Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire said the Red Raiders are still developing defensively after No. 13 Texas Tech defeated No. 22 Houston, 28-26, to move to 3-0. The victory also put Texas Tech at 1-0 in Big 12 play after the defense stopped Houston quarterback Conner Weigman and the Cougars near the goal line on their final possession.
The Red Raiders trailed 10-0 before recovering, with the defense improving after halftime. Trey White made his Texas Tech debut after transferring from San Diego State and returning from a knee injury. He recorded a sack, while Adam Trick had two and returning All-American A.J. Holmes Jr. added one.
Brenden Jordan also returned after missing the first two games because of an internal rules violation. McGuire said White and Jordan were important as Texas Tech replaces several defensive starters who moved to the NFL. He said White was not fully healthy and may have played more snaps than planned.
Asked if the defense could equal the 2025 unit, McGuire said, "Give me two more games," adding that the team is "still finding ourselves." Texas Tech plays Sam Houston next week in its final nonconference game and will have an additional recovery day after the Houston game.
