Texas Tech Dominates Kent State to Move to 2-0

After a strong defensive stand, Kent State's punter accidentally put his knee on the ground while handling a low snap. The mental mistake set Texas Tech up at Kent State's 12-yard line. Three plays later, running back Cameron Dickey punched the ball in from two yards out to give the Red Raiders a 14-point lead.

Later in the first, Texas Tech hit its longest offensive play of the season when Morton connected with Coy Eakin on a 42-yard bomb. Texas Tech led 21-0 at the end of the first quarter.

2nd Quarter

Following a field goal, Texas Tech added another touchdown. It took four tries inside the 5-yard line, but Dickey finally punched the ball in from the one-yard line for another score.

Tech's defense showed up in a big way following a 38-yard pass from Kent State midway through the 2nd quarter. On first down, Romello Height sacked CJ Montes before the Golden Flashes attempted another screen that went for a big gain earlier in the drive. Tech's D-Line tipped the pass from Montes, and defensive tackle Skylar Gill-Howard snagged the interception. He then sprinted 55 yards to the house for Texas Tech's first defensive touchdown of the season.

After another field goal, Texas Tech had one final opportunity to score with less than a minute to play in the first half. Morton connected with Terrance Carter Jr. on a deep pass. Carter broke several tackles and muscled his way inside the 5-yard line. Morton then launched a jump ball to Virgil, who outjumped his defender for the 3-yard touchdown. Tech led at the half, 48-0.

3rd Quarter

Texas Tech's backups and younger players took over from the 3rd quarter on, including backup quarterback Will Hammond. The Red Raiders slowed down a bit on offense and only managed a single touchdown in the period. However, that touchdown was electric. Hammond loaded up and launched a deep ball to Bryson Jones for the young man's second receiving touchdown in two games. The 38-yard score put Texas Tech up 55-0.

4th Quarter

Kent State finally showed signs of life early in the 4th quarter. The Golden Flashes drove the ball 83 yards on seven plays, capped by a 12-yard touchdown run by Dru DeShields. A fumble on Texas Tech's next offensive possession led to another quick touchdown. Kent State narrowed Tech's advantage to 55-14.

The Red Raiders responded on the ensuing offensive possession. A combination of Will Hammond through the air and Adam Hill on the ground pushed Texas Tech into the red zone before Hammond scored from 13 yards out. Texas Tech led 62-14 with less than seven minutes to play.

The Red Raiders ran out the remainder of the 4th quarter behind some timely first downs by Adam Hill. The young man rushed for more than 100 yards in two quarters in the win. Texas Tech claimed victory, 62-14.

Offensive Stats

• Passing
  • B. Morton - 18/26 - 258 yards - 3 TDs
  • W. Hammond - 7/10 - 94 yards - 1 TD
  • M. Griffis - 2/2 - 19 yards
• Rushing
  • A. Hill - 16 carries - 127 yards
  • J. Williams - 9 carries - 54 yards
  • W. Hammon - 3 carries - 27 yards - 1 TD
  • M. Griffis - 2 carries - 13 yards
  • C. Dickey - 8 carries - 10 yards - 2 TDs
  • B. Morton - 1 carry - 4 yards
• Receiving
  • R. Virgil - 5 catches - 50 yards - 2 TDs
  • C. Eakin - 3 catches - 59 yards - 1 TD
  • J. Williams - 3 catches - 35 yards
  • R. Alexander - 3 catches - 35 yards
  • B. Jones - 2 catches - 50 yards - 1 TD
  • C. Douglas - 2 catches - 37 yards
  • J. Miller II - 2 catches - 12 yards
  • C. Dickey - 2 catches - 10 yards
  • T. Carter - 1 catch - 50 yards
  • P. Morgan - 1 catch - 12 yards
  • M. Hudson - 1 catch - 11 yards
  • K. Valsin - 1 catch - 7 yards
  • M. Dever - 1 catch - 7 yards