Tech will play in bowl, but where?
Texas Tech’s 41-13 victory Saturday against Oklahoma clarified that the Red Raiders will make a bowl game this season. Beyond that, it didn’t settle much.
Tech’s most likely postseason destinations are the Holiday Bowl or the Alamo Bowl, both of whom had representatives in Lubbock Saturday. But the Red Raiders could even be a consideration for the Cotton Bowl if the Big 12 Conference were to get two teams into the BCS games.
“We’re probably looking at Texas Tech and Nebraska, depending on who finishes the year off,’’ said Larry Baber, the Holiday Bowl’s chairman of the board and a longtime team selection committee member. “I would guess those are the two teams we’ll be picking from, and I think either one of them would be a good selection for us.’’
Texas Tech's Alexander Torres (86) flips over in a tackle by Oklahoma's Dominique Franks (1) in a play that set up Tech's Matthew Williams field goal during their game Nov, 21, 2009 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. (Merissa Ferguson/Lubbock Avalanche-Journal)
After the BCS selects one or two teams from the Big 12 Conference, the selection order begins with the Cotton, Holiday and Alamo bowls. The Cotton Bowl is at 1 p.m. Jan. 2 in Arlington. The Holiday Bowl is at 7 p.m. CST Dec. 30 in San Diego, and the Alamo Bowl is at 8 p.m. Jan. 2 in San Antonio.
Alamo Bowl president and CEO Derrick Fox said his game went into Saturday with Tech, Oklahoma and Nebraska in its pool. That was before the Tech-OU game went final and the Raiders dealt OU coach Bob Stoops what tied for the third-worst margin of defeat in his 11-year career.
“Suffice to say, from our perspective Tech is very much in our consideration,’’ Fox said, “and we’ll see what happens with the bowls in front of us and how they finish up.’’
To maximize their attractiveness, the Raiders need to finish 8-4 by beating Baylor in the regular-season finale Saturday in Arlington.
As always, whether the Big 12 has one or two teams selected to the BCS affects all the bowls beyond that. Some projections have only the conference champion making the BCS, but Fox said he thinks No. 11 Oklahoma State can get in if the Cowboys win Saturday at OU and finish 10-2.
“Should they beat them, they’ll definitely be in that range to be eligible,’’ Fox said, “especially because the Fiesta Bowl has a chance to pick a replacement team from the Big 12, they’ve got to take a long, hard look at that, I think. Now obviously, there are other teams out there available to them and what’s the right matchup, that’s their decision to make.’’
If the Holiday Bowl winds up with a decision between Tech and Nebraska, its committee will have a few factors for consideration. Tech beat Nebraska 31-10 in October. Nebraska should finish with a better regular-season record — 9-3 assuming the Cornhuskers don’t get upset Friday at Colorado.
But Tech actually could get help from No. 3 Texas, which will be favored to beat the Cornhuskers in the Big 12 championship game Dec. 5.
“(If) Nebraska goes and plays there and gets absolutely blown out, then you have to look at that,’’ Baber said. “Not saying it would make the difference, but you’d still have to consider it. Texas Tech plays a great brand of football. They make it exciting.’’
The picture is cloudy for the Holiday Bowl’s other team with No. 10 Oregon (9-2), No. 16 Oregon State (8-3), Stanford (7-4), No. 21 California (8-3), No. 24 Southern Cal (7-3) and Arizona (6-4) in the mix.
“There’s six teams that are bowl eligible,’’ Baber said, “and any one of them could end up in the Holiday Bowl.’’
One key to remember: Unlike many bowl selectors, the Holiday Bowl is contractually obligated to take the Pac 10 runnerup, meaning a solo second-place finisher automatically goes to San Diego, Baber said. The bowl gets a choice only if there’s a tie for second place. Oregon (7-1 in the Pac 10) and Oregon State (6-2) end the regular season playing each other on Dec. 3. Stanford, Cal, USC and Arizona all have three conference losses.
“We could get any one of them,’’ Baber said.
If Tech winds up in the Alamo Bowl, the possible opponents are fewer. Three Big Ten teams are 10-2; if two receive BCS invitations, the Alamo Bowl probably will choose between two 6-6 teams, Michigan State and Minnesota. Michigan State finished with a better conference record — 4-4 compared to 3-5 — but Minnesota beat the Spartans 42-34 on Oct. 31.
If only one Big Ten team makes the BCS, then Wisconsin (8-3) or Northwestern (8-4) could be in play for the Alamo Bowl.
Northwestern played in the Alamo Bowl last year, but Fox said he wouldn’t object to having the Wildcats again.
“They’re a team that did well in our game last year — did very well on the field and in the stands,’’ Fox said. “Typically, you don’t have (the same team) in back-to-back years, but we had Purdue in back-to-back years (1997 and 1998). I guess you never say never.’’
A Tech-to-the-Cotton Bowl scenario would be dependent on Texas and Oklahoma State both making the BCS, in which case the Cotton Bowl could have the same Nebraska-Tech choice before the Holiday Bowl.
