California vs. Texas Tech Short Report | Dec 16, 2023
Independence Stadium
Shreveport, LA
Dec 16, 2023
Upload a photo of you at this game and we'll create a commemorative ticket of it.
Game Recap
In a showdown at the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl, Texas Tech Red Raiders overcame a stumbling start to dominate the California Golden Bears 34-14. California seized an early advantage when Fernando Mendoza connected with Monroe Young for a 25-yard touchdown within the first 15 seconds—capitalizing on a fumble by Texas Tech during the opening kickoff. The Bears pressed on, and Jaydn Ott rushed for a 1-yard touchdown, giving California a 14-7 lead.
However, Texas Tech roared back with resilience. Behren Morton threw three first-half touchdown passes, helping Texas Tech secure a 24-14 halftime lead. Following halftime, Texas Tech’s formidable defense shut down California, evidenced by three interceptions—one each by Jacob Rodriguez, Tyrique Matthews, and CJ Baskerville. Offensively, Tahj Brooks and Gino Garcia's field goals helped extend the lead, culminating in a convincing victory for Texas Tech.
Key Plays:
Monroe Young (California Golden Bears)
California capitalized on an early turnover by Texas Tech, with Fernando Mendoza's 25-yard touchdown pass to Monroe Young giving the Bears a 7-0 lead just 15 seconds into the game.
Coy Eakin (Texas Tech Red Raiders)
Behren Morton responded with a 27-yard touchdown pass to Coy Eakin to level the score, showcasing a resilient Texas Tech offense early in the game.
Jaydn Ott (California Golden Bears)
Jaydn Ott's 1-yard rushing touchdown, preceded by a 51-yard pass from Mendoza to Trond Grizzell, allowed the Bears to briefly regain control with a 14-7 lead.
Mason Tharp (Texas Tech Red Raiders)
Behren Morton connected with Mason Tharp for a 15-yard touchdown, tying the game at 14-14 and igniting a scoring run for Texas Tech.
Loic Fouonji (Texas Tech Red Raiders)
Morton's 14-yard touchdown pass to Loic Fouonji marked Texas Tech's first lead of the game, which they never relinquished.
Gino Garcia (Texas Tech Red Raiders)
Gino Garcia's 25-yard field goal in the closing seconds of the first half extended Texas Tech's lead to 24-14.
Tahj Brooks (Texas Tech Red Raiders)
Tahj Brooks' 7-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter further solidified Texas Tech's dominance, pushing the lead to 31-14.
Gino Garcia (Texas Tech Red Raiders)
Gino Garcia sealed the victory by adding a 37-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, completing the game's final score of 34-14.
Tyrique Matthews (Texas Tech Red Raiders)
Tyrique Matthews intercepted a pass from Fernando Mendoza at the Texas Tech 48-yard line early in the third quarter, which was a pivotal defensive play for the Red Raiders.
Jacob Rodriguez (Texas Tech Red Raiders)
Jacob Rodriguez intercepted Mendoza at the Texas Tech 32-yard line, continuing Texas Tech's defensive reign and preventing any possible comeback.
CJ Baskerville (Texas Tech Red Raiders)
In the closing minutes of the game, CJ Baskerville’s interception helped ensure that Texas Tech's 34-14 lead remained untouchable.
Standout Players:
Fernando Mendoza (California Golden Bears, QB)
Despite early promise, Mendoza's performance was marred by three interceptions, completing 22 of 33 passes for 284 yards and one touchdown.
Behren Morton (Texas Tech Red Raiders, QB)
Morton threw for 256 yards and three touchdowns, orchestrating a resilient Texas Tech offense that overcame an early deficit to secure the victory.
Coy Eakin (Texas Tech Red Raiders, WR)
Eakin contributed significantly with seven receptions for 106 yards and a touchdown, establishing himself as a reliable target for Morton.
Tahj Brooks (Texas Tech Red Raiders, RB)
Brooks rushed for 99 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries, providing a consistent ground game that balanced Texas Tech's offensive attack.
Gino Garcia (Texas Tech Red Raiders, K)
Garcia's reliable kicking added two field goals and four extra points, contributing 10 crucial points to Texas Tech's victory.
Jacob Rodriguez (Texas Tech Red Raiders, LB)
Rodriguez was instrumental on defense, making six solo tackles and an interception that halted a California drive, cementing Texas Tech's dominance.
Tyrique Matthews (Texas Tech Red Raiders, LB)
Matthews showcased his defensive prowess with a pivotal interception early in the third quarter, setting the tone for Texas Tech’s second-half shutout.
Loic Fouonji (Texas Tech Red Raiders, WR)
Fouonji made a critical 14-yard touchdown reception that gave Texas Tech their first lead of the game, demonstrating clutch performance under pressure.
References:
California Golden Bears vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders - Final Score - December 16, 2023 | FOX Sports
California Golden Bears vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders Live Score and Stats - December 16, 2023 Gametracker - CBSSports.com
California Golden Bears vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders Box Score and Stats - December 16, 2023 | FOX Sports
Football vs Texas Tech on 12/16/2023 - Box Score - California Golden Bears Athletics
Team
1
2
3
4
T
California Golden Bears
14
0
0
0
14
Texas Tech Red Raiders
7
17
7
3
34
