Final Wrap: Texas Tech 49, Houston 28
Article by Russell Raunam
Alpha Media Intern
After both teams lost their conference opener, neither Houston or TTU could afford to start 0-2 in conference play. And at the beginning of the game, it looked like the teams were going to score over 100 each.
In this high scoring first half, the first nine drives all ended in touchdowns. The only time points were not scored in the 1st half was when Houston kicker Jack Martin missed a 49 yard field goal off the upright as the clock hit 0:00.
Houston QB and former Texas Tech QB Donovan Smith played extremely well, going 30/41 with 4 touchdowns for his team. Smith also kept a clean sheet in the turnover category. As for Texas Tech QB Behren Morton, he was not asked to do very much, attempting only 22 passes for 161 yards and two touchdowns.
Texas Tech leaned heavy on the run in this game. For the first time this season TTU had two 100+ yard rushers in the same game. Tahj Brooks took on most of the workload with 21 carries for 101 yards and two scores. Cam’Ron Valdez recorded 111 yards on just six carries and a touchdown. Valdez recorded two 40+ yard runs including a 54 yard TD run in the 4th quarter.
Another key component to Texas Tech’ success was the contribution from the special teams. On their first possession of the game, speedy WR Drae McCray returned the kickoff to the house for 100 yards. This came right after Houston marched down the field for a quick score and maintained early momentum for the Red Raiders. Texas Tech midway through the 2nd quarter when Houston was lining up for the first punt of the game. Lengthy WR Loic Fouonji blocked and returned the batted punt for a touchdown giving Texas Tech its first lead of the day.
After each team sneaking one more score in before a score of 35-28 was posted at halftime, Texas Tech went into the locker room up seven. In the 2nd half, Texas Tech only saw that lead grow.
Houston was not able to score one single time in the 2nd half, and while Tech only put up 14 points in the 2nd half, the defense set the tone and allowed the Red Raiders to cruise to victory.
Houston WR Sam Brown contented his hot start to the season, hauling in 10 catches for 113 yards and one touchdown. On the Texas Tech side, it was a pretty balanced attack, but Myles Price led his team in yard and catches with a moderate statline of 5/63/1.
Texas Tech will look to add to the win column next Saturday when they travel to Waco to face the 2-3 (1-1) Baylor Bears at 7pm.
