To say that the Texas Tech offense struggled Saturday night in Boulder, Colorado, would be an understatement. However, one bright spot for that side of the ball was the play of star tight end Terrance Carter Jr., who made a game-changing impact for the first time this season.
In Tech's 29-7 win, the fifth-year senior made eight catches for 67 yards while also catching a touchdown to put his team on top 12-7 in the third quarter. He was responsible for 47% of his team's receptions and half of its receiving yards on a night when the passing game was held in check by the Colorado defense.
Though his night isn't going to rewrite any record book, it was encouraging to finally see Carter be a reason that his team won an important game in 2026. That's something that the offense has been desperate for.
Carter has missed two of Tech's five games this season. He didn't play against Oregon State because of a foot issue, and he sat out against Sam Houston because of an AC joint sprain.
Terrance Carter Jr. for SIX 🫡
— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) October 4, 2026
Red Raiders take the lead
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What's more, when he had been in action prior to Saturday, he had been a relative non-factor. In week one, he caught only three balls for 28 yards against Abilene Christian. Then, in week three, against Houston, he caught only two for 34.
Saturday night, he more than doubled his productivity. That was key on a night when his quarterback, Will Hammond, was uncomfortable due to the struggles of his offensive line.
After Carter, Tech's leading receiver against the Buffaloes was running back J'Koby Williams, who caught three passes for 26 yards. After that, the only receiver on the team with more than one catch was Micah Hudson, who had two catches in the first quarter and none the rest of the game.
In other words, it was Carter or bust for the Red Raiders in Boulder. Fortunately, he was able to carry the passing game.
Much was expected of Carter coming into 2026. That's because a season ago, he caught 55 passes for 624 yards and five TDs despite playing most of the year banged up.
The thought was that a healthy Carter would put up huge numbers for Tech this fall. However, health can never be guaranteed in football.
Carter has again been limited by nagging injuries this season. Fortunately, he fought through them to have a nice day against Colorado. Now, he has an open week to heal.
Hopefully, he returns to action against Arizona State on October 17 feeling close to 100%. If that happens, the Red Raider offense will have an important cog operating at full speed. That could be a key to finally unlocking the offense's potential in the back half of the schedule.
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