Live Updates: No. 13 Texas Tech Hosts No. 22 Houston in Big 12 Conference Opener - Yahoo Sports

Linebacker Austin Romaine made the stop that sealed it, dropping Houston quarterback Conner Weigman short of the goal line with less than a minute on the clock. The No. 13 Red Raiders needed it after digging themselves an early hole, falling behind by double digits in the first quarter before climbing back in front of a packed house. It marked Tech's first Friday night home game since 1941, a detail that made Galaxy Stadium feel different from the usual Saturday atmosphere on campus.

The ground game carried Tech through the second half. Running backs J'Koby Williams and Cam Dickey both scored rushing touchdowns to extend the lead, and backup quarterback Thomas Castellanos added a rushing score of his own after throwing an interception on Tech's very first snap of the game. Quarterback Will Hammond factored into the offense as well.

For a fan base that packed the stadium on a Friday for the first time in over eight decades, the win keeps Tech unbeaten in conference play and ranked in the top 15 nationally. Houston drops a road test against a ranked opponent, while Lubbock gets bragging rights and a signature moment to open Big 12 competition.

A defense that gave up an early double-digit lead ended the night by stuffing a game-tying two-point try with the clock nearly out.