WVU breaks 4-game losing streak, 31-26 over Texas Tech

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- West Virginia running backs Wendell Smallwood and Rushel Shell responded to a challenge from their coaches to take control against Texas Tech. Smallwood rushed for 163 yards and a touchdown, Shell had 111 yards and two scores, and West Virginia beat Texas Tech 31-26 on Saturday. West Virginia (4-4, 1-4 Big 12) broke a four-game losing streak while Texas Tech (5-5, 2-5) lost its third straight in trying to become bowl eligible. "It's been a long month and a half," West Virginia coach Dana Holgorsen said. "Just to get that victory is obviously pretty good." The Mountaineers compiled 300 yards on the ground against one of the nation's worst rush defenses. Shell and Smallwood surpassed 100 yards against the Red Raiders for the second straight year. Shell, who had averaged 33 rushing yards in his three previous games, earned his first 100-yard effort of the season.