This Date in Texas History: Horns Survive Texas Tech’s Upset Bid During Undefeated Season
In the rich and storied history of the Texas Longhorns football program, few moments resonate as strongly as the 2005 season, when the Longhorns managed to navigate a series of challenges to achieve an undefeated record and eventually claim a national championship. However, one of the most memorable and nerve-wracking moments of that historic campaign came on November 5, 2005, when the Longhorns faced off against the Texas Tech Red Raiders in a game that almost derailed their perfect season.
The Setup: A Perfect Season on the Line
As the Texas Longhorns headed into their game against Texas Tech, the team was riding high with a perfect 8-0 record. The Longhorns, led by head coach Mack Brown and Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Vince Young, had looked unstoppable for much of the season. Texas was ranked No. 2 in the country, and their national title aspirations seemed within reach. However, there was one glaring obstacle standing in their way: a tricky road trip to Lubbock, Texas, where the unpredictable Red Raiders often posed a significant challenge for even the most talented teams.
Texas Tech, led by head coach Mike Leach, was known for its high-octane offense, which often included spread formations, no-huddle schemes, and a seemingly endless barrage of passing plays. While the Red Raiders were not considered a top contender for a national title, they had a reputation for playing the role of spoilers, and they were more than capable of making life difficult for any team that came to their stadium.
The Game: A Battle of Offenses
From the opening kickoff, the game proved to be a test of endurance, composure, and skill. Texas Tech came out firing on all cylinders, taking advantage of the home-field atmosphere to put pressure on the Longhorns’ defense. Despite the overwhelming presence of Vince Young, who was having a Heisman-caliber season, the Longhorns’ offense struggled to find rhythm early in the game.
The Red Raiders’ defense, while not as renowned as their offensive schemes, were determined to disrupt the Longhorns’ game plan. Texas Tech’s defensive coordinator, Lance Zierlein, called a series of aggressive blitzes and coverage schemes designed to limit Young’s effectiveness. This strategy worked early on, forcing Texas to settle for field goals while struggling to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
On the other side of the ball, Texas Tech quarterback Graham Harrell and wide receiver Michael Crabtree put on a display of explosive offense. Harrell, one of the most prolific passers in college football at the time, kept the Longhorns’ defense on its heels, finding Crabtree and other receivers in open spaces for big gains. Harrell’s ability to exploit the secondary and move the ball downfield quickly posed a serious threat to the Longhorns’ defense, and Texas found themselves playing catch-up for much of the contest.
By halftime, the score was tied at 21-21, and it was clear that this was no ordinary matchup. The game had become a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading blows as each tried to establish dominance. The Red Raiders were not backing down, and Texas’ undefeated record was in serious jeopardy.
The Turning Point: Vince Young’s Heroic Performance
As the second half began, it was clear that the Texas Longhorns would need a special performance to stave off the upset bid. Enter Vince Young—the playmaking quarterback who had earned his reputation as one of the most dynamic and elusive players in college football. Known for his ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs, Young had the tools to take over the game and lead his team to victory.
And that’s exactly what he did.
Young took control of the game in the second half, showcasing his playmaking ability by extending plays with his legs and making pinpoint throws when needed. His athleticism and football IQ were on full display as he led a series of impressive drives. On the ground, Young was a nightmare for the Red Raiders, rushing for key first downs and making critical runs in the red zone to set up touchdowns. Through the air, he found his receivers, including Limas Sweed and Billy Pittman, for big completions that kept the offense moving.
Young’s most important play came in the fourth quarter, when the game was still tight, and Texas Tech threatened to pull off the upset. With the Longhorns trailing by a small margin, Young orchestrated a masterful drive that culminated in a game-winning touchdown run. His 8-yard touchdown run with just over a minute left in the game gave Texas a crucial lead and put them ahead 35-31.
However, the drama was far from over.
The Final Moments: Surviving the Last-Minute Drama
With the clock winding down and Texas clinging to a 35-31 lead, Texas Tech still had one last chance to steal the game. Graham Harrell and the Red Raiders offense, known for their ability to move the ball quickly, took over possession and began marching down the field. The tension in Lubbock was palpable, as the Red Raiders had proven time and again that they were capable of scoring quickly.
The Texas defense, which had struggled at times throughout the game, knew it had one final opportunity to preserve the undefeated season. The Longhorns’ defense came up with a crucial stop when it mattered most, as the Red Raiders’ drive stalled just outside the red zone. With less than 30 seconds remaining, Texas Tech had no choice but to attempt a desperation pass into the end zone. The Texas secondary, which had been under constant pressure throughout the game, tightened up in the final moments. Michael Huff, Texas’ standout safety, stepped up to break up the pass and secure the Longhorns’ victory.
With that final defensive stand, Texas emerged victorious, 35-31, in a thrilling game that had kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very end. The win kept the Longhorns’ undefeated season intact and allowed them to continue their march toward a national championship.
Aftermath: A Step Closer to Glory
The Texas Longhorns’ hard-fought victory over Texas Tech was a defining moment in their 2005 season. It was a reminder that every game, no matter how seemingly routine, could present challenges that threatened to derail a team’s goals. For Texas, this win was crucial not only in keeping their perfect record intact but also in proving their resilience in the face of adversity.
The win over Texas Tech would set the stage for what would ultimately be a magical season. The Longhorns went on to win the Big 12 Championship, securing a berth in the BCS National Championship Game, where they would face the USC Trojans. Led by Vince Young’s legendary performance, Texas defeated USC to win the national title, capping off an undefeated season and cementing their place in college football history.
The Texas Tech game, in many ways, was a microcosm of the Longhorns’ entire 2005 season—a season filled with close calls, dramatic moments, and incredible performances. It also showcased the importance of leadership and poise, with Vince Young emerging as one of the greatest quarterbacks in college football history.
Legacy of the 2005 Longhorns
While the Texas Longhorns’ victory over Texas Tech in 2005 may have seemed like just another regular-season game at the time, it ultimately played a pivotal role in the team’s journey to national glory. For Longhorns fans, the game remains a testament to the team’s resilience, determination, and ability to rise to the occasion when the stakes were highest.
As time has passed, the 2005 season and the Texas Tech game are remembered as one of the greatest moments in the history of Texas football. The victory over the Red Raiders in a hostile environment is a symbol of what it means to fight through adversity and never back down—qualities that are at the heart of the Texas Longhorns football program.
This game, and the season that followed, will always be remembered as one of the defining moments in Texas history.