The road losing streak of KU continues to grow as the Texas Tech Red Raiders showed the Jayhawks what a high-powered Air Raid offense is supposed to look like. The Red Raiders beat the Jayhawks 55-19, extending KU’s away from Lawrence losing streak to 37 games.
Texas Tech (3-1) quarterback Patrick Mahomes chiseled the Jayhawks secondary, completing 27 of 34 passes for 277 yards, four touchdowns and one interceptions. Mahomes’ command of the ball helped build a 14-0 lead by the 9:55 mark in the first quarter.
KU (1-3) temporarily slowed down Mahomes and disabled the Red Raiders attack during the rest of the first quarter. KU even picked up two points to start the second quarter as the special teams pressured the punter into fumbling in TTU’s own end zone. Keith Loneker, Jr. was credited with the safety.
The offense failed to capitalize as Cozart missed many opportunities in the first quarter, throwing three of seven for 36 yards. Sophomore Ryan Willis got inserted into the game to start the second quarter.
After orchestrating a seven-play, 75-yard touchdown drive to bring the score to 21-9 late in the first half, Willis looked like he potentially snatched the starting job away from Cozart, only to get injured to start the second half.
Cozart responded with 3-play, 39-yard drive capped with an 11-yard strike to Steven Sims, Jr., forcing David Beaty to make a tough decision when Willis returned.
KU reduced the lead to 28-19 early in the third quarter.
Shortly thereafter, Mahomes went down, forcing redshirt sophomore Nic Shimonek to step in at quarterback. Shimonek threw four passing touchdowns and 271 passing yards on the Red Raiders final six drives, squashing the Jayhawks rally.
Cozart finished with 97 yards, one touchdown and one interception on 9 for 20 passing. Willis finished with 142 yards and one touchdown on 14 for 26 passing.
KU will face TCU on Oct. 8 at Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m.
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