Iowa State mounted a valiant comeback against Texas Tech on Saturday, but Red Raiders kicker Jonathan Garibay converted a walk-off 62-yard field goal to nullify the Cyclones' late efforts. Garibay's game-winning kick made Texas Tech bowl eligible for the first time since 2017.
The Cyclones, who outscored Texas Tech 24-10 in the second half and tied the game at 38 with a minute remaining, didn't seem to trust Garibay's leg with the game on the line. Instead of rushing all 11 defenders -- or 10 with a deep man to return an under kicked ball -- Iowa State rushed just five, giving Garibay ample opportunity to drive the ball.
And drive the ball he did. Garibay, who had only converted one field goal over 40 yards this season, kicked the ball just inside the right upright to give Texas Tech a 41-38 win. The California-born kicker then ripped his helmet off and elatedly sprinted across the field, where his teammates and Texas Tech fans soon joined him.
"Can you believe that," one announcer said before screaming his lungs out. "Wow, that hurt man."
Prior to this week, Oregon State's Everett Hayes owned the longest kick of the season with a 60-yarder against Colorado. Garibay, who's now made all 10 of his field-goal attempts this season, is now the title holder.
Texas Tech had more than a win and bowl eligibility to celebrate. The Red Raiders came into the game having lost five straight to Iowa State, with Matt Campbell's teams outscoring them 202-93. Saturday's win over the Cyclones marked Texas Tech's first in Lubbock since 2015.
The Red Raiders hope to keep rolling against No. 10 Oklahoma State next Saturday at 8 p.m. ET in Lubbock.