30 Greatest Games in Texas Tech History
No. 8 – 2006 Insight Bowl vs. Minnesota
Even for a school with a knack for the dramatic like Texas Tech, a 31-point comeback is unfathomable so the fact that Texas Tech accomplished such a feat in the 2006 Insight Bowl ranks that game as the eighth greatest game in Texas Tech history.
The game began with Minnesota jumping out to a 35-7 halftime lead. Texas Tech could do nothing right on either side of the ball and the second half appeared to be nothing more than a formality.
The second half opened with Minnesota keeping the ball for 7:13 before hitting a field goal to go up 38-7.
But then, Texas Tech came alive.
A 42-yard touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Graham Harrell to wide receiver Joel Filani on the ensuing drive seemed to awaken the Red Raiders. Still, Texas Tech trailed 38-14 as the 4th quarter began.
In one of the greatest quarters in college football history, Texas Tech scored 24 unanswered points in the final quarter, the last three on a clutch 52-yard field goal by Alex Trlica as time expired to send the game to overtime.
Minnesota opened overtime with a field goal but when Texas Tech answered with a touchdown run, the greatest comeback in bowl history had been completed.
The Texas Tech victory cost Minnesota head coach Glen Mason his job. Meanwhile, Texas Tech was set to go on a terrific run over the next two seasons under Graham Harrell and the 2006 Insight Bowl was the first legendary moment of Harrell’s storied career.
Next: @ Oklahoma 2011