2021 Texas Tech Red Raiders football
Liberty Bowl champion
ConferenceBig 12 Conference
Record7–6 (3–6 Big 12)
Head coach
Offensive coordinatorSonny Cumbie (2nd season)
Offensive schemeSpread
Defensive coordinatorKeith Patterson (3rd season)
Co-defensive coordinatorDerek Jones (2nd season)
Base defense3–4/3–3–5 hybrid
Captain
13
Home stadiumJones AT&T Stadium
2021 Big 12 Conference football standings
ConfOverall
Team W L  W L 
No. 7 Oklahoma State y  8 –1   12 –2  
No. 5 Baylor y$  7 –2   12 –2  
No. 10 Oklahoma  7 –2   11 –2  
Iowa State  5 –4   7 –6  
Kansas State  4 –5   8 –5  
West Virginia  4 –5   6 –7  
Texas  3 –6   5 –7  
TCU  3 –6   5 –7  
Texas Tech  3 –6   7 –6  
Kansas  1 –8   2 –10  
Championship: Baylor 21, Oklahoma State 16
  • $ – Conference champion
  • y – Championship game participant
Rankings from AP Poll

The 2021 Texas Tech Red Raiders football team represented Texas Tech University during the 2021 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Red Raiders play their home games at the Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas, and compete in the Big 12 Conference. With a 41–38 win over Iowa State on November 13, Texas Tech became bowl eligible for the first time since the 2017 season. The team finished the season with an overall record of 7–6 for the Red Raiders' first winning season since 2015.

The team was led by third-year head coach Matt Wells for the first eight games. Wells was fired on October 25, with offensive coordinator Sonny Cumbie being named interim head coach.[1] Baylor associate head coach/outside linebackers coach Joey McGuire was named as Texas Tech's 17th head coach on November 8; Cumbie continued to serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.[2] On November 24, McGuire announced that he would be retaining Cumbie as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.[3] However, on November 30, it was announced that Cumbie would become the head coach at Louisiana Tech; Cumbie would coach Texas Tech for its bowl game.[4]

Following the regular season, kicker Jonathan Garibay was elected to the All-Big 12 Football First Team, while wide receiver Erik Ezukanma, offensive lineman Dawson Deaton, linebacker Colin Schooler, defensive back DaMarcus Fields, and punter Austin McNamara were selected to the second team.[5]

Preseason

Award watch lists

Listed in the order that they were released

Award Player Position Year
Chuck Bednarik Award[6] Colin Schooler LB SR
Maxwell Award[6] Erik Ezukanma WR JR
Doak Walker Award[7] SaRodorick Thompson RB JR
Fred Biletnikoff Award[8] Erik Ezukanma WR JR
Kaylon Geiger WR SR
Rimington Trophy[9] Dawson Deaton OL SR
Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award[10] Tyler Shough QB JR
Ray Guy Award[11] Austin McNamara P JR
Lou Groza Award[12] Jonathan Garibay PK SR

Big 12 media days

The Big 12 Media Days were held on July 14–15, 2021 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Texas Tech was represented by head coach Matt Wells, offensive lineman Dawson Deaton, and linebacker Riko Jeffers.[13]

Big 12 media poll

Big 12 media poll[14]
Predicted finish Team Votes (1st place)
1Oklahoma386 (35)
2Iowa State351 (4)
3Texas273
4Oklahoma State266
5TCU255
6West Virginia185
7Kansas State163
8Baylor124
9Texas Tech103
10Kansas39

Preseason All-Big 12 team

The 2021 Preseason All-Big 12 Team was announced on July 7, with three Texas Tech players being selected.[15][16]

Team Player Position Year
1st Erik Ezukanma WR JR
2nd Dawson Deaton OL SR
1st Austin McNamara P SR

Schedule

DateTimeOpponentSiteTVResultAttendance
September 46:00 p.m.vs. Houston*
ESPNW 38–2143,478
September 116:00 p.m.Stephen F. Austin*
ESPN+W 28–2255,271
September 186:00 p.m.FIU*
  • Jones AT&T Stadium
  • Lubbock, TX
ESPN+W 54–2150,118
September 2511:00 a.m.at Texas
ABCL 35–7098,349
October 22:30 p.m.at West Virginia
ESPN2W 23–2054,090
October 96:00 p.m.TCUdagger
  • Jones AT&T Stadium
  • Lubbock, TX (rivalry)
ESPNL 31–5255,821
October 163:00 p.m.at Kansas
ESPN+W 41–1425,106
October 2311:00 a.m.Kansas State
  • Jones AT&T Stadium
  • Lubbock, TX
FS1L 24–2552,874
October 302:30 p.m.at No. 4 Oklahoma
ABCL 21–5282,732
November 132:30 p.m.Iowa State
  • Jones AT&T Stadium
  • Lubbock, TX
ESPN2W 41–3847,158
November 207:00 p.m.No. 9 Oklahoma State
  • Jones AT&T Stadium
  • Lubbock, TX
FoxL 0–2353,169
November 2711:00 a.m.at No. 8 Baylor
FS1L 24–2743,901
December 285:45 p.m.vs. Mississippi State*
ESPNW 34–748,615
Schedule Source:[17]

