Three takeaways from Texas Tech’s 28-26 win over Houston

While defending champion Texas Tech was tested and trailed the Cougars 10-0 in the first quarter, the Red Raiders responded with a 28-26 victory — stopping Houston quarterback Conner Weigman inches short of the goal line on the tying two-point conversion.

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 18: Makhi Hughes #21 of the Houston Cougars runs the ball during the first half of the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Galaxy Stadium on September 18, 2026 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) | Getty Images Houston established a rapid 10-0 lead thanks to its ability to run. The Cougars' offensive line, led by guard Shadre Hurst, starred in the run blocking department against a retooled Texas Tech defensive line, regularly paving pathways for Makhi Hughes and Re'Shaun Sanford II. Houston relied heavily on the ground game early on, producing 61 rushing yards in the opening frame 104 by halftime. The Cougars finished with 176 yards on 37 attempts (4.8 yards per carry), and that rushing total included three sacks. Most impressively, Houston didn't even break away an explosive run. Rather, they just chipped away at a Texas Tech defense that never allowed more than 126 rushing yards last season.

The Cougars showed the extent of their ground dominance during a 13-play, 71-yard third quarter drive, where offensive coordinator Slade Nagle carved the Texas Tech defense with 48 rushing yards. However, that drive stalled when a 3rd-and-1 handoff to Hughes on the 4-yard line was stuffed due to a missed fullback block. Then, Houston largely abandoned the run thereafter. After opening its ensuing series with a successful reverse, the Cougars called eight consecutive passing plays on their antepenultimate and penultimate drives. Both drives concluded in punts after four plays.