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Game Recap
The Iowa State Cyclones typically have all the answers at home, but on Saturday the Texas Tech Red Raiders proved too difficult a challenge. The Red Raiders narrowly escaped with a victory as the team sidled past Iowa State 41-38. Texas Tech's win was all the more impressive since Iowa State was averaging only 18.22 points allowed on the season.
Texas Tech's offense came in ready to rumble, picking up 31 points in the first half. Iowa State wasn't quite able to keep up, and the score was 31-14 heading into the break. Texas Tech couldn't replicate their first half dominance, getting outscored after the break, but not by enough to lose the contest.
Texas Tech QB Donovan Smith was slinging it as he passed for three TDs and 322 yards on 32 attempts in addition to picking up 50 yards on the ground. WR Erik Ezukanma also deserves a shout-out for his two TDs.
Special teams collected 12 points for the Red Raiders. K Jonathan Garibay booted in two field goals, the longest a 62-yarder in the fourth quarter, which ultimately accounted for the difference in the game.
Despite the defeat, the Cyclones had strong showings from RB Breece Hall, who punched in two rushing touchdowns in addition to snatching one receiving TD, and QB Brock Purdy, who passed for three TDs and 356 yards on 42 attempts in addition to picking up 34 yards on the ground.
The win bumped Texas Tech's record up to 6-4. The loss dropped Iowa State's record to an identical 6-4.
The Red Raiders will take on the Oklahoma State Cowboys at 8 p.m. ET next Saturday at home. If the matchup is anything like Oklahoma State's 50-44 victory from their previous meeting in November of last year, the scorekeeper will be kept real busy. The Cyclones will hit the road for the second straight week as they head to Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium at noon ET next Saturday. These teams are both seeking redemption after dropping matches that they were favored to win.
