The Texas Tech vs Texas football rivalry is one of the most intense and storied in the Big 12 Conference. The two teams have been battling it out on the gridiron since 1928, with the Longhorns holding a slight edge in the all-time series. However, the Red Raiders have had their fair share of victories, including some memorable upsets that have shaken the very foundations of the rivalry. In this article, we'll take a look at the 5 biggest Texas Tech vs Texas football rivalry moments that have shaped the series into what it is today.
Early Years of the Rivalry
Before we dive into the top 5 moments, it's worth noting that the Texas Tech vs Texas rivalry has its roots in the early days of college football in the Lone Star State. The two teams first met in 1928, with Texas emerging victorious 12-6. Over the years, the series has ebbed and flowed, with periods of dominance by both teams. However, it wasn't until the 1990s that the rivalry really began to heat up.
5. The 1998 Thriller: Texas Tech 42, Texas 35
In 1998, the Red Raiders traveled to Austin, looking to pull off a major upset against the heavily favored Longhorns. Led by quarterback Rob Peters, Texas Tech jumped out to an early lead, thanks to a series of big plays on offense. However, Texas refused to go quietly into the night, rallying to tie the game late in the fourth quarter. In the end, it was Texas Tech's defense that came up big, intercepting a pass in the final minutes to seal the win.
4. The 2008 Heartstopper: Texas Tech 39, Texas 33
In 2008, the Red Raiders hosted the Longhorns in a game that would have major implications for the Big 12 South division. Trailing 33-32 with just over a minute to go, Texas Tech quarterback Graham Harrell led a dramatic drive, culminating in a 28-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Michael Crabtree. The win marked one of the greatest comebacks in Texas Tech history and dealt a devastating blow to Texas's national championship hopes.
3. The 2012 Upset: Texas Tech 20, Texas 13
In 2012, the Red Raiders traveled to Austin, looking to pull off a major upset against the heavily favored Longhorns. Led by quarterback Seth Doege, Texas Tech used a stingy defense and a series of big plays on offense to stun Texas 20-13. The win marked the Red Raiders' first victory in Austin since 1997 and dealt a major blow to Texas's hopes of winning the Big 12 championship.
2. The 1999 Shootout: Texas Tech 42, Texas 38
In 1999, the Red Raiders hosted the Longhorns in a game that would go down as one of the greatest shootouts in college football history. Led by quarterback Rob Peters, Texas Tech jumped out to an early lead, thanks to a series of big plays on offense. However, Texas refused to go quietly into the night, rallying to tie the game late in the fourth quarter. In the end, it was Texas Tech's defense that came up big, intercepting a pass in the final minutes to seal the win.
1. The 2011 Thriller: Texas Tech 52, Texas 20
In 2011, the Red Raiders traveled to Austin, looking to pull off a major upset against the heavily favored Longhorns. Led by quarterback Seth Doege, Texas Tech used a high-powered offense to stun Texas 52-20. The win marked the Red Raiders' first victory in Austin since 1997 and dealt a major blow to Texas's hopes of winning the Big 12 championship.
Gallery of Texas Tech vs Texas Football Rivalry
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the all-time record between Texas Tech and Texas?
+Texas leads the all-time series 52-18.
What is the highest scoring game in the series?
+The highest scoring game in the series was the 2001 matchup, which Texas Tech won 42-38.
Who is the all-time leading scorer in the series?
+The all-time leading scorer in the series is Texas Tech's Graham Harrell, who scored 264 points in his career against Texas.
We hope you enjoyed this article on the 5 biggest Texas Tech vs Texas football rivalry moments. The series has a rich history, with both teams having their fair share of victories and upsets. Whether you're a fan of the Red Raiders or the Longhorns, one thing is certain - this rivalry is always intense and unpredictable.