Texas Tech quarterback Will Hammond, left, drops back to pass the ball as Colorado defensive end Manny Ezeogu (52) pursues in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 3 2026, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
David Zalubowski/Associated Press
BOULDER, Colo. — No. 12 Texas Tech bounced back from a rocky first half with 26 unanswered points to defeat Colorado 29-7 at Folsom Field on Saturday.
The Buffaloes struck first on the opening drive of the game. A nine-play first drive, which featured several trick plays, was capped off by an 8-yard touchdown reception by Joseph Williams from Isaac Wilson, who got the starting quarterback nod over Julian Lewis.
In response, Tech recorded a 52-yard field goal from Stone Harrington in the first quarter to make the game 7-3, but neither team scored again until the 9:09 mark in the third quarter via another Harrington field goal.
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The Red Raiders earned their first lead and touchdown of the game at the 3:01 mark in the third quarter with a pass to the right side of the end zone that found Terrance Carter Jr. Tech tried a two-point conversion but did not succeed, making the game 12-7.
Harrington tacked on another field goal before John Curry had a pick-six directly inside the end zone. Quinten Joyner tacked on one more touchdown on a 30-yard run to keep Tech undefeated on the season.
Here are five thoughts from Tech’s victory over Colorado.
Tech’s pass coverage settles in
Wilson completed 8 of 10 passes for 120 yards and a touchdown in the first quarter with not much resistance from Tech’s defense. The following quarter, Tech’s defense was able to settle in as Wilson finished the half with 165 yards.
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Most of Wilson’s success was to wide receiver Joseph Williams, who finished the first half with seven receptions for 62 yards. Several of Williams’ receptions were on Tech’s preseason All-Big 12 cornerback Brice Pollock, who later recorded an interception of a Williams passing attempt.
The secondary eventually became comfortable and a threat to Wilson, finishing with four interceptions as a unit. Pollock recorded another interception to end the third quarter, Malik Esquerra recorded an interception of his own in the third quarter and Curry recorded a pick-six to ice the game in the fourth quarter. It’s the first time the Red Raiders collected four interceptions in a game since 2021.
Tech’s defensive backfield is a threat to opposing Big 12 defenses but needs to find consistency.
Colorado wide receiver Quentin Gibson, front left, is stopped by Texas Tech linebacker Ben Roberts, front right, and cornerback Amier Boyd, back left, after catching a pass in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 3 2026, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
David Zalubowski/Associated Press
Castellanos’ absence felt
The Red Raiders opted to go for two fourth-down attempts in the first half against the Buffaloes, each at fourth-and-1. Tech was stuffed by Colorado’s defense each time.
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Each play was a rushing attempt, with the first from J’Koby Williams and second from Quinten Joyner. Prior to Friday’s Kentucky court ruling that ruled quarterback Thomas Castellanos ineligible, Castellanos was a strong weapon for Tech in short-yardage situations as a scrambler.
Each of Tech’s rushing attempts was anticipated by Colorado.The Red Raiders will have to become more creative in the coming weeks in short-yardage, especially if Cameron Dickey is out for a significant amount of time.
Dickey goes down
Dickey went down with a left leg injury in the second quarter and went to the Red Raider locker room prior to the end of the first half. Coming out of halftime, Dickey was seen on the sideline in a walking boot and crutches.
Following Dickey’s injury, Williams, Joyner and Hammond recorded a total of 65 yards to end the half. Little rushing success was found for the Red Raiders until late in the fourth quarter.
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The extent of Dickey’s injury is unknown but if it is deemed long-term, it could be a huge loss for Tech’s already struggling offense.
Hammond records lowest passing yards this season
Saturday’s matchup with Colorado was the first time this season Hammond didn’t have the narrative of Castellanos potentially getting in the game on his mind. The Buffaloes’ defense proved to be a difficult task for Hammond as he finished with his lowest passing yards total of the season.
Hammond finished the game 17 of 26 passing for 134 yards and a touchdown. The Austin native’s previous season-low was 189 yards against Oregon State.
While Hammond was able to eliminate the costly interceptions that arose against Sam Houston last week, he still doesn’t seem completely comfortable in offensive coordinator Mack Leftwich’s scheme.
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The Red Raiders prove to be a second-half squad
The Red Raiders have either been losing or within one score of their opponent at the half in four of their five games this season. Nonetheless, Tech is 5-0.
Tech has consistently found ways to avoid suffering its first upset loss of the season behind strong second-half defensive performances. Saturday marked the second straight week the Red Raiders’ defense didn’t allow a single point in the second half.
The wins may not have all been pretty, but the Red Raiders have found a way to stay undefeated.
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