Texas Tech at Kansas State Game Recap

Photo CC: Credit: Texas Tech Athletic Department

Tech falls in Manhattan, 31-21

Anyone predict a double QB early departure? I sure didn’t. With both Alan Bowman and Skylar Thompson taking to the sidelines early with injuries, Tech’s Henry Colombi and Kansas State’s highly touted freshman Will Howard took the reins. That alone got me wanting more popcorn.

Even with the fourth-quarter interception to K-State’s Jahron McPherson, Colombi demonstrated why Wells went after his services. Colombi’s 244 yards on 30/42 is not going to wow you, but it does demonstrate his ability to be game ready. His game management IQ was obvious, especially with his early drive in the fourth quarter to take the lead 21-17. But that would not prove to be enough as his next three possessions would come up empty.

Will Colombi be the quarterback moving forward? I’d probably say that’s a safe bet at the moment. But Bowman is still the one they will look to if he’s healthy. If he’s healthy….

The burst of Xavier White and his 113 yards rushing kept Tech’s offense balanced and dangerous. Yost’s play-calling allowed White to open up, catching K-State off guard.

But as predicted, Deuce Vaughn was just too much, finishing with 113 yards rushing and 81 yards receiving. The 5’5 freshman speedster was all over the field, consistently taking advantage of Tech defensive mismatches.

Missing in action – TJ Vasher with only 10 yards. Quarterback play can’t be blamed here. K-State’s defense came game-planned-ready to keep him in check. The goal-line throw-up/fade with a one-handed catch would have been nice, but K-State’s secondary just wasn’t going to allow it. 

Tech’s 267 total passing yards is definitely on the low side. The shut down of Vasher did not open up more targets. Erik Ezukanma’s 77 and Kesean Carter’s 52 yards lead the Raiders respectively. Myles Price and his 51 yards, TD will be surely earning more playing time from Wells. 

Best takes from this game –

Red Raiders have a quarterback controversy on their hands whether they know it or not. If Colombi plays and gets a W next week in Ames, he could be the starter moving forward. Bowman getting injured gives that “here we go again”, deja vu feeling. If Bowman’s injury gives Colombi significant game time, Bowman might not get it back. Bowman’s injury timeframe will tell the tale.

The Tech defense is showing more continuity, but there has to be improving each week under Keith Patterson. A win in Ames is going to have to ride the back of the defense. Whoever is under center is going to need field position aid. With Iowa St. winning the last four, Patterson knows they need a big week in practice.

With Sa’Rodorick Thompson tangling with legal and health issues, White should see more of the carries moving forward. The running game as a strength is going to make a possible Colombi transition that much easier.

What was your take? Drop a comment down below!