Utah State vs Texas Tech

[Music] [Music] [Music] welcome to the college football playoff The Season's had plenty of ups and downs but all the drama has led up to this point the beginning of this 12 team playoff in front of a home crowd and a rockus environment and our match up tonight sets up a potential Cinderella Story the last team to qualify for this 12 team playoff on the road against a team that likely believes it should be resting and watching this first round game on TV this is a dangerous spot for the home team and a chance for the underdog to Spring an upset and move on to the quarterfinals as we'll see the number 12 seed in this playoff the Utah State Aggies taking on the number five seed in the playoff the Texas Tech Red Raiders EA Sports CeX football I'm Chris F joined as always by KK herbstreet and the playoff is here we've got a tremendous on campus environment can't wait to get this one started and the turn will be brought down the agies will begin with less than ideal field position off that qu return and this quarterback of course Kirk he's the guy that stirs the drink for this team talk about the total package he runs it produces it directs it acts out all the scenes he's the whole package I love a quarterback who understands the ins and outs of a football game this kid plays like he wrote the [Applause] [Music] manual on the it's early but this crowd is fired up listen to this noise here this is going to be tough for the visitors today gain of two yards now it's second down and eight Christino the spread era over the years has always grown offensively I've been always impressed with the defenses that really build their defense to play in space still have an ability to be sound at the line of scrimmage and defend a running game it's exactly what we saw right there and he's brought down but there is a flag on the field let's check out this call face mask penalty cost the defense 15 yds and a first down got it shotgun formation here's an inside give try to run it up the middle but get nothing that back just had nowhere to go got to give to the defense and their run fits on that play important second down play coming [Applause] up and the quarterback dropping back hit as he through he's going deep here the ball is picked off not much on the return to the important thing the takeaway SS out the scoring thre big play this is the worst thing this offense could imagine is turning the football over and a playoff game on the road already an underdog and I love the aggressive mindset to put the ball in the air and be confident who you are you just can't turn it over on this big of a stage like that this early in the game fresh set of downs for the offense first down here's the handoff finding some room with the 25 breaks clear Endzone ahead at the 20 inside the 10 no stopping and takes it all the way touchdown Texas 10 oh my what a great play call here by the offensive coordinator running back received some great blocking up front and just took off with it carving up this defense all the way to the end [Applause] zone so they'll try to add to the lead now with the p and the P makes it 7 nothing open Score kickoff team on the field getting set [Applause] [Music] now and he's going to bring this out from a couple yards Deep In The End Zone and he's brought down at the 12 that's po field position to start the drive and the agies offense is back on the field now we'll see if this quarterback can shake off the interception he thre in the last possession offense will keep it on the ground here the defense does a really nice job here being able to contain that run game held him just for two yards just to me this changes the Playbook a little bit now for the offense guy calling the plays at second eight that's a different deal now he's got him probably thinking about going through the air instead of staying on the ground and now the defense decides to spend a timeout to regroup a bit and wow listen to this crowd noise this stadium is vibrating that's why this is such a tough place for visitors to play quarterback wants to throw it on second down he pulls in the catch he'll earn the first down but pay for it with a hard hit you know we talked this week with the offensive about what makes this receiver so special he kept referring to his route running here's an example of that great route enough separation to give the quarterback a nice Lane to throw the football beautiful catch right near the sideline gets the foot down in a big game before he goes out of bounds the offense keeps churning gets a fresh set of downs offense keeps moving it's a completion for a first down he hands it off from the gun he gains nine Le so it's second and one great job by the offensive line here opening up some holes and giving the running back room to run on first down plays like this can open up the playbook for the play caller allow him to make that defense think are they going to run maybe play action maybe throw the ball down field they'll stop him behind the line for a loss of one I mean Chris you have to admire this offense they continue to try to sprinkle in the Run game even though it's not been able to really get established but they're not just becoming onedimensional you got to respect that and hopefully at some point it'll pay off critical third down play for this offense right here try and muscle for the first down and they'll stop him just short the marker good effort but the defense holds now it's fourth down and the coach leaves his offense on the field to go for this one needing to get a first down trying throw fourth down completion makes