (32 °C) • Weather: Sunny
Game attendance: 55,271
Referee: Tutu Salaam
TV announcers (ESPN+): Mark Neely (play-by-play) and Brandon Jacobs (analyst)
SFA – Chris Campos 23-yard field goal, 10:15. Lumberjacks 10–7. Drive: 7 plays, 17 yards, 2:47.
SFA – Chris Campos 35-yard field goal, 1:23. Lumberjacks 13–7. Drive: 13 plays, 65 yards, 6:22.
Third quarter
TTU – Tahj Brooks 67-yard run (Jonathan Garibay kick), 12:47. Red Raiders 14–13. Drive: 2 plays, 80 yards, 1:03.
TTU – Tahj Brooks 1-yard run (Jonathan Garibay kick), 5:24. Red Raiders 21–13. Drive: 8 plays, 97 yards, 4:22.
Fourth quarter
SFA – Ja’Bray Young 4-yard pass from Trae Self (pass failed), 13:57. Red Raiders 21–19. Drive: 3 plays, 26 yards, 1:03.
TTU – Xavier White 4-yard run (Jonathan Garibay kick), 12:30. Red Raiders 28–19. Drive: 4 plays, 65 yards, 1:27.
SFA – Chris Campos 36-yard field goal, 7:13. Red Raiders 28–22. Drive: 10 plays, 58 yards, 5:17.
Top passers
SFA – Trae Self – 38/58, 343 yards, TD
TTU – Tyler Shough – 11/21, 163 yards, TD, 2 INT
Top rushers
SFA – Miles Reed – 9 rushes, 20 yards
TTU – Tahj Brooks – 11 rushes, 115 yards, 2 TD
Top receivers
SFA – Xavier Gipson – 13 receptions, 158 yards
TTU – Erik Ezukanma – 6 receptions, 144 yards, TD
The Red Raiders took an early 7–0 lead, but the Lumberjacks scored 13 unanswered points for a 13–7 halftime lead. Texas Tech running back Tahj Brooks scored two touchdowns in the 3rd to go up 21–13. Stephen F. Austin quickly responded, with Trae Self throwing a 4-yard touchdown pass to Ja’Bray Young in the opening seconds of the 4th quarter, but the two-point conversion to tie the game failed. The Red Raiders would respond on their next drive with a 4-yard touchdown run from Xavier White to extend their lead to 28–19. The Lumberjacks would respond with a 36-yard field goal from kicker Chris Campos to trail 22–28. Texas Tech failed to do anything on its next possession, going three-and-out and punted the ball away. Stephen F. Austin made it to the Texas Tech 7-yard line with just over a minute left in the game, but failed to convert on 4th down. The Red Raiders kneeled down twice to end the game, winning 28–22.
Texas Tech committed four turnovers in the game while Stephen F. Austin had zero. Tyler Shough threw two interceptions, including a pick six, and also lost a fumble; wide receiver McClane Mannix also lost a fumble. The Lumberjacks had possession of the ball for 40:07, going 5-of-21 on 3rd downs, 5-of-8 on 4th downs, and had 375 yards of total offense. The Red Raiders only held on to the ball for 19:53, going 5-of-10 on 3rd downs, 0-of-1 on 4th downs, and had 364 yards of total offense.
FIU[edit]
FIU Panthers at Texas Tech Red Raiders – Game summary
Period
1
2
3
4
Total
Panthers
7
7
7
0
21
Red Raiders
7
28
9
10
54
at Jones AT&T Stadium, Lubbock, Texas
Date: September 18
Game time: 6:00 p.m.
Game weather: Temperature: 88 °F (31 °C) • Weather: Sunny
Game attendance: 50,118
Referee: Tim Hedgepeth
TV announcers (ESPN+): Mark Neely (play-by-play) and Brandon Jacobs (analyst)
TTU – Jonathan Garibay 28-yard field goal, 10:56. Red Raiders 47–21. Drive: 10 plays, 65 yards, 4:27.
