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LIVE: No. 12 Texas Tech vs. ACU, Red Raiders lead 7-0 in 1Q - KCBD
Texas Tech's defense smothered Abilene Christian for most of Saturday's game in Lubbock, but the Red Raiders needed a late 64-yard touchdown pass to put the Wildcats away. No.
No. 12 Tech led 7-0 after the first quarter and leaned heavily on kicker Stone Harrington in the second half, with Harrington converting all three of his third-quarter field goal attempts to finish the game a perfect 4-for-4. The offense struggled to punch it into the end zone until quarterback Hammond connected with wide receiver Malcolm Simmons on that 64-yard strike late in the fourth quarter.
ACU had almost no answer on offense. The Wildcats managed just 129 total yards through three quarters, only 35 of those on the ground. Outside linebacker Jamond Mathis recorded 2.5 sacks, and linebacker John Curry picked off ACU quarterback John David Black deep in Wildcat territory to set up a scoring opportunity. Tech's defense dictated the game from the opening drive.
The late score did not come without a scare. ACU's Ian Hershey returned the ensuing kickoff 63 yards, turning what could have been a comfortable cushion into a tight finish.
Common questions
How did Texas Tech beat ACU?
- Texas Tech won on the strength of its defense and a late 64-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Hammond to wide receiver Malcolm Simmons in the fourth quarter. Kicker Stone Harrington also went 4-for-4 on field goals, including three in the third quarter alone.
How did ACU's offense perform against Texas Tech?
- ACU struggled badly on offense, managing just 129 total yards through three quarters with only 35 rushing yards. Outside linebacker Jamond Mathis recorded 2.5 sacks and linebacker John Curry added an interception, giving the Wildcats almost no room to operate.
Who were the standout players for Texas Tech in this game?
- Kicker Stone Harrington was perfect on four field goal attempts, including all three in the third quarter. Defensively, Jamond Mathis had 2.5 sacks and John Curry recorded an interception. Hammond and Malcolm Simmons connected on the game-sealing 64-yard touchdown pass.
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