LUBBOCK, Texas - Steven Sheffield made quite a debut in his first start at quarterback for Texas Tech against Kansas State; so much so that he has earned Big 12 Conference Offensive Player of the Week honors, the league announced Monday.
Sheffield dissected the Wildcat defense for a school record 370 yards and five touchdowns in the first half en route to a 490-yard night and seven touchdowns. Following three full quarters and a drive in the fourth, the junior and former walk-on had accomplished the 12th-best passing performance in school history and was a touchdown shy of former Red Raider B.J. Symons' Big 12 record eight scoring passes.
Since entering the lineup at the start of the second half against New Mexico, Sheffield has thrown for 728 yards and 10 touchdowns in a little over five quarters. The Pflugerville, Texas, native has 780 passing yards on the season in three appearances and 11 touchdown passes. Sheffield has completed 75.7 percent (53-of-70) of his passes.
The Red Raiders continue Big 12 Conference play Saturday at Nebraska at 2:30 p.m. The game will be televised nationally on ABC from Memorial Stadium.
Tickets are still available for Texas Tech's remaining three home games, including the new seating areas in the north end zone corners. To purchase tickets, log-on to www.texastech.com or visit any area Select-a-Seat outlet. Tickets also can be purchased through the ticket office by calling (888) GO-BIG-12 or visiting the office between 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays at the north end of Jones AT&T Stadium.