Texas Tech Sports News Roundup: October 9, 2024
As the fall sports season heats up, Texas Tech University is buzzing with excitement across its athletic programs. From basketball recruiting to standout performances on the football field and the soccer pitch, the Red Raiders are making headlines. Here’s a closer look at the latest developments in Texas Tech sports.
Basketball Recruiting: A Rising Star Visits Lubbock
This week, the Texas Tech basketball program welcomed one of the most promising international prospects, Oscar Goodman, to campus. The 6-foot-7 forward hails from New Zealand and is currently a standout at the 2025 NBA Global Academy. Goodman is reportedly considering several top-tier programs, including Texas Tech, Michigan, Ohio State, and Georgetown.
Goodman’s recent visit to Lubbock has generated significant buzz among fans and analysts alike. He has made a name for himself on the international stage, having been named MVP of the FIBA U16 Asian Championship in 2023 and earning a spot on the All-Star 5 at the 2024 U17 World Cup. With a four-star rating from On3.com, Goodman’s commitment to Texas Tech would mark a significant milestone as the program’s first recruit for the class of 2025.
Fans are eagerly following Goodman’s journey on social media, where he shared highlights from his visit, igniting excitement with hashtags like #GunsUp and #WreckEm. His potential addition could elevate Texas Tech’s basketball program to new heights.
Football: Red Raiders Shine in Victory Over Arizona
The Texas Tech football team is riding high after a thrilling 28-22 victory over Arizona, and two players have been recognized for their outstanding performances. Senior running back Tahj Brooks was named the Big 12 Co-Offensive Player of the Week after an impressive outing where he rushed for 128 yards and three touchdowns. This achievement marks Brooks’ third touchdown game, matching his career high, and he has now surpassed the 100-yard mark in all five games this season.
Brooks’ consistency has placed him third on Texas Tech’s all-time rushing yardage list, solidifying his status as a key player for the Red Raiders. His performance against Arizona not only showcased his talent but also contributed significantly to the team’s momentum as they prepare for the upcoming challenges.
In addition to Brooks, linebacker Jacob Rodriguez earned the prestigious Chuck Bednarik Player of the Week honor, recognizing him as the nation’s outstanding defensive player. Rodriguez delivered a stellar performance with 13 tackles and a forced fumble against Arizona, further establishing his reputation as a defensive powerhouse.
Soccer: Dominating the Big 12
The Texas Tech soccer team continues to assert its dominance in the Big 12, recently securing a 1-0 victory over Baylor. This win improved the Red Raiders’ record to 10-2-1 overall and an impressive 5-0-1 in conference play, placing them at the top of the league standings.
The match against Baylor saw Texas Tech control the game, limiting the Bears to just two shots on goal. The decisive moment came in the 62nd minute when Ashleigh Williams scored her 34th career goal, sealing the victory for the Red Raiders. Under the leadership of head coach Tom Stone, who is in his 18th season, this marks the 11th time the team has achieved a 10-win season.
Looking ahead, the Red Raiders will face a tough challenge against No. 14 Colorado on Thursday night, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. The team’s strong performance thus far has fans optimistic about their chances in the upcoming match.
Upcoming Football Schedule
As the football season progresses, the Red Raiders are gearing up for their next challenge. The highly anticipated game against Baylor on October 19 will kick off at 3 p.m. Central and will be broadcast on ESPN 2. This matchup is particularly significant for head coach Joey McGuire, who will face his former employer for the third time in his career, holding a 1-1 record against the Bears.
The rivalry between Texas Tech and Baylor has been intense, with both teams trading victories in recent seasons. The Red Raiders will look to build on their recent success and secure a crucial win as they enter the second half of the season. Historically, Baylor leads the series 41-40-1, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this upcoming showdown.
As the Red Raiders continue to excel across various sports, fans are eagerly anticipating what the rest of the season holds. With standout performances and promising recruits, Texas Tech is poised for an exciting athletic year.