Texas Tech University Athletics
Through the Smoke: Iowa State
October 15, 2019 | Football
Protecting Jones AT&T Stadium has been heavily emphasized for head coach Matt Wells since his arrival on the South Plains.
The Red Raiders have met the call so far, including an impressive ranked victory over then-No. 21 Oklahoma State two weeks ago.
Another tough challenge heads to Lubbock this Saturday in an Iowa State club that has won three straight in the series and is receiving votes in both polls.
Wells sensed his team moved past the OSU win and headed into the matchup with Baylor focused on the task at hand. After a two-overtime battle in Waco, the Red Raiders must find a way to turn the page once again.
"Very proud of our guys, their fight and their resolve to come back after a win and continue to prepare," Wells said of his team's effort last week. "I thought we fought. Our guys competed to the bitter end and left everything out on the field."
The focus, however, now turns to protecting home field on Homecoming.
"Iowa State is a very well coached team," Wells said. "Matt Campbell has done a nice job in turning that program around. It's a very solid team. It's a team that's used to winning and going to bowl games. Certainly what we want to be about here at Tech."
RAMBO RETURNS
Cal transfer Evan Rambo had a strong start to the season with three tackles for a loss in the first three games. Since then, however, he has been banged up and was forced to miss the first two league contests.
Last Saturday in Waco, Rambo made a splash upon his return to the lineup, intercepting a Charlie Brewer pass and returning it 23 yards. It was the first time Brewer had thrown a pick all year and set up Tech's first points of the day.
"It was good," Rambo said on how it felt to return to the field. "Sitting out is not something I like to do. You just want to be out there playing with your brothers and playing football as much as possible. It was fun. It was a great atmosphere and a great game to try to come back to."
It marked the second career interception for the junior linebacker and Tech's ninth over the last four games. The Red Raiders are plus-4 in the turnover margin entering the Iowa State matchup, which ranks 18th in the FBS.
TURNER STEPPING UP
Another transfer that has emerged as of late is Louisiana-Monroe transplant RJ Turner. The big-bodied wideout has combined for 10 catches and 182 yards the last two weeks, including seven for 138 against the Bears.
Offensive coordinator David Yost praised Turner on Tuesday for a strong fall camp as one of the few veterans on the receiving core.
"When your number is called you have to be available," Turner said. "There's no ifs or buts about it. Whatever is going on in the game, if the ball comes to you – whether it's me or a running back – you have to make a play."
Turner made his biggest play as a Red Raider last Saturday with a 79-yard catch and run, the longest of his career and of the season for Tech. His 138-yard performance gave him his first 100-yard game as a Red Raider.
The Red Raiders have met the call so far, including an impressive ranked victory over then-No. 21 Oklahoma State two weeks ago.
Another tough challenge heads to Lubbock this Saturday in an Iowa State club that has won three straight in the series and is receiving votes in both polls.
Wells sensed his team moved past the OSU win and headed into the matchup with Baylor focused on the task at hand. After a two-overtime battle in Waco, the Red Raiders must find a way to turn the page once again.
"Very proud of our guys, their fight and their resolve to come back after a win and continue to prepare," Wells said of his team's effort last week. "I thought we fought. Our guys competed to the bitter end and left everything out on the field."
The focus, however, now turns to protecting home field on Homecoming.
"Iowa State is a very well coached team," Wells said. "Matt Campbell has done a nice job in turning that program around. It's a very solid team. It's a team that's used to winning and going to bowl games. Certainly what we want to be about here at Tech."
Homecoming features an exciting week full of activities for students, including a bonfire, parade, float competitions and more before the @TexasTechFB
— Texas Tech Red Raiders (@TechAthletics) October 15, 2019
game!
Another favorite event, established in 1954, is the election of the homecoming queen.
??#WreckEm | #TechTraditions?? pic.twitter.com/pcINuKWgSG
RAMBO RETURNS
Cal transfer Evan Rambo had a strong start to the season with three tackles for a loss in the first three games. Since then, however, he has been banged up and was forced to miss the first two league contests.
Last Saturday in Waco, Rambo made a splash upon his return to the lineup, intercepting a Charlie Brewer pass and returning it 23 yards. It was the first time Brewer had thrown a pick all year and set up Tech's first points of the day.
"It was good," Rambo said on how it felt to return to the field. "Sitting out is not something I like to do. You just want to be out there playing with your brothers and playing football as much as possible. It was fun. It was a great atmosphere and a great game to try to come back to."
It marked the second career interception for the junior linebacker and Tech's ninth over the last four games. The Red Raiders are plus-4 in the turnover margin entering the Iowa State matchup, which ranks 18th in the FBS.
TURNER STEPPING UP
Another transfer that has emerged as of late is Louisiana-Monroe transplant RJ Turner. The big-bodied wideout has combined for 10 catches and 182 yards the last two weeks, including seven for 138 against the Bears.
Offensive coordinator David Yost praised Turner on Tuesday for a strong fall camp as one of the few veterans on the receiving core.
"When your number is called you have to be available," Turner said. "There's no ifs or buts about it. Whatever is going on in the game, if the ball comes to you – whether it's me or a running back – you have to make a play."
Turner made his biggest play as a Red Raider last Saturday with a 79-yard catch and run, the longest of his career and of the season for Tech. His 138-yard performance gave him his first 100-yard game as a Red Raider.
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