The Week

Texas Tech took over undisputed possession of the conference lead with a harrowing 14-10 defeat of TCU. The unbeaten Red Raiders, who had been averaging 32 points a game, labored almost all the way against the winless Horned Frogs, who had been yielding 43 points a game. Tech Quarterback Rodney Allison connected with Split End Brian Nelson on an 88-yard scoring pass and then ran three yards for another touchdown. That gave Tech a 14-0 first-quarter lead. But TCU came back on a 77-yard pass from substitute Quarterback Steve Bayuk to Wide Receiver Mike Renfro (Ray Renfro's son) and a 22-yard field goal by Ruben Ray. Bayuk again had TCU on the march in the closing minutes, but Free Safety Eric Felton picked off one of his passes on the Tech nine-yard line to snuff out the threat.

With Tailback Arthur Whittington rambling for 174 yards and three touchdowns, SMU led Rice 34-20 going into the fourth period. Then Quarterback Tommy Kramer rallied his Owls, bringing them to 34-33 with a seven-yard pass to Wide Receiver Doug Cunningham with 3:52 to go. Rice Coach Homer Rice had so much faith in Kramer that he went for the one-point PAT to make the score 34-34. Sure enough, Kramer came through. After Outside Linebacker Mark Bockeloh stole a Mustang pass, Kramer flipped a seven-yarder to Tight End Kenneth Roy with 1:20 left to wrap up the 41-34 comeback victory.

Two NAIA teams remained undefeated. Texas A&I, the defending Division I national champion, took a Lone Star Conference battle from Sam Houston State 41-10 for its 35th straight victory, longest winning streak in the nation. And Texas Lutheran of Division II knocked off Bishop 30-3.

1. TEXAS TECH (7-0)
2. HOUSTON (6-2)
3. ARKANSAS (5-1-1)