Texas Tech, the best defense in the conference? ‘No more,’ says Arizona State. The undefeated Texas Tech Red Raiders visited the Sun Devils in what seemed like a continuation of their B1G dominance. But it wasn’t to be. Kenny Dillingham’s team, buoyed by their QB1 returning from injury, simply outplayed Joey McGuire’s team in the 26-22 win. The final score looks better for the away team because they mounted a spirited fourth-quarter comeback to take the lead, but before that it was all Arizona State. McGuire was naturally impressed by what he saw from his opponents. 

In the post-game press conference, Texas Tech’s head coach gave a shoutout to Arizona’s defense, praising them as the best tackling team they had ever faced.

“I thought they played really well, especially defensively.” Joey McGuire admits, “I thought they were one of the better tackling teams. I thought that was one of the better tackling defenses we have faced.” The Red Raiders boast the No. 1 defense in the Big 12 conference, allowing only 256.8 yards per game. They can no longer claim that, as Arizona totalled 394 yards this week.

“They didn’t let a lot of extra yards go after contact or yards after catch, which we’ve been really good at this year.” Coach claimed, “I thought they did a great job. We just missed on too many opportunities, early, we were holding them to field goals, and then we just didn’t counter with any kind of scores.” 

Arizona’s defense restricted a team that averages 47 points and 558 yards of total offense to 22 points and 276 yards. In the third quarter, Texas Tech had just 13 total yards, marking their lowest in this season. Arizona’s LB Keyshaun Elliott had 10 tackles, and LB Martell Hughes had the only takeaway, an interception that came after a hit by Montana Warren.

McGuire showed his frustrations, “I hate it. I hate being in a locker room and feeling like I let the guys down.” However, he set his sights on consistent wins and earning the Big 12 Championship. He said that this loss won’t affect their chance, but it will motivate them to fight their way back.

What’s next for Joey McGuire’s Texas Tech

“I think more than anything, we’re fixed to find out how we’re going to face a loss. That’s the adversity that you’ve got to find out,” McGuire said. He believes that their side handled adversity very well, with a fighting spirit. All they look forward is coming up strong next Saturday.

Texas Tech is all set to face the Oklahoma State Cowboys next Saturday, which they believe to be a comeback game. Their next week’s opponent, Oklahoma State, is on a six-game losing streak, and their only win was against UT Martin in the season opener. It seems to be a cakewalk for Texas Tech. 

Their schedule for the rest of the season features only one ranked opponent, the BYU Cougars, who lead the Big 12 Conference with an undefeated seven-game winning streak. This could be a preview of the conference title contention, unless and until Texas Tech loses yet another game on the road.