No. 12 Texas Tech delivered a dominant second-half performance to defeat Colorado 29-7 on Saturday night at Folsom Field, overcoming a 7-3 halftime deficit with a defensive takeover.
The Texas Tech vs Colorado matchup turned into a showcase for the Red Raiders’ defense, which forced four interceptions after halftime and completely shut down the Buffaloes’ offense. The victory moved Texas Tech to 5-0 overall and 2-0 in Big 12 play.
Texas Tech’s Defense Takes Over
The biggest difference in the game was Texas Tech’s ability to create turnovers. Colorado struggled to protect the football throughout the second half, allowing the Red Raiders to turn defensive mistakes into points.
Linebacker John Curry delivered the defining moment with 7:10 remaining in the fourth quarter. After Texas Tech pinned Colorado at its own 1-yard line, quarterback Isaac Wilson attempted to make a play from the end zone.
Curry read the pass perfectly, intercepted it in the end zone and returned it for a touchdown. The pick-six gave Texas Tech a 22-7 advantage and effectively ended Colorado’s hopes of a comeback.
The interception was Texas Tech’s third pick-six in its last two games.
Colorado’s Offense Struggles
Colorado, also known as the CU Buffs football program, opened the contest strongly and took a 7-0 lead. However, the offense could not maintain its early momentum.
Isaac Wilson completed 26 of 44 passes for 290 yards and one touchdown, but he also threw three interceptions. Colorado suffered another turnover when wide receiver Joseph Williams threw an interception on a failed trick play.
Overall, the Buffaloes committed four turnovers, giving Texas Tech football a major advantage in the second half.
The result was particularly frustrating for CU football, which managed only seven points after scoring on its opening drive.
John Curry Provides the Knockout Punch
Curry’s interception was the highlight of the night, but he was part of a much larger defensive effort.
Brice Pollock intercepted Wilson twice, while Malik Esquerra added another interception before Curry’s fourth-quarter pick-six.
Texas Tech’s defense consistently pressured Colorado into difficult situations and prevented the Buffaloes from finding their rhythm after halftime.
The Red Raiders entered the break trailing 7-3 but completely flipped the game in the second half.
Texas Tech’s Offense Does Enough
While the defense stole the headlines, Texas Tech‘s offense made enough plays to secure the win.
Will Hammond threw for 134 yards and a touchdown, while Quinten Joyner provided an important late boost with a 30-yard rushing touchdown.
Texas Tech did not need a huge passing performance because its defense repeatedly gave the offense favorable opportunities. Once the Red Raiders established control, they steadily extended their advantage.
Deion Sanders and Colorado Face Another Challenge
The loss adds another difficult chapter to the Colorado program under Deion Sanders. Colorado showed flashes early, but turnovers ultimately prevented the Buffaloes from competing for the win in the second half.
The matchup between Colorado vs Texas Tech also highlighted the challenge facing CU as it continues to compete in the Big 12. Against a ranked and undefeated Texas Tech team, Colorado needed to avoid mistakes, but the Buffaloes could not accomplish that.
What Comes Next for Texas Tech?
The victory keeps Texas Tech undefeated at 5-0 and gives the Red Raiders a 2-0 record in Big 12 play.
Texas Tech will now enter its bye week before returning to action on October 17 against Arizona State. The Red Raiders will have an opportunity to rest and prepare for the next stage of their season while maintaining their position among the nation’s top teams.
For Colorado, the defeat shows how costly turnovers can be against a ranked opponent. The Buffaloes will need to regroup and improve their ball security as they continue their Big 12 schedule.
The Texas Tech vs Colorado game ultimately belonged to the Red Raiders because of their defense. After trailing at halftime, Texas Tech forced four second-half interceptions, including John Curry’s spectacular end-zone pick-six, and turned a close contest into a convincing 29-7 victory.
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