Turnovers Cost Texas Tech Dearly Against Red-Hot K-State

MANHATTAN, KANSAS — The Texas Tech Red Raiders (3-1)(1-0) looked to build off their victory against the Longhorns last week as they traveled to Kansas State to take on the red-hot Wildcats (3-1)(1-0) on Saturday, Oct. 1, in Manhattan. Texas Tech hung tough throughout the game and even overcame a 13-point deficit but ultimately fell to an explosive Wildcats squad 37-28.

QB Donovan Smith and the Red Raiders’ offense got off to a slow start to open the game, only accumulating 48 yards of total offense before finally scoring on an 86-yard drive with 1:24 left in the first half. On the other hand, Kansas State’s explosive offense scored with little difficulty on their first three drives. QB Adrian Martinez took the first play from scrimmage 57 yards to the Red Raiders’ 18-yard line and then the final 18 yards to the end zone and touchdown. Texas Tech’s defense held the Wildcats to two more field goals as their offense struggled but fell behind 13-0 early in the game. Texas Tech’s Trey Wolff narrowed the deficit to three as time expired in the first half, but the Red Raiders still trailed 13-10.

The Red Raiders improved on offense in the second half, scoring a field goal early in the 3rd and a 12-yard touchdown pass to WR Xavier White with 3:08 remaining in the 3rd quarter, but Kansas State matched them and more. Adrian Martinez added two touchdowns on the ground and another through the air to keep the Wildcats ahead. With time trickling away in the 4th quarter, Smith added a 3-yard rushing touchdown to narrow the deficit to 37-28, but Texas Tech simply ran out of time. Kansas State kept its winning streak alive with a victory, 37-28.

Analysis

Texas Tech — Ultimately, six turnovers sank the Red Raiders' chances of victory. No team can expect to win when committing so many mental mistakes on offense. Smith threw two interceptions, and he and Tahj Brooks fumbled the ball. Head Coach Jerry McGuire also went for it on 4th down on two separate occasions, only for the ball to go over to the Wildcats on downs. McGuire is an aggressive coach and will continue to take these kinds of risks, but for the Red Raiders to be successful in the future, Smith and company need to take better care of the ball.

Donovan Smith made his 4th start for the Red Raiders this season in place of injured starter Tyler Shough. Smith went 34/48 for 359 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. He, SaRodorick Thompson, and Tahj Brooks added over 100 yards on the ground. If Texas Tech can take better care of the ball, the Red Raiders can compete with anyone.

Kansas State — Adrian Martinez continues to be a nightmare for the opposition. The Oklahoma Sooners and the Texas Tech Red Raiders fell victim to K-State’s overall scheme. Martinez went 12/19 for 119 yards and a touchdown and added another 171 yards rushing on the ground. RB Deuce Vaughn added another 170 yards on the ground on 23 rushing attempts. This two-headed monster out of Kansas State has a real chance to challenge BIG 12 supremacy late in the season.

The Texas Tech Red Raiders (3-2)(1-1) return to action on Saturday, Oct. 8, when they travel to Stillwater, Oklahoma, and take on the Oklahoma State Cowboys (4-0)(1-0) at Boone Pickens Stadium at 2:30 pm.