{
  "id": 18878092,
  "title": "Thomas Castellanos throws 5 TD passes as No. 13 Texas Tech holds off West Virginia 53-48",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/thomas-castellanos-throws-5-td-passes-as-no-13-texas-tech-holds-off",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-08T06:31:48.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/thomas-castellanos-throws-5-td-063148148.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "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.",
  "key_points": [
    "Thomas Castellanos throws 5 career-high TD passes",
    "Red Raiders come back from 7-point 4th quarter deficit",
    "Michael Hawkins Jr. sets FBS record with 3 rushing TDs"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Texas Tech's explosive offensive output and late defensive stands reinforce their championship aspirations while keeping their path toward a potential College Football Playoff berth wide open.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Thomas Castellanos throws 5 TD passes as No. 13 Texas Tech holds off West Virginia 53-48",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/thomas-castellanos-throws-5-td-passes-as-no-13-texas-tech-holds-off-18881884",
        "published": "2026-11-08T06:32:41.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}