The offense provided plenty of fireworks, racking up 431 total yards and scoring five touchdowns.
But in Tommy Tuberville’s inaugural game as head coach, it was the defense that ignited Texas Tech and eventually snuffed out a late burst by SMU.
Tech turned two of its three interceptions into touchdowns on Sunday, and senior Brian Duncan had a dazzling debut at a new position. The middle linebacker-turned-defensive end recorded three sacks, the last two of which secured the Red Raiders’ 35-27 victory before a season-opening crowd of 57,528 at Jones AT&T Stadium.
“Our theme for the year is start fast and finish strong, and no matter what the score is, no matter what the situation is, those guys finished,” Tech defensive coordinator James Willis said. “They did get the job done in the end and made the play when it counted, and I think we’ll grow from that as a defense and as a team.”
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