5 Key Facts About Texas Tech Vs West Virginia

Quick Links :

Texas Tech and West Virginia are two of the most prominent teams in the Big 12 Conference, and their rivalry has been growing in intensity over the years. Here are five key facts about the Texas Tech vs West Virginia rivalry:

In recent years, the Texas Tech vs West Virginia rivalry has become one of the most exciting matchups in the Big 12 Conference. Both teams have a strong fan base, and their games are always highly anticipated events. But what makes this rivalry so special? Let's dive into some key facts about the Texas Tech vs West Virginia rivalry.

The first meeting between Texas Tech and West Virginia was in 2012, when the Mountaineers joined the Big 12 Conference. Since then, the two teams have played each other a total of nine times, with the Red Raiders holding a slight edge in the series with a 5-4 record. However, the Mountaineers have won three of the last four meetings, including a thrilling 42-34 victory in 2019.

Recent Matchups

One of the most notable aspects of the Texas Tech vs West Virginia rivalry is the high-scoring games that have become a hallmark of their matchups. In 2018, the Red Raiders and Mountaineers combined for 93 points, with Texas Tech winning 52-41 in overtime. The following year, West Virginia won 42-34, with both teams combining for 76 points.

The 2020 matchup was one of the most memorable games in the series, with Texas Tech winning 34-27 in a game that saw multiple lead changes and a thrilling finish. The Red Raiders were led by quarterback Alan Bowman, who threw for 397 yards and two touchdowns.

Coaches' Rivalry

Another interesting aspect of the Texas Tech vs West Virginia rivalry is the coaches' rivalry between Matt Wells and Neal Brown. Both coaches have a strong reputation for their ability to develop young talent and create exciting offenses.

Wells, who is in his third season as the Red Raiders' head coach, has led Texas Tech to two bowl appearances and has a 16-10 record in the Big 12 Conference. Brown, who is in his third season as the Mountaineers' head coach, has led West Virginia to two bowl appearances and has a 14-12 record in the Big 12 Conference.

Key Players to Watch

When it comes to the Texas Tech vs West Virginia rivalry, there are always several key players to watch. For the Red Raiders, quarterback Tyler Shough is a player to watch, as he has thrown for over 2,000 yards and 15 touchdowns in his first season as the team's starter.

For the Mountaineers, quarterback Jarret Doege is a player to watch, as he has thrown for over 2,500 yards and 15 touchdowns in his first season as the team's starter. Doege is a transfer from Bowling Green and has been impressive in his first season in the Big 12 Conference.

Impact on the Big 12 Conference

The Texas Tech vs West Virginia rivalry has a significant impact on the Big 12 Conference, as both teams are always in contention for a spot in the conference championship game. In 2020, the Red Raiders finished third in the Big 12 Conference, while the Mountaineers finished fifth.

The rivalry between the two teams has also led to some exciting finishes, including the 2019 game that saw West Virginia win 42-34. The game was played in front of a sold-out crowd at Milan Puskar Stadium, and the Mountaineers' victory was a significant upset.

Conclusion

The Texas Tech vs West Virginia rivalry is one of the most exciting matchups in the Big 12 Conference. With a history of high-scoring games and thrilling finishes, this rivalry is always highly anticipated. As the two teams continue to battle for supremacy in the Big 12 Conference, fans can expect even more exciting matchups in the future.