CBS SportsLine wire reports
Oct. 31, 1998
LUBBOCK, Texas -- On a soggy, rain-soaked field, No. 18 Missouri's Devin West seemed to be the only player who had dry hands and firm footing.
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HE POWERED THROUGH TEXAS TECH'S defensive line, swept to the outside for big gains and darted into the end zone three times as the Tigers beat Texas Tech 28-26 on Saturday.
West racked up 133 yards and was the first running back in 12 games to run for more than 100 yards against Tech. He said the game was a breakthrough for the Tigers, whose offense has struggled lately.
"Our offense is back," West said. "We have a lot of things to work on still."
"I think this is a big win," Missouri coach Larry Smith said. "Texas Tech is a fine football team and it is tough to get a road win in the Big 12."
West and the Tigers were given plenty of help by the mistake-prone Red Raiders, who nonetheless almost forced overtime.
With the Tigers (6-2, 2-1, Big 12) ahead 28-20 with 1:05 left, backup Matt Tittle threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to Kyle Allamon. But a 2-point conversion attempt failed and an onside kick was recovered by Missouri.
"It is real tough in weather like this," Allamon said. ``You have to concentrate more. ... There is a lot of disappointment on this team."
"When Tech moved the ball and got a touchdown, the defense came right back and made the big play," Smith said. "We won the stinking football game because of that play."
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Missouri wide receiver Kent Layman hauls in a pass in the first half against Texas Tech.
(AP)
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Tech coach Spike Dykes said his team succumbed because of the turnovers.
"When you have that happen it takes all of the wind out of your sails," Dykes said. "Maybe I am crazy. I admire the team for coming back."
Tech (6-3, 3-3, Big 12) has lost three straight games. The Red Raiders' top running back, Ricky Williams, missed most of the second half with a sprained ankle. He finished with 53 yards in 14 carries.
THE RED RAIDERS BEGAN THE THIRD QUARTER with a 12-play, 70-yard drive that ended in a 5-yard touchdown pass from Peters to Tim Baker with 9:38 left. The score cut Missouri's lead to 21-12.
A fumble by Peters at Tech's 20 was recovered by Missouri, setting up a touchdown that gave Missouri a 28-12 lead.
With 10:56 left, Peters found Allamon for a 12-yard touchdown pass and a successful 2-point conversion made it 28-20.
In the first quarter, Tech moved 66 yards for a 19-yard field goal by Chris Birkholz with 5:54 left.
After recovering another Tech fumble with 12:26 left in the second quarter, the Tigers scored on a 2-yard run by West to lead 7-3.
Tech responded with a 30-yard field goal by Birkholz with 6:42 left in the half.
Missouri's Pat Mingucci forced a fumble by Peters and Terrell Jurineack returned it 17 yards for a touchdown with 3:00 left in the half.
With 1:11 left, West scored again on a 2-yard run.
Tigers quarterback Corby Jones finished with 54 yards passing and said the slippery ground made things difficult.
"The hardest part, due to the weather, was getting to the outside and trying to make cutbacks."