The No. 13 Texas Tech Red Raiders overcame an early deficit to defeat the Oregon State Beavers 35-24 on the road, securing a crucial second victory in conference play.
No. 13 Texas Tech improved its record to 2-0 with a hard-fought 35-24 victory over the Oregon State Beavers on Saturday night. The Red Raiders, who trailed for much of the first half, relied on efficient quarterback play from Will Hammond and a dominant ground game to secure the win on the road. The decisive factor was Hammond’s clutch 32-yard touchdown pass to Coy Eakin with 6:31 remaining, which broke a tie and allowed Texas Tech to pull away in the final quarter.
Texas Tech Performance
Texa Tech’s offense found its rhythm through a balanced attack that highlighted the versatility of its skill players. Quarterback Will Hammond completed 20 of 27 passes for 189 yards and one touchdown, demonstrating precision when it mattered most. His connection with wide receiver Coy Eakin proved vital; Eakin hauled in six catches for 79 yards and the go-ahead score, serving as Hammond’s primary target in the red zone.
The running game provided the steady engine for the Red Raiders’ success. Junior running back J’Koby Williams carried the ball 20 times for 116 yards and one touchdown, including a pivotal 38-yard run that helped shift momentum during the second half. Williams’ ability to break tackles and gain tough yards sustained drives that kept the Oregon State defense off balance. Tight end Thomas Castellanos also contributed to the rushing effort with a 7-yard touchdown run, showcasing the team’s offensive depth.
On the defensive side, the unit showed resilience after surrendering early points. Linebacker Ben Roberts led the team with 10 total tackles, anchoring the middle of the field and disrupting passing lanes. Defensive end A.J. Holmes Jr. applied consistent pressure, recording one sack to threaten the Oregon State backfield. Despite allowing significant yardage through the air, Texas Tech’s defense held firm in critical moments, particularly after the initial scoring surge by the Beavers.
Oregon State Performance
Oregon State entered the contest with high-powered offensive weapons but struggled to maintain control against a gritty Texas Tech squad. Quarterback Braden Atkinson threw for 413 yards and two touchdowns, completing 31 of 51 passes. However, he also threw one interception and faced constant pressure from the Red Raiders’ defensive line, which prevented him from establishing a comfortable rhythm throughout the game.
Wide receiver Jesse Legree was a standout performer for the Beavers, catching eight passes for 240 yards and two touchdowns. His 75-yard reception from Atkinson set the tone early, giving Oregon State an immediate advantage. Legree added another touchdown on a 37-yard catch, proving to be a nightmare matchup for Texas Tech’s secondary. Despite these big plays, the Beavers failed to convert enough third-down opportunities to sustain long drives consistently.
The Oregon State rushing attack was notably ineffective, with Aaron Butler carrying the ball just once for 20 yards. This lack of ground game production allowed the Texas Tech defense to focus on stopping the pass, creating predictable situations that the Red Raiders capitalized on. The Beavers also received a rushing touchdown from Cameron Dickey (1 yard) and a trick-play touchdown from AJ Newberry (4-yard pass), but these scores were not enough to overcome the disparity in time of possession and turnover margin.
Turning Point
The game remained tightly contested until the fourth quarter, where Texas Tech’s offensive execution separated them from the pack. After trading scores and seeing Caleb Ojeda kick a 34-yard field goal for Oregon State, the game was tied heading into the final minutes. Hammond’s 32-yard strike to Eakin with 6:31 left gave the Red Raiders their first lead of the second half. This play shifted the psychological momentum, forcing Oregon State to abandon their run-heavy approach and play from behind, which ultimately played into Texas Tech’s defensive strengths.
Key Takeaways
- Hammond’s Clutch Gene: Will Hammond delivered the winning score under pressure, proving his value as a leader in close games.
- Ground Game Dominance: J’Koby Williams’ 116 rushing yards provided the consistency needed to control the clock and tire out the Oregon State defense.
- Legree’s Big Play Ability: Jesse Legree’s 240 receiving yards kept Oregon State in the game despite a lack of rushing support.
- Defensive Resilience: Texas Tech’s defense stepped up when needed, limiting Oregon State to field goals in the final quarter.
What It Means Next
The victory moves Texas Tech to 2-0 overall and second in the Big 12 standings, solidifying their position among the conference’s elite. With the win, the Red Raiders have proven they can compete with top-tier opponents, setting the stage for a critical home matchup against No. 22 Houston. That game, scheduled for September 18, will serve as a major test of whether Texas Tech can maintain its momentum against another undefeated, ranked squad. For Oregon State, the loss drops them to 1-1, highlighting the need to improve their rushing offense and protect their quarterback better in upcoming contests.
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