2010 Week 2

Lubbock, TX - Despite a record setting performance by quarterback Matt Saracen's, the Tigers (0-2) were outlasted by the Red Raiders of Texas Tech (2-0) in a non-conference clash at Jones AT&T Stadium. This game marked the first time that Coach Mike Leach returned to Texas Tech after being fired a couple of seasons ago.

Matt Saracen threw for 477 yards and 4 touchdowns but it was not quite enough to keep up with the Red Raider offense led by quarterback Steven Sheffield. Jared Howell caught 13 balls for 204 yards in a losing effort for the Tigers.

Dillon Tech drove the field on its first possession and scored on a 9 yard pass from Saracen to fullback Tim Riggins to put the Tigers up 7-0 early on. The Raiders responded with two touchdowns in the second quarter but the Tigers pulled ahead once again when Matt Saracen found Jeff Mark in the back of the endzone to put the Tigers back on top.

With the Tigers leading 24-17 at the half, fans in Lubbock were hoping their would come out firing in the second half and they did just that. Texas Tech responded with a touchdown pass from Sheffield to fullback Rashad Fields. On the ensuing possession, Tigers quarterback was hit hard as he dropped back for a pass and threw it up for grabs and freshman defensive end Lamar Pope intercepted the pass and returned 38 yards for a touchdown.

The Tigers managed to tie things up in the fourth quarter when Matt Saracen connected with Travis Lowery on a 4 yard pass. Then with 2:26 left to play, Steven Sheffield found Alexander Torres for a 14 yard touchdown strike to put the Raiders up 38-31 and seal the victory.

After the game Coach Leach talked about returning to Lubbock to face his old team. "It would have been nice to come back here today and get the win but we just couldn't make the plays when it counted," said Leach. "It's always been hard for opposing teams to come in here and pull off a win, but I thought our team had a good chance today but we let it slip away. I'll be looking forward to facing Texas Tech again next season."