Coaching staff

Name Position Year at Texas Tech Alma mater
Matt WellsHead coach3rdUtah State
Sonny CumbieOffensive coordinator/quarterbacks1stTexas Tech
Keith PattersonDefensive coordinator3rdEast Central
Derek JonesCo-defensive coordinator/secondary2ndMississippi
Mark TommerdahlSpecial teams coordinator/Assistant Offensive Line3rdConcordia
Kevin CosgroveLinebackers2ndWisconsin–Oshkosh
Steve FarmerOffensive line3rdIllinois State
Joel FilaniOutside Receivers3rdTexas Tech
Paul RandolphDefensive line3rdTennessee Martin
DeAndre SmithRunning backs3rdSouthwest Missouri State
Luke WellsTight Ends/Inside Receivers3rdOklahoma
Dave ScholzStrength and conditioning3rdWisconsin–Eau Claire

Roster

2021 Texas Tech Red Raiders Football Roster

Quarterbacks

Running backs

  •  4 SaRodorick Thompson – Redshirt junior (6'0, 210)
  •  5 Chadarius Townsend – Redshirt senior (6'0, 200)
  • 14 Xavier White – Redshirt junior (5'11, 190)
  • 23 Kyron Cumby – sophomore (5'8, 180)
  • 27 Cam'Ron Valdez – freshman (5'9, 195)
  • 28 Tahj Brooks – sophomore (5'10, 215)
  • 33 Ronnie Hart – sophomore (6'0, 205)

Wide receivers

  • 10 Kaylon Geiger – Redshirt senior (5'10, 180)
  • 11 McLane Mannix – Redshirt senior (5'10, 190)
  • 13 Erik Ezukanma – Redshirt junior (6'3, 220)
  • 18 Myles Price – sophomore (5'10, 175)
  • 19 Loic Fouonji – sophomore (6'4, 205)
  • 22 Sterling Galban – Redshirt junior (5'11, 175)
  • 24 Cole Kirkpatrick – freshman (6'0, 185)
  • 29 Ben Gair – freshman (6'1, 195)
  • 32 Jake Bishop – sophomore (5'7, 175)
  • 45 Austin Brougham – Redshirt junior (6'2, 195)
  • 47 Jalen McCoslin – freshman (6'0, 180)
  • 82 Nehemiah Martinez – freshman (5'9, 185)
  • 83 Cameron Cantrell – Redshirt sophomore (6'1, 195)
  • 84 J. J. Sparkman – Redshirt freshman (6'4, 215)
  • 85 Trey Cleveland – Redshirt sophomore (6'4, 190)
  • 86 Dalton Rigdon – Redshirt senior (5'11, 170)
  • 89 Jerand Bradley – freshman (6'5, 210)

Tight ends

  • 15 Travis Koontz – Redshirt senior (6'5, 255)
  • 26 Jason Lloyd – Redshirt sophomore (6'4, 240)
  • 41 Jayden York – Redshirt freshman (6'3, 215)
  • 43 Henry Teeter – Redshirt junior (6'4, 230)
  • 80 Mason Tharp – freshman (6'8, 230)
  • 88 Jed Castles – freshman (6'7, 225)

Long snappers

  • 30 Jackson Knotts – freshman (5'11, 185)
  • 61 Jacob Mauch – sophomore (6'3, 220)
  • 62 Hayden Welte – Redshirt sophomore (6'5, 220)
  

