Red Raiders Ride High: Texas Tech Upsets Iowa State in Season Opener
The 2023 college football season kicked off with a bang in Lubbock, Texas, as the Texas Tech Red Raiders pulled off a stunning upset against the Iowa State Cyclones, defeating them 24-21. The victory sent shockwaves through the Big 12 conference and served as a powerful statement of intent for the Red Raiders.
A Tale of Two Halves
The first half saw a tightly contested battle, with both teams struggling to establish a rhythm on offense. Iowa State, coming off a 7-6 season, looked poised to take control early, but the Red Raiders defense held strong, limiting the Cyclones to just a field goal in the first quarter.
Texas Tech, however, found their stride in the second quarter, scoring 14 unanswered points to take a 14-3 lead into halftime. Behren Morton, the Red Raiders' sophomore quarterback, showcased his arm talent, connecting with Jerand Bradley for a 30-yard touchdown pass.
Red Raiders Ride the Momentum
The momentum carried over into the third quarter as Texas Tech extended their lead to 24-3, showcasing a balanced offensive attack. Tahj Brooks, the Red Raiders' running back, found the end zone for the second time, adding another touchdown to their impressive performance.
Iowa State fought back valiantly in the fourth quarter, scoring two touchdowns and closing the gap to just three points. However, the Red Raiders held their ground and managed to secure the victory, sending the Lubbock crowd into a frenzy.
Key Takeaways
- Behren Morton emerged as a key player for the Red Raiders, showcasing his potential as a leader and playmaker.
- The Texas Tech defense proved its strength, effectively containing Iowa State's high-powered offense.
- The Red Raiders' ability to maintain momentum throughout the game proved crucial in securing the upset victory.
This opening game victory for Texas Tech sends a clear message to the rest of the Big 12: the Red Raiders are a force to be reckoned with. The team will look to build on this momentum and continue their upward trajectory throughout the season. As for Iowa State, they will be looking to bounce back and regain their footing in the conference.
This game serves as a reminder that in college football, anything can happen on any given Saturday. The season is long, and there are many more exciting games to come. With this upset victory, Texas Tech has already etched their name into the 2023 college football season narrative.