Thomas Castellanos throws 5 TD passes as No. 13 Texas Tech holds off West Virginia 53-48
LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Thomas Castellanos threw for a career-high five touchdowns, including the go-ahead score to Kenny Johnson with 2:44 remaining, and No. 13 Texas Tech held on for a 53-48 victory over West Virginia in an old-school Big 12 offensive slugfest that ended early Sunday morning.
LUBBOCK, Texas - Thomas Castellanos delivered a career-high five touchdown passes, including the crucial go-ahead score to Kenny Johnson with just 2:44 left on the clock, as No. 13 Texas Tech edged out West Virginia 53-48 in a thrilling Big 12 offensive showdown. The Red Raiders (8-1, 5-1 Big 12) showcased their mettle by coming back from a seven-point deficit in the fourth quarter, riding a strong second-half performance to secure the victory and advance toward another conference title and a potential College Football Playoff berth.
After leading by 14 at halftime, both teams amassed an impressive 1,220 yards of offense, with 894 of those yards coming before halftime. A decisive defensive stand in the fourth quarter, including Texas Tech's sack of Cam Cook on third-and-1 and stuffing West Virginia on a fourth down play, proved pivotal in the Red Raiders' triumph.
Quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. set an FBS record with three rushing touchdowns, tying a West Virginia record set in 1919, while Castellanos contributed 102 rushing yards, solidifying his performance in his second start since replacing Will Hammond. West Virginia, the second-worst defense in FBS, provided a challenge but ultimately struggled to keep up with Texas Tech's potent offense.
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