The Red Raiders lost 45-44 to the Cowboys and are now sitting at 4-6, needing to win their final two games to be bowl eligible. Let's check out the grades for the offense from this week.
Overall Grade: B-
The offense racked up 518 total yards, better than the previous two games. Patrick Mahomes looked like he was back on track, accounting for five total touchdowns. Even without Da'Leon Ward, the running game moved the chains, helping Tech mount some good scoring drives to keep it close. However, the receivers dropped passes at critical times in the game, which could have made a difference. The offensive line protected Mahomes well at times and I thought they played better than they had the last two games.
Quarterback Grade: B
Patrick Mahomes had a good bounce-back game coming off of a game-ending interception vs. Texas. He didn't turn the ball over like he did against them and TCU. He passed for 344 yards, threw three touchdowns, and ran for two more. He also seemed more precise with his throws and the only bad pass I saw was a floater towards the endzone during Tech's last scoring drive that could have easily been an interception. Overall he looked like the Patrick Mahomes I and Tech fans were used to earlier in the year.
Running Backs Grade: B-
With Ward out, Demarcus Felton started the game and had a solid day on the ground. He carried the ball ten times for 77 yards before he injured his ankle. Justin Stockton had 28 rushing yards and a receiving touchdown. Once Felton got hurt, Quinton White Jr. came in and got the most playing time he had all season. White scored the final touchdown that would've tied the game had the extra point been good. Unfortunately, he also fumbled after Michael Barden's onside kick succeeded earlier in the fourth quarter. That's why I had to slap this group with a minus.
Wide Receivers Grade: B-
Had guys in this group not dropped passes, the outcome may have been different and they wouldn't have a minus on their grade. Ian Sadler, Jonathan Giles, and Dylan Cantrell all dropped passes that should have been caught. Giles led the way with five catches for 77 yards. Cantrell had eight for 65 yards and one touchdown. No other wide receiver had a touchdown unfortunately.
Offensive Line Grade: B
First off, congratulations to freshman Travis Bruffy for scoring a receiving touchdown on tackle eligible trick play. The touchdown tied the game at 28 going into halftime. Without tackle Justin Murphy, the line did the best they could going up against a relentless Cowboy pass rush. Mahomes was sacked twice, but he was also given plenty of time in the pocket at times to go through his reads and hit his check down receivers if need be. They played relatively clean the whole game, not having too many penalties called against them.
It was a tough loss to stomach, but I thought the offense played well on the road against the #13 team in the country. I think I and other Red Raider fans are waiting for the game where Tech puts it all together and comes away with a win in a close game. I think that day is coming soon. Check back here next Monday as I hand out grades for the game against the Iowa State Cyclones.
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