Full Breakdown
Texas Tech Edges Houston 28-26 in Big 12 Opener After Inches-Long Two-Point Conversion Stop
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event (September 18, 2026)
No. 13 Texas Tech held off No. 22 Houston by a score of 28-26 in the Big 12 conference opener at Galaxy Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. The Red Raiders erased a 10-0 early deficit, took a 28-20 lead in the fourth quarter, and secured the win when Houston’s two-point conversion attempt was ruled short after replay review.
Background & Context
The matchup marked the eighth straight Texas Tech victory over Houston and the 12th win in the last 13 meetings. Both programs entered the game with 2-0 overall records; Texas Tech was 1-0 in conference play, while Houston was 0-1. It was the first Friday-night home contest for Texas Tech since 1941.
Key Figures & Groups
- Will Hammond — Texas Tech quarterback, senior.
- Conner Weigman — Houston quarterback, senior.
- Joey McGuire — Texas Tech head coach.
- Kenny Johnson — Transfer wide receiver for Texas Tech.
- Patrick Overmyer — Houston tight end who caught the late touchdown.
Data & Statistics
- Texas Tech: Hammond 17-of-27 for 257 yards, one TD, one INT; 30 rushing yards. Running backs J’Koby Williams (29-yard TD) and Cameron Dickey (1-yard TD) combined for 168 rushing yards. Kenny Johnson had four catches for 113 yards and a TD.
- Houston: Weigman 27-of-38 for 282 yards and three TDs. Senior running back Makhi Hughes rushed for 71 yards on 15 carries; the Cougars totaled 176 rushing yards.
- The decisive two-point conversion saw Weigman scramble left and be stopped just short; replay confirmed the call.
On-the-Ground Reports
Red Raider defensive lineman A.J. provided a brief on-field perspective.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The sources present a consistent account of the final score, key statistics, and the ruling on the two-point conversion. No substantive discrepancies were identified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I told the guys just take a deep breath, get the call and play four to six seconds as hard as you can play, and then take another deep breath because so much of it, you’re just so geeked up, and you’ve got guys that are trying to do too much,” — Joey McGuire, head coach.
- “This is the closest I’ve been with any team. I have real brothers that I will carry throughout the rest of my life with, so I think just that closeness and willingness to go out and play for your brother, I dont want to disappoint,” — Kenny Johnson.
What’s Next
Houston prepares for its next non-conference game at home, while Texas Tech looks ahead to a home matchup against UCF. Both teams will aim to build on the lessons from this tightly contested opener as the Big 12 season progresses.