The silent treatment the Texas Tech Red Raiders fans unleashed on the Longhorns didn’t work at all as the Texas Longhorns capped their 3rd straight win (24-14) on Saturday night at Jones AT&T Stadium.
Jones AT&T Stadium opened up in 1947 as the Clifford B and Audrey Jones Stadium. The stadium’s name was changed in 2000 to Jones SBC Stadium because of a naming rights agreement with SBC Communications, and it was renovated in 2009-2010. In May 2009, the University confirmed that additional money raised in the initial fundraising would be going to expand the north end zone seating by an additional 6,100 seats. Overall from 1999 to 2009, the school has spent $84 million for ongoing renovation and expansion to the stadium and the football program. In doing so, seating capacity has increased about 10,000 seats to its current capacity of 60,454 seats.
This fascinating rivalry has been going on for 60 years. The Longhorns have completely dominated the Red Raiders, scoring 1797 total points to1013 by the Red Raiders. 45 wins in total for the Longhorns goes to show how dominate their program has become. The series lead for the Longhorns is 45-15. Leading the way was quarterback Garrett Gilbert who was 21 for 36, 227 passing yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions. “He didn’t look any different on any play,” Texas Longhorns Head Coach, Mack Brown said according to ESPN.com. “It’s amazing to me. His demeanor didn’t change at all.”
Texas put the game out of reach in the fourth quarter after draining more than nine minutes off the clock. The 22-play drive included a risky and successful fake punt. Ryan Roberson took a direct snap and ran up the middle for 2 yards and a first down. “Nobody with any sense at all would call a fake punt at their own 30,” Brown said, according to ESPN.com. “I thought it would be a surprise and Ryan Roberson is a good back. I told Ryan if he messed it up to head west. I wasn’t going to see him again, and I’d probably have to go with him.”
The Longhorns had a total of 18 first downs, 6-20 third down efficiency, 320 total yards, 227 passing yards, 93 rushing yards, 11-95 penalties, four turnovers, three interceptions, and the time of possession was 37:44. Texas averaged 84 yards per game, rushing in 2009 (12th in the Big 12 and 115 nationally).
Foswhitt Whitaker, running-back for the Longhorns and a junior, had 15 carries, 55 rushing yards, and one score. James Kirkendoll, wide receiver for the Longhorns, had 6 receptions for 122 yards receiving.
As for the Red Raiders, it was an unhappy 56th birthday for Red Raider Head Coach Tommy Tuberville. Tuberville has been successful against Top 25 teams since 2004. He has earned a 52 winning percentage rate vs. the ranked teams. Tuberville is 9-7 vs. Top ranked opponents.
The first meeting between these two teams began in 1937. At this point in time, Texas Tech was called the Texas Tech Matadors. The name Texas Tech against the Texas Longhorns first matchup was in 1928. The first season for the Red Raiders was in 1925. The Red Raiders made three turnovers in the contest and a total of seven turnovers were allowed. Taylor Potts, quarterback for the Red Raiders was 21 for 35 with 158 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions.