TTU – Henry Colombi 19-yard run (Jonathan Garibay kick), 5:47. Red Raiders 54–21. Drive: 7 plays, 55 yards, 3:41.
Top passers
FIU – Max Bortenschlager – 12/27, 190 yards, 2 TD, INT
TTU – Tyler Shough – 26/35, 399 yards, 4 TD
Top rushers
FIU – D’Vonte Price – 15 rushes, 51 yards, TD
TTU – Tahj Brooks – 9 rushes, 47 yards
Top receivers
FIU – Tyrese Chambers – 2 receptions, 71 yards
TTU – Kaylon Geiger – 6 receptions, 121 yards
The two teams punted on their first possessions before FIU scored a touchdown on its second possession with a 3-yard run from D’vonte Price. The Panthers’ following drive ended with a punt, but a miscue from the Red Raiders’ special teams gave the ball back to FIU at the Texas Tech 38-yard line. On the next play, Marquise Waters intercepted a Max Bortenschlager pass and returned it 72 yards for a pick six. FIU made it to the Texas Tech 14-yard line on its next drive, helped by two defensive penalties on 3rd down, but had to settle for a field goal; however, Chase Gabriel’s 32-yard attempt was no good, going wide right. Texas Tech scored its first offensive touchdown on the following drive with a 4-yard pass from Tyler Shough to tight end Travis Koontz. The Panthers would quickly respond, with Bortenschlager throwing a 69-yard touchdown pass to running back E.J. Wilson Jr. on 3rd down. The Red Raiders would go on to score 21 unanswered points to lead 35–14 at halftime.
Shough exited the game early in the 4th quarter, finishing with 399 yards (a career high) and 4 touchdowns (tying a career high) with no interceptions. He was replaced for one drive by Henry Colombi, who finished the drive with a 19-yard touchdown run. Donovan Smith would finish the game at quarterback. With the victory, Texas Tech started a season 3–0 for the first time since 2017.
Texas Tech’s defense struggled in the first half, letting the Texas offense score on five straight drives and letting the Longhorns convert on 4th down twice. In the 2nd quarter, Tyler Shough threw a pick six and was injured on the play; he finished 9-of-11 for 68 yards with a rushing touchdown and an interception. Henry Colombi would come in for the injured Shough, throwing a 40-yard touchdown pass to Myles Price on his second drive.
At West Virginia[edit]
Game information
First quarter
TTU – SaRodrick Thompson 1-yard run (Jonathan Garibay kick), 4:51. Red Raiders 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 58 yards, 4:27.
TTU – SaRodrick Thompson 1-yard run (Jonathan Garibay kick), 0:08. Red Raiders 14–0. Drive: 6 plays, 34 yards, 2:49.
Second quarter
TTU – Jonathan Garibay 33-yard field goal, 0:00. Red Raiders 17–0. Drive: 12 plays, 59 yards, 1:57.
Third quarter
WVU – Leddie Brown 4-yard run (Casey Legg kick), 11:59. Red Raiders 17–7. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:01.
WVU – Casey Legg 36-yard field goal, 5:47. Red Raiders 17–10. Drive: 9 plays, 46 yards, 3:43.
The Red Raiders scored 17 unanswered points in the first half, with two touchdown runs from SaRodrick Thompson in the first quarter and a 33-yard field goal from Jonathan Garibay in the second right before halftime. Texas Tech’s offense would struggle in the second half, being shut out completely in the third quarter while West Virginia scored 17 points to tie the game at 17–17 heading into the fourth quarter. In the fourth, the Red Raiders’ defense held the Mountaineers to only a field goal. Following the field goal, the Red Raiders’ offense would march down the field on a drive that lasted for over 4 minutes, ending the drive with a 32-yard field goal from Garibay with 18 seconds left. On the ensuing kickoff, Trey Wolff squibbed the ball, with Winston Wright Jr. recovering the ball and taking a knee at the West Virginia 9-yard line. Jarret Doege would throw a 29-yard pass to Isaiah Esdale then threw a pass intended for Sam James that fell incomplete as time expired, giving Texas Tech a 23–20 victory.
