Texas Tech secured a dominant 52-15 victory against West Virginia in their final regular season game, showcasing strong performances from Tahj Brooks and Behren Morton. The win at Jones AT&T Stadium marked a significant milestone for Texas Tech, achieving eight regular-season wins for the first time since 2009. West Virginia, under coach Neal Brown, concluded their season with a 6-6 record, reflecting ongoing challenges within the team.
In a decisive showdown at Jones AT&T Stadium, Texas Tech Red Raiders clinched a commanding 52-15 victory over the West Virginia Mountaineers, concluding their regular season with a record of 8-4. This game was not just a routine finale but a display of Texas Tech's offensive prowess and strategic dominance, marking a significant achievement of eight regular-season wins, a feat not seen since 2009. The match also had implications for WVU's coach Neal Brown, whose future has been speculated upon due to inconsistent team performance.
Texas Tech's offensive unit was in full force, accumulating a total of 568 offensive yards. Senior running back Tahj Brooks was a standout, rushing for 188 yards and scoring three touchdowns, contributing significantly to the team's success. Quarterback Behren Morton also shone brightly by completing 28 of his 41 passes for 359 yards and two touchdowns. The Red Raiders established a robust lead early in the game, scoring on all six first-half possessions and securing a 35-3 lead by halftime. This early dominance set the tone for the rest of the match, leaving WVU struggling to catch up.
The defeat was more than just a loss for WVU; it was a reflection of the ongoing struggles within the team. Finishing the season at 6-6, the Mountaineers showed some resilience but were often outplayed in crucial moments. Coach Neal Brown, facing scrutiny, has his work cut out for him as he looks to rebuild and improve the team's standing in future seasons. The game against Texas Tech highlighted the defensive vulnerabilities and the need for strategic overhauls if WVU is to compete more effectively in the Big 12.
With the regular season wrapped up, Texas Tech looks forward to the postseason with optimism. Achieving eight wins underlines the progress under head coach Joey McGuire, setting a positive trajectory for the upcoming seasons. The team's performance against WVU, particularly the efficiency and dynamism of the offense, suggests that Texas Tech could be a formidable contender in future Big 12 matchups and beyond. The focus now shifts to maintaining momentum and building on this season's successes in the postseason games.
The game between Texas Tech and West Virginia was more than a regular season finale; it was a testament to Texas Tech's resurgence and a stark reminder of the challenges facing WVU. As both teams look ahead, they carry with them the lessons and experiences of this season, each aiming for greater achievements and stability in the competitive landscape of college football.
"We just didn't play too well. The second half, we competed, but the first half wasn't in character with our season, but just not good enough." - Neal Brown