Texas Tech Tops Houston, Achieves First 5-0 Start Since 2013

Texas Tech's football team has surged to a 5-0 start for the first time since 2013, highlighted by a commanding 35-11 victory over Houston. Anchored by a dominant defensive front led by linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, the Red Raiders have developed one of the nation's top defenses, ranking first overall and excelling in run defense and pass rush, a significant turnaround from their historical performance. Rodriguez, the Big 12 Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, played a pivotal role with multiple tackles, an interception, and pass breakups before leaving the game due to a calf contusion. Offensively, Texas Tech amassed over 500 yards, including standout plays by JKoby Williams and a 69-yard touchdown pass from Behren Morton. The team's impressive defense limited Houston to just 267 total yards and forced the Cougars' starting quarterback to exit early due to injury. Texas Tech climbed to No. 10 in the US LBM Coaches Poll, marking their highest ranking in a decade, and stands as the only team nationally with a top-five offense and defense, signaling a transformative season under coach Joey McGuire.