​Texas Tech quarterback Tommy Castellanos (4) runs into the end zone for a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Oregon State, Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, in Corvallis, Ore. (AP Photo/Lydia Ely) (Lydia Ely/AP Photo/Lydia Ely)
No. 13 Texas Tech survived a scare from Oregon State on an overcast Saturday night, escaping Corvallis, Ore. with a 35-24 victory at Reser Stadium. The Red Raiders didn’t perform up to offensive standards and were forced into several uncomfortable situations, including a 24-21 deficit early in the fourth quarter. Oregon State freshman wide receiver Jesse Legree was a major factor in the Beavers’ near victory as he finished with eight catches for a career-high 240 yards and two receiving touchdowns.The two squads went back and forth throughout the contest, tying multiple times until the fourth quarter as Tech fended off the Beavers in crunch time. Here are five takeaways from Saturday’s victory:Secondary struggles amid cold and wet conditions, allows career game for LegreeOregon State quarterback Braden Atkinson was able to find consistent, open targets throughout the game. While the Beavers dropped several of Atkinson’s passes, they were also able to capitalize, including a 75-yard touchdown to Legree. The touchdown was a sign for what turned into a career night for LegreeHe finished the first half with four catches for 128 yards and a touchdown, adding 112 yards in the second half to finish with 240 total with an additional touchdown. With the help of Legree’s career-high performance, Atkinson recorded 399 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, a touchdown reception and an interception. The Red Raiders’ secondary was able to record a takeaway with an interception from Amier Boyd in the second quarter, but showed obvious flaws that need to be corrected moving forward. Castellanos could be key weapon in red zoneIn his two weeks in the Red Raider program, Thomas Castellanos has been rotated with starting quarterback Will Hammond throughout each game situationally. However, Castellanos was able to find the end zone for the first time this season on a 7-yard rushing touchdown against Oregon State. Castellanos gives the Red Raiders’ red zone unit flexibility as opposing defenses aren’t able to identify what direction it will go. He finished the game with 15 rushing yards on five carries. Additionally, he sealed the game through the air with an 8-yard passing touchdown to Matt Ludwig with 1:08 left in the contest. The Miami native can be a threat both in the air and on his feet. If the Red Raiders continue to have red zone issues as the season moves forward, Castellanos could provide something unique and potentially successful. Tech’s offensive struggles extend beyond red zone
CORVALLIS, OR – SEPTEMBER 12: J’Koby Williams #20 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders rushes the ball during a game between Texas Tech University and Oregon State University at Reser Stadium on September