The 2015 Texas Tech Football season opener was reminiscent of season openers last decade in which the Red Raiders scored all over an FCS opponent, but allowed a high number of points too.

Texas Tech, led by starting quarterback Patrick Mahomes, thrashed the Sam Houston State Bearkats 59-45. Late scores by the Bearkats, closed the gap, but Texas Tech had a 28 point lead, 59-31 after three quarters.

Mahomes played eighty percent of the game, finishing 33/52 passing for 425 yards with 4 touchdowns and one interception. His leading receiver was Devin Lauderdale, who caught 8 passes for 150 yards for two touchdowns. Ian Sadler also hauled in two touchdown passes as he caught five passes for 73 yards.

The first quarter was the most competitive quarter of the game with both teams exchanging two sets of scores, to be tied at 14 after 15 minutes of play.

Jakeem Grant opened up the scoring for the Red Raiders with a three yard touchdown run around the right tackle. That made the score 7-0 with 11:54 in the first quarter.

Ridgeway Frank scored on the ensuing possession for the Bearkats with a 14 yard rushing touchdown.

Patrick Mahomes then showed off his arm with a 64 yard touchdown pass to Devin Lauderdale. Texas Tech taking back the lead, 14-7 with 3:54 left in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Red Raider defense started to get some stops, as the offense and special teams kept scoring.


Texas Tech and Sam Houston State would exchange two more sets touchdowns in the last four minutes of the half. The final touchdown of the half was another Mahomes to Lauderdale connection, this time for 29 yards, with 14 seconds left.  The halftime score was Texas Tech leading 42-31.

In the first half, Mahomes went 24/32 passing for 322 yards with 4 touchdowns and 1 interception. Lauderdale had 2 touchdown receptions, with a total of 5 receptions for 121 yards.

The third quarter was all Texas Tech with J.J. Gaines grabbing a pick-six off of a Jared Johnson pass. Gaines’ interception return for a touchdown was for 47 yards and it extended Texas Tech’s lead to 49-31. The Red Raiders then added 10 more points to make it a blowout at 59-31.

During most of the fourth quarter both teams started playing second and third string players.  The Bearkats added two more touchdowns to make the final deficit 59-45.

Davis Webb came in at quarterback for Texas Tech with 6:50 left in the game.  He managed the offense for a few drives, but was unable to put any points on the board with the reserves he was leading.

GAME NOTES

  • Defensive lineman Pete Robertson didn't play for unspecified disciplinary reasons
  • Wide receiver Dylan Cantrell was held out of the game due to back spasms
  • Attendance was 60,073; the second highest season opener attendance in Jones AT&T Stadium history

See tailgating photos from the game below

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