Offensive linemen

  • 50 Josh Burger – Redshirt senior (6'4, 295)
  • 51 T. J. Storment – Redshirt senior (6'7, 325)
  • 53 Trevor Roberson – Redshirt sophomore (6'11, 345)
  • 57 Blake Spence – freshman (6'1, 255)
  • 58 Jack Tucker – freshman (6'7, 285)
  • 63 Aaron Castro – Redshirt sophomore (6'3, 295)
  • 64 Clayton Franks – Redshirt junior (6'4, 290)
  • 65 Tay Yanta – Redshirt freshman (6'4, 350)
  • 66 Matt Keeler – Redshirt freshman (6'6, 295)
  • 67 Blake Burris – freshman (6'3, 300)
  • 68 Casey Verhulst – Redshirt senior (6'6, 305)
  • 69 Caleb Rodkey – freshman (6'4, 300)
  • 70 Weston Wright – Redshirt junior (6'6, 315)
  • 71 Brett Canis – freshman (6'6, 315)
  • 72 Landon Peterson – Redshirt sophomore (6'6, 300)
  • 73 Dawson Deaton – Redshirt senior (6'6, 310)
  • 74 Larry Moore – Redshirt freshman (6'6, 290)
  • 75 Jacoby Jackson – freshman (6'6, 330)
  • 76 Caleb Rogers – sophomore (6'5, 290)
  • 77 Ethan Carde – Redshirt junior (6'8, 315)
  • 79 Jacob Votaw – freshman (6'5, 265)

Defensive linemen

  • 19 Tyree Wilson – junior (6'6, 280)
  • 43 Jake Justice – sophomore (6'6, 210)
  • 49 Charles Esters III – freshman (6'3, 245)
  • 51 Robert Wooten – sophomore (6'3, 240)
  • 59 Isaac Smith – freshman (6'6, 240)
  • 78 Alexander Poole – senior (6'1, 305)
  • 90 Devin Drew – Redshirt senior (6'2, 280)
  • 91 Nelson Mbanasor – senior (6'3, 275)
  • 92 L. B. Moore – Redshirt freshman (6'3, 240)
  • 93 Troy Te'o – Redshirt senior (6'2, 280)
  • 94 Tre'Jon Lewis – Redshirt sophomore (6'4, 250)
  • 95 Jaylon Hutchings – Redshirt junior (6'0, 300)
  • 96 Philip Blidi – sophomore (6'4, 275)
  • 97 Tony Bradford Jr. – junior (6'1, 290)
  • 98 E'Maurion Banks – freshman (6'5, 295)
  • 99 Gilbert Ibeneme – Redshirt sophomore (6'3, 285)

Placekickers

  • 36 Trey Wolff – Redshirt junior (6'4, 205)
  • 46 Jonathan Garibay – Redshirt senior (6'0, 215)
  • 60 Landon Reeves – Redshirt junior (5'9, 155)
  

Linebackers

  •  1 Krishon Merriweather – Redshirt senior (6'0, 240)
  •  2 Brandon Bouyer-Randle – Redshirt senior (6'2, 235)
  •  6 Riko Jeffers – Redshirt senior (6'2, 235)
  • 16 Jesiah Pierre – Redshirt sophomore (6'2, 245)
  • 17 Colin Schooler – Redshirt senior (6'1, 230)
  • 20 Kosi Eldridge – Redshirt senior (6'1, 225)
  • 24 Jacob Morgenstern – Redshirt senior (6'4, 230)
  • 32 Tyrique Matthews – junior (5'11, 220)
  • 33 Matthew Young – Redshirt senior (6'1, 240)
  • 34 Bryce Robinson – Redshirt sophomore (6'0, 230)
  • 35 Patrick Curley – Redshirt junior (6'2, 235)
  • 39 Charles Robinson – freshman (6'0, 230)
  • 42 Gage Elder – freshman (5'11, 215)
  • 47 Ethan Frasier – Redshirt sophomore (6'1, 230)
  • 48 Derrick Lewis II – Redshirt freshman (6'1 205)
  • 50 Trent Low – Redshirt freshman (6'1, 205)
  • 54 Bryce Ramirez – Redshirt sophomore (6'0, 220)
  • 56 Jackson Baggett – Redshirt sophomore (6'3, 220)

