Maybe those statistics that showed Texas Tech No. 1 in total defense after four weeks of the season weren’t that far off after all.
The Red Raiders, who had fattened their numbers with wins against overmatched opponents in the first three games, put the clamps on Iowa State in their Big 12 opener for a 24-13 victory.
The 4-0 Raiders held the Cyclones to just 189 yards in total offense.
The Raiders got to the Cyclones for four sacks and three interceptions, limiting them to just 73 yards passing.
“We didn’t run one blitz tonight,” coach Tommy Tuberville said. “We felt like we could rush the passer with four or five and not have to worry.
“When you’re doing that and don’t have to take chances, you don’t give up big plays and you can play the run.
“If you’re out there gambling like we had to the past couple of years, you’re going to give up big plays.”
Senior cornerback Cornelius Douglas had two of the interceptions, with the second setting up Tech’s final touchdown.
“It’s really good,” Douglas said of the progress on defense. “We were basically last in defense last year.
“Coach keeps telling us to run hard and run to the ball. We need to do our key things. If we do our key things we are going to win ball games.
“That’s what we’ve been doing, and it is showing on the field.”