Kansas (6-4, 3-4) was unable to win in Lubbock against Texas Tech (5-5, 3-4) as the Red Raiders won 43-28.

Texas Tech marched right down the field on the first drive of the game and scored on an eight-play 75-yard drive that lasted barely over three minutes. The Red Raiders started Tyler Shough at quarterback, but it was quarterback Donovan Smith that ran in for the score to go up 7-0 early.

Kansas responded with a 4th & 1 play that went 66 yards from the hero of the Texas game last season Jared Casey who rumbled his way into the endzone to tie the game 7-7 with 9:40 left in the first quarter.

KU’s defense got their first stop of the game, but not before Texas Tech got a 34-yard play to wide receiver Nehemiah Martinez that put them in field goal range. Kicker Tyler Wolff made a 33-yard field goal to go up 10-7.

On the first play of the next drive, quarterback Jason Bean threw an absolute dart to wide receiver Lawrence Arnold for a 60-yard gain. Unfortunately, a false start penalty and an option play that failed ended their drive. Kicker Jacob Borcila attempted to tie the game with a 41-yard field goal, but he missed off the right upright.

Six plays and 76 yards later and Texas Tech was in the endzone again with veteran running back SaRodorick Thompson getting a 36-yard scamper to put them up 17-7 with 0:48 left in the first quarter.

It felt like a must-score drive for the Jayhawks on their next drive, but on a fourth down, they failed to convert giving the ball back to the Red Raiders.

Texas Tech’s offense continued to have their way with KU’s paper-thin defense getting back in the redzone. Shough got his first touchdown pass of the day to tight end Mason Tharp to grow the Red Raider lead to 24-7 with 9:36 left in the half.

The Jayhawks once again efficiently moved the ball and were able to respond with a rushing touchdown from Bean to bring KU back with 10 points.

On the next Red Raider drive, the Kansas defense was able to hold Texas Tech to zero points for the first time of the evening.

KU was able to respond with running back Devin Neal breaking free for a 63-yard run on a poor display of tackling from Texas Tech. Two plays later, wide receiver Luke Grimm made a two-yard touchdown catch to make it a ballgame again at 24-21 with 2:31 left in the first half.

Texas Tech tried to move the ball quickly, but they failed on a fourth down conversion to give the Jayhawks an opportunity to score before the break. Sadly, Bean would throw an interception at the KU 35-yard line with 0:13 left. That was good enough field position for Wolff to nail a 51-yard field goal to go 27-21 as the time expired.

KU started with the ball in the second half and generated a slow, methodical drive that gave the Jayhawks a chance to possibly take the lead right out of the gate. However, the drive stalled and Borcila missed his second field goal off the right upright again.

With how the first half went, it was surprising to see both defenses put on the clamps in the third frame. The scored remained 27-21 going into the final quarter.

However, on the first play of the fourth quarter Shough stepped up in the pocket and ran it in for a nine-yard touchdown to go up 33-21. Tech went for two, but the try was unsuccessful.

The offense finally got going again with the Jayhawks getting a touchdown reception from Quentin Skinner on a 3rd & Goal from the 20-yard line to cut the lead to 33-28 with 8:06 to go.

Texas Tech made a 30-yard field goal on their next drive keeping it a one possession game at 36-28.

On the first play of the next drive, Bean was sacked and lost the ball with the Red Raiders recovering it at the Jayhawk eight-yard line. Running back Tahj Brooks applied the dagger with a five-yard touchdown run to go up 43-28.

Bean was 17-for-28 with 270 yards, three passing touchdowns and an interception. Neal had 24 carries with 190 yards. Arnold had five receptions for 119 yards.

Kansas actually outgained Texas Tech 534-510 with 7.6 points per play for the Hawks.

KU was suffering a bit of a hangover after celebrating their first bowl berth since 2008 last weekend. Their defense came out flat and the offense was unable to put up points with missed field goals and turnovers.

With the loss, KU is now 6-4 overall and 3-4 in Big 12 play, which has them tied with the Red Raiders for sixth place. The Jayhawks can still make the Big 12 Championship game, but they have to win their last two games, hope Baylor loses another game and K-State loses next week.

The Jayhawks will host #18 Texas (6-3, 4-3) fresh off their 17-10 home loss to TCU. Kickoff time and channel is to be determined.