The Nov. 1, 2008, meeting between the No. 5-ranked Texas Tech Red Raiders and the No. 1-ranked Texas Longhorns represents far more that the greatest game in the history of Texas Tech football. The 2008 matchup between the two historic rivals marks one of the greatest games in the annals of college football.

The first half of the game was dominated by the Red Raiders, both offensively and defensively and highlighted by a first-quarter safety with Texas pinned deep in their own territory. Texas Tech led at the half by a score of 22 -6. The third quarter see-sawed back and forth, beginning with a Longhorn punt return for a touchdown followed by a Tech interception for a Red Raider touchdown. Texas scored again with only 12 seconds remaining in the quarter. The count after three periods stood at Tech 29 – Texas 19.

The final quarter of the game would be one for the ages. The Longhorns would successfully complete a 91-yard touchdown pass on their first play from scrimmage in the fourth. Tech would answer with a five minute long drive resulting in a field goal. Texas moved the ball down the field again on their next drive which ended with a 4 yard rushing touchdown. The Longhorns successful extra point made the score 33 – 32 with Texas in the lead for the first time in the contest.

Only 1:29 remained on the game clock.

The Red Raiders took over after the kickoff on their own 38 yard line and Harrell quickly completed four passes resulting in a 1st down at the Texas 28 yard line. Then, with just 8 ticks on the clock, Harrell courageously and accurately hurled the ball to Michael Crabtree who magnificently leaped over two Texas defenders to catch the ball at the three yard line.

Crabtree then gracefully spun out of the hands the Longhorn defenders and dashed into the end zone for a Texas Tech touchdown and victory.

The game was heralded the 2008 College Football Game of the Year and marked the Tech football programs’ 500th win. It was the fifth most viewed telecast of a regular season game in the history of ABC and earned Tech a No. 2 national ranking.