Texas Tech is having a tough time getting this losing streak to come to an end. Losers of four straight, the Red Raiders are once again struggling against a Big 12 opponent. This time it is Texas that is giving Texas Tech some trouble. The Longhorns were slow to start but lead Texas Tech 20-10 at the half in Austin.
Texas Tech head coach Kliff Kingsbury gambled early in the game and cashed in while Texas was caught off guard on special teams. Setting up in punt formation, Red Raiders punter Ryan Erxleben took advantage of a wide open right side of the field with a couple of blockers in front of him to spring down the field for a 51-yard touchdown. Later in the first quarter, a delay of game penalty pushed a Texas Tech field goal back five yards, and it proved to be costly as Ryan Bustin missed the 40-yard attempt. The miss ended a streak of eight straight field goals converted.
The Longhorns then rattle doff 20 straight points, with ten in each quarter. Texas kicker Anthony Fera has successfully booted two field goals, one from 37 yards and another from 49. The highlight of the half for Texas was a 47 yards touchdown pass down the middle of the field from Case McCoy to Mike Davis. The first quarter touchdown gave the Longhorns a 10-7 lead. Running back Joe Bergeron scored a 12-yard touchdown on the ground in the second quarter to build the Texas lead to 20-7. A late field goal by Texas Tech brought the Red Raiders within ten points as the clock expired in the half.
Texas Tech corner back Bruce Jones needed to be taken off the field for treatment of what looked to be a head injury after colliding with a Texas receiver. He was seen clapping his hands while being carted off, which is a positive sign. According to an in-game report on FOX Sports 1, Jones was still being treated in the stadium rather than be transported to a hospital right away.
Texas needs to pick up a win in this game to remain in contention for a potential share of the Big 12 championship. The Longhorns play Baylor next week in the regular season finale. Texas can earn a share of the Big 12 title with a win today and next along with an Oklahoma State loss to Oklahoma next week.