30 Greatest Games in Texas Tech History
Sep 5, 2015; Lubbock, TX, USA; The Texas Tech Red Raiders tractor-trailer sits outside Jones AT&T Stadium prior to the game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
No. 9 – vs. Texas 1976
The 1976 Red Raiders captured the program’s first Southwest Conference title (shared with Houston) thanks in large part to the ninth greatest game in Texas Tech history, a dramatic 31-28 victory over the Texas Longhorns.
In a reversal of the usual order of the rivalry, Texas Tech entered the game undefeated and ranked No. 6 in the nation while Texas was off to a disappointing 3-1-1 start.
Texas expanded on a 14-10 halftime lead with a third quarter touchdown to take an 11-point lead. But Texas Tech would answer with 14 consecutive points to surge ahead.
Texas would regain the lead on a 1-yard touchdown run to jump in front 28-24 in the middle of the 4th quarter.
But Texas Tech had time for one more drive. On the game-winning drive, Tech quarterback Rodney Allison scrambled for 22 yards on a critical 3rd and 7.
Billy Taylor would score from the 1-yard-line to put Texas Tech up 31-28 and defensive coordinator Bill Parcell’s defense was able to close out the game.
Texas Tech would finish the regular season 10-1 (7-1) in the conference but would fall by three points to Nebraska 27-24 in the Bluebonnet Bowl. Still, the 1976 season remains one of the best in Texas Tech football history.
Next: 2006 Insight Bowl