The Texas Tech Red Raiders went on the road with their 4-0 record to take on a fellow undefeated team from Texas, the Houston Cougars. The undefeated Big 12 showdown between the two former Southwest Conference opponents harkened back to the 1970’s, 1980’s and first half of the 1990’s. But once the game got going, it was Texas Tech taking advantage with multiple field goals to jump out to a quick 9-0 lead, which led to a 35-11 win over the Cougars. Here are the top three takeaways on the game.
Texas Tech is Behren Morton’s Team
If there was ever a doubt, this Texas Tech team is clearly Behren Morton’s. Despite getting injured vs. Utah two weeks ago, and back up Will Hammond playing really well, Morton got the start and was obviously in charge of this offense all evening. Morton finished 28/40 for 345 yards, with one touchdown and zero interceptions. Seven players had at least one catch, with Coy Eakin leading the way with 10 catches for 81 yards.
All week, Joey McGuire made it clear this was Behren Morton’s team. I didn’t have a reason to doubt him, none of us did. But Houston entered the game with an opportunistic defense, and it was Morton who methodically led his team down the field to score on his first five drives (field goal, field goal, field goal, touchdown, touchdown). Those drives felt like they put to rest any thought that Will Hammond might overtake QB1. So, at least for now, those conversations and debates are over. For now!
That Texas Tech Defense, Though
While there were definitely questions about how the offense would look, and who would lead the way at quarterback, it’s Teas Tech’s defense that continues to impress. The only Red Raider who got more TV time than linebacker Jacob Rodriguez may have been his wife, who was constantly shown during the broadcast, largely thanks to the outstanding game Jacob had. His interception in the second quarter took it from a 15-3 lead, to, five plays later, a 22-3 lead for the Red Raiders.
But, it’s the big boys up front who allow Rodriguez and the rest to make some big plays. Lee Hunter is just a monster at nose tackles for the Red Raiders, and his presence is constantly being felt during the game.
This Texas Tech defense held Houston to 267 total yards. That includes 103 rushing yards and less than 3.5 yards per carry. Texas Tech’s rushing defense has been the best in the Big 12 Conference so far this season, and Saturday was another example of just that.
Houston Hung in There
Houston’s defense was bend-but-don’t-break during the first quarter. And this unit had to overcome a rough offensive night for Houston that included a big fumble in the first half, along with an interception, that led to 10 total points.
And then late in the first half, quarterback Conner Weigman left the game for good with an upper body injury. Houston had to turn to Zeon Chriss, which, with all due respect, is a drop off for the Cougars. Chriss did connect on a 64-yard touchdown at the end of the second quarter, but in the second half, Houston’s offense couldn’t get anything going. But it’s defense held its own, despite getting smoked in the Time of Possession.
Houston didn’t get the win on Saturday against a Top 10 Texas Tech team, but this Cougars program continues to prove it’s taken major steps forward in Year 2 under Willie Fritz.