the catch that is enough for a first down brought down but it's past the line to game offense will set up on First and 10 here's the snap looking to throw receiver makes the grab defense surrounds him just a short gain on that completion a lot of times when a quarterback sees man defense he wants to get the ball out of his hands as quickly as possible put the ball in the hands of one of their best Playmakers and hope that he can break a tackle or two on the outside and get a big play looks down field and connects with a wide open wide receiver they tackle him at the three but that's a great gain in the pitch and catch the offense knocking on the door with a first and goal they'll try to run this one in well another short game for this offense on the ground and you got to give a lot of credit to the defense they have really negated that aspect of this offense the entire first half and really making them one dimensional and if that doesn't change know how they get back into this game on second and goal they'll give it to him again they'll stop him behind the line for a loss of One D this defense continues to just be physical it's a line of scrimmage offense can't do anything on the ground and by doing that this defense is allowing their defensive front to get pressure on the quarterback every time they drop back to throw they become a one-dimensional pressured and dropped back at the 8 yd line nothing tells you more about a defense's personality than when they get tested like this facing a first and goal all the way to Third and goal you come up with a sack Relentless attitude now let's see what they decide to do on Fourth and goal that one straight down the middle so after the funeral goal the kicker out there again to boot it away and that one my gosh I mean it's almost too easy nice kick and he takes this from inside the five he's got some daylight turning on the speed there just able to stop him but that is a great return there he's a dangerous guy with the football it's a great spot to start this drive here comes the opening play of the drive they begin at their own 45 yd line makes the wide receiver coming in motion now they're going to run it here the junior able to bring him down quickly 4 y second down after that run on the previous play5 [Applause] going with the old counter run here and a decent gain there before the defense brings him down cuz I just love to see this offensive line in this running game able to establish themselves this back is already over 50 yards we're in the first half so really good job of establishing the Run game opens up the play action opens up one-on-one opportunities just keep winning the battle up front third down coming up after that running play they'll try to run for the first down tackled but only after picking up a fresh set of downs sometimes I almost get mesmerized watching these Runners who have great vision you know the eyes that carry their feet to the open making people Miss I just love watching those guys do work the Red Raiders begin a new series here first and 10 [Applause] out of the shotgun he'll hand it off and the defense able to hold him there to a short [Applause] game9 well Kirk Texas Tech has the lead here and the first quarter is in the book so what is a huge opportunity for both these programs to get a step closer to a national championship through one period these teams are finding out that playoff games just feel different who can handle the nerves better as we head to the second offense getting set for a second down here to begin the quarter they'll run it out of the shotgun nothing doing on that play a big D tackle there for the stopper well the defensive line does their job eating up those double teams freeing up the backers to make the play they come to the line a long way to go for the first down but needing this crucial conversion right now and he went backwards after the catch that'll set up a fourth down now and the Red Raiders will bring their punt team on the field now and the fair catch signal for and [Music] taken Utah State's offense back out on the field now last time out they moved the ball well but had to settle for a chip shot field goal looking to throw it on first down and it's incomplete he just missed his Target over throwing it that's a misfire there Chris this passing game has got to be able to get into sink and find the Rhythm incompletion sets up a second down here's the snap offense looking to throw the ball and he's got his man open down field he's tackled quickly but the yardage is good enough for the first down a new set of downs after that completion easy hand off to the single back running with purpose breaks they can't get into the refuses to be stopped heads out of bounds after a solid gain more than enough to pick up a first down well the big Fells Kirk flowing to the right there the defense just has no answer it's a huge game yeah and what a patience there by the running back just allowing those blocks to be set up there off to the right and then once he saw the prase in the defense accelerates through that hole to show you what kind of speed he has for a big gain in a first down offense getting set second down play here quarterback sets up looking for an open man and this time it's complete oh and nothing but green grass ahead touchdown Utah State this quarterback on fire today Chris how about that a quick slant that goes for this many yards in a touchdown that's what's so dangerous about this quarterback and wide receiver quarterback puts the ball right on the money and by doing so look at the receiver catches it in stride and has all that