The No. 13 Texas Tech Red Raiders defeated the No. 22 Houston Cougars 28-26 on Friday night in Lubbock, Texas, surviving a dramatic fourth-quarter rally that ended with a failed two-point conversion with 49 seconds remaining. Texas Tech improved to 3-1 overall and 1-0 in Big 12 play, while Houston dropped to 2-1 and 0-1 in the conference.
Early Houston Surge and Red Raiders Halftime Response
Houston capitalized on an immediate mistake when Texas Tech quarterback Thomas Castellanos threw an interception to Will James on the game’s first play from scrimmage. The Cougars converted the turnover into a 31-yard field goal by Jonathan Dimas and built a 17-7 lead in the first half behind touchdown passes from quarterback Conner Weigman.
Texas Tech answered before halftime when quarterback Will Hammond connected with Pittsburgh transfer Kenny Johnson for a 35-yard touchdown, providing a momentum shift. Castellanos added a 3-yard rushing touchdown to cut Houston’s lead to 17-14 at the break.
Second-Half Lead Changes and Fourth-Quarter Action
The Red Raiders captured their first lead in the third quarter when running back J’Koby Williams scored on a 29-yard touchdown run, marking his third consecutive week with a score. Following a Houston field goal, Texas Tech maintained a 21-20 advantage.
In the fourth quarter, Texas Tech orchestrated an 11-play, 87-yard drive spanning over six minutes. Running back Cameron Dickey extended the lead to 28-20 with a 1-yard touchdown run with 7:36 remaining.
Defensive Stand Secures Texas Tech Victory
Houston responded with a 10-play, 78-yard drive culminating in a 10-yard touchdown pass from Weigman to tight end Patrick Overmyer with 49 seconds left on the clock, narrowing the deficit to 28-26. On the ensuing two-point conversion attempt, Weigman scrambled toward the goal line but was stopped just short by the Red Raiders defense.
Officials reviewed the play, and the ruling on the field was upheld, confirming Weigman did not reach the end zone. Texas Tech recovered the subsequent onside kick, picked up two first downs via Dickey, and ran out the remaining clock.
Game Statistics and Upcoming Schedule
Weigman finished the night completing 27 of 38 passes for 282 yards, three touchdowns, and added 56 rushing yards. Hammond completed 17 of 27 passes for 257 yards, one touchdown, and one interception for Texas Tech.
Looking ahead to their next matchups on September 26, Houston is scheduled to play Georgia Southern, while Texas Tech will host Sam Houston.
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