3 plays that turned Saturday’s game at Texas Tech

The landscape around Lubbock, Texas, is as flat as a pancake, but Saturday’s top-10 battle between No. 7 BYU and No. 8 Texas Tech produced a topography of peaks and valleys — high moments for the Red Raiders, and lots of low spots for the visiting Cougars.

In a contrast of ascending and descending performances, Texas Tech was mistake-free while BYU made them frequently. The Cougars’ uncharacteristic miscues on offense and special teams cost them dearly in a one-sided 29-7 defeat.

Here are the three plays that turned one of the biggest games in BYU history into an afternoon they would like to forget.

Eye off the ball

After a week and full morning of off-the-chart pregame hype, that included ESPN’s “College GameDay” originating from Lubbock, BYU’s defense silenced the venue and forced a punt on the fourth play of Texas Tech’s first possession.

Parker Kingston waited for the kick at the 18-yard line but just before the ball arrived, the junior from Roy High took a quick peek down at the approaching defenders. When he looked back up, the ball was on him, and Kingston couldn’t pull it in.

The Red Raiders recovered the fumble at the 17 and cashed it in for a field goal to take an early lead they would never lose. The tough day for special teams also included a missed field goal and two shanked punts that gave Texas Tech optimum field position.

Missed opportunity

BYU entered the game with a nation-leading 34 interceptions during their exceptional 19-2 run over the last two seasons. The Cougars’ best chance at upsetting Texas Tech hinged on getting the Red Raiders’ hobbled quarterback to throw some bad balls.

Facing third-and-6 at their own 35, Behren Morton did just that, putting one up for grabs down the right sideline where BYU’s Evan Johnson was waiting for it. Just as the sure-handed cornerback readied himself to make the catch, Red Raider receiver Coy Eakin came back to the ball and snatched it away for a 37-yard gain.

Instead of BYU marching in to score, it was Texas Tech finding the end zone a few plays later to take a 10-0 lead on their only touchdown through the first three quarters.

Teenage turnovers

For a true freshman Bear Bachmeier, his collegiate debut has been nothing short of a dream with eight straight wins right out of the gate, including a victory against rival Utah. Bachmeier’s success has been buoyed by his ability to take care of the ball, whether the teen is running or throwing.

Following a third Stone Harrington field goal to extend Texas Tech’s lead to 16-0 in the third quarter, Bachmeier forced a pass that was tipped and intercepted by Jacob Rodriguez. In the fourth quarter, the heavily pressured youngster threw a backwards pass that the Red Raiders recovered at the BYU 19.

On a dismal day where Bachmeier rushed for 12 yards on 11 carries, his veteran receiver saw a silver lining.

“I think it was good for Bear, as a young quarterback, to feel some defeat and what it’s like to lose a game,” said senior Chase Roberts, who caught his 17th career touchdown pass in the fourth quarter. “He’s gonna learn a lot from that. I’m excited to see how he bounces back. This is a moment for him to really establish who he is as a quarterback and what the rest of his career is going to be like. We are going to rally around him, and he is going to lead us.”

Despite the tough day at Texas Tech, the Cougars (8-1, 5-1) still control their path to the Big 12 championship game. BYU will look to bounce back against TCU (6-3, 3-3) on Saturday (8:15 p.m., ESPN) in the first game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in nearly a month.

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Dave McCann is a sportswriter and columnist for the Deseret News and is a play-by-play announcer and show host for BYUtv/ESPN+. He co-hosts “Y’s Guys” at ysguys.com and is the author of the children’s book “C is for Cougar,” available at deseretbook.com.