Williams, Castellanos Lead Tech Past Arizona 34-26 at Galaxy Stadium

Decisive Run Caps Off Comeback

J’Koby Williams provided the decisive blow with a 64-yard touchdown run, capping a scoring drive that extended Texas Tech’s lead to 34-26. The rushing performance was the highlight for the Red Raiders (7-1) in their 34-26 victory over the Arizona Wildcats (6-2) at Galaxy Stadium on Saturday.

Williams finished with 14 carries for 175 yards and one touchdown, becoming the primary offensive weapon for Lubbock. Texas Tech quarterback Thomas Castellanos, making his start, contributed two passing touchdowns and added an 8-yard rushing score himself. The win improves Texas Tech’s record to 7-1, while Arizona drops to 6-2.

First Half: Wildcats Strike Early

Arizona opened the scoring in the first quarter when Michael Salgado-Medina kicked a 35-yard field goal, giving the Wildcats a 3-0 advantage. Texas Tech responded quickly as Castellanos connected with Terrance Carter Jr. on a 24-yard pass, followed by a Stone Harrington kick, to take a 7-3 lead.

The second quarter saw Arizona’s offense ignite. Quarterback Noah Fifita threw a 94-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Mizell, shifting the momentum and putting Arizona ahead 10-7. The Wildcats extended their lead later in the period when Kedrick Reescano scored on a 5-yard run.

After Harrington kicked a 29-yard field goal for Texas Tech to make it 17-10 at halftime, Arizona added another touchdown via Reescano’s second rushing score of the day, though the extra point was blocked by Texas Tech. The half ended with Arizona leading 17-10.

Third Quarter: Castellanos Ties It Up

Texas Tech rallied in the third quarter behind Castellanos’s dual-threat ability. He scored on an 8-yard run to tie the game at 17-17. However, Arizona regained the lead when Reescano rushed for a 1-yard touchdown; again, the PAT was blocked, making the score 23-17.

The Red Raiders answered immediately. Castellanos found Kenny Johnson on a 27-yard pass, and Harrington’s kick tied the game at 23-23. This marked the first time Texas Tech had led or tied the game since the opening drive of the second quarter.

Fourth Quarter: Red Raiders Pull Away

Texas Tech seized control in the final period. Harrington kicked a 42-yard field goal to give the Red Raiders their first lead of the second half at 26-23. Williams then broke away for his 64-yard touchdown run, extending the lead to 33-23. Harrington’s kick made it 34-23.

Arizona attempted a late rally with a 22-yard field goal by Salgado-Medina, but Texas Tech held on for the 34-26 win. The game drew an attendance of 59,131 at Galaxy Stadium in Lubbock.

Statistical Leaders

Noah Fifita threw for 417 yards and one touchdown on 33-of-45 passing for Arizona, with Mizell hauling in 7 receptions for 182 yards. For Texas Tech, Castellanos completed 11 of 24 passes for 144 yards and two touchdowns. Kenny Johnson recorded 4 receptions for 49 yards and a touchdown.

Sources

ESPN