LUBBOCK, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 26: Austin Romaine #15 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders celebrates with teammates after returning an interception for a touchdown during the first half of the game against the Sam Houston Bearkats at Galaxy Stadium on September 26, 2026 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
John E. Moore III/Getty Images
LUBBOCK — No. 11 Texas Tech enters its bye week undefeated with a 5-0 record but has experienced its fair share of hurdles in the process across all three phases of the game.
Through several come-from-behind victories to a Top-25 win in Lubbock, the Red Raiders have been able to overcome offensive slow starts behind a defense that continues to grow.
In Tech’s past two games, against Sam Houston and Colorado, its defense hasn’t allowed a point in the second half, with its offense capitalizing on the defensive success.
Article continues below this ad
Here’s what the Red Raiders have done well through their first five games:
Defense has adopted “bend-don’t-break” mentality
The Red Raiders have either been losing or within one score of their opponents in four of their first five games. However, Tech’s defense has been the main reason the Red Raiders have been able to come away with victories.
Opponents have recorded more offensive yards than Tech in three games but have had trouble finding the end zone, with Houston and Oregon State scoring a season-high of three touchdowns each. One of the main reasons for opponents’ struggles for touchdowns is because of Tech’s ability to record takeaways.
Over the last two games, Tech’s defense has recorded seven interceptions, including two each from Brice Pollock and Austin Romaine. Along with the interceptions, Tech has forced three fumbles with one recovery.
Article continues below this ad
Tech’s defense has been a safety net for a struggling offense. The defense currently ranks No. 26 in the nation in points allowed at 16.2 per game.
Karoll has put opposing offenses in tricky situations
Will Karoll, an offseason transfer from UCLA, has been one of the top punters in the Big 12. The Mosman, New South Wales, Australia, native has been named the Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week three times, including this past week against Colorado.
In addition to conference awards, Karoll was named the Ray Guy Punter of the Week for his performance against the Buffaloes on Saturday. Karoll has recorded 19 punts with an average of 51.6 yards per punt, ranking No. 1 in the nation.
Head coach Joey McGuire and special teams coordinator Kenny Perry have praised Karoll on his success. With an offense that still hasn’t hit its groove, Karoll has been able to be a major factor for opposing offenses this season.
Article continues below this ad
BOULDER, COLORADO – OCTOBER 3: Julien Laventure #1 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders hauls in a pass against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field on October 3, 2026 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Chet Strange/Getty Images)
Chet Strange/Getty Images
What the Red Raiders need to improve on for the remainder of the season:
Consistency in run and pass games
The Red Raiders’ main struggle has been trying to find a consistent groove across offensive possessions.
Will Hammond hasn’t been able to effectively find the end zone through the air, with only five passing touchdowns, which ranks No. 16 among Big 12 quarterbacks. In addition to Hammond’s five touchdown passes, he’s thrown five interceptions, including three against Sam Houston.
Article continues below this ad
The running game has been heavily utilized because of passing miscues as 12 Red Raider touchdowns have come on the ground. Cameron Dickey, a third of Tech’s running back trio, suffered a high-ankle sprain against Colorado and is expected to be out several weeks, putting a damper on the Red Raiders’ offensive output.
Tech’s defense has given the offense some leeway. The Red Raiders’ offense has been able to score 54 unanswered points in the second half in the past two games and is showing more life in the final 30 minutes of each game.
The second-half performances from the offense showcase its ability to move the ball and find the end zone, but an emphasis on consistency needs to be a priority heading out of the bye week.
Hudson needs more involvement in offense
McGuire said before the season that Micah Hudson was a solidified starter and poised to have an impact on Tech’s offensive output. However, through the first five weeks, Hudson has only seven catches for 78 yards.
Article continues below this ad
Kenny Johnson, Tech’s leading receiver with 298 yards, is the only Red Raider who has eclipsed at least 200 receiving yards. Hudson has been targeted significantly less than other receivers, and there isn’t a specific reason why.
The Temple native recorded two receptions for 16 yards against Colorado, with a catch for 15 yards as his game high. With Dickey out, the Red Raiders have the chance to involve Hudson more in the offense, which could help occupy defenders trying to limit targets to Johnson and Terrance Carter Jr.
Following the bye week, the Red Raiders will take on Arizona State at 2:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at Galaxy Stadium in Lubbock.