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January 6,2008
Texas Tech Sets a Bowlful of Records
Cotton Bowl Classic ends notable season for Red Raider football.
Written by Kristina Woods Butler
Texas Tech and the University of Mississippi wrapped up the 73rd AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic on Jan. 2, the final game at the historic Fair Park Stadium. Although Ole Miss won 47-34, the 81-point composite score broke a Cotton Bowl Classic record. The game also boasted the largest Cotton Bowl crowd with 88,175 fans.
“You never like to lose your last. All losses hurt, and this one was no different,” said quarterback Graham Harrell, who set the NCAA record for career touchdown passes with 134. “It’s unfortunate to be the last game, but it’s been a fun run here. It’s a tough loss. It wasn’t the way we wanted to end the season, but it’s the way it happened.”
The 2008 Red Raider season proved to be one full of buzz for the Red Raiders. This included a thrilling upset over a top-ranked team. Texas Tech was undefeated heading into the matchup against the Texas Longhorns, and a dramatic 28-yard touchdown pass from Harrell to wide receiver Michael Crabtree with one second remaining in the game secured the win, knocking the University of Texas from its number one ranking and allowing Texas Tech to clinch the number two spot - a first in school history. The team’s 11-2 season tied a team record for the most wins and also tied Texas and the University of Oklahoma for the Big 12 South title with a 7-1 conference record.
“I give this whole season to the seniors. They got us to this point and it was an amazing season,” said linebacker Brian Duncan. “We have to continue to work on what we’ve accomplished this year and build on it for next year.”
Fourteen records were set or tied during the 73rd AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic. Read More.
Photo Gallery
Photos by Artie Limmer and Joey Hernandez.
