30 Greatest Games in Texas Tech History
Sep 12, 2015; Lubbock, TX, USA; The Texas Tech Red Raiders masked rider brings the Red Raiders onto the field before the game with the University of Texas at El Paso Miners at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
No. 5 – vs. Oklahoma 2005
Texas Tech running back Taurean Henderson scored on the final play of the 2005 game against Oklahoma in 2005 to secure one of the most controversial, heart-stopping and memorable wins in program history. The classic game that sent the Red Raiders to the Cotton Bowl is the fifth greatest game in Texas Tech history.
Ranked No. 21 in the nation, the 8-2 Red Raiders hosted a disappointing 5-4 Sooners’ team. But with players like running back Adrian Peterson, receiver Malcolm Kelly and a stout defense, Oklahoma still felt like the favorites in the game.
After a physical back-and-forth contest, Peterson scored on a 13-yard touchdown to put OU up 21-17 with only 1:34 to play.
However, Texas Tech quarterback Cody Hodges would lead Texas Tech on one of the most iconic and highly debated drives in Big 12 history. The drive took 13 plays, of which three were reviewed by the game officials.
Texas Tech converted a 4th down attempt on a tipped pass caught by Danny Amendola. The spot of the catch was reviewed and the call upheld to give Texas Tech a fresh set of downs.
Then, on the last play of the game, Henderson somehow squirmed into the end zone to give Texas Tech a 23-21 victory. The play that was reviewed for what seemed like an eternity was upheld giving Texas Tech the win.
The final play continues to be a point of contention between Red Raiders and Sooners so use the video below to draw your own conclusions.
The win was the first for Texas Tech head coach Mike Leach against his former employer. It was also the first time Texas Tech had beaten Oklahoma since 1999 and sent the Red Raiders to the Cotton Bowl for the first time since 1995.
Next: 1954 Gator Bowl