room to run after the catch for that touchdown he's going to return it from near the goal line and he sto at the 20 triy to make something happen but that's good coverage there and the Texas Tech offense trots back out onto the field now last Drive stall were forced to pun it away let's see what they can come up with this time this line getting set up it's a first down [Applause] Play Quick Pass here comes a Jet Sweep moves his way for a first down to the 35 the defense has got to do a much better job here of adjusting to the pre- snap motion they just kind of stayed in place and it gave the receiver plenty of room there to make a nice play on First and 10 here looking to throw the ball it's an out route the catch made and it's out of bounds after a decent gain thereis a really great job here with the quarterback and the receiver this is all about timing quarterback gets back no hitch in his delivery gets the ball out in front of the receiver where he can run away from the defender for a nice completion and looks like the quarterback's going to run it goes backwards losing three yards [Applause] there offense looking to convert on Third and short from the 42 can they make the yardage or face a tricky fourth down decision they P it to him on the Jet Sweep the defense swarms to make a tackle for loss on that third down catch hey I I really like the idea on third down I can kind of see the thought process there make an unconventional call on third down sometimes that can work out but the defense was just prepped and ready for it this time he's got it and that is enough for a first down they got him but they convert on fourth down and the drive keeps going well the defense is in the right coverage here looked like they had exactly what they wanted to be able to come up with a stop here on fourth down but there's the timing between a quarterback and receiver they knew exactly where they needed to go great timing and a first down just a short gain this time we're able to get him down see that's how you limit what an offense wants to do this time the defense just won the battle up front at the line of scrimmage not giving up any big plays everybody's Gap sound it's really solid defense on that play off play action he's looking to throw he's moving out of the pocket and he'll just get rid of it that's the two-minute warning here before halftime as the offense tries to cut into this lead after the incompletion they'll have to try to convert here on Third and nine quarterback making adjustments now to what the defense is showing the timeout is called to talk strategy close game here as we approach halftime [Applause] not going to be easy here backed up a long way to go for a first down that player moved a little bit too early to fall start false start off pretty easy call for the head coach he will accept that penalty of course seventh play of the drive coming up but it is third down and Long play action fake looking to throw and he'll LOF it to the end zone oh and it's batted down by the defense great play to deny a touchdown the Red Raiders will line up to put it away and he'll kick it away now for the second time the coverage team makes the stop on this return big guys up front line up it's first [Applause] down look him out throwing here to start the drive it's caught downfield not much after the catch but it is good enough for a first down another great play by this receiver and I tell you the offense coordinator is doing a nice job of moving him around the defense knew coming into this game how tough he'd be to stop but the way they're utilizing him is making it very challenging to be able to create the matchups that the defense wants he fires this throw and it's intercepted going the other way can they catch him touchdown Red Raiders and the defense joins the party with a pick six and the interception taken to the house a big six potential gamechanging play there now nothing gets a defense and especially a defensive coordinator more fired up than a pick six and let's not forget give credit to some of those other Defenders for making some key blocks to Spring that touchdown loose UT so it'll be a Touchback ball spotted at the [Applause] 25 here comes the Utah State offense out there well it's been an entertaining the first half not much time remaining to cut into this lead so here we go first play of the drive under two minutes before halftime finds a man open on the right side downfield the offense will Now quickly spend a timeout game moves the ball to the 40 it'll be first down there's the snap quarterback setting up to throw he's picked for a third time tonight he's got some opening the head finally able to take him down but that's a great return after the pick well it looks like somebody did a great job of preparing himself to get ready for this football game it's his second interception in this game so far obviously with you the tape is locked in on his fundamentals that's a big time player making big time plays first and go will try to run it in they'll stop him behind the line for a loss of one well this defense is being challenged they're close close to their own goal line but how about this play all 11 guys coming together they stood firm the result is a short loss for the offense nice job coming up second down and goal on the ground trying to punch it in for the score he takes it into the end zone but hold on there's a flag down will that holding penalty be a drive killer second and goal for the offense they'll run it hand it off to the running back Chris texor job by the defense surrounding the runner and preventing that play