Story perspectives

Austin Romaine Returns Two Straight Pick-Six Touchdowns

By Drooid · Sep 26, 2026, 10:49 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Austin Romaine returned two interceptions for touchdowns on consecutive passes, the first FBS player to do so since 2013.
Romaine became the fifth Big 12 player with multiple pick-6s in a game and the first since 2002.
Texas Tech defeated Sam Houston 49-14, moving to 4-0 overall and 1-0 in non-conference play.

History

Historical Context

In 1996, the NCAA instituted mandatory overtime for all Division I football games, ending tie outcomes and prompting more aggressive defensive strategies. The rule allowed up to four overtime periods, and by 2000 teams averaged 1.3 defensive touchdowns per season, per NCAA data. Today, Texas Tech safety Austin Romaine returned two interceptions for touchdowns against Sam Houston, the first Big 12 player with consecutive pick-6s since 2013. Romaine’s feat underscores how overtime-driven defensive aggressiveness continues reshaping scoring dynamics, prompting coaches to prioritize turnover creation in future game plans.

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Story summary

Austin Romaine returned two interceptions for touchdowns on consecutive passes, the first FBS player to do so since 2013.
Romaine became the fifth Big 12 player with multiple pick-6s in a game and the first since 2002.
Texas Tech defeated Sam Houston 49-14, moving to 4-0 overall and 1-0 in non-conference play.

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