Leftwich reflects on ASU Loss, prepares for Oklahoma State
Texas Tech offensive coordinator Mack Leftwich faced the media following the Red Raiders’ tough loss to Arizona State, offering a candid breakdown of what went wrong and how his unit plans to respond. From missed opportunities in the run game to the growing pains of quarterback Will Hammond’s first true road start, Leftwich detailed both the challenges and the lessons learned. Now, with Oklahoma State up next, his focus has shifted to execution, patience, and building confidence in a critical Big 12 matchup.
A hard lesson from Arizona State
Texas Tech offensive coordinator Mack Leftwich didn’t hide from the struggles his unit faced in the loss to Arizona State. The Red Raiders managed explosive plays on the ground, averaging five yards per carry. Still, Leftwich admitted the run game lacked consistency.
“Both those guys hit one big run each, you know, that definitely boosted the average,” Leftwich said. “I don’t know if the consistency in the run game was exactly where we wanted it to be.”
With quarterback Will Hammond checking into RPOs, and multiple two-minute situations forcing passing plays, Texas Tech drifted from its ground attack. Leftwich stressed patience would have been valuable early in the game.
Hammond’s development and vertical opportunities
Leftwich evaluated Hammond’s first true road start with a balanced tone. He praised the quarterback’s patience but also pointed out missed opportunities.
“At times, maybe a little bit too patient,” Leftwich explained. “When the defense provides opportunities for us to throw the football down the field, we got to be able to take advantage of that.”
He noted Hammond’s maturity, adding that the young quarterback has the ability to learn quickly and move forward.
Struggles with first downs and sustaining drives
The third quarter stood out as a major turning point. Arizona State’s defense limited Tech to just 13 yards on two drives.
“We got to be better on first down,” Leftwich said. He pointed to poor execution, including a one-yard rush and an incomplete RPO pass, that left the offense behind the chains.
That lack of rhythm hurt the defense as well, forcing them back on the field after short possessions. “A lot of that is just because we got in so many third and longs,” he added.
Wide receivers stepping up
Despite the offensive struggles, the receiving corps made timely plays. Leftwich highlighted Coy Eakins touchdown grab and Reggie Virgils contributions.
“I thought the catch that he made on that touchdown was an unbelievable play,” he said of Eakin. “Reggie, for the most part, when he got his opportunities, he did great with them.”
Caleb “CD” had already posted a 100-yard game against Houston, showing steady progress in Big 12 play. Leftwich emphasized finding more ways to get receivers involved.
Tempo and adjustments in the fourth quarter
Down multiple scores, Texas Tech played with more tempo late. That adjustment helped Hammond settle into rhythm and sparked a late rally.
“I felt like in that first half, I wasn’t in a great rhythm,” Leftwich admitted. “That fourth quarter put Will in a better rhythm, got him some easy completions, and we were able to move the football.”
Although the comeback fell short, Leftwich was proud of the fight his team displayed. “Those guys aren’t going to quit playing. They’re going to keep believing,” he said.
Looking ahead to Oklahoma State
With Behren Morton still day-to-day, Hammond is preparing to start again against Oklahoma State. Leftwich noted Morton is progressing, already back on the underwater treadmill.
On tight end Terrance Carter Jr., who has been a red zone weapon, Leftwich acknowledged that losing him would force adjustments. “Anytime you lose really good football players, you got to make adjustments,” he said.
As for the upcoming matchup, Leftwich made clear the focus is on process. “Once that hits, we got to be on Oklahoma State, and can’t let that loss drag into this week,” he said.
Final thoughts
The Arizona State loss highlighted Texas Tech’s offensive inconsistencies. Still, it also revealed resilience in the fourth quarter. For Leftwich, the next step is about discipline, better execution on early downs, and taking shots when defenses allow it.
With Oklahoma State looming, the Red Raiders will lean on Hammond’s growth, the playmaking receivers, and improved patience in the run game. The test now is whether the Texas Tech offense can respond to adversity and show its true identity in Stillwater.
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