Tech, Houston Baptist Recap

With a healthy Alan Bowman and his 430 yards, Texas Tech (1-0) held off FCS’s Houston Baptist (0-2) in a late fourth-quarter push, just getting by for a 35-33 win. In front of a COVID-crowd of 11,587, Tech never seemed to have an answer for Houston Baptist’s Bailey Zappe, who erupted for 567 yards and four touchdowns. As expected, Houston Baptist kept it in the air, with three Husky receivers going for 100+ yards. Josh Sterns finished the game with 209 yards while his older brother Jerreth finished with 12 receptions for 130 yards and two scores. 

On the ground, SaRodorick Thompson led the backfield with two tds on 118 yards. Kesean Carter led all receiving corp with 86 yards and one score alongside TJ Vasher’s 79, and Ezukanma’s 66 yards, one td.

The Husky defense was stern at the right times, which kept the Red Raiders from truly opening up their offense. The HBU rushing game was non-existent, but as Houston Baptist would get defensive stops, Zappe continued to take advantage of a weak showing by the Tech secondary. Zappe ended the 4th with a score to Jerreth Sterns, but a failed two-point conversion to Ben Ratzlaff would seal the win for the Raiders.

What we learned from this – 

HBU’s offensive coordinator Zach Kittley is the real deal. And this won’t be the last you hear from him this season. Mark that down.

Matt Wells isn’t exactly smiling this morning. He knows that fans and alum are looking around and saying “ what was that?”. It’s Wells’ second year, and of course the expectations are higher in Lubbock. The buzz of all the transfers, a healthy Alan Bowman, and a defense that was expected to shine, did not give the result that was hoped for. Houston Baptist demonstrated that they have one of the best Qbs in the country in Zappe. Tech? Sure it’s a covid-season, but Texas is next. There needs to be a massive week push at practice over the next two weeks.

The Tech secondary was almost non-existent. What changes will occur to better prepare during the next two weeks? Secondary Coach Derek Jones is going to have his hands full.

Its also 2020, who knows what will happen this season.