Fifth year senior Nic Shimonek was stellar in the first start of his career, completing 26 of 30 for 384 yards three and touchdowns before taking a seat in the third quarter with the game in hand. The starting receiving corps was as solid as expected, highlighted by the performances of Derrick Willies and Keke Coutee. Willies finished with four receptions for 125 yards and a score, while Coutee finished with five catches for 99 yards and two touchdowns.
The Red Raider offense got off to a shaky start, going three and out on their first drive, including a sack of Shimonek. The ensuing punt didn’t make it past midfield, causing anxiety as the offense had many question marks surrounding it entering the season. But after a few unsuccessful drives, they struck a balance and got off to a 28-10 halftime lead on the way to six straight scoring drives.
The offensive balance culminated with 449 yards through the air for four touchdowns and 177 yards on the ground for three touchdowns.
The Texas Tech defense, which struggled mightily in 2016, showed some signs of improvement. On Eastern Washington’s first offensive play from scrimmage, Tech forced and recovered a fumble. In the third quarter, Willie Sykes intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, defensive end Tony Jones jumped up to swat a pass at the line of scrimmage and came down with the interception. Jones also recorded a sack.
In addition to that, the defense plugged running lanes and tackled well for most of the afternoon. They held Eastern Washington to just 81 yards on 36 carries and 301 total yards. The Tech defense pitched a second half shutout, and the longest play from scrimmage allowed was 28 yards.
How Texas Tech’s success will translate to better opponents remains to be seen. Eastern Washington is one of the more consistently successful FCS programs and entered the game ranked in the top five of the subdivision’s preseason rankings. Before today, no Power 5 team had beaten Eastern Washington by more than 19 points since at least 2011.
Texas Tech has a bye next weekend, then will play Arizona State in Lubbock on September 16 at 6 p.m. Central time.
 
