Inches decide Big 12 opener as Houston falls to Texas Tech
No. 13 Texas Tech preserved a 28-26 victory over No. 22 Houston after stopping a late two-point conversion attempt, securing their first win over a ranked opponent this season.
The No. 22 Houston Cougars were denied a tie in their Big 12 conference opener by a margin of inches, falling 28-26 to No. 13 Texas Tech at Galaxy Stadium in Lubbock. The decisive moment arrived with 49 seconds remaining on the clock, when Houston quarterback Conner Weigman was stopped just short of the goal line on a two-point conversion attempt that would have forced overtime. Replay confirmed the call, preserving the Red Raiders' lead and marking their first victory over a ranked team in the current season.
The contest served as the first significant test for Texas Tech since winning the Big 12 championship last season. The game was played on a Friday night, a slot traditionally reserved for high school football in West Texas, prompting both head coaches to wear hats honouring the Texas High School Coaches Association. Despite the unconventional timing and 90-degree desert heat, the stadium was packed at kickoff, with alumni travelling long distances to witness what many considered the biggest game of the season.
Houston controlled the early stages of the game, with running back Makhi Hughes recording 99 all-purpose yards. Weigman, who was on the sideline during Texas Tech’s 23-0 loss to Oregon in the College Football Playoff last season, passed for 282 yards and three touchdowns. The Cougars stormed back late in the game to cut the Red Raiders' lead to two points on a last-second touchdown drive, setting the stage for the final possession.
Texas Tech quarterback Will Hammond, who has faced criticism over his first two games, completed 63% of his passes and posted a career-high 89.7 PFF passing grade. He connected with wide receiver Kenny Johnson for a 28-yard reception to end the first quarter and later found him for a touchdown in the corner of the end zone. Hammond’s performance helped the Red Raiders maintain a lead they would never surrender, despite a shaky defensive effort.
The defensive unit, which held opponents to a nation-best 3.9 yards per play last season, allowed Houston 176 rushing yards, a significant increase from their previous season’s average of under 103 yards per game. Texas Tech lost four defensive starters to the NFL Draft and replaced them via the transfer portal, a transition that has been challenging. However, the defence forced two punts in the second half and earned a rare tackle for loss on Hughes late in the third quarter, saving critical points.
Head coach Joey McGuire acknowledged the pressure of being reigning champions but emphasised the team's resilience. "We beat a ranked opponent tonight. That's huge," McGuire said. The win, while not pretty, secured a vital result for a program adjusting to new personnel and a new quarterback, proving that they can still find a way to win in close contests.
