Williams' 64-Yard Dash Seals 34-26 Tech Win Over Arizona

A Decisive Stretch Run

J'Koby Williams provided the decisive momentum for Texas Tech on Saturday, breaking loose for a 64-yard touchdown run that extended the Red Raiders' lead to 34-27 in the fourth quarter. That score proved to be the final margin of victory as Texas Tech held off a resilient Arizona Wildcats squad to secure a 34-26 win at Galaxy Stadium in Lubbock.

The game was characterized by high-octane offensive exchanges and pivotal scoring drives from both sides. While Arizona’s Noah Fifita amassed 417 passing yards and Isaiah Mizell caught seven passes for 182 yards, the Wildcats could not overcome a critical defensive lapse in the final period. Texas Tech’s defense, alongside a strong ground game led by Williams, ultimately stifled any potential comeback attempts.

First Half Scoring Exchange

Arizona opened the scoring with a 35-yard field goal by Michael Salgado-Medina, taking an early 3-0 lead. However, Texas Tech responded swiftly in the first quarter as Thomas Castellanos connected with Terrance Carter Jr. on a 24-yard pass for a 7-point swing, putting the home team ahead 7-3.

The second quarter saw Arizona storm back. Noah Fifita found Isaiah Mizell on a 94-yard touchdown pass to take a 10-7 lead before Kedrick Reescano added another score with a 5-yard run, extending the Wildcat advantage to 17-7.

Texas Tech managed to cut into the deficit late in the half when Stone Harrington kicked a 29-yard field goal, making the halftime score 17-10 in favor of Arizona.

Third Quarter Turnaround

Texas Tech began the second half with renewed energy. Castellanos ran for an 8-yard touchdown to tie the game at 17-17. Arizona responded immediately, as Reescano scored on a 1-yard run; although the extra point was blocked, the Wildcats reclaimed the lead at 23-17.

The momentum shifted again shortly after when Castellanos threw a 27-yard touchdown pass to Kenny Johnson, putting Texas Tech ahead for the first time in the game at 24-23. Harrington then added a 42-yard field goal in the fourth quarter to push the lead to 27-23.

Closing Out the Game

Williams’ 64-yard touchdown run sealed the victory, marking his second score of the day and bringing his rushing total to 175 yards on 14 carries. Arizona attempted a final rally with a 22-yard field goal by Salgado-Medina, but it was insufficient to close the gap.

The win improves Texas Tech’s record to 7-1, while Arizona falls to 6-2. The Red Raiders’ balanced offensive display, featuring Castellanos’ 144 passing yards and two touchdowns, proved too much for the Wildcats' high-powered air attack to overcome.

Sources

ESPN