The 2008 Texas Tech Red Raiders football team was a force to be reckoned with, finishing the season with an impressive 11-2 record and a No. 12 ranking in the final AP Poll. Led by head coach Mike Leach, the team was known for its high-powered offense, which averaged over 43 points per game. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the 2008 Texas Tech football roster and review the key players who contributed to the team's success.
The Offense
The Texas Tech offense was led by quarterback Graham Harrell, who had a phenomenal season, throwing for 4,595 yards and 45 touchdowns. Harrell's favorite target was wide receiver Michael Crabtree, who caught 97 passes for 1,165 yards and 19 touchdowns. The Red Raiders also had a talented running back in Baron Batch, who rushed for 758 yards and 7 touchdowns.
The Quarterbacks
- Graham Harrell (QB) - 4,595 passing yards, 45 touchdowns
- Taylor Potts (QB) - 260 passing yards, 2 touchdowns
The Running Backs
- Baron Batch (RB) - 758 rushing yards, 7 touchdowns
- Shannon Woods (RB) - 476 rushing yards, 5 touchdowns
The Wide Receivers
- Michael Crabtree (WR) - 97 receptions, 1,165 receiving yards, 19 touchdowns
- Detron Lewis (WR) - 76 receptions, 913 receiving yards, 7 touchdowns
- Eric Morris (WR) - 73 receptions, 733 receiving yards, 5 touchdowns
The Defense
The Texas Tech defense was led by defensive coordinator Ruffin McNeill, who implemented a 4-3 scheme that focused on speed and agility. The Red Raiders had several talented players on defense, including defensive end Brandon Williams, who recorded 13 sacks, and safety Darcel McBath, who intercepted 4 passes.
The Defensive Linemen
- Brandon Williams (DE) - 13 sacks, 22 tackles for loss
- Rajon Henley (DT) - 5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss
- Colby Whitlock (DT) - 4 sacks, 8 tackles for loss
The Linebackers
- Brian Duncan (LB) - 87 tackles, 5 sacks
- Marlon Williams (LB) - 73 tackles, 3 sacks
- Victor Hunter (LB) - 63 tackles, 2 sacks
The Defensive Backs
- Darcel McBath (S) - 4 interceptions, 61 tackles
- Daniel Charbonnet (CB) - 3 interceptions, 45 tackles
- Jamar Wall (CB) - 2 interceptions, 41 tackles
Special Teams
The Texas Tech special teams unit was led by kicker Alex Trlica, who made 12 of 17 field goal attempts. The Red Raiders also had a talented punter in Donnie Carona, who averaged 43.5 yards per punt.
The Kickers
- Alex Trlica (K) - 12/17 field goals, 64/65 extra points
- Donnie Carona (P) - 43.5 yards per punt, 21 punts inside 20-yard line
In conclusion, the 2008 Texas Tech football roster was a talented group of players who contributed to the team's success. From the high-powered offense to the speedy defense, the Red Raiders had a well-rounded team that was capable of competing with the best in the Big 12.
Who was the head coach of the 2008 Texas Tech football team?
+Mike Leach was the head coach of the 2008 Texas Tech football team.
Who was the starting quarterback for the 2008 Texas Tech football team?
+Graham Harrell was the starting quarterback for the 2008 Texas Tech football team.
Who was the leading receiver for the 2008 Texas Tech football team?
+Michael Crabtree was the leading receiver for the 2008 Texas Tech football team, with 97 receptions and 1,165 receiving yards.