from being bounced to the outside the offense theying a third and goal from a long way away from the shotgun drops back looking for an open man that one is incomplete the defender was right there and it brings up for fourth down now so the decision is to not go for it but settle for three here comes the field goal team no problem knocks it right through well they almost put a touchdown on the board but instead they come away with three points so here's the kickoff now offense settling the dream tacking on a little bit of momentum before the halftime break he's going to bring it out of the End Zone from a couple yards deep tackled at the 12 the coach wishes he'd left that one in the end zone so the offense takes the field in the final seconds of the half chance for just a couple more plays there's the handoff they get him to the ground about the 18 yd line second looks like the offense is content to run up the clock here and just take it to intermission and that will do it for the first half here Kevin Connors now has our halftime update thanks Chris the magnitude and intensity of these playoff matchups is always something special to be a part of and the story of the half has been that Elite Corner we were told he was tough to throw against he's basically taken away an entire side of the field when he's out there causing turnovers and getting physical how often do we say that about lock down guys and how this offense schemes against him in this second half will be fun to watch that's going to do it for us here at the half time to see how this incredible playoff drama plays out and for that it's back to frisen KK [Music] the kickoff team out there now to get this second half underway and the return starts just inside the end zone and it'll be sto short of the 20 yd line good job of the coverage team and the Texas Tech offense is back out on the field now first down here for this offense and they'll start the third quarter here on the ground you know in the era that we live in right now everybody wants to spread the field round try to create space try to create one-on-one matchups and the defense has countered over the years by trying to play out wide but here's a great example the defense has the ability to play wide but still be solid at the line of scrimmage not give up Big Run play stopped short of the marker after just a short [Applause] game3 crucial third down play right here the offense will take their first time out of the half to talk strategy here time [Applause] the it's third down for the offens a PO pass on the Jet Sweep crossing the 35 stopped right near Midfield it'll be a first down and the Red Raiders come to the line to set a fresh set of downs [Applause] and the ball is handed off out of the shotgun Breaking Free at the 35 it's a big gain deep into plus territory they'll spot it near the 30 the Red Raiders pick up enough yardage to get a fresh set of downs they're moving the receiver now before the snap and the quarterback tucks it and takes off as a designed run they'll tackle him for a loss of five Ys second down coming [Applause] up offense getting set up here they'll change the pre- snap look now fakes the handoff here looking to throw it and he's looking going to make a big play downfield and it's intercepted as he threw it into heavy traffic that time and he's wrapped up after a solid return wow a risky call by the offensive coordinator playing with the lead in the playoff in the second half throwing the football I don't disagree with it but now you give this defense a chance to create a turnover and they capitalize here with the pick finds the receiver wide open they've got him but not before making first down yards to move the ball to the 41 a new set of downs after that [Applause] completion from the shotgun handoff inside tackled but not before he gets into enemy territory at the 45 was a nice job up front by the offensive line but give the running back an assist or setting those blocks up before he's able to get downfield for the first down on first down they'll keep their running game churning and he's brought down but hold on there's a flag on the [Applause] play Hosley holding penalty there backs him up 10 yards first down play call coming up how aggressive will it be now it's third and long for this offense but ball right at Midfield and the quarterback drops back looking for an open man down he goes just like that you squeeze the life out of this offense that's another sack by this defense they have been in that back field the entire game and a big reason why these guys are enjoying a lead and at Fourth Down they'll punt it away here and we'll see what he can do on the return and the return are brought down by the coverage team and the Red Raiders offense back out on the field now they had it going on the last drive but it ended abruptly with the interception let's see what they can do here tight end goes in motion before this snap a hand off to the back that's a nice wrap up there by the junior well the defensive coordinator this week all week telling us about Gap Integrity not giving this running back it creases at all really sound defense on that play solid game moves the ball to the 36 well much like what we saw in the first half for of this playoff game no adjustments go right back to giving this running back to football he's had a monster day and continues to get positive yards that run sets up an important third down call for this offense tackled behind the line it's a loss of two this running back's had a big night kind of night you dream about but the defense finally stepped up and gets to him behind