A Defining Fourth Quarter
The Texas Tech Red Raiders secured their first win of the season with a decisive 33-10 victory over the visiting Abilene Christian Wildcats at Galaxy Stadium on Saturday, September 5, 2026. The outcome was largely determined in the final period when quarterback Will Hammond connected with Malcolm Simmons on a 64-yard touchdown pass to extend the lead to 33-3 before halftime momentum shifted dramatically.
Early Dominance by Texas Tech
Tech established control early, outscoring the Wildcats 14-0 in the first quarter. Quinten Joyner punched it in from 14 yards out, followed shortly by J'Koby Williams sprinting five yards for another score. Both touchdowns were successfully converted by kicker Stone Harrington, giving the home crowd an early two-touchdown cushion.
The second quarter saw both offenses settle into a field-goal rhythm. Harrington added a 23-yard boot for Tech, pushing the margin to 17-0. Abilene Christian responded with a 41-yard field goal by Brandon Perez, making the score 17-3 at the break. The Wildcats’ only other points came in the fourth quarter.
Field Goals Define the Third Quarter
Abilene Christian failed to score in the third quarter, while Texas Tech’s special teams unit kept the pressure on. Harrington drilled three consecutive field goals from 28, 33, and 45 yards out, extending the Red Raiders' lead to 26-3 by the end of the period. The defensive stand held firm despite ACU’s attempts to chip away at the deficit.
