WATCH: Texas Tech drills game-winning 62-yard field goal
The Texas Tech Red Raiders improved to 6-4 on the 2021 season after a miraculous, 41-38 win against the Iowa State Cyclones.
Texas Tech took an early lead over Iowa State, as the Red Raiders entered the locker room for halftime with a comfortable, 31-14 lead. However, Iowa State’s offense resurged in the second half, scoring 24 points — including 17 in the fourth quarter alone — and tied it up with a field goal, leaving the Red Raiders one minute to attempt a miracle drive.
Texas Tech did just that. The Red Raiders in one minute completed four passes, coupled with one four-yard rush, but gained just 31 yards in the seven-play, one-minute drive. So, with just seconds left in the game, Texas Tech had to send placekicker Jonathan Garibay onto the field for a 62-yard field goal attempt.
Garibay’s attempt, from 62 yards, was perfectly executed. The Red Raiders managed to pull away with no time left on the clock and solidify a 41-38 victory with one of the longest kicks of the 2021 college football seaosn.
Garibay’s game-winning field goal make was a historic moment for Texas Tech, and not just because of the distance. In the process, Garibay helped Texas Tech pick up its sixth win, making the Red Raiders bowl-eligible for the first time since 2017 — all in interim head coach Sonny Cumbie’s first game at the helm.
Texas Tech was led by quarterback Donovan Smith, who made just his second start of the season. But Smith made it count. He completed 25 of his 32 passing attempts for 322 passing yards, three touchdowns and an interception, while also making an impact on the ground, rushing for 50 yards on the day. Two Texas Tech running backs — Tahj Brooks and Sarodorick Thompson — rushed for touchdowns of their own, as Brooks had 80 rushing yards on nine carries, compared to Thompson’s 45 yards on nine carries.
Wide receiver Myles Price had a breakout game at the right time; the sophomore from Colony, Texas was Smith’s favorite target on the day, and it wasn’t close — he reeled in 175 yards and a Texas Tech touchdown on nine catches, nearly matching his season receiving yard tally before the game. Texas Tech’s defense helped the offense, too. Though Iowa State quarterback Brock Purdy completed 32 of his 42 passing attempts for 356 passing yards and three touchdowns, the Red Raiders forced him to throw two critical interceptions, limiting the Cyclones in the second half.
Texas Tech has two difficult games left on schedule, as the Red Raiders will first host the No. 10 Oklahoma State Cowboys next week, before traveling to Waco, Texas for an away bout at No. 13 Baylor.