Texas Tech at #24 Iowa State Game Recap

Photo CC: Credit: Texas Tech Athletic Department

Raider fans, if you were watching yesterday’s game in Ames, you probably ground your teeth more and more throughout the game. The loss in Ames drops the Raiders to 1-3, including 0-3 in conference play. Wells knows this team needs direction quickly. With Tech now trolling the bottom of the conference alongside the Jayhawks, some seats are getting much warmer. 

The Quarterback situation is now wide open. As you can see from Coach Wells’ post-game, Colombi will get more playing time moving forward. Wells knows he has two weeks before he has to name a QB, but he’s leaning closer to the transfer or so it seems. Statistically, Bowman had what looks to be the worst game of his career, going 13/22 for a mere 97 yards, zero TDS versus the Cyclones. Each Bowman drive ended with zero points.

Colombi, however, generated a touchdown in one of the two drives he commanded, going 10/12 for 115, one TD. While Colombi’s stats are not eye-popping, he was able to game-manage with the situation he was given. This is the second game in a row he has demonstrated that.

Whether it’s Bowman or Colombi, there still has to be talent to throw to. And that talent has seemed to have its own set of concerns. Yesterday in Ames there was a noticeable lack of receiver support. While KeSean Carter was out with injury, the explanation for TJ Vasher’s lack of use has yet to be fully explained. While Vasher did suit out, he played very sparingly and didn’t register a single catch. Stats-wise, he was only targeted once the entire game. With Vasher having early-season academic drama, one has to wonder what the story is now. Moving forward, expect to see Erik Ezukanma and a healthy KeSean Carter continue to develop as the top two targets, regardless of who is under center. 

Special Teams-wise, Tech opened the first quarter with an impressive score from Zech McPhearson who grabbed an Eli Howard FG block, returning it 90 yards for the touchdown. McPhearson would finish the game with 12 tackles, .5 TfL, two fumble recoveries, and one TD. McPhearson and the defense would never get any support from a Tech offense that seemed to perfect the three-and-out drive. Am I wrong here? Don’t think so. 

With all the personnel questions on the offense, lack of playmakers, and play calling, Coach Yost wakes up today knowing his seat is hot. Going 0-10 on third down is as bad as it gets offensively. 

Takeaways from this game – 

Purdy is an excellent QB in the Campbell system. Not only can he manage, he knows how to take advantage of the formations and mismatches his triple-TE threat can cause. Iowa State could sneak into the conference championship talk if Campbells team progresses and continues to win.

The Colombi era has begun. You know it, I know it, Wells knows it. That’s the reason Colombi was brought to Lubbock.

Yost is going to get the blame for this one. 0-10 on third downs is stingingly bad, adding to the rock bottom performance vs Houston Baptist to open the season. Time is ticking for a rebound or a change. Its mid-season, lets see what avenue Wells chooses. The next two weeks will set the pace for the rest of the season.

During the game, one of the announcers called the Tech offense “impotent”. Is there a worse way of describing a football team’s offense? Nope. I feel change a-comin’. You?

Agree with me? Not agree? Drop a comment below and let me know what your thoughts are.

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