The 2008 Texas Tech Red Raiders football team was one of the most memorable in the program's history. Led by head coach Mike Leach, the team finished the season with an 11-2 record, including a 9-0 start that propelled them to a No. 2 ranking in the BCS standings. In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the 2008 Texas Tech Red Raiders football roster, highlighting the key players, their contributions, and what made this team so special.
Offense: A High-Powered Attack
The 2008 Texas Tech offense was a juggernaut, averaging 43.6 points per game, which ranked third in the nation. The unit was led by quarterback Graham Harrell, who threw for 5,111 yards and 45 touchdowns. Harrell's impressive season earned him a spot as a finalist for the Heisman Trophy.
Receivers: A Talented Trio
The Red Raiders' receiving corps was one of the best in the country, with three players hauling in over 1,000 yards apiece. Michael Crabtree, a sophomore at the time, led the way with 1,965 yards and 19 touchdowns. Detron Lewis and Eric Morris also had outstanding seasons, combining for over 2,000 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Defense: A Unit on the Rise
While the offense received most of the attention, the Texas Tech defense was a key factor in the team's success. The unit allowed just 24.5 points per game, which ranked 25th nationally. Linebacker Daniel Charbonnet was a standout performer, recording 75 tackles and 3.5 sacks.
Secondary: A Group of Ball Hawks
The Red Raiders' secondary was known for its ball-hawking abilities, intercepting 19 passes during the season. Cornerback Jamar Wall led the team with four interceptions, while safety Darcel McBath added three.
Special Teams: A Unit That Made Big Plays
The Texas Tech special teams unit was a key factor in the team's success, making several big plays throughout the season. Kicker Shannon Woods was perfect on extra points, converting all 63 attempts. Punter Jonathan LaCour averaged 41.4 yards per punt, pinning opponents deep in their own territory.
Return Game: A Spark Plug
Return specialist Aaron Crawford was a spark plug for the Red Raiders, averaging 24.5 yards per kickoff return. His ability to flip field position and give the offense good starting field position was a key factor in the team's success.
Coaching Staff
The 2008 Texas Tech coaching staff was led by head coach Mike Leach, who was in his ninth season at the helm. Leach's innovative offense and emphasis on player development helped the Red Raiders become one of the top programs in the country.
Assistant Coaches
The Red Raiders had a talented group of assistant coaches, including defensive coordinator Ruffin McNeill, who helped the unit become one of the most improved in the nation. Other notable assistants included quarterbacks coach Sonny Cumbie and receivers coach Lincoln Riley.
Season Recap
The 2008 Texas Tech season was one for the ages, with the Red Raiders winning 11 games and finishing ranked No. 12 in the final AP poll. The team's 9-0 start was highlighted by a 37-33 victory over Texas, which marked the program's first win over the Longhorns in Lubbock.
Bowl Game
The Red Raiders capped off the season with a 34-21 victory over Ole Miss in the Cotton Bowl. The win marked the program's second bowl victory in three years and capped off a memorable season.
Who was the starting quarterback for the 2008 Texas Tech Red Raiders?
+Graham Harrell was the starting quarterback for the 2008 Texas Tech Red Raiders.
Who was the leading receiver for the 2008 Texas Tech Red Raiders?
+Michael Crabtree was the leading receiver for the 2008 Texas Tech Red Raiders, hauling in 1,965 yards and 19 touchdowns.
Who was the defensive coordinator for the 2008 Texas Tech Red Raiders?
+Ruffin McNeill was the defensive coordinator for the 2008 Texas Tech Red Raiders.
We hope you've enjoyed this in-depth look at the 2008 Texas Tech Red Raiders football roster. The team's success was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players, coaches, and staff. If you're a fan of Texas Tech or just a lover of college football, we'd love to hear your thoughts and memories of this special season. Share your comments below, and let's keep the conversation going!