Texas Tech rallies past Arizona to stay in Big 12 race

Texas Tech erased a seven-point halftime deficit to beat Arizona 34-26 in Lubbock on October 31. The Red Raiders improved to 7-1 overall and 4-1 in Big 12 play; Arizona fell to 6-2 and 3-2. The win also extended Texas Tech’s home winning streak to 13 games, tying a program record.

Quarterback Thomas Castellanos, starting after Will Hammond was benched following last week’s loss to Cincinnati, accounted for three touchdowns. He threw for 144 yards and two scores, and ran for 117 yards, including an eight-yard touchdown that tied the game at 17 in the third quarter. Texas Tech rushed for 332 yards, with J’Koby Williams gaining 175 and scoring twice.

Arizona led 17-10 at halftime and went ahead 23-17 in the third quarter after Kedrick Reescano’s second rushing touchdown. A blocked extra point left the Wildcats with a six-point lead. Castellanos then connected with Kenny Johnson on fourth-and-2 for a touchdown, putting Texas Tech in front. The Red Raiders added a field goal, and Williams broke free for a 64-yard touchdown late. Arizona scored a field goal but failed to recover its onside kick.

The result keeps Texas Tech in contention for the Big 12 title as the conference race tightens. Utah entered the weekend as the league’s only unbeaten team, while BYU, Texas Tech, Arizona and Oklahoma State were each carrying one conference loss. Texas Tech is set to host West Virginia next Saturday; the first College Football Playoff rankings are scheduled for November 3.