The Texas Tech Red Raiders' 2008 football season was one of the most memorable in the program's history. Led by head coach Mike Leach, the team finished with an impressive 11-2 overall record and a 7-1 mark in the Big 12 Conference. In this article, we will break down the 2008 Texas Tech football schedule and examine the key games that defined their season.
Pre-Season Expectations
![Texas Tech Football](https://cdn.thezoneshow.com/texas-tech-football.png)
Before the season began, the Red Raiders were expected to be a solid team, but not necessarily a contender for the national championship. They were ranked #14 in the AP Poll and #12 in the Coaches' Poll. However, with a strong offense led by quarterback Graham Harrell and wide receiver Michael Crabtree, the team had high hopes for a successful season.
Non-Conference Games
The Red Raiders opened their season with three non-conference games against Eastern Washington, Nevada, and SMU. These games were seen as tune-ups for the more challenging conference schedule ahead.
Date | Opponent | Result |
---|---|---|
August 30 | Eastern Washington | W 49-24 |
September 6 | Nevada | W 35-19 |
September 13 | SMU | W 43-7 |
These wins set the tone for the rest of the season, showcasing the team's high-powered offense and stingy defense.
Big 12 Conference Games
![Big 12 Conference](https://cdn.thezoneshow.com/big-12-conference.png)
The Red Raiders' conference schedule was a challenging one, with games against some of the best teams in the country. Here's a breakdown of their Big 12 games:
Date | Opponent | Result |
---|---|---|
September 20 | @ Kansas | W 63-21 |
October 4 | @ Oklahoma State | W 56-20 |
October 11 | Nebraska | W 37-31 (OT) |
October 18 | @ Texas A&M | W 43-25 |
October 25 | Kansas State | W 58-28 |
November 1 | @ Baylor | W 35-28 |
November 8 | Oklahoma | L 65-21 |
November 22 | @ Oklahoma State | L 56-20 |
November 29 | Baylor | W 35-28 |
The Red Raiders' most notable win of the season came against Texas on November 1, when they defeated the #1-ranked Longhorns 39-33. This game is often referred to as one of the greatest upsets in college football history.
Post-Season
The Red Raiders' 11-2 regular season record earned them a spot in the 2009 Cotton Bowl Classic against Ole Miss. They won the game 47-25, capping off an incredible season.
Date | Opponent | Result |
---|---|---|
January 2, 2009 | Ole Miss | W 47-25 |
Key Takeaways
The 2008 Texas Tech football season was a memorable one, marked by several key takeaways:
- The team's high-powered offense, led by Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree, was one of the best in the country.
- The Red Raiders' defense was stout, allowing just 22.5 points per game.
- The team's upset win over Texas on November 1 will go down in history as one of the greatest upsets in college football.
- The Red Raiders' 11-2 regular season record earned them a spot in the Cotton Bowl Classic, where they defeated Ole Miss.
Gallery of Texas Tech Football
![Texas Tech Football Stadium](https://cdn.thezoneshow.com/texas-tech-football-stadium.png)
![Texas Tech Football Team](https://cdn.thezoneshow.com/texas-tech-football-team.png)
![Texas Tech Football Coach](https://cdn.thezoneshow.com/texas-tech-football-coach.png)
![Texas Tech Football Player](https://cdn.thezoneshow.com/texas-tech-football-player.png)
![Texas Tech Football Game](https://cdn.thezoneshow.com/texas-tech-football-game.png)
FAQs
What was the Texas Tech Red Raiders' final record in 2008?
+The Texas Tech Red Raiders finished the 2008 season with an 11-2 overall record and a 7-1 mark in the Big 12 Conference.
Who was the Red Raiders' head coach in 2008?
+The Red Raiders' head coach in 2008 was Mike Leach.
What was the Red Raiders' most notable win of the 2008 season?
+The Red Raiders' most notable win of the 2008 season came against Texas on November 1, when they defeated the #1-ranked Longhorns 39-33.
We hope this breakdown of the 2008 Texas Tech football schedule has been informative and entertaining. Share your thoughts on the season in the comments below!