Texas Tech football needed Tommy Castellanos to become more than a dangerous runner.

Saturday night against West Virginia, the Red Raiders quarterback delivered his most convincing answer yet, throwing five touchdown passes in a wild 53-48 victory that kept Texas Tech firmly in the Big 12 championship race.

MORE: Touchdown Thomas: Castellanos Ignites Texas Tech Offense During Masterful Night

And compared to his performance against Arizona a week earlier, the improvement was impossible to miss.

Castellanos completed 18 of 27 passes for 362 yards, five touchdowns and zero interceptions against the Mountaineers.

He also rushed for 102 yards, giving him 464 yards of individual offense.

Against Arizona, Castellanos completed just 11 of 24 passes for 144 yards and two touchdowns in a 34-26 victory.

His completion percentage jumped from 45.8 percent to 66.7 percent against West Virginia, while his passing yardage increased by 218.

That's not a minor adjustment. That's a completely different level of quarterback production.

The Red Raiders piled up 638 total yards, including 362 through the air and 276 rushing. They averaged 7.9 yards per play and produced seven offensive touchdowns.

Castellanos spread the damage around, connecting with Kenny Johnson and Terrance Carter Jr. for two touchdowns apiece.

Johnson finished with five receptions for 84 yards, while Carter added four catches for 81 yards. Jett Carpenter caught the fifth touchdown.

J'Koby Williams provided another explosive dimension, rushing for 160 yards on 19 carries, including a 75-yard touchdown run. Williams also contributed 42 receiving yards.

But the victory wasn't without serious concerns.

Texas Tech scored 41 first-half points before its offense completely disappeared in the third quarter. Four consecutive punts helped West Virginia erase a 14-point halftime deficit and grab a 48-41 lead.

That's when Castellanos delivered his defining moment.

Trailing late in the fourth quarter, he directed a nine-play, 69-yard touchdown drive, finding Johnson for a five-yard scoring pass with 2:44 remaining.

Texas Tech regained the lead and eventually secured the victory.

For head coach Joey McGuire, the offensive fireworks were encouraging, but the inconsistency remains troubling.

Castellanos' performance also changes the conversation surrounding the quarterback position.

After replacing Will Hammond, his first start against Arizona demonstrated his running ability but raised legitimate questions about the passing game.

Saturday provided a compelling response.

Texas Tech improved to 8-1 overall and 5-1 in Big 12 play, with a trip to Oklahoma State coming next.

The Red Raiders already knew Castellanos could hurt defenses with his legs. Now they've seen what happens when his arm becomes equally dangerous.

And that's a development that could make Texas Tech considerably harder to stop.

I was one of the biggest critics of Castellanos' throwing ability, especially after watching him at Boston College and Florida State.

MORE: Texas Tech Beats West Virginia 53-48 in Late-Night Shootout: Live Game Log

But if Saturday night is an indication of what McGuire and his staff can get out of Tommy, then I'll readily admit I was wrong.

I'd like to see it for more than one game against an average defense.

Source: Yahoo Sports