Castellanos Leads Texas Tech Past Arizona in Big 12 Showdown

Texas Tech turned to Tommy Castellanos at quarterback and beat Arizona 34-26 on October 31, ending the Wildcats’ five-game winning streak. Both teams entered the matchup level for second place in the Big 12, trailing unbeaten Utah, as they pursued conference and College Football Playoff contention.

Castellanos, making his first start in place of Will Hammond, completed passes for 144 yards and two touchdowns, while gaining 117 yards on the ground and scoring once. His 27-yard fourth-quarter touchdown pass to Kenny Johnson put the Red Raiders ahead for good. Texas Tech had taken a 24-23 lead after Ansel Nedore blocked the extra-point attempt following Arizona’s go-ahead touchdown.

J’Koby Williams delivered a 64-yard touchdown run late in the game and finished with 175 rushing yards. Texas Tech ran for 328 yards, while the Red Raiders extended their home winning streak to 13 games, matching a school record.

Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita threw for 417 yards, including a 94-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Mizell. The Wildcats had a chance to take the lead in the fourth quarter, but Fifita’s pass fell incomplete on fourth-and-1 at the Texas Tech 18. Arizona later cut the margin to eight with a field goal, but Texas Tech recovered the ensuing onside kick. Freshman receiver R.J. Mosley left with an apparently serious left leg injury.

Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire made the quarterback change after a 37-24 loss to Cincinnati. Arizona next hosts TCU on Friday, while Texas Tech is set to welcome West Virginia next Saturday.