In a thrilling Big 12 showdown, the Texas Tech Red Raiders stunned the previously unbeaten No. 11 Iowa State Cyclones with a last-second touchdown, securing a 23-22 upset victory in Ames, Iowa. Quarterback Behren Morton led a masterful 71-yard drive in the game’s final moments, setting the stage for running back Tahj Brooks’ heroic 5-yard touchdown run with just 20 seconds left on the clock.
A Rollercoaster Ride of a Game
The matchup between Texas Tech and Iowa State was a back-and-forth affair from start to finish. The Cyclones, who were gunning for their first-ever 8-0 start, took a late 22-16 lead on a 44-yard touchdown pass from Rocco Becht to Carson Brown with 2:11 remaining. However, the Red Raiders refused to go down without a fight.
Morton’s Magnificent Drive
Facing a six-point deficit and with the clock ticking down, Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton showcased his poise and leadership. Despite battling through a shoulder injury that had knocked him out of the previous week’s game against TCU, Morton engineered a brilliant 71-yard drive that will be remembered for years to come.
We never lost faith in each other. We knew we had the talent and the heart to pull off something special today.
Behren Morton, Texas Tech Quarterback
The Red Raiders overcame three false start penalties on the decisive drive, with Morton converting a crucial fourth-and-7 with an 8-yard pass to Josh Kelly to keep their hopes alive. Brooks, who finished the day with 122 yards on 25 carries, took a direct snap and powered his way into the end zone for the game-winning score.
Brooks’ Brilliant Performance
Tahj Brooks’ heroics extended far beyond the final play. The workhorse running back eclipsed the 4,000-yard mark for his career, notching his ninth consecutive 100-yard rushing game this season. His relentless effort and determination were instrumental in Texas Tech’s upset victory.
Tahj is the heart and soul of this team. He puts it all on the line every single game, and today was no different. We wouldn’t be celebrating this win without him.
A Texas Tech teammate
Iowa State’s Missed Opportunities
For Iowa State, the loss is a bitter pill to swallow. The Cyclones had multiple chances to seal the victory and secure their spot in the history books, but they couldn’t quite close the deal. Quarterback Rocco Becht had a strong performance, throwing for 315 yards and two touchdowns, while wide receiver Jayden Higgins hauled in 10 catches for 140 yards.
Despite the impressive offensive numbers, Iowa State will undoubtedly look back on this game as a missed opportunity. The Cyclones’ defense, which had been stout all season, couldn’t come up with the crucial stop when it mattered most.
A Signature Win for Texas Tech
The victory over No. 11 Iowa State marks Texas Tech’s most significant win in recent memory. Not since their 2012 triumph over No. 5 West Virginia have the Red Raiders taken down such a highly-ranked opponent. The win also snaps a two-game losing streak, providing a much-needed boost to a program that had been reeling after losses to Baylor and TCU.
This is a huge win for our program. To come into Ames and beat a team like Iowa State, it says a lot about the character and resilience of our guys. We’re going to enjoy this one, but we know there’s still a lot of work ahead of us.
A Texas Tech coach
Looking Ahead
With the upset victory, Texas Tech improves to 6-3 overall and 4-2 in Big 12 play. The Red Raiders will look to build on this momentum as they enter the home stretch of the season, with games against TCU, Kansas, and Oklahoma still on the horizon.
As for Iowa State, the Cyclones will need to regroup quickly. At 7-1 overall and 4-1 in conference play, their goals of a Big 12 title and potential College Football Playoff berth are still within reach. However, the margin for error has become considerably slimmer, and they’ll need to bounce back strong in the coming weeks.
In a season filled with twists and turns, Texas Tech’s last-second upset of Iowa State serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of college football. As the saying goes, that’s why they play the games.