Defensive backs

  •  0 Seth Collins – Redshirt senior (6'3, 200)
  •  3 Kobee Minor – Redshirt freshman (6'0, 190)
  •  7 Adrian Frye – Redshirt senior (6'0, 190)
  •  8 Malik Dunlap – Redshirt junior (6'3, 215)
  •  9 Marquis Waters – Redshirt senior (6'1, 200)
  • 10 Cam White – Redshirt junior (6'1, 200)
  • 11 Eric Monroe – Redshirt senior (5'11, 205)
  • 12 Rayshad Williams – Redshirt junior (6'2, 190)
  • 15 Cole Boyd – Redshirt sophomore (6'3, 200)
  • 21 Cameron Watts – Redshirt junior (5'10, 195)
  • 22 Reggie Pearson Jr. – Redshirt junior (5'11, 200)
  • 23 DaMarcus Fields – Redshirt senior (6'0, 200)
  • 25 Dadrion Taylor-Demerson – junior (5'11, 190)
  • 28 Louis Ortiz – freshman (5'11, 195)
  • 29 Nate Floyd – Redshirt freshman (6'0, 175)
  • 31 Joseph Plunk – Redshirt freshman (5'10, 165)
  • 37 Imari Jones – freshman (6'1, 165)
  • 38 Jett Whitfield – Redshirt sophomore (5'11, 200)
  • 40 Luis Jaramillo – sophomore (6'0, 185)
  • 41 Joe Shaw – freshman (5'10, 165)
  • 45 Chief Collins – freshman (5'11, 190)
  • 46 Jonathan Davis – Redshirt freshman (6'1, 170)

Punters

  • 31 Austin McNamara – junior (6'4, 185)
  • 48 Grant Nickel – freshman (6'0, 160)

Game summaries

Vs. Houston (Texas Kickoff)

Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Houston Cougars (Texas Kickoff) – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Red Raiders 0 7 171438
Cougars 14 7 0021

at NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

Game information

This was Texas Tech's second appearance in the Texas Kickoff game, with the team's first appearance being a 27–47 loss to Ole Miss in 2018.

Houston received the opening kickoff, starting the drive at its own 25-yard line. The Cougars would drive down the field, capping the drive off with a 1-yard run from Clayton Tune. On the ensuing kickoff, Houston attempted an onside kick and recovered it. The Cougars would score another touchdown, this time with a 23-yard pass from Tune to Tank Dell to go up 14–0 following Dalton Witherspoon's kick. The Cougars would kick it off this time, giving Texas Tech's offense its first drive of the game. The Red Raiders made it down to the Houston 2-yard line, but running back Xavier White fumbled the ball and was recovered by Donavan Mutin for Houston. Houston would go three-and-out on its next drive, punting the ball away. On the next play, running back Tahj White ripped off a 41-yard run for a touchdown. On the Cougars' following offensive play, Tune was intercepted by Reggie Pearson Jr.

After being down 7–21 at halftime, Texas Tech scored 31 unanswered points in the 2nd half for a 38–21 victory. The Red Raiders' defense picked off Houston quarterback Clayton Tune four times, including a pick six touchdown.

Stephen F. Austin

Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks at Texas Tech Red Raiders – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Lumberjacks 7 6 0922
Red Raiders 7 0 14728

at Jones AT&T Stadium, Lubbock, Texas

  • Date: September 11
  • Game time: 6:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: Temperature: 90 °F (32 °C) • Weather: Sunny
  • Game attendance: 55,271
  • Referee: Tutu Salaam
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Mark Neely (play-by-play) and Brandon Jacobs (analyst)
  • Box score, Recap
Game information

The Red Raiders took an early 7–0 lead, but the Lumberjacks scored 13 unanswered points for a 13–7 halftime lead. Texas Tech running back Tahj Brooks scored two touchdowns in the 3rd to go up 21–13. Stephen F. Austin quickly responded, with Trae Self throwing a 4-yard touchdown pass to Ja'Bray Young in the opening seconds of the 4th quarter, but the two-point conversion to tie the game failed. The Red Raiders would respond on their next drive with a 4-yard touchdown run from Xavier White to extend their lead to 28–19. The Lumberjacks would respond with a 36-yard field goal from kicker Chris Campos to trail 22–28. Texas Tech failed to do anything on its next possession, going three-and-out and punted the ball away. Stephen F. Austin made it to the Texas Tech 7-yard line with just over a minute left in the game, but failed to convert on 4th down. The Red Raiders kneeled down twice to end the game, winning 28–22.

Texas Tech committed four turnovers in the game while Stephen F. Austin had zero. Tyler Shough threw two interceptions, including a pick six, and also lost a fumble; wide receiver McClane Mannix also lost a fumble. The Lumberjacks had possession of the ball for 40:07, going 5-of-21 on 3rd downs, 5-of-8 on 4th downs, and had 375 yards of total offense. The Red Raiders only held on to the ball for 19:53, going 5-of-10 on 3rd downs, 0-of-1 on 4th downs, and had 364 yards of total offense.

