See ya, Cougs!

Houston came out firing, but Texas Tech’s resilience led them over the Cougs 38-21.

The Cougs came out with their best punches, starting the game with a 16 play, 75 yard touchdown drive that took 8 minutes and 23 second off the clock. They followed that up with an onside kick and another 6 play, 54 yard drive that put Tech in a 14-0 hole.

Tech continued to struggle for the majority of the first half, outside of a 41 yard touchdown run by Tahj Brooks early in the 2nd quarter, followed up by an interception by Reggie Pearson Jr.

Houston would go on to score just before half and take a 21-7 lead into the break.

That’s where Houstons fun ends.

Tech would come out with a completely different fire in the 2nd half. Tyler Shough ran in a 8 yard touchdown to get Tech going, that was followed by an absolutely electric pick six by Riko Jeffers.

At this point all the momentum was on Tech’s side and they never looked back. After another pick by Eric Monroe, Tech was cruising.

Tech dominated both sides of the ball in the 2nd half. The pass rush finally developed pressure, the defense was causing turnovers left and right, and they really made it look easy after the break.

Tyler Shough and Erik Ezukanma connected on 7 passes for 179 yards, and EZ was very easily Shough’s favorite target.

The running back room proved why it is one of the most talented groups in the conference. Even with star back Sarodorick Thompson out, Tahj Brooks took 15 carries for 134 yards and 2 TD’s, making the Cougars defense look silly.

Oh and those 2 Tech transfers? Tech’s defense made sure they were not factors, (Dana Holgorsorsen may have had something to do with that too). Kesean Carter and Ta’Zhawn Henry only combined for 7 touches for 29 total yards. Just a phenomenal showing by the defense.

Overall this was a great week 1 in my opinion for the Red Raiders. Obviously a lot of issues on both sides of the ball, but the pass game showed a lot of promise and the defense looked untouchable in the 2nd half.

But enough of my opinions, Tech fans, let me know in the comments, how did you feel overall about Tech’s week 1 victory?