With the win, the Red Raiders improved to 4–1, 1–1 in conference play, and won their third straight against West Virginia.
TCU[edit]
TCU Horned Frogs at Texas Tech Red Raiders – Game summary
TTU – Henry Colombi 1-yard run (Jonathan Garibay kick), 10:24. Red Raiders 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:32.
Second quarter
TTU – Jonathan Garibay 28-yard field goal, 11:37. Red Raiders 10–0. Drive: 8 plays, 31 yards, 3:10.
TTU – Erik Ezukanma 9-yard run (Jonathan Garibay kick), 5:28. Red Raiders 17–0. Drive: 10 plays, 55 yards, 4:50.
TTU – Myles Price 7-yard run (Jonathan Garibay kick), 0:32. Red Raiders 24–0. Drive: 7 plays, 64 yards, 2:15.
Third quarter
TTU – Donovan Smith 5-yard run (Jonathan Garibay kick), 6:50. Red Raiders 31–0. Drive: 11 plays, 92 yards, 4:27.
TTU – Travis Koontz 2-yard pass from Henry Colombi (Jonathan Garibay kick), 1:57. Red Raiders 38–0. Drive: 5 plays, 57 yards, 2:15.
Fourth quarter
TTU – Jonathan Garibay 48-yard field goal, 6:29. Red Raiders 41–0. Drive: 9 plays, 32 yards, 5:09.
KU – Luke Grimm 14-yard pass from Miles Kendrick (Jacob Borcila kick), 0:52. Red Raiders 41–7. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 5:36.
KU – Lawrence Arnold 13-yard pass from Miles Kendrick (Jacob Borcila kick), 0:10. Red Raiders 41–14. Drive: 5 plays, 35 yards, 0:36.
Top passers
TTU – Henry Colombi – 14/20, 124 yards, TD, INT
KU – Jason Bean – 11/21, 80 yards, INT
Top rushers
TTU – SaRodrick Thompson – 13 rushes, 83 yards
KU – Devin Neal – 15 rushes, 54 yards
Top receivers
TTU – Erik Ezukanma – 5 receptions, 76 yards
KU – Luke Grimm – 3 receptions, 33 yards, TD
Texas Tech held Kansas scoreless for most of the game, with the Jayhawks’ first score coming with 0:52 left in the game. On the following drive, backup running back Nehemiah Martinez fumbled the ball and it was recovered by Kans Edwin White-Schultz for the Jayhawks. The fumble recovery would lead to another Kansas touchdown, with backup quarterback throwing a 13-yard pass to Lawrence Arnold with 0:10 left. Texas Tech fourth-string quarterback Behren Morton would take a knee to end the game. The Red Raiders finished the game with 438 yards of offense while the Jayhawks only had 273, with many of those yards coming against reserve players. Third string quarterback Donovan Smith saw more playing time during the game, finishing 4-of-5 for 70 yards along with 37 yards rushing and a touchdown.
Kansas State[edit]
Kansas State Wildcats at Texas Tech Red Raiders – Game summary
Texas Tech scored fast. On the second play of the game, Erik Ezukanma ran a 45-yard touchdown run. On the ensuing kickoff, Malik Knowles fumbled and Tyrique Matthews recovered the ball at the 23-yard-line which led the Red Raiders to be up 14-0.[19]
The Red Raiders had a 24–10 lead at halftime, but were shutout in the second half as Kansas State scored 15 unanswered points. On the following Monday, head coach Matt Wells was fired, with offensive coordinator Sonny Cumbie being named interim head coach.[20]
At No. 4 Oklahoma[edit]
Game information
First quarter
OU – Mario Williams 22-yard pass from Caleb Williams (Gabe Brkic kick), 6:32. Sooners 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 95 yards, 3:08.
