The state of Texas is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and passionate sports fans. When it comes to college football, two teams stand out among the rest: the Texas State Bobcats and the Texas Tech Red Raiders. While both teams have their own unique strengths and weaknesses, they share a common bond as rivals in the Lone Star State. In this article, we'll delve into the world of Texas State vs Texas Tech, exploring their histories, notable games, and what makes their rivalry so special.
History of the Rivalry
The Texas State Bobcats and the Texas Tech Red Raiders have been facing off on the gridiron since 1935. Over the years, their rivalry has grown in intensity, with both teams vying for bragging rights in the Lone Star State. While Texas Tech has traditionally been the stronger program, Texas State has had its moments of glory, including a few upset victories over the Red Raiders.
One of the most memorable games in the series took place in 2012, when Texas State stunned Texas Tech 50-43 in a shootout that saw over 1,000 yards of total offense. The Bobcats' victory marked their first win over the Red Raiders since 1997 and sparked a renewed sense of rivalry between the two programs.
Notable Games in the Series
While the 2012 game stands out as a highlight in the series, there have been several other notable matchups between Texas State and Texas Tech. Here are a few:
- 1985: Texas Tech defeated Texas State 27-24 in a game that saw the Red Raiders' quarterback, Steve Sloan, throw for 242 yards and two touchdowns.
- 1997: Texas State upset Texas Tech 35-28, marking their first win over the Red Raiders since 1980.
- 2006: Texas Tech thrashed Texas State 63-7, with the Red Raiders' running back, Taurean Henderson, rushing for 105 yards and two touchdowns.
Rivalry Renewed
In recent years, the rivalry between Texas State and Texas Tech has experienced a resurgence. With the Bobcats' move to the Sun Belt Conference in 2013, the two teams have been playing each other more frequently, leading to a renewed sense of intensity and competition.
In 2018, Texas Tech defeated Texas State 42-28, with the Red Raiders' quarterback, Alan Bowman, throwing for 461 yards and two touchdowns. However, the Bobcats have been working to close the gap, with their 2020 recruiting class ranked among the best in the Sun Belt Conference.
What Makes the Rivalry Special
So, what makes the Texas State vs Texas Tech rivalry so special? Here are a few reasons:
- Geographic proximity: The two teams are separated by just over 200 miles, making it an easy trip for fans to attend games in either San Marcos or Lubbock.
- State pride: Both teams take pride in representing their respective parts of the state, with Texas State flying the flag for the Hill Country and Texas Tech repping the South Plains.
- Underdog spirit: Texas State has often been seen as the underdog in the series, which has led to a few notable upsets over the years.
Conclusion
The Texas State vs Texas Tech rivalry is a special one, fueled by geographic proximity, state pride, and an underdog spirit. While the Red Raiders have traditionally been the stronger program, the Bobcats have had their moments of glory, including a few upset victories over the years. As the two teams continue to face off on the gridiron, fans can expect intense competition, thrilling matchups, and a renewed sense of rivalry in the Lone Star State.
Gallery of Texas State vs Texas Tech
Who has won the most games in the Texas State vs Texas Tech series?
+Texas Tech has won the most games in the series, with a record of 15-5.
What is the most points scored in a single game in the series?
+The most points scored in a single game in the series is 93, which occurred in 2012 when Texas State defeated Texas Tech 50-43.
Who is the all-time leading rusher in the series?
+The all-time leading rusher in the series is Texas Tech's Taurean Henderson, who rushed for 1,043 yards in four games against the Bobcats.
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