the line of scrimmage be catches made but let's see what that flag was about personal foul ring the kicker defense and the head coach will decide to accept the penalty and take the yardage offense gets a second chance after the roughing the punter penalty we'll give it to the running back now they test the middle of the defense but get that was an excellent effort by this defense just staying in their run FS holding their own at the line of scrimmage and then making a tackle offense just couldn't get enough of a push to get any yards at all they'll try the ground game here with the running back not much on that play brought down short offense been in Reverse here now a long way to go to convert this third down dropping back we going to throw for the first down catch made on the left side tackled inside the 40 and it's good enough for a first [Music] down and the quarterback keeps it on the option on the defense wraps him up behind the line of scrimmage to conclude the third quarter of play but Texas Tech has the lead here sitting in a pretty good spot as you wrap up the third quarter trying to keep go National Championship hops alive let's take a quick look at the game set where we have a chance as we head to the fourth we could be in store for a classic finish a spot in the next round of the college football playoff is at stake here we go first play of the quarter offense setting up for a second down [Applause] play keeping it on the ground here decent yardage oh that's exactly what you don't want to do as a running back here in the fourth quarter working with the lead it's all about eating up that clock and keeping the ball on the ground which they tried to do but now he stops the clock by going out of bounds drops back needing a third down completion here that looks to his right and finds his man completion gains about six yds but now it's a down call boy what an incredible job here by this defense on third down now to set up a pivotal fourth down play question is does the offense go for it and be aggressive or do they punt it away and trust their defense to get a win the offense already has one four time conversion can they do it for a second time they go with the ground game here running back takes the hand off brought down to the 27 it's a first down this off defense really threatening now boy this guy just keeps playing good football he's like a bowling ball out there gets low P support running over top of Defenders just a pritty runner and a big part of the reason they're enjoying this lead here in the fourth quarter they'll work the clock here with the running game well nothing like getting positive yards here playing with the lead late in the game and then staying in bounds to boot it's exactly what you want to see as an offensive coordinator B handed off they stop him but it's a first down and the Red Raiders will hustle to the line to run the hurry up offense here comes a handoff they'll stop him behind the line for a loss of one this drive was already chewed more than three minutes off the clock they'll come up on second down now quarterback checks the defensive look makes some adjustments he look to throw it here on second down and the pass is just thrown away clearly intentional grounding here comes the marker pretty easy call for the head coach he will accept that penalty of course [Applause] on the drive that will not end it is a long way to go on third down here and know the offense will call a timeout something the coach didn't like about this crucial play coming up important play right here close game fourth quarter third and long pre snap motion from the receiver Quick Pass here comes a Jet Sweep oh and he breaks free it's a foot race the game moves the football to the 6yd line it'll be first down and [Applause] [Music] goal so it's first and goal the offense will try to milk the clock and add points if they can and there's the handoff he's tackled down at the four yd line defense get it push back great job by the running back is staying inbounds to continue to work that clock working here in the fourth quarter with the lead you got that defense getting closer and closer to their goal line they are backed up and they are desperate they've got to make a play here the offense just has to take care of the ball a chance to really secure Victory here the defense clearly setting up to stuff the run here we head now to the two-minute warning as this offense tries to bleed out the clock and secure this win ready up second down and goal upcoming the motion by the back now forces the defense to adjust and he runs it in for the score touchdown Texas T well that's why you practice right there Chris this offense had the pressure the game on their back they deliver they get a touchdown and now make this a two possession game with under two to go like their odds and closing this game out pick up teams on the field let's see if they give the returner a chance to bring this one back he'll bring it out from his end zone and he'll be stopped short of the 20 yd line good job of the coverage team and the agies offense is back on the field now the last Drive they came up empty had to kick it away and they come up with something here here comes a first down pass attempt receiver makes the catch defense shs him out of bounds not much of a game there pass Clau second down now and he drops back in the gun that one Falls incomplete looking for a flag doesn't get it brings up Third Down Chris I thought he had his hands on that football I thought he was going to come down with it but give the defense all the credit with a big hit to knock that