BCSNN — Texas Tech needed a steadying performance after an uneven first month, and the Red Raiders finally found one Saturday. Linebacker Austin Romaine delivered a historic pair of pick‑sixes on consecutive throws, running back Cameron Dickey scored twice, and No. 11 Texas Tech pulled away in the second half for a 49–14 win over Sam Houston at Galaxy Stadium.

Romaine’s two interception returns - both in the opening minute of the second quarter and against different quarterbacks - marked the first time an FBS player has done so on consecutive passes in 13 years. The Kansas State transfer had clear lanes to the end zone both times, becoming the first Red Raider with two pick‑sixes in a game since 2000.

“I was in disbelief that I did it twice in a row,” Romaine said. “It was crazy.”

Despite entering as a heavy favorite, Texas Tech (4–0) led only 21–14 at halftime, hampered by three interceptions from quarterback Will Hammond in the final 5½ minutes of the second quarter. Sam Houston (1–3) managed just seven points off those turnovers, but the miscues kept the game far closer than expected.

Head coach Joey McGuire didn’t hide his frustration. “We’ve got way too many self‑inflicted wounds in the first half,” he said. “That’s why we’re playing close games. That’s what we’re allowing people to be in the game.”

Texas Tech finally settled in after the break. Dickey’s second touchdown - a 13‑yard run - and Hammond’s 21‑yard strike to Coy Eakin came within the first five minutes of the third quarter, stretching the lead to 35–14. Hammond finished 17‑of‑29 for 224 yards and added a 23‑yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.

Sam Houston quarterback Landyn Locke, who entered as one of only three FBS passers with 300‑plus yards in each of his first three games, was held to 195 yards on 23‑of‑37 passing. He threw two touchdowns but also two interceptions, including Romaine’s second return.

Texas Tech’s defense added another bright spot with freshman edge rusher LaDamion Guyton, who recorded the first two sacks of his career. Guyton reclassified from the high school class of 2027 to 2026 and enrolled early, making his performance a promising sign for the Red Raiders’ depth.

In the end, Texas Tech secured the comfortable win it needed heading into Big 12 play, extending its home winning streak to 11 games, the program’s longest since 2007–09. But McGuire made clear that the Red Raiders must clean up their early‑game issues after a month filled with close calls.

Texas Tech travels to Colorado on Oct. 3 for its first Big 12 road game. Sam Houston has a bye before visiting Liberty on Oct. 8.