Linebacker Jacob Rodriguez struck the Heisman Trophy pose again after the first offensive touchdown of his career, Reggie Virgil scored three times and No. 8 Texas Tech routed UCF 48-9 on Saturday. The Red Raiders (10-1, 7-1 Big 12, No. 6 CFP) stayed on track for a shot at their first Big 12 championship in their regular-season home finale, reaching 10 victories for the first time since going 11-2 under the late Mike Leach in 2008. The Golden Knights (4-6, 1-6) didn't pick up a first down until they tra iled 21-0 and dropped to 0-4 on the road, getting outscored 78-12 combined in the past two, a pair of trips to Texas. UCF had a season-low 52 yards rushing against the nation's No. 1 run defense. "The question was how were we going to handle success afte r last week," said coach Joey McGuire, referring to a 29-7 victory over BYU in a top-10 matchup. "I've got these old guys. It's a vet team. They believe in each other. They care about each other. I'm really proud of the way they played." Just as he did a fter a highlight-reel interception against the Cougars, Rodriguez lifted one leg and extended an arm while surrounded by teammates after the former high school quarterback scored on a 2-yard run in the wildcat. "Everybody's talking about quarterbacks for Heisman," McGuire said, "so we put him at quarterback today, he scored a touchdown." Rodriguez, who scored touchdowns on fumble recoveries this season and last against Oklahoma State, set up Vigil's third TD for a 35-2 lead with his fourth interception this season.No need for another Heisman pose, though, after the TD. "We repped it throughout the week, and it looked good," Rodriguez said. "Obviously, we were going on scout team. When they said (as we) got closer to the goal line, "Be ready," so I ran over there from the other side of the sideline and I was ready to go." Virgil's first two scores came on the first two carries of his career in the second quarter, a 5-yarder early and a 30-yard sprint that ended with him hopping and skipping into the end zone. Cameron Dickey also had two rushing TDs. Behren Morton threw for 149 yards and the 8-yard score to Virgil before getting replaced by Mitch Griffis late in the first half. Morton is playing through a leg injury, and original backup Will Ham mond is out for the season with a knee injury. UCF's first points came on a safety when Texas Tech left tackle Howard Sampson was called for holding in the end zone. - Texas Tech/AP College Football
(DS#2 ILB) rSr/2026  ILB Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
News Source: Texas Tech/AP College Football
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