Texas Tech holds off Arizona for 3-0 start in Big 12 play

Field Level Media|published: Sun 6th October, 03:27 2024

Oct 5, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Texas Tech defensive lineman Quincy Ledet Jr. (5) intercepts a pass from the Arizona Wildcats during second quarter. at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

Gino Garcia kicked a go-ahead 41-yard field goal with 2:21 left and Tahj Brooks scored a late touchdown after a turnover as Texas Tech beat Arizona 28-22 on Saturday night in Tucson, Ariz.

Brooks scored on a 32-yard run for a 28-19 lead after Texas Tech (5-1, 3-0 Big 12) knocked the ball loose from Arizona receiver Tetairoa McMillan and recovered the fumble at the Wildcats 43 with 2:12 to go. Brooks scored three touchdowns on the ground, rushing for 128 yards on 21 carries.

Tyler Loop hit a 52-yard field goal with 54 seconds left for Arizona (3-2, 1-1), but the Red Raiders recovered an onside kick and ran out the clock.

Brooks' two lost fumbles loomed large until late in the game, as they helped the Wildcats rally from an 18-3 halftime deficit. The hosts took their first lead at 19-18 when Loop kicked a 37-yard field goal with 10:07 to go in the fourth quarter.

Loop converted a school-record five field goals on six tries, missing his fifth attempt, from 48 yards out, that would have given Arizona a four-point lead with 4:52 left in the game.

On the ensuing possession, Texas Tech put together its longest drive of the second half before stalling at the Arizona 23. That was close enough for Garcia, who booted his 41-yarder.

Texas Tech is off to its first 3-0 start in Big 12 play since 2013.

Behren Morton completed 17 of 29 passes for 214 yards for the Red Raiders. Caleb Douglas caught five passes for 116 yards. Linebacker Jacob Rodriguez made 13 tackles, had one sack and forced McMillan's fumble.

Arizona's Noah Fifita finished with 301 yards on 28-of-49 passing. He was picked off twice. McMillan led the receiving group with eight receptions for 161 yards.

Brooks scored twice in the first half, on runs of 3 and 9 yards, with the second score coming with 1:38 to go until intermission. A two-point conversion try following that second TD was successful, giving Texas Tech a 15-3 lead.

Garcia made good on a 30-yard field goal as time expired in the second quarter.

--Field Level Media