FIU

FIU Panthers at Texas Tech Red Raiders – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Panthers 7 7 7021
Red Raiders 7 28 91054

at Jones AT&T Stadium, Lubbock, Texas

  • Date: September 18
  • Game time: 6:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: Temperature: 88 °F (31 °C) • Weather: Sunny
  • Game attendance: 50,118
  • Referee: Tim Hedgepeth
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Mark Neely (play-by-play) and Brandon Jacobs (analyst)
  • Box score, Recap
Game information

The two teams punted on their first possessions before FIU scored a touchdown on its second possession with a 3-yard run from D'vonte Price. The Panthers' following drive ended with a punt, but a miscue from the Red Raiders' special teams gave the ball back to FIU at the Texas Tech 38-yard line. On the next play, Marquise Waters intercepted a Max Bortenschlager pass and returned it 72 yards for a pick six. FIU made it to the Texas Tech 14-yard line on its next drive, helped by two defensive penalties on 3rd down, but had to settle for a field goal; however, Chase Gabriel's 32-yard attempt was no good, going wide right. Texas Tech scored its first offensive touchdown on the following drive with a 4-yard pass from Tyler Shough to tight end Travis Koontz. The Panthers would quickly respond, with Bortenschlager throwing a 69-yard touchdown pass to running back E.J. Wilson Jr. on 3rd down. The Red Raiders would go on to score 21 unanswered points to lead 35–14 at halftime.

Shough exited the game early in the 4th quarter, finishing with 399 yards (a career high) and 4 touchdowns (tying a career high) with no interceptions. He was replaced for one drive by Henry Colombi, who finished the drive with a 19-yard touchdown run. Donovan Smith would finish the game at quarterback. With the victory, Texas Tech started a season 3–0 for the first time since 2017.

At Texas

Texas Tech Red Raiders at Texas Longhorns – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Red Raiders 0 14 14735
Longhorns 14 28 21770

at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, Texas

  • Date: September 25
  • Game time: 11:00 a.m.
  • Game weather: Temperature: 86 °F (30 °C) • Weather: Sunny • Wind: N 5 MPH
  • Game attendance: 98,349
  • Referee: Kevin Hassell
  • TV announcers (ABC): Dave Pasch (play-by-play), Dusty Dvoracek (analyst) and Tom Luginbill (sideline)
  • Box score, Recap
Game information

Texas Tech's defense struggled in the first half, letting the Texas offense score on five straight drives and letting the Longhorns convert on 4th down twice. In the 2nd quarter, Tyler Shough threw a pick six and was injured on the play; he finished 9-of-11 for 68 yards with a rushing touchdown and an interception. Henry Colombi would come in for the injured Shough, throwing a 40-yard touchdown pass to Myles Price on his second drive.

At West Virginia

Texas Tech Red Raiders at West Virginia Mountaineers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Red Raiders 14 3 0623
Mountaineers 0 0 17320

at Milan Puskar Stadium, Morgantown, West Virginia

  • Date: October 2
  • Game time: 2:30 p.m.
  • Game weather: Temperature: 75 °F (24 °C) • Weather: Sunny • Wind: SW 6 MPH
  • Game attendance: 54,090
  • Referee: Michael Vandervelde
  • TV announcers (ESPN2): Anish Shroff (play-by-play), Mike Golic Jr. (analyst) and Lauren Sisler (sideline)
  • Box score, Recap
Game information

The Red Raiders scored 17 unanswered points in the first half, with two touchdown runs from SaRodrick Thompson in the first quarter and a 33-yard field goal from Jonathan Garibay in the second right before halftime. Texas Tech's offense would struggle in the second half, being shut out completely in the third quarter while West Virginia scored 17 points to tie the game at 17–17 heading into the fourth quarter. In the fourth, the Red Raiders' defense held the Mountaineers to only a field goal. Following the field goal, the Red Raiders' offense would march down the field on a drive that lasted for over 4 minutes, ending the drive with a 32-yard field goal from Garibay with 18 seconds left. On the ensuing kickoff, Trey Wolff squibbed the ball, with Winston Wright Jr. recovering the ball and taking a knee at the West Virginia 9-yard line. Jarret Doege would throw a 29-yard pass to Isaiah Esdale then threw a pass intended for Sam James that fell incomplete as time expired, giving Texas Tech a 23–20 victory.

With the win, the Red Raiders improved to 4–1, 1–1 in conference play, and won their third straight against West Virginia.

