Big 12 Football: Week 1 Winners and Losers

Sep 5, 2015; Lubbock, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders wide receiver Jakeem Grant (11) scores a touchdown against the Sam Houston State Bearkats in the first half at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Winner: Texas Tech Red Raiders

Texas Tech sophomore Quarterback Patrick Mahomes put up monster numbers against Sam Houston State, throwing 33-of-53 for 425 passing yards with four touchdowns and one interception. The Red Raiders last scored 50-plus points in 2013.

The Red Raiders allowed Sam Houston State to gain 671 yards, which was 60 more than the Red Raiders actually gained at 611. The Red Raiders allowed Sam Houston to score 45 points. They have given up more than 30 points in consecutive season openers after not doing since 2002 against Ohio State. Still this team has a ton of upside. The Big 12 special teams payer of the week Jakeem Grant made a big splash with 136 kick-return yards for the Red Raiders.

Grant also rushed for a three-yard touchdown with 11:59 remaining in the first quarter, giving the Red Raiders an early 7-0 lead. The opening-drive touchdown was the Red Raiders’ first in a season opener since 2009 and the first rushing touchdown of Grants career. Grant also had a 94-yard punt return for a touchdown.

The Red Raiders held a 42-31 lead at halftime and scored 24 consecutive points starting with 14 seconds remaining in the first half. Part of that run included a 47-yard interception return for a touchdown by J.J. Gaines. Texas Tech’s 59-45 win against Sam Houston State at Jones AT&T Stadium wasn’t pretty, but it was a much needed win.

Still, the defensive woes will remain a concern for this team going forward especially when they revisit Baker Mayfield and the new-look Oklahoma offense, in Norman on October 24th. Now let’s break down the losers!

Next: Loser: Texas bottoms out