The Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Texas Longhorns have a longstanding football rivalry that spans over 90 years. The two teams first met in 1928, and since then, they have played each other a total of 66 times. The rivalry is not only fueled by the teams' geographic proximity but also by the intense competition between them.
The Texas Tech Red Raiders, who play in the Big 12 Conference, have historically been seen as the underdogs in this rivalry. However, in recent years, they have managed to hold their own against the Longhorns, who are also part of the Big 12 Conference. The rivalry is often referred to as the "Chancellor's Spurs" game, with the winner receiving a pair of championship boots.
One of the most notable games in this rivalry was in 2008 when Texas Tech upset Texas 39-33, with a last-minute touchdown pass from Graham Harrell to Michael Crabtree. This win was a significant upset, as Texas was ranked #1 in the country at the time, and it marked one of the greatest moments in Texas Tech football history.
Early Years of the Rivalry
The early years of the Texas Tech-Texas rivalry were marked by a series of dominating performances by the Longhorns. From 1928 to 1960, Texas won 27 of the 33 meetings between the two teams, with many of those wins being by large margins. However, as the years went by, Texas Tech began to close the gap, and the rivalry became more competitive.
In the 1960s and 1970s, Texas Tech started to experience some success against Texas, winning 7 of the 12 meetings between the two teams during that period. One of the most notable games of this era was in 1976 when Texas Tech upset Texas 27-20, marking the Red Raiders' first win over the Longhorns in Austin.
Modern Era of the Rivalry
In recent years, the Texas Tech-Texas rivalry has become one of the most intense and competitive in the Big 12 Conference. Since 2000, the two teams have split their 20 meetings, with each team winning 10 games.
One of the most memorable games of this era was in 2010 when Texas Tech defeated Texas 39-13, marking the Red Raiders' first win over the Longhorns in Lubbock since 1997. Another notable game was in 2014 when Texas Tech upset Texas 48-10, marking the Longhorns' worst loss to the Red Raiders in over 40 years.
Notable Games in the Rivalry
There have been many notable games in the Texas Tech-Texas rivalry over the years. Here are a few examples:
- 2008: Texas Tech 39, Texas 33 - This game is often referred to as one of the greatest upsets in college football history. The Red Raiders, led by quarterback Graham Harrell, came from behind to defeat the #1-ranked Longhorns.
- 2010: Texas Tech 39, Texas 13 - This game marked the Red Raiders' first win over the Longhorns in Lubbock since 1997.
- 2014: Texas Tech 48, Texas 10 - This game marked the Longhorns' worst loss to the Red Raiders in over 40 years.
Coaching Rivalries
The Texas Tech-Texas rivalry has also been marked by several notable coaching rivalries over the years. One of the most famous coaching rivalries was between Texas Tech's Mike Leach and Texas's Mack Brown. The two coaches had a series of intense battles on the field, with Leach's Red Raiders often pushing Brown's Longhorns to the limit.
Another notable coaching rivalry was between Texas Tech's Kliff Kingsbury and Texas's Charlie Strong. The two coaches had a series of close games, with Kingsbury's Red Raiders often coming from behind to defeat Strong's Longhorns.
Impact of the Rivalry
The Texas Tech-Texas rivalry has had a significant impact on both programs over the years. The rivalry has driven recruitment, as both teams have sought to outdo each other in terms of talent. The rivalry has also driven fan interest, with both teams having some of the most passionate and dedicated fan bases in the country.
The rivalry has also had a significant impact on the Big 12 Conference as a whole. The rivalry has been one of the most intense and competitive in the conference, with both teams often vying for conference championships.
Future of the Rivalry
The future of the Texas Tech-Texas rivalry looks bright, with both teams expected to continue to be competitive in the Big 12 Conference. The rivalry is likely to continue to be one of the most intense and competitive in the conference, with both teams pushing each other to be their best.
As the years go by, it will be interesting to see how the rivalry evolves. Will Texas Tech continue to close the gap on Texas, or will the Longhorns reassert their dominance? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain - the Texas Tech-Texas rivalry will continue to be one of the most exciting and competitive in college football.
What is the history of the Texas Tech-Texas football rivalry?
+The Texas Tech-Texas football rivalry began in 1928 and has been played annually since then. The rivalry is one of the most intense and competitive in the Big 12 Conference.
Who has won the most games in the Texas Tech-Texas rivalry?
+Texas has won the most games in the rivalry, with a record of 51-17-0.
What is the significance of the Chancellor's Spurs game?
+The Chancellor's Spurs game is the annual meeting between Texas Tech and Texas. The winner of the game receives a pair of championship boots.