Texas Tech University Athletics
Red Raiders Continue Winning Ways Against Aggies
October 13, 2007 | Football
Oct. 13, 2007
By Matt Dowdy, Texas Tech Media Relations
Despite interim defensive coordinator Ruffin McNeal's claim that Tech doesn't look at who they are facing, The Red Raiders seem to have some extra motivation when facing instate rival Texas A&M, winning their third consecutive meeting Saturday, 35-7, in front of 55,491 fans at Jones AT&T Stadium.
The win increased Tech's winning streak against the Aggies in Lubbock to seven games, dating back all the way to 1993. Tech has also won 10 of the last 13 meetings.
Since A&M's last win, Tech has won in several fashionable ways, Zach Thomas' flip into the endzone with the game-winning interception, the infamous Wes Welker punt return, and closing second touchdown reception by Robert Johnson.
On Saturday, however, no dramatics were needed as Tech easily cruised to the victory, which brought back memories of the blowout victories of 2003 and 2005.
The Red Raiders would go on to amass 533 total yards, 425 through the air, while holding the Aggies to its lowest score against Tech since 2001.
"(The defense) played really well," Tech head coach Mike Leach said. "They played together and not as individuals and were able to control the game."
Texas A&M accumulated 366 yards on the day, but were only one-for- three in red-zone opportunities. The loss drops A&M head coach Dennis Franchione to 1-4 all-time against Tech.
"When you move the ball, you've got to get points, especially when you play this team, and we didn't do that," Franchione said.
While there may not have been a Thomas, Welker, or Johnson in attendance, there was a Harrell and Crabtree, who once again put up strong numbers.
Harrell was 30-for-37 for 425 yards, with 170 of those going to Crabtree. Despite already holding the NCAA freshman record for touchdown receptions, Crabtree was held out of the endzone Saturday.
Tech's rushing game was even a factor, as Shannon Woods and Kobey Lewis would combine for 121 total yards on the ground.
The largest statistical number, however, was today's attendance as the Red Raider faithful came out in droves, making the game the third-highest attendance in Jones AT&T Stadium history.
"I knew we would have a great atmosphere," Harrell said. "I knew we would have tons of good fans, and we definitely do. I think they got loud at times and did a good job supporting us. There were a lot of people here, and they were excited."
When the Aggies return to Lubbock in 2009, they may no longer have a Jorvorskie Lane or Stephen McGee. What will remain will be the seven-game losing streak to the Red Raiders at the Jones.
That is something all Red Raiders should be proud of.
