Texas Tech Edges West Virginia 53-48 in Offensive Shootout
A late touchdown and key fourth-down conversion secure a narrow win that keeps Texas Tech's College Football Playoff hopes alive by denying West Virginia a bowl-clinching victory.
Overview
- Texas Tech rallied in the fourth quarter and won 53-48 in Lubbock, with Thomas Castellanos throwing a career-high five touchdown passes and leading the decisive drive late in the game.
- The teams combined for more than 1,200 yards of offense and a string of long plays, and Texas Tech converted a fourth-and-3 to sustain the final scoring drive that produced the go-ahead touchdown.
- West Virginia quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. ran for three touchdowns and finished with big plays through the air, but the Mountaineers' defensive struggles in pass coverage and a late safety cost them a chance to clinch bowl eligibility.
- The win keeps Texas Tech positioned for a Big 12 title run and preserves its CFP prospects, and the Red Raiders now head to a key road game at Oklahoma State next weekend.
- Both teams showcased elite rushing attacks that shaped the game, and West Virginia's continued pass-defense issues highlight a matchup weakness opponents can try to exploit going forward.