Morton and Brooks lead Texas Tech past California 34-14 in Independence Bowl

Sun, Dec 17, 2023
NCAAF News (AP)

SHREVEPORT, La. (AP) - Behren Morton completed 27 of 43 passes for 256 yards and three first-half touchdowns, leading Texas Tech to a 34-14 victory over California in the Independence Bowl on Saturday night.

Tahj Brooks rushed for 99 yards and a score as the Red Raiders (7-6) overcame a terrible start. They shut out the Bears (6-7) over the final three quarters to win the 47th edition of college football's 11th-oldest bowl game.

Texas Tech led 24-14 at halftime and Brooks, the nation's fourth-leading rusher, scored the only touchdown of the second half on a 7-yard run in the third quarter.

It was the third straight bowl win for the Red Raiders, who fumbled the opening kickoff. Cal freshman Fernando Mendoza then rifled a 25-yard touchdown pass to Monroe Young to give the Bears the lead 15 seconds into the game.

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California had a golden opportunity to extend the lead, but Mendoza was injured on a third-down scramble to the Texas Tech 5. Cal passed on the field goal and was stuffed after Jaydn Ott took a direct snap.

Texas Tech capped the ensuing 93-yard drive with a 27-yard touchdown pass from Morton to Coy Eakin.

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AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football