Sophomore quarterback Patrick Mahomes passed for 425 yards and four touchdowns to lead Texas Tech past Sam Houston 59-45 on Saturday at AT&T Jones Stadium in Lubbock, Texas.

Mahomes, who won the starting job over junior Davis Webb, directed six scoring drives in the first half and led a touchdown march late in the third quarter that put the Red Raiders ahead by 28.

Texas Tech cornerback J.J. Gaines returned an interception 47 yards for a touchdown on Sam Houston's third offensive play of the third quarter, setting the tone for the second half.

The Bearkats, an FCS playoff semifinalist last season, rushed for 351 yards. But Texas Tech came up with three key takeaways and the Bearkats couldn't keep up on the scoreboard.

Mahomes passed for 322 yards and four touchdowns with an interception in the first half as Texas Tech edged ahead 42-31. Mahomes hit receivers Devin Lauderdale and Ian Sadler for two touchdowns apiece in the first two quarters. Lauderdale finished with eight catches for 150 yards.

Sam Houston State stayed within striking distance behind its running game as the Bearkats gained 7.6 yards per carry in the first half.

Sam Houston quarterback Jeremiah Briscoe connected with wide receiver Davion Davis for a 29-yard touchdown to cut Texas Tech's lead to 35-31 with 52 seconds left in the second quarter. But the Red Raiders answered with a lightning-quick scoring drive capped by Mahomes' second touchdown pass to Lauderdale.