Football History

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The 2008 Texas Tech vs. Texas football game, played on November 1, 2008, at Jones AT&T Stadium, will forever be etched in the memories of fans on both sides. This Big 12 Conference clash witnessed a dramatic comeback victory by Texas Tech over the heavily favored Longhorns in a game filled with thrilling moments and unexpected twists.

A Tale of Two Halves:

The game began with Texas dominating the first half, building a comfortable 24-10 lead. Quarterback Colt McCoy orchestrated the Longhorns' offense, throwing two touchdown passes and leading them to a seemingly insurmountable advantage. Texas' defense also played a strong role, stifling the Red Raiders' offense and holding them to just one touchdown.

However, the second half unfolded in a completely different direction. Texas Tech, led by head coach Mike Leach and quarterback Graham Harrell, staged a remarkable comeback. Harrell, known for his "Air Raid" offense, unleashed a torrent of passes, targeting his favorite receiver, Michael Crabtree. Crabtree caught six passes for 170 yards and two touchdowns, spearheading the Red Raiders' offensive revival.

The Red Raiders' defense also stepped up, forcing turnovers and limiting Texas' scoring opportunities. With each touchdown, the momentum shifted, and the crowd at Jones AT&T Stadium erupted in a frenzy of excitement.

A Last-Minute Miracle:

With just 1:29 remaining on the clock, Texas clung to a 33-32 lead. After a crucial defensive stop by Texas Tech, the Red Raiders took over possession at their own 37-yard line. Needing a touchdown to secure the victory, Graham Harrell orchestrated a flawless final drive. He completed passes to three different receivers, including a 20-yard strike to Crabtree on a 4th and 11, giving the Red Raiders a fresh set of downs.

With seconds remaining on the clock, Harrell found Crabtree on a slant route in the end zone for a game-winning touchdown. The stadium erupted in pandemonium as the Red Raiders completed their improbable comeback, winning the game 39-33.

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Timothy Brown takes the Football Archaeology to the legendary Carlisle Indian School teams and their tendency under multiple head coaches to travel great distances to play games against top competition.

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One of the top games ever in college football was the masterpiece played at Kyle Field, College Station, where the final score was: Texas A&M 20, Texas 16.

Played just 11 days after the tragic collapse of the Bonfire, this game served as a unifying moment for the Aggie community.
Texas A&M's victory was a powerful symbol of resilience and a tribute to the victims of the tragedy.
The game remains one of the most emotional and memorable moments in the history of the Texas A&M vs. Texas rivalry.
Key moments:

The Aggie defense dominated the game, forcing three turnovers and holding Texas to just 16 points.
Bran Jennings' six sacks were a key factor in Texas A&M's defensive dominance.
Quarterback Randy McCown led the Aggie offense efficiently, connecting with Corey Pullig for a 44-yard touchdown pass.
The game was sealed with a late interception by Aggie defensive back Jason Webster.

The 2001 Big 12 Championship Game saw the #7 Colorado Buffaloes pull off a stunning upset against the #3 Texas Longhorns, claiming their first Big 12 title in a dramatic 39-37 victory.

-An Offensive Showstopper:

The game was a high-scoring affair, with both teams showcasing their offensive firepower. Colorado's Bobby Pesavento and Texas' Chris Simms combined for over 600 passing yards and five touchdowns. The offensive fireworks kept fans on the edge of their seats throughout the contest.

-Late-Game Heroics:

With the score tied at 37 and just over a minute remaining, Colorado's defense forced a crucial turnover. Capitalizing on the opportunity, Pesavento led the Buffaloes on a game-winning drive, culminating in a 4-yard touchdown run to seal the victory with 28 seconds left.

-An Unforgettable Upset:

The 2001 Big 12 Championship Game is remembered as a classic in college football history. Colorado's unlikely victory against the heavily favored Longhorns was a testament to their resilience and offensive prowess. The game cemented the legacy of Colorado head coach Gary Barnett and quarterback Bobby Pesavento.

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How many times have we heard that a great game in college football was the Game of the Century? Many time in the 20th Century. Tim Brown focuses this Football Archaelogy post to identify these great games.

The National Football Foundation or better known as NFF, is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and developing amateur American football on all levels throughout the United States. They aim to:
Support amateur football: This includes providing resources and funding to local youth leagues, high school programs, and college teams.
Develop leadership: They emphasize the importance of sportsmanship, teamwork, and competitive spirit in young athletes, fostering valuable skills beyond the field.
Recognize excellence: The NFF honors outstanding players, coaches, and contributors to the sport through awards and recognition programs.
Preserve history: They maintain the College Football Hall of Fame, celebrating the legends and traditions that have shaped the sport.
Promote academic achievement: The NFF emphasizes the importance of education for athletes, encouraging them to excel in academics alongside their athletic pursuits.
Overall, the National Football Foundation plays a crucial role in fostering the growth and appreciation of amateur football while also promoting essential values among young athletes.

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Football archaeology explores some of the more famous games in college football that were played on two different days in order to complete.

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George Pfann was another excellent backfield product of the Cornell Big Red program. His talent and skill led to his selection of going into the College FOotball Hall of Fame years after he was through playing.

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Born February 7, 1917, in Fort Lawn, South Carolina, was the legendary Clemson Tigers halfback Banks McFadden. Many experts today consider the Great McFadden to be Clemson's most outstanding all-around athlete.

Banks was an athlete, starring on the baseball, basketball, and football eleven at Clemson and earning three letters in each. This legend earned All-America honors in both basketball and football. McFadden held the punting record for the Tigers for over four decades. Clemson's first bowl game, the 1940 Coton Bowl, cemented the icon's legacy. The Tigers knocked off Boston College by scoring 6-3 after McFadden batted down four 2nd half passes and averaged 44 yards for the 11 punts he made in the game.

The National Football Foundation selected Banks McFadden to enter the College Football Hall of Fame in 1959. He was the fourth overall pick in the 1940 NFL draft by the Brooklyn Dodgers and had the longest run in the League in 1940 with a 75-yard dash down the field. After eleven pro games, he left his playing days forever to serve his country and coach at his alma mater.

Two Big time programs duked it out in a thriller in 1969 when the Arkansas Razorbacks locked tusks to horns with the Texas Burnt Orange.
The video of this game on YouTube captures the thrill of game day almost as much as it did that day.

There is nothing like the experience of college football game day!