TCU

TCU Horned Frogs at Texas Tech Red Raiders – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Horned Frogs 14 21 10752
Red Raiders 7 3 14731

at Jones AT&T Stadium, Lubbock, Texas

  • Date: October 9
  • Game time: 6:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: Temperature: 94 °F (34 °C) • Weather: Sunny • Wind: SW 18 MPH
  • Game attendance: 55,821
  • Referee: Brandon Cruse
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Mark Jones (play-by-play), Robert Griffin III (analyst) and Quint Kessenich (sideline)
  • Box score, Recap
Game information

The Texas Tech defense gave up 394 rushing yards, with TCU running backs Kendre Miller and Zach Evans both finishing with over 100 yards rushing.

At Kansas

Texas Tech Red Raiders at Kansas Jayhawks – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Red Raiders 7 17 14341
Jayhawks 0 0 01414

at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, Kansas

  • Date: October 16
  • Game time: 3:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: Temperature: 69 °F (21 °C) • Weather: Sunny • Wind: W 10 MPH
  • Game attendance: 25,106
  • Referee: Derek Anderson
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Roy Philpott (play-by-play), Ryan Leaf (analyst) and Taylor Davis (sideline)
  • Box score, Recap
Game information

Texas Tech held Kansas scoreless for most of the game, with the Jayhawks' first score coming with 0:52 left in the game. On the following drive, backup running back Nehemiah Martinez fumbled the ball and it was recovered by Kans Edwin White-Schultz for the Jayhawks. The fumble recovery would lead to another Kansas touchdown, with backup quarterback throwing a 13-yard pass to Lawrence Arnold with 0:10 left. Texas Tech fourth-string quarterback Behren Morton would take a knee to end the game. The Red Raiders finished the game with 438 yards of offense while the Jayhawks only had 273, with many of those yards coming against reserve players. Third string quarterback Donovan Smith saw more playing time during the game, finishing 4-of-5 for 70 yards along with 37 yards rushing and a touchdown.

Kansas State

Kansas State Wildcats at Texas Tech Red Raiders – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Wildcats 0 10 9625
Red Raiders 14 10 0024

at Jones AT&T Stadium, Lubbock, Texas

  • Date: October 23
  • Game time: 11:00 a.m.
  • Game weather: Temperature: 72 °F (22 °C) • Weather: Sunny • Wind: SW 15 MPH
  • Game attendance: 52,874
  • Referee: Tutu Salaam
  • TV announcers (FS1): Tim Brando (play-by-play) and Spencer Tillman (analyst)
  • Box score, Recap
Game information

Texas Tech scored fast. On the second play of the game, Erik Ezukanma ran a 45-yard touchdown run. On the ensuing kickoff, Malik Knowles fumbled and Tyrique Matthews recovered the ball at the 23-yard-line which led the Red Raiders to be up 14-0.[18]

The Red Raiders had a 24–10 lead at halftime, but were shutout in the second half as Kansas State scored 15 unanswered points. On the following Monday, head coach Matt Wells was fired, with offensive coordinator Sonny Cumbie being named interim head coach.[19]

At No. 4 Oklahoma

Texas Tech Red Raiders at No.4 Oklahoma Sooners – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Red Raiders 7 0 7721
No. 4 Sooners 14 14 101452

at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Norman, Oklahoma

  • Date: October 30
  • Game time: 2:30 p.m.
  • Game weather: Temperature: 72 °F (22 °C) • Weather: Sunny • Wind: SW 8 MPH
  • Game attendance: 82,732
  • Referee: Scott Campbell
  • TV announcers (ABC): Dave Pasch (play-by-play), Dusty Dvoracek (analyst) and Tom Luginbill (sideline)
  • Box score, Recap
Game information

Starting quarterback Henry Colombi left the game in the second quarter after being shaken up on a tackle. He was replaced by redshirt freshman Donovan Smith for the rest of the game.[20]

Iowa State

Iowa State Cyclones at Texas Tech Red Raiders – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Cyclones 7 7 71738
Red Raiders 14 17 01041

at Jones AT&T Stadium, Lubbock, Texas

  • Date: November 13
  • Game time: 2:30 p.m.
  • Game weather: Sunny
  • Game attendance: 47,158
  • Referee: Michael Vandervelde
  • TV announcers (ESPN2): Beth Mowins (play-by-play), Kirk Morrison (analyst) and Dawn Davenport (sideline)
  • Box score, Recap
Game information

