Austin Romaine Scored Two Consecutive Pick-Sixes
Texas Tech linebacker Austin Romaine secured two touchdowns in seven seconds against Sam Houston State.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Football
Texas Tech linebacker Austin Romaine returned two consecutive interceptions for touchdowns during the second quarter of Friday's game against Sam Houston State. These quick scores propelled the 11th-ranked Red Raiders to an early 21-0 lead in Lubbock.
Why it matters
The performance provided a decisive early advantage for Texas Tech as they look to maintain their high standing in the national rankings. The rare feat of returning two consecutive pass attempts for touchdowns significantly altered the game's momentum.
Romaine recorded a 15-yard return followed by a 31-yard return just seven seconds apart. These plays were supported by a three-season career performance featuring 184 total tackles and 110 solo tackles.
The players
Austin Romaine
A linebacker for Texas Tech who previously transferred to the program from Kansas State.
Brock Gowlas
A Texas Tech player who provided a crucial deflection on the first intercepted pass.
Landyn Locke
The Sam Houston State quarterback who threw the second interception returned by Romaine.
The details
After Brock Gowlas deflected a pass, Romaine intercepted the ball and ran 15 yards for a score with 14:54 remaining in the second quarter. On the very next play after the ensuing kickoff, Romaine intercepted a pass from Landyn Locke and returned it 31 yards for his second touchdown of the period.
Timeline
September 26, 2026: The matchup between Texas Tech and Sam Houston State took place.
14:54 remaining in the second quarter: Romaine scored his first touchdown return.
Season Trajectory
This defensive outburst solidifies Texas Tech's standing as a legitimate contender in the national polls. The rapid scoring sequence drastically improves the team's point differential and defensive efficiency profile for the season.
The back-to-back touchdowns immediately shifted the game total and spread in favor of Texas Tech supporters. This high-impact defensive performance serves as a key data point for fantasy and betting models tracking turnover-prone offenses.
The takeaway
Rare defensive scoring streaks like this can single-handedly dictate the tempo of a conference game. Players looking to replicate such production should prioritize situational awareness and reading the opposing quarterback's passing rhythm.
Further reading
For more on the team's performance, see our Football coverage.