TTU – Erik Ezukanma 17-yard pass from Henry Colombi (Jonathan Garibay kick), 2:31. Tied 7–7. Drive: 8 plays, 83 yards, 3:54.
OU – Marvin Mims 67-yard pass from Caleb Williams (Gabe Brkic kick), 1:07. Sooners 14–7. Drive: 3 plays, 78 yards, 1:17.
Second quarter
OU – Brayden Willis 8-yard pass from Caleb Williams (Gabe Brkic kick), 10:11. Sooners 21–7. Drive: 8 plays, 91 yards, 3:56.
OU – Drake Stoops 12-yard pass from Caleb Williams (Gabe Brkic kick), 7:26. Sooners 28–7. Drive: 2 plays, 17 yards, 0:56.
Third quarter
OU – Gabe Brkic 53-yard field goal, 9:44. Sooners 31–7. Drive: 11 plays, 39 yards, 5:16.
OU – Marvin Mims 43-yard pass from Caleb Williams (Gabe Brkic kick), 5:52. Sooners 38–7. Drive: 1 play, 43 yards, 0:08.
TTU – J. J. Sparkman 17-yard pass from Donovan Smith (Jonathan Garibay kick), 0:44. Sooners 38–14. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 5:08.
Fourth quarter
OU – Austin Stogner 9-yard pass from Caleb Williams (Gabe Brkic kick), 10:56. Sooners 45–14. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:48.
OU – Brian Darby 42-yard pass from Spencer Rattler (Gabe Brkic kick), 6:10. Sooners 52–14. Drive: 4 plays, 49 yards, 1:31.
TTU – Xavier White 1-yard run (Jonathan Garibay kick), 3:29. Sooners 52–21. Drive: 6 plays, 62 yards, 2:36.
Top passers
Top rushers
TTU – Xavier White – 10 rushes, 42 yards, TD
OU – Kennedy Brooks – 8 rushes, 35 yards
Top receivers
TTU – Erik Ezukanma – 8 receptions, 123 yards, TD
OU – Marvin Mims – 4 receptions, 135 yards, 2 TD
Starting quarterback Henry Colombi left the game in the second quarter after being shaken up on a tackle. He was replaced by redshirt freshman Donovan Smith for the rest of the game.[21]
Iowa State[edit]
Iowa State Cyclones at Texas Tech Red Raiders – Game summary
Period
1
2
3
4
Total
Cyclones
7
7
7
17
38
Red Raiders
14
17
0
10
41
at Jones AT&T Stadium, Lubbock, Texas
Date: November 13
Game time: 2:30 p.m.
Game weather: Sunny
Game attendance: 47,158
Referee: Michael Vandervelde
TV announcers (ESPN2): Beth Mowins (play-by-play), Kirk Morrison (analyst) and Dawn Davenport (sideline)
TTU – Tahj Brooks 14-yard run (Jonathan Garibay kick), 10:42. Red Raiders 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 4:18.
ISU – Breece Hall 1-yard run (Andrew Mevis kick), 6:15. Tied 7–7. Drive: 2 plays, 16 yards, 0:34.
TTU – Myles Price 39-yard pass from Donovan Smith (Jonathan Garibay kick), 4:26. Red Raiders 14–7. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 1:49.
Second quarter
TTU – Erik Ezukanma 3-yard pass from Donovan Smith (Jonathan Garibay kick), 6:14. Red Raiders 21–7. Drive: 15 plays, 70 yards, 8:51.
TTU – Erik Ezukanma 10-yard pass from Donovan Smith (Jonathan Garibay kick), 3:16. Red Raiders 28–7. Drive: 3 plays, 71 yards, 1:20.
ISU – Breece Hall 17-yard run (Andrew Mevis kick), 1:11. Red Raiders 28–14. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 2:05.
