BOULDER, Colo. — No. 12 Texas Tech’s defense proved pivotal in its 29-7 victory over Colorado at Folsom Field on Saturday, denying the Buffaloes a single point after its first drive.
Colorado scored on its first drive of the game on an 8-yard touchdown reception by Joseph Williams. After the initial score, the defense adopted a new mentality in the game going forward, said Tech head coach Joey McGuire.
“They drove down and scored and then we turned into bend but don’t break,” McGuire said. “Then we turned into taking the ball away.”
The first interception came in the third quarter from Brice Pollock, who picked off wide receiver Williams on a trick play. The following three interceptions came from Colorado quarterback Isaac Wilson, who was starting his first game over Julian Lewis.
Malik Esquerra recorded his first collegiate interception after streaking in front of an open receiver, which was followed up by another Pollock interception in the same quarter. Finally, John Curry snared Wilson’s attempt from his own end zone to throw a pass over him with a leaping effort for a pick-six.
“I think once Shiel [Wood] and Rob [Greene] got the defense settled and was able to talk through some adjustments, we started playing a little bit better,” McGuire said. “I think we only sacked him one time, but we did get a lot of pressure on him and that allowed some of his angles to change to where the ball floated and we were able to pick it off.”
Pollock’s two interceptions matched a career-high he set against Oregon State last season.
McGuire said Pollock expressed frustration after last week’s 49-14 victory over Sam Houston over not being more involved with Tech’s turnover game. He said Pollock asked Tech cornerbacks coach Darcel McBath to challenge him throughout the week leading up to Colorado.
Curry’s interception came after the Buffaloes were pushed back to their 2-yard line following a 66-yard punt from Will Karroll. Wilson rolled out to his right and attempted to throw the ball over Curry’s head. Curry leaped for the ball, caught it and landed in the Buffaloes’ end zone for a pick-six.
“I definitely thought they were running the ball there, just because of where they were on the field,” Curry said. “I beat the block, or what I thought was a block, and went to go attack a ball. Quarterback’s holding the ball staring right at me, so I just jumped up and he threw it straight to me. It was pretty awesome, though.”
The undefeated Red Raiders roll into a bye week before taking on Arizona State on Oct. 17 at Galaxy Stadium in Lubbock.