LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — In a highly anticipated season opener, Will Hammond made a triumphant return from a significant knee injury, throwing for 298 yards and a touchdown as No. 12 Texas Tech defeated Abilene Christian 33-10 on Saturday night. This victory marks the beginning of the Red Raiders' title defense after their remarkable run to the Big 12 championship last season.
Hammond's performance was a testament to the faith head coach Joey McGuire had in him throughout the offseason. After suffering a torn ACL in his right knee that sidelined him for the entirety of the previous season, Hammond's readiness for the opener was a focal point for the team. His return was crucial, especially considering the offseason turmoil surrounding the quarterback position.
The Red Raiders established an early lead with touchdowns from Quinten Joyner and J'Koby Williams in the first quarter. However, Texas Tech struggled to find the end zone again until late in the game when Hammond connected with Malcolm Simmons on a 64-yard touchdown pass, showcasing his arm strength and ability to make big plays.
Following Simmons' touchdown, Abilene Christian responded with a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Alex Broome, marking the Wildcats' only score of the night. Despite this brief moment of excitement, ACU (0-2) was unable to mount a significant challenge against a Texas Tech defense that has improved considerably since last season.
Stone Harrington was another standout for the Red Raiders, contributing significantly with four field goals. His performance included a 28-yarder that came after Texas Tech capitalized on an interception by John Curry early in the second half, setting the Red Raiders up in excellent field position.
The quarterback situation for Texas Tech was complicated by the offseason saga involving Brendan Sorsby, who was initially expected to compete for the starting job. Sorsby, a transfer from Cincinnati, faced legal issues related to sports gambling, which ultimately led to his departure from the program. With Sorsby no longer in the mix, Hammond's emergence as the starter became even more critical for the team's success.
For Abilene Christian, this game was a stark contrast to their previous visit to Lubbock, where they nearly upset the Red Raiders in a thrilling 52-51 overtime game two years ago. On that occasion, ACU managed to rack up 506 passing yards, but this time they struggled against a Texas Tech defense that has been recognized as one of the best in the nation.
Looking ahead, Abilene Christian will face Stephen F. Austin next Saturday, while Texas Tech prepares for a challenging matchup against Oregon State. The Red Raiders will aim to build on their solid start as they navigate through the season, with hopes of repeating their success from the previous year.
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