Game Preview: Texas Tech

LUBBOCK, Texas – The University of Houston Football program travels outside of the City of Houston for the first time in 2023, taking on Texas Tech in its first road Big 12 Conference game at 2:30 p.m. Saturday inside Jones AT&T Stadium on FS2.

GAME 5 – TEXAS TECH

Houston (2-2, 0-1 Big 12) at Texas Tech (1-3, 0-1 Big 12)
Saturday | 2:30 p.m. CT
Jones AT&T Stadium | Lubbock, Texas
Broadcast: FS2
Radio: KPRC AM 950

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

Houston and Texas Tech are meeting for the 35th time in the history of the programs. The Cougars lead the all-time series, which began in 1951, 18-15-1 but have dropped five straight (2010-present). Saturday marks the seventh contest between the teams in the last 15 seasons and first as co-Big 12 Conference members.
The Cougars and Red Raiders met 20 times as co-members of the Southwest Conference from 1976-95. Houston went 12-7-1 in those matchups including winning nine of the first 10. Houston's last win in the series, coming in non-conference action, came on Sept. 26, 2009, by way of a 29-28 result. Houston's staff that season featured Dana Holgorsen (Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks) and Kliff Kingsbury (Offensive Quality Control). Texas Tech Head Coach Mike Leach was in his 10th and final season with the Red Raiders.
Houston freshman running back Parker Jenkins burst onto the scene last Saturday against Sam Houston. The 4-star recruit became the first Cougar in program history to have 3 rushing touchdowns in his first start. Jenkins is the only Power 5 freshman with three rushing touchdowns in a single game this season and one of three Big 12 freshmen on the season with a 100+ yard rushing performance.
Houston starting quarterback Donovan Smith played 23 games for the Red Raiders between 2021-22, including leading Texas Tech to a 33-30 double-overtime victory over the Cougars on Sept. 10, 2022. In that contest, Smith became the lone player in the last two decades with 35+ pass completions, 350+ passing yards, 2+ passing TDs and one rushing score in a game against the Cougars.

FIVE THINGS TO KNOW

Saturday marks Houston's first game outside the City of Houston since defeating Louisiana, 23-16, in the Independence Bowl on Dec. 23, 2022, in Shreveport, La. Despite falling at Rice, 43-41 in double overtime during Week 2, Houston's 10 road wins since the start of the 2021 season rank tied for first nationally with Cincinnati, Fresno State, Ohio State and UTSA.
Houston ranks eighth nationally in turnover margin (1.50), 12th in interceptions (6) and 13th in turnovers forced (9). The Cougars are one of 16 teams without a fumble lost on the season. The Cougars' nine turnovers forced and six interceptions are the most for each category through four games since having as many in 2017. Houston forced two turnovers and did not turn over the ball last time out against Sam Houston.
Houston's offensive line did not allow a sack and permitted just three hurries in 234 opportunities against Sam Houston last Saturday. The Cougars' 84.4 pass block grade per Pro Football Focus was their best of the season. It marked the first time in six games (last Nov. 19, 2022, at ECU) Houston had not permitted a sack. Entering last weekend, UH's 12 sacks allowed ranked 123rd nationally.
UH's special teams have been just that. The Cougars rank seventh nationally in punt return defense (0.00) and 16th in net punting (43.00). Matthew Golden's 98-yard kickoff return touchdown vs. TCU marked a national-leading fifth consecutive season in which UH has accomplished the feat. Punt returner Malik Fleming ranks 18th nationally at 11.0 yards per return including a 48-yard return vs. UTSA.
Head Coach Dana Holgorsen has continued to preach "complimentary football." Last Saturday against Sam Houston, UH's offense put up 38 points against a Bearkat defense which had allowed a combined 27 points (at BYU, vs. Air Force) in their first two games. Houston's defense forced two turnovers and allowed just 178 total yards – the second fewest since Holgorsen took the helm in 2019. On special teams, punter Laine Wilkins' two punts pinned the Bearkats inside the 20-yard line while kicker Jack Martin hit a 23-yard field goal to start the scoring.

