On the Pitch
Texas Tech Soccer: RV/No. 17 Tech downs San Diego State 2-1
On a night of milestones including the 125th all-time win at the John Walker Soccer Complex as well as the much anticipated debut of the new Black Gladiator Patrick Mahomes Uniforms, RV/No. 17 Texas Tech downed San Diego State, 2-1 in front of another crowd of 2800-plus at Ft. Walker.
Looking to return to form, it was a trio of seniors that set the tone for Texas Tech (3-0-3) who scored twice for just the second time this season through the first six matches to improve to 49-0-1 over its last 50 instances when scoring twice.
On the Hardwood
Texas Tech Basketball: Newcomer Q&A with Jamichael Stillwell
What do you bring to the team on and off the court?
“I bring leadership, physicality and personality.”
What do you want to develop the most in your game?
“Shooting the 3-ball better and making plays for my teammates.”
What do you want your teammates and coaches to say about you?
“He’s a dog and will do whatever it takes to win. He puts the team first.”
On the Gridiron
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal’s Nathan Giese: Perhaps Texas Tech football’s red zone woes weren’t a Behren Morton problem
While the outcome was never in question, there were no offensive fireworks until Malcolm Simmons got by an ACU defender late in the fourth for a score. Offensive coordinator Mack Leftwich called a conservative game, mixing the run with the pass and moving the ball down the field, usually without much resistance from the ACU defense. It was the small plays that wound up garnering Tech 471 yards of total offense. Only a few deep throw attempts from Will Hammond, who was more than happy to check it down to Williams as often as possible with nothing open.
It’s that pesky red zone, which plagued the Red Raiders all of last season, that became the problem again. After those two initial TDs, Tech made three more trips into the red zone, another just outside of the ACU 20, settling for Stone Harrington field goals each time.
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal’s Don Williams: Texas Tech football not spectacular, but solid enough in opener | Opinion
“I thought we did a really good job of not showing a ton of the offense this week. That was important for us as the season continues to go on. We didn’t put much on tape scheme-wise, so I was happy about that. We were able to keep a lot in the bank.”
Much will be said and written about the Red Raiders going into the No Stone Zone over and over and, much like last season, having to send out Groza Award semifinalist Stone Harrington. (Stone’s line last season: 22 for 28. Stone on Saturday: 4 for 4).
“I do think Will did a good job of driving the field,” McGuire said. “We just stalled in the red zone.”
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal’s Don Williams: Texas Tech football Q&A — The fans fume over the offense
How confident are you in Mack Leftwich? Do you believe that Mack Leftwich can lead [Tech] far into the playoffs considering the most recent Oregon and ACU games?
DW: No, no discussions with a new offensive play caller. When Tech hired Leftwich at age 30, he was regarded as one of the up-and-coming young coordinators in college football with what his offenses at Incarnate Word and Texas State had done. Then in year one at Tech, the Red Raiders averaged 39.4 points per game, most in nine years. Their 67 touchdowns ranked seventh in the FBS and their 28 field goals second.
Oregon’s the only team that matched Tech’s talent last season. From last year’s Ducks defense, there was an NFL first-round draft pick and two fourth-round picks, and the 2026 Oregon defense likely will have at least three more players drafted in 2027, including a couple in or near the first round.
They dominated the Red Raiders that day. It happens. I wouldn’t make too much of Tech-ACU. It was a season opener, Tech took command from the start and did what it had to do to win easily. The Red Raiders punted twice, both in the fourth quarter, after they were up 26-3 and 33-10.
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal’s Nathan Giese: Quinten Joyner, Jamond Mathis make most of opportunities for Texas Tech football
“I had a few tears before the game,” Joyner said. “It’s been a whole year since I’ve been doing it again. It felt good, though. Having fun again.”
Joyner finished the game with 43 yards on 10 carries, sharing the load (as expected) with his committee members J’Koby Williams (13 carries, 8 catches for 128 total yards) and Cameron Dickey (14 carries, 2 catches for 56 total yards).
Red Raider Sports’ Mason Turnbow: Jamond Mathis Makes His Mark in Season Opener
Texas Tech EDGE Jamond Mathis wasn’t talked about a whole lot this offseason. Texas Tech Head Coach Joey McGuire said, “It’s a testament to Jamond that he understands; man, just go out and do your job, good things will happen.” Jamond was listed 3rd on the depth chart at the “dog” position behind Trey White and Ladamion Guyton. He showed a ton of flashes and earned more snaps on the field after his performance tonight.
“I feel like my performance shows that I offer a lot for the future. You know what I’m saying, but I feel like overall, what we did to prepare for this week also put me a step forward.”
Red Raider Sports’ Lane Selph: Everything Will Hammond said after first game back as Texas Tech’s QB1
“I think we can be a lot cleaner in the red zone, and it really starts with me,” Hammond said. “Micah was open on the back end line, Kenny was open on the back end line on the same play.” Hammond continued, “Coy ended up popping open on the play where I checked it down to Cam Dickey. So all those drives end up with field goals. Those are all touchdown drives.”
Hammond believes the opportunities were there within Texas Tech’s offense. His focus now is making sure he takes advantage of them.
“It really starts with me in the red zone being honed down, knowing what their scheme is, and me just going out there and executing,” Hammond said. “Our guys are going to get open. Our coach is going to call a great play. So it’s just up to me to go out there and deliver.”