Will Hammond made sure there would be no repeat of last year's disappointment against Arizona State.

The Texas Tech quarterback threw for 232 yards, accounted for two touchdowns and helped the 10th-ranked Red Raiders overwhelm the Sun Devils 53-25 Saturday afternoon at Galaxy Stadium, keeping Texas Tech undefeated and firmly in the Big 12 championship conversation.

MORE: Texas Tech Rolls 53-25 Over Arizona State, Improving to 6-0: Live Game Log

Hammond completed 18 of 26 passes without an interception, adding 25 rushing yards and a touchdown as the Red Raiders improved to 6-0 overall and 3-0 in conference play.

For Hammond, the victory carried additional significance.

A year ago, he nearly engineered a dramatic comeback against Arizona State after replacing injured starter Behren Morton. The Red Raiders ultimately suffered a heartbreaking 26-22 defeat that ended their unbeaten start.

This time, Hammond and his teammates left little doubt.

Texas Tech exploded for 21 first-quarter points, beginning with a 24-yard interception return for a touchdown by linebacker Ben Roberts.

Hammond quickly extended the advantage with a 9-yard touchdown run, putting the Red Raiders ahead 14-0.

Running back J'Koby Williams followed with a spectacular 62-yard touchdown run, stretching the lead to three touchdowns before the first quarter ended.

Hammond continued directing an efficient offense throughout the opening half, demonstrating improved decision-making and avoiding the turnovers that had occasionally plagued him earlier this season.

His biggest passing play came late in the second quarter when he connected with Coy Eakin for an 11-yard touchdown, extending Texas Tech's advantage to 40-10.

The Red Raiders carried a commanding 43-10 lead into halftime.

Williams delivered an outstanding performance of his own, rushing for a career-high 165 yards and two touchdowns on just 11 carries. His second scoring run covered 38 yards.

Kenny Johnson provided Hammond with another reliable target, catching seven passes for 120 yards as Texas Tech consistently attacked Arizona State's secondary.

The Red Raiders finished with 502 yards of total offense, averaging an impressive 7.8 yards per play.

Hammond's performance was particularly encouraging considering the questions surrounding Texas Tech's offensive consistency entering the contest.

Against Colorado two weeks earlier, the Red Raiders managed just 134 passing yards from Hammond in a 29-7 victory.

Saturday represented a considerably more balanced offensive performance.

Texas Tech also received another strong contribution from its defense, forcing two interceptions and limiting Arizona State to 25 points despite allowing 415 total yards.

The Sun Devils dropped to 3-3 overall and 1-2 in Big 12 play.

For head coach Joey McGuire, the victory provided another statement that Texas Tech remains a legitimate contender for the conference championship and a College Football Playoff berth.

But perhaps the most encouraging development was Hammond's command of the offense.

He protected the football, contributed as a runner and capitalized on the opportunities created by the Red Raiders' defense and rushing attack.

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Texas Tech didn't need Hammond to carry the entire offense Saturday.

It needed him to run it efficiently ... And he delivered.

Source: Yahoo Sports