Overview
- Rodriguez scored his first offensive touchdown on a direct-snap wildcat and added nine tackles, a pass breakup and his fourth interception in No. 6 Texas Tech’s 48-9 win over UCF.
- Coach Joey McGuire said he inserted Rodriguez at quarterback to spotlight his candidacy, noting that Heisman talk centers on quarterbacks despite the award honoring the best player.
- The senior linebacker’s season ledger now includes roughly 100 tackles, seven forced fumbles and four interceptions, and he is a Chuck Bednarik Award semifinalist.
- Patrick Mahomes renewed his public call to “Get him to New York,” amplifying a campaign that has also drawn national media attention.
- Quarterbacks still lead betting markets, with Heisman finalists to be named Dec. 8 and the trophy awarded Dec. 13, leaving Rodriguez’s remaining games as potential résumé boosters.