TTU – Jonathan Garibay 45-yard field goal, 0:00. Red Raiders 31–14. Drive: 6 plays, 48 yards, 1:11.
Third quarter
ISU – Charlie Kolar 9-yard pass from Brock Purdy (Andrew Mevis kick), 3:03. Red Raiders 31–21. Drive: 7 plays, 73 yards, 2:14.
Fourth quarter
ISU – Charlie Kolar 12-yard pass from Brock Purdy (Andrew Mevis kick), 13:29. Red Raiders 31–28. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 2:50.
TTU – SaRodrick Thompson 13-yard run (Jonathan Garibay kick), 10:51. Red Raiders 38–28. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 2:38.
ISU – Breece Hall 14-yard pass from Brock Purdy (Andrew Mevis kick), 6:20. Red Raiders 38–35. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:31.
ISU – Andrew Mevis 29-yard field goal, 1:00. Tied 38–38. Drive: 15 plays, 68 yards, 3:36.
TTU – Jonathan Garibay 62-yard field goal, 0:00. Red Raiders 41–38. Drive: 7 plays, 31 yards, 1:00.
Top passers
ISU – Brock Purdy – 32/42, 356 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
TTU – Donovan Smith – 25/32, 322 yards, 3 TD, INT
Top rushers
ISU – Breece Hall – 18 rushes, 51 yards, 2 TD
TTU – Tahj Brooks – 9 rushes, 80 yards, TD
Top receivers
ISU – Xavier Hutchinson – 8 receptions, 112 yards
TTU – Myles Price – 9 receptions, 175 yards, TD
Redshirt freshman Donovan Smith made his first start at quarterback, with Tyler Shough still recovering from a broken collarbone and Henry Colombi out due to an illness.[22] The Red Raiders had a 31–14 lead at halftime, but the Cyclones went on a 24–7 run in the second half to tie the game at 38–38 with a minute left in regulation. With no timeouts, Smith led the offense down to the Iowa State 44-yard line before kicker Jonathan Garibay was sent out to try the game-winning field goal with three seconds left. Garibay’s kick, a 62-yard attempt, was good, giving Texas Tech a 41–38 victory to become Bowl eligible for the first time since the 2017 season; the win was also Texas Tech’s first win over Iowa State since 2015. Garibay’s 62-yard game-winning field goal set the record for longest field goal of the 2021 season.[23]
No. 9 Oklahoma State[edit]
No.9 Oklahoma State Cowboys at Texas Tech Red Raiders – Game summary
Period
1
2
3
4
Total
No. 9 Cowboys
3
10
3
7
23
Red Raiders
0
0
0
0
0
at Jones AT&T Stadium, Lubbock, Texas
Date: November 20
Game time: 7:00 p.m.
Game weather: Sunny
Game attendance: 53,169
Referee: David Alvarez
TV announcers (Fox): Tim Brando (play-by-play) and Spencer Tillman (analyst)
OKST – Tanner Brown 24-yard field goal, 10:02. Cowboys 3–0. Drive: 12 plays, 70 yards, 3:56.
Second quarter
OKST – Tanner Brown 33-yard field goal, 10:19. Cowboys 6–0. Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 1:53.
OKST – John Paul Richardson 14-yard pass from Spencer Sanders (Tanner Brown kick), 0:26. Cowboys 13–0. Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 3:52.
Third quarter
OKST – Tanner Brown 19-yard field goal, 9:49. Cowboys 16–0. Drive: 7 plays, 23 yards, 2:11.
Fourth quarter
OKST – Spencer Sanders 9-yard run (Tanner Brown kick), 14:26. Cowboys 23–0. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:45.
Top passers
Top rushers
OKST – Dominic Richardson – 20 rushes, 84 yards
TTU – Behren Morton – 2 rushes, 15 yards
Top receivers
OKST – Tay Martin – 7 receptions, 130 yards
TTU – Mason Tharp – 3 receptions, 39 yards
Starting quarterback Donovan Smith was pulled from the game midway through the third quarter and was replaced by Behren Morton; Smith would re-enter the game in the fourth quarter. This was the Red Raiders’ first shutout loss since the 1996 Alamo Bowl.
