The world of college football is filled with intense rivalries that can make or break a team's season. For Texas Tech, there are several fierce rivalries that have been brewing for decades. In this article, we will explore the top rivalries that Texas Tech faces in college football.
Texas Tech's program has been a part of the Big 12 Conference since its inception in 1996. Over the years, the Red Raiders have developed strong rivalries with several teams in the conference. Let's take a look at some of the most intense rivalries that Texas Tech faces in college football.
1. Texas Longhorns
The rivalry between Texas Tech and Texas is one of the most historic in the Big 12 Conference. The two teams have been playing each other since 1928, and their matchups are always highly anticipated. The rivalry is fueled by the fact that both teams are from the state of Texas and have a long history of competition on the field.
In recent years, the rivalry has been particularly intense, with both teams competing for supremacy in the Big 12 Conference. The Red Raiders have had some notable victories over the Longhorns, including a 48-45 win in 2008 that helped propel them to a 11-2 record and a berth in the Cotton Bowl.
Series History: Texas Leads 51-17
2. Oklahoma Sooners
The rivalry between Texas Tech and Oklahoma is another intense one in the Big 12 Conference. The two teams have been playing each other since 1992, and their matchups are always highly competitive. The Sooners have traditionally been one of the top programs in the conference, and the Red Raiders have often found themselves as underdogs in their matchups.
However, Texas Tech has had some notable victories over the Sooners, including a 41-38 win in 2011 that helped propel them to a 8-5 record and a berth in the TicketCity Bowl. The Red Raiders have also had some close losses to the Sooners, including a 51-46 loss in 2016 that saw the two teams combine for over 1,000 yards of total offense.
Series History: Oklahoma Leads 20-6
3. Baylor Bears
The rivalry between Texas Tech and Baylor is another intense one in the Big 12 Conference. The two teams have been playing each other since 1929, and their matchups are always highly competitive. The Bears have traditionally been one of the top programs in the conference, and the Red Raiders have often found themselves as underdogs in their matchups.
However, Texas Tech has had some notable victories over the Bears, including a 48-17 win in 2009 that helped propel them to a 9-4 record and a berth in the Alamo Bowl. The Red Raiders have also had some close losses to the Bears, including a 52-45 loss in 2013 that saw the two teams combine for over 1,100 yards of total offense.
Series History: Texas Tech Leads 38-37-1
4. TCU Horned Frogs
The rivalry between Texas Tech and TCU is another intense one in the Big 12 Conference. The two teams have been playing each other since 1961, and their matchups are always highly competitive. The Horned Frogs have traditionally been one of the top programs in the conference, and the Red Raiders have often found themselves as underdogs in their matchups.
However, Texas Tech has had some notable victories over the Horned Frogs, including a 56-53 win in 2012 that helped propel them to a 8-5 record and a berth in the Meineke Car Care Bowl. The Red Raiders have also had some close losses to the Horned Frogs, including a 55-52 loss in 2014 that saw the two teams combine for over 1,100 yards of total offense.
Series History: TCU Leads 31-24-3
5. Kansas State Wildcats
The rivalry between Texas Tech and Kansas State is another intense one in the Big 12 Conference. The two teams have been playing each other since 1933, and their matchups are always highly competitive. The Wildcats have traditionally been one of the top programs in the conference, and the Red Raiders have often found themselves as underdogs in their matchups.
However, Texas Tech has had some notable victories over the Wildcats, including a 38-34 win in 2011 that helped propel them to a 8-5 record and a berth in the TicketCity Bowl. The Red Raiders have also had some close losses to the Wildcats, including a 55-24 loss in 2015 that saw the two teams combine for over 900 yards of total offense.
Series History: Kansas State Leads 13-9
In conclusion, Texas Tech has several fierce rivalries in college football, including those with Texas, Oklahoma, Baylor, TCU, and Kansas State. These rivalries are fueled by a combination of factors, including geographic proximity, conference affiliation, and historical competition on the field. While the Red Raiders have had some notable victories over their rivals, they have also suffered some tough losses. Nevertheless, these rivalries are an important part of the college football landscape and are eagerly anticipated by fans every year.
Gallery of Texas Tech Red Raiders Rivals
FAQs
What is the most intense rivalry in college football?
+The most intense rivalry in college football is often subjective and can vary depending on personal opinions and biases. However, some of the most notable rivalries in college football include the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry, the Alabama-Auburn rivalry, and the Texas-Oklahoma rivalry.
How often do Texas Tech and their rivals play each other?
+Texas Tech plays their rivals in the Big 12 Conference on a regular basis, with some matchups occurring annually and others occurring less frequently. For example, Texas Tech plays Texas every year, while they play Oklahoma and Baylor every other year.
What is the most notable victory for Texas Tech over their rivals?
+One of the most notable victories for Texas Tech over their rivals was their 48-45 win over Texas in 2008. This victory helped propel the Red Raiders to a 11-2 record and a berth in the Cotton Bowl.