Five True Facts about … Texas Tech
Annie Rice., Lubbock Avalanche-Journal via AP
Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton (2) throws the ball against Kansas State during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in Lubbock, Texas.One
Texas Tech began playing college football in 1925 (as Texas Technological College) and was known as the Matadors. That was changed to Red Raiders in 1937 when a sports writer impressed with their bright scarlet uniforms bestowed that nickname.
Two
While BYU and Texas Tech have only played once (1940), there is a Cougar connection with the late Mike Leach, a BYU grad and rugby player who coached at Texas Tech for ten colorful years (2000 to 2009). Leach is the only Texas Tech head coach to win a division title and is the all-time leader in overall wins (84).
Three
Texas Tech was the only member of the Big 12 to boast a winning record every year from 1996 to 2010.
Four
The school actually has two mascots. The Masked Rider is Texas Tech’s oldest, and was the first official mounted mascot in the country beginning in 1936. The other mascot is Raider Red, birthed in 1971 when the SWC banned the inclusion of live animal mascots at away games unless the home team consented.
Five
The “Goin’ Band from Raiderland,” originally known as the Matador Band, is as old as Texas Tech itself. The band performed at the program’s first game in October of 1925. The following year, the band earned its name when it became the first collegiate band to travel to an away game.
