The 2009 Texas Tech football season was a remarkable year for the Red Raiders, filled with highs and lows, triumphs and setbacks. Under the leadership of Head Coach Mike Leach, the team navigated a challenging schedule, ultimately finishing with a 9-4 overall record and a trip to the Alamo Bowl.
Season Highlights
The Red Raiders kicked off the season with a bang, defeating North Dakota 38-13 in the opener. They followed that up with a 55-10 thrashing of Rice, setting the tone for a promising year. Texas Tech's high-powered offense, led by quarterback Taylor Potts, was a force to be reckoned with, averaging over 430 yards per game.
One of the season's most memorable moments came on September 26, when the Red Raiders hosted the Texas Longhorns. In a thrilling contest, Texas Tech emerged victorious, 39-33, thanks in large part to Potts' 420 passing yards and three touchdowns.
Ups and Downs
Despite the successes, the season was not without its challenges. The Red Raiders suffered a tough loss to Houston, 29-28, in a game that saw Potts throw for 420 yards but also commit two costly interceptions. Additionally, the team struggled with consistency, often following impressive wins with disappointing losses.The low point of the season came on November 21, when Texas Tech fell to Oklahoma, 41-13. The loss was a sobering reminder that, despite their impressive offense, the Red Raiders still had work to do on the defensive side of the ball.
Bowl Season
After finishing the regular season with a 8-4 record, Texas Tech accepted an invitation to the Alamo Bowl, where they would face off against Michigan State. In a closely contested game, the Red Raiders ultimately emerged victorious, 41-31, thanks to a strong performance from Potts, who threw for 372 yards and two touchdowns.
Season Stats and Awards
- Taylor Potts: 3,643 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, 13 interceptions
- Baron Batch: 884 rushing yards, 5 touchdowns
- Detron Lewis: 913 receiving yards, 4 touchdowns
- Brandon Carter: 6 sacks, 11 tackles for loss
Recap and Reflection
The 2009 Texas Tech football season was a complex and multifaceted one, marked by both triumphs and setbacks. While the Red Raiders ultimately fell short of their goal of a Big 12 Championship, they demonstrated resilience and determination throughout the year.In the end, the season served as a testament to the program's growth and potential, as well as the talent and dedication of its players and coaches.
Gallery of Texas Tech Football 2009 Season
Who was the starting quarterback for Texas Tech in 2009?
+Taylor Potts was the starting quarterback for Texas Tech in 2009.
What was the final record for Texas Tech in the 2009 season?
+Texas Tech finished the 2009 season with a 9-4 overall record.
Which bowl game did Texas Tech play in at the end of the 2009 season?
+Texas Tech played in the Alamo Bowl at the end of the 2009 season.