Texas Tech overcame an early 10-0 deficit to defeat No. 22 Houston, 28-26, in its Big 12 opener. The No. 13 Red Raiders improved to 3-0 after stopping quarterback Conner Weigman and the Cougars near the goal line to secure the victory.
The defense struggled during the opening stretch, while the offense also took time to produce. Texas Tech played more effectively after halftime and held Houston when it needed a final stop. The result put the Red Raiders at 1-0 in conference play.
Joey McGuire said the defense is still developing, but he identified the return and arrival of several players as important factors. Defensive end Trey White made his Texas Tech debut after transferring from San Diego State and returning from a knee injury. He recorded a sack of Weigman, while Miami (Ohio) transfer Adam Trick had two sacks and returning All-American A.J. Holmes Jr. added another.
Veteran defensive back Brenden Jordan also returned after missing the first two games because of an internal rules violation. McGuire described the contributions from White and Jordan as significant while the team works to replace multiple defensive starters from last season who moved to the NFL.
McGuire said White was not fully healthy and may have played more than expected. He also said the group continued competing despite Houston's early lead and extended drives. Texas Tech will face Sam Houston in its last nonconference game next week and will have an additional recovery day following the Friday-night game against Houston.
