Texas vs. Texas Tech: Game Grades, Analysis for Longhorns and Red Raiders

The Texas Longhorns improved to 3-3 in Big 12 play with a dominant 34-13 win over Texas Tech in Lubbock on Saturday night. The Longhorns moved one step closer to bowl eligibility, improving to 4-5 over with the victory.

The Longhorns ran for 241 yards, with Malcolm Brown and Johnathan Gray combining for 192 yards and three touchdowns.

Quarterback Tyrone Swoopes was efficient after an early turnover led to Texas Tech's first touchdown, completing 13 of 25 passes for 228 yards and a touchdown. 

Texas Tech falls to 3-6 on the season and 1-5 in conference play.

Here is a look at the grades for both teams as well as an analysis on how each unit performed. 

Position Unit	First-Half Grade	Second-Half Grade
Pass Offense	B-	B
Run Offense	B+	A
Pass Defense	B+	A-
Run Defense	C+	B-
Special Teams	B-	B-
Coaching	B-	B

Texas Longhorns Grade Analysis

Pass Offense

Swoopes missed some plays in the passing game, but for the most part, he connected on his big plays. His fumble in the first half was his only true mistake.

Run Offense

When the Longhorns committed to running the football, the game changed for good. Texas Tech was no match for Texas up front. Brown and Gray were outstanding.

Pass Defense

The Texas secondary was solid all night, especially once Vincent Testaverde took over at quarterback for Red Raiders. Cornerback Quandre Diggs' hit on Patrick Mahomes changed the game for the 'Horns.

Run Defense

The Longhorns didn't really shut down Texas Tech's running game, the Red Raiders just prefer to throw the ball—a lot. Texas gave up 160 yards on the ground. 

Special Teams

Nick Rose missed a field goal, but he also hit a big 46-yarder for the first points of the game. Jaxon Shipley was bottled up in the return game.

Coaching

Overall, Texas played well on both sides of the ball. Play-calling was strong for much of the game, and the Texas defense adjusted well to the quarterback change.

Position Unit	First-Half Grade	Second-Half Grade
Pass Offense	B	D
Run Offense	B	B
Pass Defense	B+	C+
Run Defense	B-	D
Special Teams	D	C+
Coaching	B-	D+

Texas Tech Red Raiders Grade Analysis

Pass Offense

Patrick Mahomes was playing well before he got knocked out of the game in the second quarter. Testaverde struggled, but that was to be expected. The Red Raiders dropped several passes.

Run Offense

DeAndre Washington was terrific. He ran for 97 yards on 16 carries and also added 45 yards receiving. Justin Stockton had 56 yards, but only on six carries. He needed to be more involved. 

Pass Defense

Sophomore defensive back Justis Nelson had a tough night for the Raiders. Overall, Texas Tech was solid against the pass, but mostly due to an active pass rush. 

Run Defense

The Red Raiders were just no match for Texas up front. The Texas offensive line averaged 310 pounds, while Texas Tech's defensive line averaged 268 pounds. That showed up in the second half. 

Special Teams

Ryan Bustin missed an extra point and a short field goal. The Red Raiders received virtually nothing from their return game.

Coaching

Head coach Kliff Kingsbury didn't call his best game. He was calling a good game with Mahomes in there, but didn't when Testaverde took over. He called plays like Testaverde was a seasoned, experienced passer.