Texas Tech University Athletics
Texas Tech Announces 2003 Football Schedule
January 08, 2003 | Football
Jan. 8, 2003
LUBBOCK, Texas - The Texas Tech football program, coming off of a 9-5 season against the fourth-toughest schedule in the country, announced its schedule today for the 2003 season, which begins in less than nine months when the Red Raider host SMU on Aug. 30.
"Our 2002 schedule was one of the most challenging we've faced here at Texas Tech," Red Raider head coach Mike Leach said. "This year's schedule is no different. We are excited about next season and hope to carry the success and enthusiasm we experienced this year into it."
The Red Raiders will face the Mustangs for the second-straight season, marking the first time the two teams have met in back-to-back seasons since the final two years of the Southwest Conference (1994-95). Texas Tech hosts New Mexico the following weekend (Sept. 6).
Following an off-week, Texas Tech faces a formidable schedule over the next 10 weeks. The Red Raiders open their road schedule at N.C. State (Sept. 20) and at Mississippi (Sept. 27). The last road game against an ACC team came at N.C. State during the 1992 season, while Tech makes its first appearance on SEC turf at Ole Miss since playing at Tennessee in 1997.
Tech kicks off Big 12 play against Texas A&M (Oct. 4) in Lubbock. The Red Raiders have won the last two over the Aggies and six of the last eight. Following the A&M game, Tech hosts Iowa State (Oct. 11) in the 74th edition of the Texas Tech homecoming game, prior to closing the month of October on the road at Oklahoma State (Oct. 18) and Missouri (Oct. 25).
Texas Tech returns home for a matchup against Colorado (Nov. 1), before playing the next two on the road. The Red Raiders travel to Baylor (Nov. 8) and Texas (Nov. 15). Tech closes the 2003 regular-season schedule against Oklahoma (Nov. 22) in Lubbock.
Eight bowl participants from the 2002 season litter the schedule, including: New Mexico (Las Vegas Bowl), N.C. State (Gator Bowl), Mississippi (Independence Bowl), Iowa State (Humanitarian Bowl), Oklahoma State (Houston Bowl), Colorado (Alamo Bowl), Texas (Cotton Bowl) and Oklahoma (Rose Bowl). Also among the 12 opponents are four which finished the 2002 season ranked among the nation's top 25 - Oklahoma (5 AP/5 Coaches), Texas (6/7), N.C. State (12/11) and Colorado (20/21). The Red Raiders just finished out of the top 25 at No. 27.
Game times for the 2003 schedule will be announced at a later date as will information on season tickets. Visit the Texas Tech Athletic Website at www.texastech.com for further updates.
