The first conference opponent for the Texas Longhorns will be the Texas Tech Red Raiders. Both teams are coming off wins in their opening game of the year. They just did it in two different manners. While the Longhorns’ game was never close, the Red Raiders held on for dear life for a two-point win at home against FCS opponent Houston Baptist.
Last year, the Red Raiders started 2-0 before their season began to come unraveled. Wins over Montana State and UTEP by a combined 87-13 led many to believe the Matt Wells era was getting off to a hot start after relieving Kliff Kingsbury of his duties.
A 28-14 loss to Arizona in Week 3 was not the only bad part of the third game. Starting quarterback Alan Bowman was sidelined for the season following that game. The Red Raiders won only two more games following the loss of their quarterback.
Tech beat Oklahoma State at home and West Virginia on the road. It would play some Big 12 teams close but lost every one possession game. Baylor, Kansas, Kansas State and TCU won by a combined 11 points. Many felt if Alan Bowman had been healthy, Tech could have won at least a couple of those contests.