LUBBOCK (Texas) — Texas Tech’s linebacker Jacob Rodriguez is a campus celebrity. Fans in the stands have begun wearing his signature mustache, and his no. Patrick Mahomes No. 5 for most sported at Jones AT&T Stadium. Rodriguez’s stats have been spectacular, and his No. Texas Tech won 29-7 against No. BYU was one of his finest performances — 14 tackles and a tackle for a loss, plus an interception that was returned into enemy territory. He led the Red Raiders to a defensive transformation, from a player who was good on a bad team last year to a player who is one of the top players in college football by 2025. Texas Tech’s Joey McGuire explained that “the Heisman award is given to a football player and not a quarterback.” They have awards for it. Jacob Rodriguez at his current position is as elite and good as anyone in the United States. Last time a Texas Tech linebacker was so well-known was when Zach Thomas, an undersized Hall of Famer hailing from Pampa, was calling the plays. Rodriguez’s defensive unit played one of its best games during the Red Raiders’ historic victory.
BYU’s offense is a challenge because of its option concepts and misdirection. Bear Bachmeier is a dual-threat and rarely falls down. Defensive tackle Lee Hunter was the only one to sack him. Texas Tech was able to excel in the face of a lack of havoc, but also a high number on down-to-down plays. Eight players made at least four tackles, with few missed opportunities in the space. Seven players defended eight passes. Four players recorded quarterback hurries, and four players recorded a single tackle loss. The defense and special team kept the team alive on a day when the offense struggled early. Texas Tech doesn’t officially track attendance beyond the stadium capacity, which is 60,229. But every nook was packed. For the majority of the afternoon it wasn’t an overly loud crowd. Even though they had a two goal lead, nerves won out over emotion.
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In the final quarter of the game, Rodriguez returned a pass to Bachmeier on third down and tipped it. In the first moment, the emotions flowed. A drive later, and the Red Raiders had finally reached the endzone for the second consecutive time. McGuire said, “We can depend on the defense.” No matter what is going on, or at which level of football, if you are able to play defense and run with the ball, you will have a chance to be in a game. The results against BYU’s highly praised running game were unreal. The Cougars had averaged 216 rushing yards per game before the matchup. Texas Tech only managed 67 yards on 2.5 carries. Bachmeier, who had a career-high 38 passes attempts in the second half of the game, was forced to throw more, but the Cougars only gained 3.9 yards on each play.
McGuire spent most of his coaching career in high schools before coming to Texas Tech. He hasn’t been tied to any specific system but his defense and physicality have always been a part of him. Many questioned whether he could build such a culture after adding several defensive key pieces. But returners such as John Curry and Rodriguez saw it as an opportunity. All of them came to Lubbock to have the chance to change their lives. After outlasting BYU Texas Tech officially completed its journey from a defense in the bottom 10 to a unit that is ranked among the top 10. Texas Tech, yes Texas Tech, has a championship-level defense. “We are so close,” Rodriguez said. “This has been the most fun football I’ve had ever. It’s all about the team. Not just offense, defence, or special teams. Everyone cares for each other. We have to be the most closely knit team in the country.”
Texas Tech has virtually secured a place in the Big 12 Championship Game, for the first ever in the history of the program. There are still games against UCF and West Virginia, both struggling teams. If the Red Raiders are able to enter the postseason without losing a game, they will likely be able to punch their tickets into the College Football Playoff – win or lose. Rodriguez began his football career at Virginia. He trusted the staff and returned to West Texas, where he switched positions. Rodriguez has made 91 tackles in 10 games. He also has 9.5 tackles lost, 3 interceptions, 7 forced fumbles, and 5 passes defended. Will it be sufficient to get an invite to the Heisman trophy ceremony in December. What will happen remains to be determined. But it’ll be enough to compete in a championship.
2025-11-08 23:08:50
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