LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – For No. 10 Texas Tech (5-0, 2-0 Big 12), Saturday’s matchup against Arizona State (3-2, 1-1) presents an opportunity to avenge last season’s 26-22 loss in Tempe. But the Red Raiders insist they haven’t spent the offseason treating the rematch as a revenge game.
“Not really, but now that it’s here, I’m definitely looking forward to it just because of what happened last year that we lost,” said defensive lineman AJ Holmes Jr. “So now that it’s Arizona State week, we’re definitely getting amped up, like we got to go get us a win because they beat us last year, but as far as just in the offseason looking forward to it, no sir. But now it’s game week against them, so they’re the most important game right now.”
Tight end Terrance Carter Jr. Suffered a left ankle injury in the second quarter of last year’s game before he was able to record any receptions. This time, Carter looks forward to this game where he can hopefully play all four quarters.
“I got hurt with the high ankle sprain, and it sucks because the type of player I am. I always want to be on the field, like it doesn’t matter what’s going on, if I’m hurt or not. I just always want to be on the field,” he said. “And I know this year, I’ll definitely be putting a lot out on this game because I didn’t get to play them last year, but the main thing is going 1-0.”
Like Holmes, Carter says the focus is on Arizona State as the next opponent, not on settling last year’s score.
“I wouldn’t say the game is circled. If it’s circled, it’s just because it’s the next opponent that we have. They’re a really good team and we know what we have to go out there to do. We have to go out there and execute plays the way that we know how and honestly just get this team rolling,” he said.
In last year’s game, safety Brenden Jordan had six tackles. He echoes the team’s approach.
“I feel like the same man. We don’t really look at it like that. It’s just the next game that’s up. So last year it was unfortunate that we lost, but I mean, it is what it is and looking forward to this game.”
“Yeah, they coach well, they play hard, but I don’t think this is a game that’s been amped up or anything,” said offensive lineman Howard Sampson. “I think this is just another opportunity for us to go want to know this week. play our best ball out there, so we’re kind of excited for that coming up this week.”
Sampson will help the offensive line try to improve last year’s performance where Tech gave up two sacks and totaled 102 yards on the ground.
Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Galaxy Stadium and will be broadcast on FOX.
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