The thrill of college football bowl games! For Texas Tech fans, there's nothing quite like the excitement of watching their beloved Red Raiders take the field against top-notch opponents in the postseason. With a rich history of bowl game appearances, Texas Tech has given its fans countless moments to cherish. Here, we'll count down the top 10 bowl game moments in Texas Tech history.
The Red Raiders have been fortunate enough to participate in 38 bowl games, with their first appearance dating back to the 1938 Sun Bowl. Since then, they've experienced their fair share of triumphs and heartbreaks. From dominant performances to nail-biting finishes, Texas Tech's bowl game history is filled with unforgettable moments. Let's dive into the top 10!
10. 2013 Holiday Bowl: Texas Tech 37, Arizona State 23
The 2013 Holiday Bowl marked a significant win for the Red Raiders, as they took down Arizona State 37-23. This victory capped off a successful season, with Texas Tech finishing 8-5 overall. Quarterback Davis Webb led the charge, throwing for 403 yards and four touchdowns.
9. 2008 Gator Bowl: Texas Tech 31, Virginia 28
The 2008 Gator Bowl saw the Red Raiders edge out Virginia 31-28. This thrilling matchup featured a standout performance from quarterback Graham Harrell, who tossed for 407 yards and two touchdowns. The win marked Texas Tech's first Gator Bowl victory since 1954.
8. 2015 Liberty Bowl: Arkansas 35, Texas Tech 31
Although the 2015 Liberty Bowl ended in defeat for Texas Tech, it was an exciting game that showcased the team's resilience. Trailing 35-24 in the fourth quarter, the Red Raiders fought back, scoring a touchdown and then recovering an onside kick. However, they ultimately fell short, losing 35-31 to Arkansas.
7. 2010 Alamo Bowl: Oklahoma State 36, Texas Tech 16
The 2010 Alamo Bowl may not have ended in a Texas Tech victory, but it was an important game for the program. Despite the 36-16 loss to Oklahoma State, the Red Raiders showed flashes of brilliance, particularly from quarterback Taylor Potts. This game marked the beginning of a new era for Texas Tech, as they looked to rebuild and return to prominence.
6. 2001 Alamo Bowl: Iowa 19, Texas Tech 16
The 2001 Alamo Bowl was a heartbreaker for Texas Tech, as they fell to Iowa 19-16. In a closely contested game, the Red Raiders had multiple chances to take the lead but ultimately came up short. This loss marked the end of an era for Texas Tech, as they bid farewell to legendary coach Spike Dykes.
5. 2012 Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas: Texas Tech 34, Minnesota 31
The 2012 Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas saw the Red Raiders outlast Minnesota 34-31. This thrilling matchup featured a come-from-behind victory for Texas Tech, who trailed 31-24 with just over a minute remaining. Quarterback Seth Doege led the charge, tossing for 271 yards and a touchdown.
4. 2004 Holiday Bowl: Texas Tech 45, California 31
The 2004 Holiday Bowl marked a dominant performance by the Red Raiders, as they took down California 45-31. Quarterback Sonny Cumbie tossed for 520 yards and three touchdowns, leading Texas Tech to its highest scoring output in bowl game history.
3. 2001 Holiday Bowl: Texas Tech 41, Iowa 20
The 2001 Holiday Bowl saw the Red Raiders dismantle Iowa 41-20. This lopsided victory featured a standout performance from quarterback Kliff Kingsbury, who tossed for 372 yards and three touchdowns.
2. 1999 Alamo Bowl: Penn State 24, Texas Tech 10
The 1999 Alamo Bowl may not have ended in a Texas Tech victory, but it was a crucial game for the program. Despite the 24-10 loss to Penn State, the Red Raiders showed flashes of brilliance, particularly from quarterback Tim Couch. This game marked the beginning of a new era for Texas Tech, as they looked to rebuild and return to prominence.
1. 1995 Copper Bowl: Texas Tech 55, Air Force 41
The 1995 Copper Bowl was a wild affair, with the Red Raiders outlasting Air Force 55-41. This game featured a record-breaking performance from quarterback Zebbie Lethridge, who tossed for 440 yards and four touchdowns. The win marked Texas Tech's first bowl victory since 1976.
Whether you're a longtime Texas Tech fan or just starting to follow the team, these top 10 bowl game moments are sure to bring back memories and get you excited for the future. With their rich history and loyal fan base, the Red Raiders are always a force to be reckoned with in the world of college football.
What was Texas Tech's first bowl game appearance?
+Texas Tech's first bowl game appearance was in the 1938 Sun Bowl.
Who is Texas Tech's all-time leading passer in bowl games?
+Quarterback Graham Harrell holds the record for most passing yards in bowl games with 1,254 yards.
What is Texas Tech's bowl game record?
+Texas Tech has a bowl game record of 14-24.