Patrick Mahomes Named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week

Texas Tech Red Raiders’ freshman quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been named the Big XII Offensive Player of the Week after his incredible performance against No. 7 Baylor last weekend.

Since 2012, the Baylor Bears and the Red Raiders have averaged at least 60 points per game. And those who follow this matchup closely knew that despite the overwhelming odds in Baylor’s favor headed into last Saturday’s game in Arlington, Tex., this was Tech’s bowl game, there would likely be some vintage Air Raid action going on.

Baylor quarterback Bryce Petty was injured in the third quarter and diagnosed with a mild concussion, so who knows what the final score would have looked like had he stayed in the game. But Tech rallied on all cylinders to keep its upset hopes alive, and almost pulled off a monumental defeat if it weren’t for two failed two-point conversions.

I’m sure head coach Kliff Kingsbury would rather have kicked the point after DeAndre Washington’s 48-yard touchdown with 8:13 to go in regulation. And had the 2013 campaign slogan of “Fortune Favors the Bold” come into fruition on the Red Raiders’ final possession, and Bradley Marquez’ 40-yard touchdown pass from Mahomes happened, the game likely would have gone to overtime. But, as they say, “Hindsight is 20/20.”

Be that as it may, the final score was 48-46 Baylor, but most saw tremendous upside to the Red Raiders’ future, especially at the quarterback position. Mahomes was 30 of 56 for an insane 598-yards passing, and tossed six touchdowns.

His numbers easily beat out the top contenders in the Big XII conference, including Baylor running back Shock Linwood, who accounted for 24 carries for 158-yards and two touchdowns.

Mahomes is Texas Tech’s third freshmen quarterback to receive the Big XII Offensive Player of the Week Award in just three years.

“When the lights are on, that’s when he’s at his best,” said senior wide receiver Bradley Marquez. “He’s definitely been tremendous over this past month; it’s been amazing to watch him grow from the time he’s gotten in here. The way he’s able to extend plays and his composure; no matter what the circumstances are throughout a game, he’s going to be a great player.”

Mahomes — a multi-sport athlete — will join Texas Tech baseball and head coach Tim Tadlock in January. And with the football season over, he should have ample time to heal the wrist he injured during the Baylor game.

It’s safe to say that barring transfers, the quarterback battle in Lubbock this spring and summer is going to heat up, and be closely monitored.

*Section Photo credit to John Weast, Getty Images; Featured Photo (above) credit to Kevin Jairaj, USA Today Sports

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