ball loose quarterback in the shotgun here on third down he's going to be brought down by that ferocious pass rush nice sack down late they'll keep the offense on the field trying to chip away at this [Applause] lead brow trying to make a difference here on fourth down oh they cannot connect really needed that completion instead it's a turnover on downs and the Texas Tech offense cred back out onto the field now first down play call how aggressive will it be hand off to the back they'll keep the clock moving and now a timeout taken by the defense trying to preserve as much clock as possible for their offense offense getting set it's second down little eye candy here from the offense in pre- snap motion he'll hand it off the gain good for just a few yards the defense swarming to the football and now it's the defense the calls timeout here trying to get organized and preserve as much clock as possible third down play for this offense there some pre- snap movement back in motion they flip it to him on the Jet Sweep he's got a lane can he make the End Zone and he scores touchdown Red Raiders Red Raiders well they began with great field position and that didn't take long at all Curry well that's how you take advantage of an opportunity your defense sets you up in great field position you're not looking for a field goal you're looking for a touchdown give the credit to this offense for being aggressive and punching it in he's going to bring this out a few yards Deep In The End Zone he's brought down at the 12 that's your field position to start the drive Utah State's offense back out on the field now well this has been a disappointment they've had their doors blown off here just playing for pride at this point first play of the drive they'll come out throwing fires it to the wide out grab down the middle it's Dy they bring him down but an explosive play by this offense big game the clock is still running they got to get set quickly on First and 10 look at to throw it's a quick grab Breaking Free at Midfield oh and he's in the clear now it's a foot race out of bounds but not before a huge game offense gets a fresh set of downs the offense is clicking and the defense just searching for answers now here comes a throw from the Red Zone lets it Go quickly and a flag comes in as that one Falls incomplete and let's see who this is on and the head coach will decide to accept fresh set it down to the offense first down 29 phly there's the snap looking to throw the ball he finds the running back in the flat the defense drops him for a loss he went backwards there a second down behind the sticks now and he spikes it to stop the clocks incomplete third now it's third and short from the 21 defense trying to make a stand here and prevent a touchdown here's the snap looking to throw here using his legs on the scr got space looking for the End Zone here makes it across the goal line touchdown Aggies what a play by this quarterback one second he's surveying the entire field trying to find that open receiver the next second he just pulls it down tucks the football away picks up yards and gets a touchdown himself what a and the p is good pretty easy call for the head coach he will accept that that penalty of course believe they're going to line up here and go for the onside kick and looks like the hands team are able to recover the football goes backwards losing three yards there this line getting set up it's a first down [Applause] play goes back fors losing three yards there and the defense takes a timeout to stop the clock with 28 seconds remaining second down after that previous play s the back in motion a pop pass on the Jet Sweep he's got it now inside the 10 breaks clear over the right side can they chase him down who could not stop him he's in touchdown Texas 10 know cches love to see a football team doesn't get caught up in the the scoreboard they're just out executing and doing what needs to be done that's what we're seeing from this offense yeah they continue to put points on the board and they're pulling away I just love to see the execution and how they're going about their business now they get set to kick it away 17 and he'll just take a knee Drive will start at the 25 yd line big guys up front lined up it's first down EAS look come out throwing here to start the drive running out of time in the pocket he'll be tackled have to wait and see what this penalty marker is about holding that offensive penalty will be declined but the defense they're happy to take the result of that play getting set here's second [Applause] down they call the draw play here tackled behind the line it's a loss of two well a serious challenge for this offense you don't want to be in third and long inside your own 20 how much of a risk will they take to try to pick up this first down bringing pressure he'll step out of bounds defense keeps that to a very short game of course in the playoffs it's survive and Advance this is a crucial W great performance but now the stage gets even bigger the challenges will continue going forward yeah more and more pressure will grow as this team continues to win football games but you and I have been around this team all year long so impressed with the emotions and how they're able to contain themselves stay focused on the task at hand they did that again today they advaned cannot wait to watch and see what they can do next week and that is going to wrap it up we enjoyed this one here K herb street I'm Chris fer and this has been another presentation of EA Sports college football [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music]