If Texas Tech needs a new QB, they’re confident in Shimonek

A change at quarterback did little to change the result.

Texas Tech beat Kansas 55-19 despite the fact the Red Raiders (3-1, 1-0) lost quarterback Patrick Mahomes in the third quarter. By then he had thrown for 277 yards, four touchdowns and an interception. Nic Shimonek, a transfer from Iowa, came in and threw for 271 yards and four touchdowns.

Reports surfaced stating Mahomes has a sprain in the AC joint in his shoulder. According to reports, his dad, Pat, stated his son didn’t need surgery.

As for Shimonek’s performance, Texas Tech coach Kliff Kingsbury said he wasn’t surprised.

“Yeah, that was awesome,” he said. “There’s not a harder worker on the team. I had seen him do that in practice. I know how good he is but it was good for his teammates, the other coaches, fans to see what he can do. He threw some incredible passes. Made all the right reads, had some great checks. Working with him every day, you see the work ethic he puts in, so for me, that was awesome, and I couldn’t be more proud of him.”

Receiver Jonathan Giles had 12 catches for 219 yards and two touchdowns.

“Yeah, he continues to be kind of the go-to guy,” Kingsbury said. “They tried to double him at times, but he found a way to get open and once he gets it, he can do stuff with it.”

Giles said he doesn’t consider himself a go-to receiver but appreciated the sentiment.

“I look at me as just another great receiver along with other, the other four receivers next to me,” he said. “So I feel like we have talent on the outside and inside. Each game somebody can have a break out game. So, fortunately, it was me.”

The Tech defense held the Jayhawks (1-2, 0-1) 296 yards of total offense. Kingsbury said that’s the kind of performance he’s been looking for from that unit.

“I thought they did a great job,” he said. “Best performance by them so far. Lots of energy, created a couple turnovers. So very proud of that group.”

Kingsbury said Shimonek has gotten a lot of repetitions during practice, so if he had to play because Mahomes is injured, he has ability, knowledge and confidence.

“I think you saw he’s a great thrower of the football, knows where to go with it, got it out of his hand quick,” the coach said. “That’s not easy to come in, momentum is kind of against him, and he steps in and plays his tail off. So, I’ve always said he’s a good player and I know his teammates have confidence in him.”

Texas Tech plays Kansas State at 6 p.m. Oct. 8 on ESPN2 or ESPNU.