SCOUTING TEXAS TECH

Texas Tech returns to the friendly confines of Jones AT&T Stadium on Saturday as the Red Raiders will host Houston in their Big 12 home opener. Texas Tech has won 10 of the past 11 meetings against the Cougars dating back to their time together in the Southwest Conference, including each of the last five contests as non-conference opponents. This will be the first meeting between the two schools as Big 12 members, which will come in front of a sellout crowd. Joey McGuire is 7-2 in home games as head coach of the Red Raiders.
Texas Tech is 16-11 all-time in Big 12 Conference home openers entering this weekend despite having nine losses since 2010. The Red Raiders have split their last four conference home openers, defeating No. 19 Texas last season and No. 21 Oklahoma State in 2019, while falling to TCU in 2021 and No. 8 Texas in overtime in 2020.
During their days in the Southwest Conference, Texas Tech only hosted Houston in a league home opener once, which came in a 51-35 loss to the 18th-ranked Cougars in 1990. It was the only contest in 20 meetings as SWC foes that the two schools faced each other outside the month of November.
Texas Tech has not allowed any points on the opening drive of the game or the second half this season. In fact, the Red Raiders have surrendered just four first downs in those situations.

LAST TIME AGAINST TEXAS TECH

The Cougars and Red Raiders needed two overtime periods to decide the last meeting in 2022.
Now Houston quarterback Donovan Smith totaled three touchdowns for Texas Tech, throwing a pair of touchdowns while rushing for the game-winning touchdown in double overtime.
The Cougars' defensive front sacked Smith six times, bringing Sack Ave to Lubbock, Texas.
Wide receiver Matthew Golden pulled in two receptions, including a touchdown.

A HOUSTON WIN WOULD

Be Houston's first Big 12 Conference win.
Be Head Coach Dana Holgorsen's 75th Big 12 Conference win as a head coach or assistant coach.
Snap Houston's five-game losing streak to Texas Tech (2010-present).
Give Houston its first win in Lubbock since Sept. 13, 1990.
Be Houston's national-leading 11th road victory since the start of the 2021 season.
Be UH's 101st win since the start of the 2011 season. The Cougars' trail only TCU (101) among Texas FBS programs entering Saturday.

COOGS ON THE ROAD

The UH Alumni Association and Cougar Pride invite you to hit the road with us as we rally to support the Cougars as they take on the Texas Tech Red Raiders. This is your chance to experience the camaraderie, excitement and spirit that comes with being part of the Cougar community. To secure your spot, we ask that you register as soon as possible by clicking here.
- Welcome Reception - Friday, Sept. 29
  - Location: Two Docs Brewing Co
  - Time: 6-8 p.m.
- Game day tailgate - Saturday, Sept. 30
  - McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center
  - 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Jones AT&T stadium is cashless. No ATMs are available inside the stadium.
All gates will open an hour and a half before the game
No Re-entry is allowed
Visiting Team Will Call is at Gate 3A
Mens, womens and family restrooms are located throughout the stadium on the concourse level.

TICKETS ON SALE
Be a part of history! Houston's first road Big 12 game is right here in Texas against the Red Raiders. Find tickets to the game at Texas Tech by clicking here.

When the Cougars return, Houston is set to play a Thursday night game against West Virginia on Oct. 12. Black-out TDECU Stadium and get your ticket here. Houston will then host Texas for the first time since 2001 on Oct. 21. Don't miss out on any of the action.

SUPPORT HOUSTON RISE
Join Houston Rise, a $150 million fundraising campaign for Houston Athletics dedicated to championship success in the Big 12 Conference. Every Houston Rise contribution prepares our Cougars to compete and win in the Big 12. Click here to rise and be counted.

JOIN The 46ers and The HUDDLE
Fans are invited to join the 46ers and the Huddle to directly support Houston Football. Members provide financial support directly to Houston Football for needs beyond operating budget. For more information about the 46ers and the Huddle, call Cougar Pride at 713-743-GoUH (4684) or click here.
 
STAY CONNECTED 
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarFB on Twitter and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at Houston Cougar Football. Fans can also follow the team on Instagram at uhcougarfb.

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Players Mentioned

Malik Fleming

Matthew Golden

Parker Jenkins

Jack Martin

Donovan Smith

Laine Wilkins

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