At No. 8 Baylor[edit]
Texas Tech Red Raiders at No. 8 Baylor Bears – Game summary
Baylor scored just over a minute into the game, with quarterback Blake Shapen throwing a 61-yard touchdown pass to running back Trestan Ebner. The Red Raiders fumbled the ball on their first offensive play, with running back SaRodrick Thompson losing the ball on a tackle and Jairon McVea recovering it at the Texas Tech 42-yard line for the Bears. Texas Tech’s defense would hold Baylor to field goal on the ensuing drive, with Isaiah Hankins making a 28-yard field goal. The Red Raiders would respond on the next drive with a 46-yard field goal from Jonathan Garibay. The Red Raiders’ first offensive drive of the 2nd quarter would end with another fumble, as quarterback Donovan Smith lost the ball on a sack with Raleigh Texada recovering it for the Bears. Baylor would capitalize on the turnover, with a 4-yard touchdown run from Abram Smith. Texas Tech would respond on the following drive with a 1-yard touchdown run from Tahj Brooks, the team’s first touchdown of the game.
vs. Mississippi State (Liberty Bowl)[edit]
Mississippi State Bulldogs vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders (Liberty Bowl) – Game summary
Period
1
2
3
4
Total
Bulldogs
0
7
0
0
7
Red Raiders
10
3
14
7
34
at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, Memphis, Tennessee
Date:
Game time: 5:45 p.m.
Game weather: Temperature: 69 °F (21 °C) • Weather: Cloudy • Wind: S 10 MPH
Game attendance: 48,615
Referee: Riley Johnson
TV announcers (ESPN): Dave Neal (play-by-play), Deuce McAllister (analyst), and Andraya Carter (sideline)
TTU – Tahj Brooks 19-yard run (Jonathan Garibay kick), 12:40. Red Raiders 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 2:20.
TTU – Jonathan Garibay 31-yard field goal, 3:03. Red Raiders 10–0. Drive: 14 plays, 79 yards, 6:24.
Second quarter
MSST – Rara Thomas 17-yard pass from Will Rogers (Nolan McCord kick), 14:08. Red Raiders 10–7. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 3:55.
TTU – Jonathan Garibay 26-yard field goal, 0:13. Red Raiders 13–7. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 0:18.
Third quarter
TTU – Donovan Smith 1-yard run (Johnathan Garibay kick), 9:03. Red Raiders 20–7. Drive: 4 plays, 95 yards, 1:00.
TTU – J. J. Sparkman 14-yard pass from Donovan Smith (Jonathan Garibay kick), 0:02. Red Raiders 27–7. Drive: 8 plays, 60 yards, 4:04.
Fourth quarter
TTU – SaRodrick Thompson 1-yard run (Jonathan Garibay kick), 8:47. Red Raiders 34–7. Drive: 8 plays, 85 yards, 3:42.
Top passers
MSST – Will Rogers – 32/53, 290 yards, TD, INT
TTU – Donovan Smith – 15/28, 252 yards, TD
Top rushers
MSST – Dillon Johnson – 9 rushes, 62 yards
TTU – Tahj Brooks – 16 rushes, 107 yards, TD
Top receivers
MSST – Austin Williams – 5 receptions, 74 yards
TTU – Myles Price – 3 receptions, 72 yards
The Red Raiders finished off the season against the Mississippi State Bulldogs, led by former head coach Mike Leach, in the Liberty Bowl. Texas Tech scored on its opening drive and never trailed in the game. The Red Raiders finished the game with 512 yards of offense and committed no turnovers, while the defense held the Bulldogs to just 344 yards and forced three turnovers, including a turnover on special teams. Texas Tech quarterback Donovan Smith was named the game’s MVP.[24]
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