Texas Tech pulls out the victory over Arizona

Tahj Brooks rushed for 128 yards and three touchdowns, while Jacob Rodriguez made a crucial play by forcing a late fumble, helping Texas Tech overcome a 15-point deficit to secure a 28-22 victory over Arizona on Saturday night.

Texas Tech (5-1, 3-0 Big 12) consistently pressured Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita, compelling him to release the ball quickly or throw it away. The Red Raiders intercepted two of his passes and forced a turnover on downs deep in their territory, establishing an 18-3 lead by halftime.

Despite the setback, Arizona's defense kept them competitive, as they capitalized on two fumbles by Brooks to take a 19-18 lead early in the fourth quarter.

After Arizona's Tyler Loop missed a long 48-yard field goal attempt, Texas Tech found its rhythm, leading to Gino Garcia's 41-yard field goal that put them ahead 21-19.

With 2:21 left in the game, Arizona took possession at its own 25-yard line, but Rodriguez stripped the ball from Tetairoa McMillan on the very first play, allowing the Red Raiders to recover. Brooks then charged 32 yards for a touchdown, marking Texas Tech's fourth consecutive win since their early-season loss to Washington State.

Brooks scored the first touchdown of the game on a 3-yard run in the opening quarter, while the Red Raiders focused on stifling the Wildcats' offense for the rest of the half.

Texas Tech limited Arizona to just a field goal late in the first quarter and successfully defended against a fourth-and-1 attempt at their own 20-yard line. In a pivotal moment, Texas Tech's Quincy Ledet intercepted a tipped pass from Fifita, and Brooks followed with his second touchdown on a nine-yard run.

Fifita was later intercepted again by CJ Baskerville in the end zone late in the second quarter, which allowed Texas Tech to quickly drive down the field and set up Garcia's last-second 30-yard field goal, extending their lead to 18-3.

Arizona made two trips into Texas Tech territory during the third quarter, the second coming after Brooks' fumble at the 32, but could only manage two more field goals.

The Wildcats finally found the end zone when Quali Conley scored on a 3-yard run, then forced another fumble by Boyd—after a review overturned the initial call—setting the stage for Loop's 37-yard field goal that gave Arizona a brief 19-18 advantage.

Final score 28-22 Texas