LUBBOCK, Texas – In a thrilling Big 12 opener, the No. 13 Texas Tech Red Raiders edged out the Houston Cougars with a narrow 28-26 victory on Friday night. The game showcased a resilient performance from Texas Tech, highlighted by second-half touchdowns from J’Koby Williams and Cameron Dickey, which ultimately secured the win.
The match was intensely competitive, with Houston quarterback Conner Weigman making a valiant effort to tie the game in the final moments. Weigman’s third touchdown pass, a 10-yard connection to Patrick Overmyer with just 49 seconds left, set up a crucial 2-point conversion attempt. However, Weigman’s rush to the left fell short as his knee touched down before he could break the plane of the end zone, sealing Texas Tech’s victory.
“There’s no moral victories,” remarked Houston coach Willie Fritz, clearly disappointed with the outcome. “We came here to win. And we didn’t win.”
Fans watching on Fox Sports were treated to an inside look at the replay officials at the Big 12 headquarters, as they deliberated the pivotal 2-point conversion attempt, providing a rare glimpse into the officiating process during critical moments of the game.
For Texas Tech, quarterback Will Hammond demonstrated his prowess by completing 17 of 27 passes for 257 yards and a touchdown. The Red Raiders faced an early deficit, trailing 10-0 and managing only one offensive snap within the first nine and a half minutes of play. Nonetheless, their ability to bounce back showcased the team’s depth and resilience.
“It just shows the resilience of this team and the belief they have in each other. There was never a time that those guys got down. They just kept fighting,” said Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire. His optimism for the season ahead was clear as he expressed confidence in his team’s continuous improvement.
Weigman, despite the loss, had a commendable performance, throwing for 282 yards on 27 of 38 attempts. His efforts, however, were not enough to secure a victory for the Cougars.
The game saw a shift in momentum after halftime. Williams, after a quiet first half with just two carries for 5 yards, exploded with consecutive runs of 19, 5, and 29 yards, the final run resulting in a touchdown that put Texas Tech ahead 21-17 early in the third quarter. Dickey added to the score with a 1-yard touchdown run later in the game.
Houston initially took control of the game with a 10-0 lead, thanks to a 46-yard touchdown catch by Koby Young, who made an impressive over-the-shoulder grab while falling over the pylon. Texas Tech responded effectively, with Hammond connecting on notable plays, including a 28-yard pass to Kenny Johnson that converted a crucial third-and-12, and a 35-yard touchdown connection shortly thereafter.
The Red Raiders’ victory marked their 10th consecutive home win, although they allowed more than 17 points for the first time during that streak. This impressive run is their longest since a 12-game winning streak from 2007 to 2009.
As both teams look forward, their focus will shift to their respective upcoming nonconference games on September 26. Houston is set to host Georgia Southern, while Texas Tech will face off against Sam Houston.
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