The Texas Tech Red Raiders have a rich history in college athletics, with a loyal fan base and a number of intense rivalries. As a member of the Big 12 Conference, Texas Tech has developed rivalries with several schools over the years, but some stand out as the most significant. In this article, we'll explore the Red Raiders' biggest rivals in Texas Tech history.
A Brief History of Texas Tech Athletics
Before diving into the rivalries, it's essential to understand the context of Texas Tech athletics. The university was founded in 1923, and its athletic teams began competing in 1925. Initially, the school was a member of the Border Conference, but it joined the Southwest Conference (SWC) in 1956. When the SWC dissolved in 1996, Texas Tech became a charter member of the Big 12 Conference.
The Red Raiders' Biggest Rivals
Over the years, Texas Tech has developed rivalries with several schools, but the following five stand out as the most significant:
- Texas Longhorns
The rivalry between Texas Tech and the University of Texas is one of the most intense in the state. The two schools have been competing in various sports since the 1920s, and their football matchup is often referred to as the "Championship of the State of Texas." The Longhorns have historically dominated the series, but the Red Raiders have had their share of victories, including a 48-0 shutout in 1997.
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- Oklahoma Sooners
The Red Raiders' rivalry with Oklahoma is another intense one, particularly in football. The two schools have been competing since 1992, and their matchups are often high-scoring affairs. The Sooners have a slight edge in the series, but Texas Tech has pulled off some significant upsets, including a 41-38 victory in 2011.
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- Oklahoma State Cowboys
The Red Raiders' rivalry with Oklahoma State is another significant one in the Big 12 Conference. The two schools have been competing since 1992, and their matchups are often closely contested. The Cowboys have a slight edge in the series, but Texas Tech has had its share of victories, including a 41-23 win in 2015.
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- Baylor Bears
The Red Raiders' rivalry with Baylor is another significant one in the state of Texas. The two schools have been competing since 1929, and their matchups are often intense. The Bears have a slight edge in the series, but Texas Tech has had its share of victories, including a 48-46 win in 2016.
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- TCU Horned Frogs
The Red Raiders' rivalry with TCU is another significant one in the Big 12 Conference. The two schools have been competing since 1926, and their matchups are often closely contested. The Horned Frogs have a slight edge in the series, but Texas Tech has had its share of victories, including a 56-53 win in 2014.
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Gallery of Texas Tech Red Raiders Rivalries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most intense rivalry for Texas Tech?
+The most intense rivalry for Texas Tech is against the University of Texas.
Which Big 12 school has Texas Tech competed against the most?
+Texas Tech has competed against Oklahoma State the most among Big 12 schools.
What is the name of the stadium where Texas Tech plays its home football games?
+The stadium where Texas Tech plays its home football games is called Jones AT&T Stadium.
Conclusion
The Texas Tech Red Raiders have a rich history of rivalries in college athletics, with some standing out as the most significant. From the intense matchups against the University of Texas to the closely contested battles against Oklahoma State, Baylor, and TCU, the Red Raiders have had their fair share of exciting rivalries over the years. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just a casual observer, the Red Raiders' rivalries are sure to provide plenty of excitement and drama.