Texas Tech and Houston faced off in their first ranked matchup since 1976, with the Red Raiders defending their Big 12 championship title. The game proved to be a defensive struggle that came down to a dramatic final play, as Houston mounted a late comeback to cut Texas Tech’s lead to two points before attempting a two-point conversion that would have sent the game to overtime.
Quarterback Will Hammond led Texas Tech’s offense with a career-high 89.7 PFF passing grade, completing 63% of his passes with an average depth of target of 11.2 yards. Hammond connected with wide receiver Kenny Johnson on a 28-yard reception and found him again on a touchdown catch from a scissors route. The Red Raiders’ ground game also contributed, with J’Koby Williams orchestrating a dynamic rushing drive that helped Texas Tech maintain momentum throughout the contest.
Houston’s Conner Weigman threw for 282 yards and three touchdowns, outpacing Hammond’s 257 passing yards. Running back Makhi Hughes accumulated 99 all-purpose yards and set up an early field goal for the Cougars. Despite these offensive contributions, Houston’s rally fell just short when Weigman was pressured on the final two-point conversion attempt, darting left before being ruled down inches from the goal line.
Texas Tech’s defense, which lost four starters to the NFL Draft but restocked through the transfer portal, ultimately made the crucial stand. The Cougars rushed for 176 yards against the Red Raiders, exceeding the 103-yard threshold that Texas Tech’s defense limited opponents to throughout the previous season. In the second half, however, Texas Tech forced two punts on Houston’s four offensive drives, including the pivotal stop on the conversion attempt that secured the 28-26 victory.
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