Redshirt freshman Donovan Smith made his first start at quarterback, with Tyler Shough still recovering from a broken collarbone and Henry Colombi out due to an illness.[21] The Red Raiders had a 31–14 lead at halftime, but the Cyclones went on a 24–7 run in the second half to tie the game at 38–38 with a minute left in regulation. With no timeouts, Smith led the offense down to the Iowa State 44-yard line before kicker Jonathan Garibay was sent out to try the game-winning field goal with three seconds left. Garibay's kick, a 62-yard attempt, was good, giving Texas Tech a 41–38 victory to become Bowl eligible for the first time since the 2017 season; the win was also Texas Tech's first win over Iowa State since 2015. Garibay's 62-yard game-winning field goal set the record for longest field goal of the 2021 season.[22]

No. 9 Oklahoma State

No.9 Oklahoma State Cowboys at Texas Tech Red Raiders – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
No. 9 Cowboys 3 10 3723
Red Raiders 0 0 000

at Jones AT&T Stadium, Lubbock, Texas

  • Date: November 20
  • Game time: 7:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: Sunny
  • Game attendance: 53,169
  • Referee: David Alvarez
  • TV announcers (Fox): Tim Brando (play-by-play) and Spencer Tillman (analyst)
  • Box score, Recap
Game information

Starting quarterback Donovan Smith was pulled from the game midway through the third quarter and was replaced by Behren Morton; Smith would re-enter the game in the fourth quarter. This was the Red Raiders' first shutout loss since the 1996 Alamo Bowl.

At No. 8 Baylor

Texas Tech Red Raiders at No. 8 Baylor Bears – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Red Raiders 3 7 01424
No. 8 Bears 10 7 01027

at McLane Stadium, Waco, Texas

  • Date: November 27
  • Game time: 11:00 a.m.
  • Game weather: Temperature: 49 °F (9 °C) • Weather: Cloudy • Wind: SW 8 MPH
  • Game attendance: 43,901
  • Referee: Brandon Cruse
  • TV announcers (FS1): Dan Hellie (play-by-play) and Robert Smith (analyst)
  • Box score, Recap
Game information

Baylor scored just over a minute into the game, with quarterback Blake Shapen throwing a 61-yard touchdown pass to running back Trestan Ebner. The Red Raiders fumbled the ball on their first offensive play, with running back SaRodrick Thompson losing the ball on a tackle and Jairon McVea recovering it at the Texas Tech 42-yard line for the Bears. Texas Tech's defense would hold Baylor to field goal on the ensuing drive, with Isaiah Hankins making a 28-yard field goal. The Red Raiders would respond on the next drive with a 46-yard field goal from Jonathan Garibay. The Red Raiders' first offensive drive of the 2nd quarter would end with another fumble, as quarterback Donovan Smith lost the ball on a sack with Raleigh Texada recovering it for the Bears. Baylor would capitalize on the turnover, with a 4-yard touchdown run from Abram Smith. Texas Tech would respond on the following drive with a 1-yard touchdown run from Tahj Brooks, the team's first touchdown of the game.

Vs. Mississippi State (Liberty Bowl)

Mississippi State Bulldogs vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders (Liberty Bowl) – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Bulldogs 0 7 007
Red Raiders 10 3 14734

at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, Memphis, Tennessee

  • Date: December 28
  • Game time: 5:45 p.m.
  • Game weather: Temperature: 69 °F (21 °C) • Weather: Cloudy • Wind: S 10 MPH
  • Game attendance: 48,615
  • Referee: Riley Johnson
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Dave Neal (play-by-play), Deuce McAllister (analyst), and Andraya Carter (sideline)
  • Box score, Recap
Game information

The Red Raiders finished off the season against the Mississippi State Bulldogs, led by former head coach Mike Leach, in the Liberty Bowl. Texas Tech scored on its opening drive and never trailed in the game. The Red Raiders finished the game with 512 yards of offense and committed no turnovers, while the defense held the Bulldogs to just 344 yards and forced three turnovers, including a turnover on special teams. Texas Tech quarterback Donovan Smith was named the game's MVP.[23]

Statistics

Scores against non-conference opponents
1 2 3 4 Total
Opponents 28 27 7 9 71
Texas Tech 24 38 54 38 154
Scores against the Big 12
1 2 3 4 Total
Opponents 62 97 77 88 324
Texas Tech 66 71 49 54 240
Scores against all opponents
1 2 3 4 Total
Opponents 90 114 84 94 382
Texas Tech 90 109 103 92 394

