TCU’s seesaw win at Texas Tech on Saturday proved there’s no place like the road in this Big 12 rivalry, thanks in great measure to a fittingly uncharacteristic first quarter for both teams.
Since this rivalry resumed in 2012 when the Frogs joined the Big 12, the road team is 6-2 following TCU’s 33-31 win on Saturday.
TCU (5-5, 3-4 Big 12) scored in double digits in the first quarter for the first time since Sept. 28. Conversely, Texas Tech (4-6, 2-5) had outscored previous opponents 72-27 in the first quarter this season before falling behind 17-0 after one period.
The rough start nearly doomed the Red Raiders before their offense found their footing. When Jett Duffey found his comfort level in the offense, they roared back into the game after several big time stops from their defense.
Duffey tied a career-high with four touchdowns through the air, but they weren’t quite enough to bring his team a win. They had an opportunity with just over two minutes left to drive down the field for the win after forcing a TCU punt, but a fumble by McLane Mannix on the first play of that drive killed what chance they had left to pull out a win.
In a game both teams desperately needed to win, this one stung for the Red Raiders. Their chances at a bowl game look all but gone after this loss of the Saddle Trophy.
The Associated Press contributed to this post.
Here’s what Twitter had to say about this game:
After the game, Des Smith immediately found fellow Midland/Odessa native McLane Mannix and consoled him after Mannix's fumble on the final Texas Tech drive. pic.twitter.com/gtQFKcLv8w
— Eric Kelly (@EricKellyTV) November 16, 2019
Was typing out "in what weird way will TCU-Tech end this time around" right when Tech fumbled on the first play of its two-minute drive, but it could still get weirder
— Banner Society (@BannerSociety) November 16, 2019
I don’t understand that two-point play try for Texas Tech. There’s no reason to go horizontal against TCU’s defense, that plays right into their hands.
— Shehan Jeyarajah (@ShehanJeyarajah) November 16, 2019
Oh look, a Texas Tech player tipped a ball into the hands of a TCU receiver. Never seen that one before. pic.twitter.com/iv8kEKhGhs
— Jordan Ray (@JordanLRay) November 16, 2019
Max Duggan looking like he'll lead TCU in rushing for fourth time in last five games. Nice 26-yard run on third-and-9, and then caps it off with a 20-yard TD run.
— Drew Davison (@drewdavison) November 16, 2019
