J'Koby Williams Runs Wild as Texas Tech Edges Arizona 34-26

Decisive Rushing Performance

J'Koby Williams powered through the Arizona defense to secure a 34-26 victory for Texas Tech at Galaxy Stadium on Saturday. The Red Raiders improved their record to 7-1, while the visiting Arizona Wildcats fell to 6-2.

Williams was the offensive engine for Lubbock, carrying the ball 14 times for 175 yards and one touchdown. His most critical contribution came late in the fourth quarter with a 64-yard run that extended Texas Tech's lead to 34-23. Stone Harrington’s kick made it 34-23 before Arizona managed a final field goal.

Offensive Showcases by Both Quarterbacks

While Williams provided the ground game, both teams relied heavily on their quarterbacks for yardage. Thomas Castellanos started at quarterback for Texas Tech, completing 11 of 24 passes for 144 yards and two touchdowns. His connections included a 24-yard touchdown pass to Terrance Carter Jr. in the first quarter and an 8-yard rushing touchdown in the third period.

Noah Fifita led the Arizona offense with a massive passing day, completing 33 of 45 attempts for 417 yards and one touchdown. Fifita’s long bomb was a 94-yard strike to Isaiah Mizell early in the second quarter, shifting momentum temporarily to the Wildcats.

Scoring Breakdown by Quarter

The game began with Arizona striking first when Michael Salgado-Medina kicked a 35-yard field goal, giving the Wildcats a 3-0 lead. Texas Tech answered quickly as Castellanos found Carter Jr. for a touchdown. The score remained close through the early stages, but Arizona took control in the second quarter. Mizell’s 94-yard catch-and-run and Kedrick Reescano’s 5-yard run pushed the lead to 17-7 at halftime.

Texas Tech fought back in the third quarter. Castellanos’ rushing touchdown tied the game at 17-17. However, Arizona regained the advantage when Reescano scored on a 1-yard run; although Stone Harrington’s extra point was blocked, the Wildcats held a 23-17 lead entering the final period.

Final Drive and Conclusion

The fourth quarter saw Texas Tech take control. Kenny Johnson caught a 27-yard pass from Castellanos to tie the game at 24-23. Williams’ long run provided the decisive margin. Arizona attempted a comeback, with Michael Salgado-Medina kicking a 22-yard field goal in the final moments, but it was not enough.

Isaiah Mizell led all receivers with seven catches for 182 yards and a touchdown. Kedrick Reescano added two rushing touchdowns for Arizona on nine carries for 18 yards. Kenny Johnson contributed four receptions for 49 yards and a score for the Red Raiders.

The win at Galaxy Stadium, attended by 59,131 fans, keeps Texas Tech in contention while Arizona remains competitive despite the loss.

Sources

ESPN