30 Greatest Games in Texas Tech History
ct 11, 2014; Lubbock, TX, USA; A Texas Tech Red Raiders cheerleader shows her support in the game with the West Virginia Mountaineers at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
No. 23 – vs. TCU 2004
The 23rd greatest game in Texas Tech history is one of the most overwhelming offensive performances in program history.
After several years of dominating play in Conference USA, the TCU Horned Frogs went to Lubbock in September of 2004 ready to prove that they could beat one of the top Big 12 programs. However, by the end of the day, the Frogs limped back to Ft. Worth the victim of a 70-35 beating at the hands of Sonny Cumbie and the Texas Tech Red Raiders.
To say that the game was one of momentum swings is an understatement. TCU jumped out to a 21-0 lead before Texas Tech caught fire and scored 56 unanswered points.
Cumbie was 30-50 for 441 yards and four touchdowns and Taurean Henderson ran for three more touchdowns. For TCU, a team that had built its reputation on defense under head coach Gary Patterson, giving up 70 points was an embarrassment.
TCU was making its first visit to Lubbock since 1995 and left with its 10-game winning streak snapped and its ego deflated.
The turning point of the game came when Texas Tech inside receiver Danny Amendola returned a punt 52 yards to the TCU 3-yard-line (though a penalty moved Tech back 15 yards). The electric play rejuvenated the Jones Stadium crowd and gave Texas Tech the momentum as the Red Raiders would score on its next two possessions to tie the game leaving the Horned Frogs in stunned disbelief.
Texas Tech would go on to have a fantastic 2004 season beating No. 4 Cal in the Holiday bowl and the September thrashing of TCU proved to be a game that set the tone for the season.
Next: 2004 Holiday Bowl