At Lubbock, the BYU vs the Red Raiders threatened Big 12 consequences on Saturday. With a 22-point surplus win, Texas Tech was able to limit the then-undefeated Cougars to just one touchdown and a season-low 255 total yards. Linebacker Jacob Rodriguez emerged as an explosive weapon against BYU, limiting the offense to punts and field goals. Now, Joey McGuire is rooting for his recognition as a Heisman candidate.

It was 5:44 in the third quarter, and the Red Raiders had already dominated the turf, 16-0. On 3rd & 6, Rodriguez intercepted Bear Bachmeier’s pass, leading to the Raiders’ 29-yard field goal. Later in the fourth quarter, at 2nd & 6, Bachmeier was sacked, and Rodriguez recovered the fumble, leading to a  34-yard field goal by Texas Tech in the next play. His contribution to the defense was immense.

Post-game, as the victorious sea of red met the eyes at the Jones AT&T Stadium, Jacob was asked about his Heisman campaign. “Should we put you in it now (Heisman conversation)?” “I sure hope so,” replied the LB. And now, head coach McGuire is echoing the same.

“Heisman is given to the best football player,” he said to the press post-victory. “It’s not given to the best quarterback. They have awards for that. You can’t say that Jacob Rodriguez is not playing at that level, at an elite level, as good as anybody in the country. That kid deserves to be a part of that.”