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Texas Tech Red Raiders Football History

The Texas Tech Red Raiders have had a football program since 1925 and they have made some memories for gridiron fans far and wide. The Red Raiders gridder represent the Texas Tech University. The team competes as a member of the Big 12 Conference, which is a Division I Football Bowl Subdivision. They boast an overall winning record, including a total of 11 conference titles and one division title. There have been some outstanding players through the years of Tech football including seven inducted in the College Football Hall of Fame. These include: Donny Anderson, Hub Bechtol, Byron Hanspard, E. J. Holub, Dave Parks, Gabriel Rivera, and Zach Thomas. Enjoy the history in this collection.


Donny Anderson Packer HOF Halfback

Born May 16, 1943, in Borger, Texas, was Donny Anderson who was the 1963 to 1965 starting halfback of Texas Tech. Donny’s NFF bio lists that he was known as "The Golden Palomino" as a two-time All-America halfback 1964 and 1965. He had some splash plays almost from the get-go, for as a sophomore at Tech, he intercepted a pass and ran 43 yards against Washington State. As a junior his stat-line included a 90-yard run from scrimmage against Texas Christian and a 68-yard punt against Southern Methodist. The more he played the better he got. In his Senior season Donny was off the charts. That 1965 season Anderson ran a kickoff back 100 yards against Oklahoma State, caught ten passes against Arkansas, and scored 17 touchdowns on the season. The Sporting News named him co-winner (with Jim Grabowski of Illinois) of its Player of the Year Award. His 5111 yards on all-purpose running was a Texas Tech record. This includes his career yardage by rushing, receiving, kick returns, and interception returns. The National Football Foundation selected Donny Anderson for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1989. Donny enjoyed nine seasons at the professional level as a player too. The Pro Football Reference website shares that he spent 6 seasons as a Green Bay Packer winning two Super Bowls and two NFL Championships and three more years as a St Louis Cardinal. During his NFL stint he tallied almost 4700 yards with a 3.9 yards per carry average.

The Texas Tech Legend of E.J. Holub

The family of Texas Tech legend E.J. Holub announced funeral arrangements for the late Ring of Honor member Thursday as friends and family are encouraged to gather at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 30, insi… — www.lubbockonline.com

E.J. Holub wasn't just a football player; he was a force of nature, a Lubbock whirlwind tearing through the collegiate landscape with the ferocity of a West Texas dust storm. Nicknamed "The Beast" for his imposing physique and relentless spirit, Holub's impact on Texas Tech football resonated far beyond the confines of his playing days, etching his name as a pioneer and an enduring legend.

Born in Schulenburg, Texas, in 1938, Holub arrived at Texas Tech in 1957, his football prowess evident from the outset. Playing under Coach DeWitt Weaver, Holub became a two-way terror, excelling as both a center and linebacker. His size (6'4", 240 lbs) was formidable in an era of smaller men, but his true grit and athleticism set him apart. He was a tackling machine on defense, earning All-America honors, and his blocking paved the way for a potent Tech offense.

His 1960 season stands as a testament to his all-around brilliance. With 15 unassisted tackles against Baylor and a game-changing interception returned for a touchdown against Arkansas, Holub showcased his athletic versatility and earned Tech's first consensus All-America selection. He finished 10th in Heisman Trophy voting, a remarkable feat for a player from a program just then finding its footing on the national stage.

Holub's legacy transcends individual accolades. He played through a pivotal time for Texas Tech football, helping bridge the gap between the Border Conference and the Southwest Conference, paving the way for future generations of Red Raider gridiron heroes. His toughness and relentless pursuit of excellence became hallmarks of the program, etched into the collective spirit of Lubbock fans.

Top Historical Football Games

The Texas Tech Red Raiders have taken the field 936 times since its gridiron debut ended in a tie with the McMurray Indians on Oct. 3, 1925... — bleacherreport.com

The Texas Tech Red Raiders football program has a rich history filled with thrilling moments and iconic victories. Here's a glimpse into some of their most significant games:

1. 1954 Sun Bowl: Tech's first bowl victory, defeating the Pacific Tigers 25-14. This win marked a turning point for the program, showcasing its potential on a national stage.

2. 1976 Cotton Bowl Classic: A dramatic 34-24 victory over Penn State secured a share of the Southwest Conference championship for Tech. This victory cemented their place as a major force in the college football landscape.

3. 2005 Insight Bowl: The largest come-from-behind bowl victory in NCAA history. Tech stormed back from a 31-point deficit to defeat the Minnesota Golden Gophers 45-42 in overtime. This game solidified the "Air Raid" offensive system and propelled Tech into the national spotlight.

4. 2008 Texas vs. Texas Tech: A nail-biting 39-33 upset victory over rival Texas. Down by 24 points at halftime, Tech staged a remarkable comeback fueled by Michael Crabtree's game-winning touchdown catch. This iconic win solidified Tech's place in Red Raider lore.

5. 2010 Fiesta Bowl: A thrilling 41-38 victory over Boise State. Tech's high-powered offense outlasted Boise State's "Smurf Turf" magic, securing their first Big 12 championship and earning their highest ranking in program history.

Bonus - 2002 Michael Crabtree's "Crabtree Catch": While not a full game, this iconic catch against Texas A&M cemented Crabtree's legacy as a Red Raider legend and became a defining moment for the program's identity.

These are just a few of the many memorable games that have contributed to the rich history of Texas Tech football. Each game showcases the program's resilience, offensive prowess, and unwavering spirit, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations of Red Raiders.

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