The theme of this game for Texas Tech was "missed opportunities."

With the score at 16 to 14, the Texas Tech defense got the first stop of the game. The Red Raider offense would punt it right back. The Longhorns were pinned down at the one yard line. The Tech defense would then gave up 99 yards before literally taking the ball away at the one inch line and running it for a touchdown of their own.

Then, after going up 23 to 14, the Texas Tech defense would make the Longhorns go 3 and out. Tech would go 3 and out and give the ball right back.

Texas would then score 10 consecutive points to lead by one at the half, 24 to 23.

Ashley Wirz Photography
Ashley Wirz Photography
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What could have been a 10 or 13-point lead for the Red Raiders was squandered by missed opportunities.

The second half was more of the same.

Texas and Texas Tech would trade touchdowns until the score was 38 to 30 with Texas leading. Then, Texas Tech would punt. Texas Tech would get another stop, then Derek Willies would fumble on the ensuing possession.

Texas took the turnover and scored in three plays, making it 45-30.

After turning it over on downs, the Texas Tech defense would force a second Longhorn fumble. Finally, the Texas Tech offense would convert on a turnover after the short field provided by the defense.

Da'Leon Ward would take it in to the endzone from 9 yards out.

Texas v Texas Tech
(Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
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At this point in the game, there was about 10 minutes left on the board.

Ashley Wirz Photography
Ashley Wirz Photography
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Tech was down 45 to 37.

With an 8-point lead, Texas would punt two more times and turn it over on downs.

Texas Tech could not convert on any drives.

On Texas Tech's last drive, Patrick Mahomes seemingly missed two wide open receivers with time winding down. Once when he took a shot to the endzone to Dylan Cantrell, who came down with the ball but was out of bounds. So close, but another missed opportunity.

Texas v Texas Tech
Getty Images
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Then again on the last Texas Tech play of the game when Mahomes took another shot into the end zone.

That ball was caught by a Longhorns player. Missed opportunity.

In total, there were seven defensive stops. The defense had as many points off turnovers as the offense did.

Patrick Mahomes was 36 for 59. He had 367 yards and three touchdowns. He left a lot of throws on the field. The shadow of Malik Jefferson followed him mercilessly, not allowing him to scramble efficiently.

Douglas Coleman, a true freshman, had a great game. He had four solo tackles, two pass breakups and, of course, the forced fumble and the giant return for the defensive touchdown.

The defense played five true freshmen. This defense is getting better. That will continue.

The offense must learn to convert on the opportunities that it gets from its defense.

If the entire coaching philosophy from Texas Tech is to get a few stops and outscore the opponents, then this loss is on the offense.

So was the Kansas State loss.

The offense has to figure it out if Texas Tech wants to go to a bowl game this year.

If they can't, this entire season will just be another missed opportunity.

  • HIGHLIGHTS

    Douglas Coleman's 100-Yard Fumble Return

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    Kingsbury Reacts to Offensive Chant at Game

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