Weekly awards

  • Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week
Riko Jeffers (week 1 vs. Houston)[24]
Colin Schooler (week 5 vs. West Virginia)[25]
  • Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week
Jonathan Garibay (week 5 vs. West Virginia)[25]
Jonathan Garibay (week 11 vs. Iowa State)[26]
  • Big 12 Newcomer of the Week
Reggie Pearson Jr. (week 1 vs. Houston)[24]
Donovan Smith (week 11 vs. Iowa State)[26]

Players drafted into the NFL

Round Pick Player Position NFL Club
4125Erik EzukanmaWRMiami Dolphins
7246Dawson DeatonCCleveland Browns

References

  1. ↑ Mayer, Phil (October 25, 2021). "Matt Wells fired as Texas Tech head coach, sources say". KAMC. Retrieved October 25, 2021.
  2. ↑ "Texas Tech Tabs Joey McGuire to Lead Football Program". Texas Tech Red Raiders. November 8, 2021. Retrieved November 8, 2021.
  3. ↑ Wilson, Dave (November 24, 2021). "Texas Tech retains Sonny Cumbie as offensive coordinator and QB coach under new HC Joey McGuire". ESPN. Retrieved November 26, 2021.
  4. ↑ Rittenberg, Adam (November 30, 2021). "Louisiana Tech Bulldogs name Sonny Cumbie head football coach". ESPN. Retrieved December 1, 2021.
  5. ↑ "2021 All-Big 12 Football Team" (PDF). Big 12 Conference. December 2, 2021. Retrieved December 7, 2021.
  6. 1 2 "2021 Maxwell Award Watch List". Maxwell Football Club. Retrieved July 23, 2021.
  7. ↑ "2021 Doak Walker Award Candidates". Southern Methodist University. Retrieved July 23, 2021.
  8. ↑ "2021 Fred Biletnikoff Award Watch List". Tallahassee Quarterback Club Association. Retrieved July 23, 2021.
  9. ↑ "2021 Rimington Trophy Watchlist". Boomer Esiason Foundation. Retrieved July 23, 2021.
  10. ↑ "The 2021 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Announces 2021 Preseason Watch List". The Golden Arm Educational Foundation. Retrieved August 20, 2021.
  11. ↑ "2021 Ray Guy Award Watchlist". Greater Augusta Sports Council. Retrieved November 15, 2021.
  12. ↑ "2021 Lou Groza Semifinalists". Palm Beach County Sports Commission. Retrieved November 14, 2021.
  13. ↑ "Football Media Days 2021 - July 14th-15th". Big 12 Conference. Retrieved July 23, 2021.
  14. ↑ "Sooners Picked First in Football Preseason Poll for Sixth Straight Year". big12sports.com. July 8, 2021. Retrieved July 23, 2021.
  15. ↑ "Big 12 Announces Media Preseason Football Team". Big 12 Conference. July 7, 2021. Retrieved July 23, 2021.
  16. ↑ "2021 Preseason All-Big 12 Football Team" (PDF). Big 12 Conference. Retrieved July 23, 2021.
  17. ↑ "2021 Texas Tech Red Raiders Football Schedule". FBSchedule. Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  18. ↑ "K-State rallies past Texas Tech 25-24, ends Big 12 skid at 8". CBS Sports. October 24, 2021. Retrieved October 26, 2021.
  19. ↑ Jeyarajah, Shehan (October 25, 2021). "Texas Tech fires coach Matt Wells in midst of third season following loss to Kansas State". CBSSports. Retrieved October 25, 2021.
  20. ↑ Red Raider Nation Staff (October 30, 2021). "Donovan Smith replaces Henry Colombi at quarterback". KAMC. Retrieved October 30, 2021.
  21. ↑ "Freshman Donovan Smith starts at QB vs. Iowa State". KAMC. November 13, 2021. Retrieved November 13, 2021.
  22. ↑ AlBaroudi, Wajih (November 13, 2021). "Watch as Texas Tech gets walk-off 62-yard field goal from Jonathan Garibay to beat Iowa State". CBSSports. Retrieved November 13, 2021.
  23. ↑ @Theo_DeRosa (December 29, 2021). "Liberty Bowl MVP: Donovan Smith" (Tweet). Retrieved December 28, 2021 – via Twitter.
  24. 1 2 "Season Opening Football Awards Announced". Big 12 Conference. September 6, 2021. Retrieved September 6, 2021.
  25. 1 2 "OSU, UT and TTU Collect Week 5 Football Awards". Big 12 Conference. October 4, 2021. Retrieved October 4, 2021.
  26. 1 2 "BU, KU and TTU Capture Week 11 Football Awards". Big 12 Conference. November 15, 2021. Retrieved November 15, 2021.
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