Patrick Mahomes exhorted the Texas Tech Red Raiders to channel their inner Kobe Bryant and not lose concentration after a big win. The Kansas City Chiefs star dropped a message to the players after they dominated the BYU Cougars, 34-7, in the Big 12 championship match.
This marked Texas Tech's first Big 12 title in its first trip to the championship game in program history. Mahomes voiced his excitement to see his former team enjoy success but sent a clear message against thinking they already won, as the competition will continue with the College Football Playoffs.
"Proud of them boys! Big 12 Champs! Congrats! @TexasTechFB Job not done!!! #WreckEm," Mahomes tweeted.
Despite starting the game up 7-0 after an LJ Martin 10-yard touchdown run, the Cougars were nowhere to be found. The Red Raiders amassed 34 unanswered points to capture the championship. Quarterback Behren Morton went 20 of 33 for 215 yards and two touchdowns.
Running backs J'Koby Williams (80 yards on 15 carries) and Cameron Dickey (72 yards and one touchdown on 18 carries) joined the party, while wide receiver Coy Eakin created an impact with 66 yards and two touchdowns on three receptions. Reggie Virgil added 86 yards on eight receptions.
Back in November, Patrick Mahomes came back to Lubbock to see his former team and act as ESPN's guest picker. Coincidentally, he watches his alma mater defeat the Cougars 29-7, with Behren Morton (17 of 32 for 219 yards and one touchdown) and Cameron Dickey (23 carries for 121 yards and one touchdown) going off.
Texas Tech had never won the Big 12 title. They came close to the championship game in 2008 after tying for the South Division regular-season championship. Oklahoma and Missouri played the championship game that year.
Patrick Mahomes praises Texas Tech's coach
Before appreciating his former team, Patrick Mahomes dropped a four-word message to Texas Tech defensive coordinator Shiel Wood in reaction to the coach's nomination for the Broyles Award.
"Best in the country!!!" Mahomes tweeted.
Wood helped linebacker Jacob Rodriguez dominate this and secure the Butkus Award as the nation's top linebacker.
In three seasons with the Red Raiders, Patrick Mahomes went 857 of 1,349 for 11,252 yards and 93 touchdowns with 29 interceptions. Although he could not lead the team to a conference championship, Mahomes stayed committed to the program.