Tech vs. Baylor
-When: 5 p.m. Saturday
-Where: Cowboys Stadium, Arlington
-Records: Tech 7-4, 4-3 in Big 12; Baylor 4-7, 1-6
-Last game: Tech 41, Oklahoma 13; Texas A&M 38, Baylor 3
-Last meeting: Tech 35, Baylor 28 last year in Lubbock
-TV: FSN (Suddenlink Cable channel 20)
-Line: Tech by 221/2
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beat the hell out of texas!
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We could be playing in the cereal bowl for all I care as long as we don’t lose this time.
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We need the Holiday Bowl vs. Pac-10.
We never win the Cotton Bowl or Alamo Bowl.
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Good point Nick (or is that you Taylor?), but we have only been to the Holiday bowl once. Just pointing it out. I like the Cotton because it would be in Jerry world with a lot of tv exposure. And the Alamo would be good because we travel really well in the state of Texas. As long as it’s not the Sun Bowl, I don’t care.
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The fact that Tech beat Nebraska is meaningless to the bowl people.
Nebraska travels way more people than Tech.
I’m with K – the main thing is that we win a bowl this time.
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It is fair to say that the very best bowl destination is San Diego. Bar none.
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We need to finish strong and win Baylor and the Bowl too. Go Tech Guns Up.
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It would be a long shot, but the Gophers would really relish a repeat chance to play Tech…considering we stole one from them. I don’t think they have a chance, but anyway beware next time we play them…
Holiday would be best to showcase what we and the Big 12 South is capable of doing.
Wreck’Em Tech. Beat Baylor!
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hopefully Potts will keep his Nick jersey for Baylor and the bowl game. Seems to be a nice alter ego to boost his confidence.
Im pulling for the Cotton Bowl…GO TECH
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When are the decisions made? AFTER the conf champ game … so NEB. So the surest way for TTU to get the 3rd slot is for NEB to lose to CU and UT, finish at 8-5. But if they beat CU and lose to UT … we’re out of luck. TTU was in Cotton last year, and a few years back against ALA. The travel issue doesn’t matter for Cotton, b/c it will be full either way. As for the Holiday Bowl, TTU was in it in 05 against Cal, rainstorm, poor attendance. If I were Hol Bowl officials, I’d go w/ NEB as long as they don’t lose to CU and/or get b-slapped by UT. We’ll get the 4th bowl, most likely.
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Here’s another way we get the Holiday. NEB beats TEX. Then both end up in BCS. OSU gets Cotton and we get Holiday.
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Baylor?,,…we have to play Baylor.
If the Tech players think like the fans then their eyes are already on the bowls , not Baylor.
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I think for us to get the cotton bowl. Neb would have to lose to Colorado, Texas, and OSU would have to get the at large bid for the bcs. I am thinking Holiday or Alamo but hopefully Holiday.
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The holiday bowl is always wanting to showcase offensive fireworks. I think they would be willing to pick Tech over Nebraska if the decision was made, but the holiday bowl also prefers both of its opponents to be ranked – something Nebraska has going for them.
Nebraska’s offense is just plain bad. I’m thinking Texas really beats them b/c their offense will have too many plays.
I’ll always root for the Cotton Bowl. Tech will win one of these games someday, as long as we keep playing in them.
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I like the holiday bowl but the best thing for tech right now is to keep this in Texas. Keep in mind many season ticket holders have aleady paid more this year for tickets and we had the new stands in place that we did not fill up yet. Based on that I just don’t know how we are supposed to travel to Cali to play Oregon state. Tech fan would be better off bringing the fans to San antone or better yet Dallas where most of our allumni are living. The tech/Baylor game is technically sold out so I can’t see why they won’t want to go to jerry world again. Yes Nebraska travels very well to anywhere so let them take on California. Playing in the cotton bowl, early in the day before the bcs game in prime time would be , in my opinion is our best choice out of all those good bowl games. Playing at the same time slot as the bcs game wouldn’t do us any favors. And as much as I hate to root for osu to beat ou, I’ll have to. We need a good bowl to go to, show and win, and set us up for next years season.
Btw, I think potts is goi g to keep the nick name on his jersey. Now, let’s kick the crap out of Baylor!
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I disagree that Nebraska brings more people than Tech. I was at the Gator Bowl two years ago and the stands were packed with Red and Black! We are EVERYWHERE!
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gunzsidewayz – Ummm…I was at the **2004** (Not 2005) Holiday Bowl and sorry, but I don’t remember any rainstorm. I recall a pretty solid Tech showing the night before in Downtown and a near sell-out of Tech’s ticket allotment. Second, it was a record attendence 63,711 (Which says alot since the UT was at 3 of the 5 games prior). That mark was only barely supassed in 2 of the last 4 Holiday bowls…games which featured OU (65.4k), UT (64k), A&M(62.3k), and OSU(59.1).
Tech also set the record attendence at the last Alamo Bowl they attended. It would be very difficult to say Tech doesn’t travel well when the facts are laid out for all to see. I assure you the Cotton, Holiday, and Alamo officials are all aware of how well fans support Tech on the road.
Holiday Bowl is pretty high on O-fense, so expect Tech to be in San Diego.
Colorado has played well lately and has a solid chance of beating NU (Colorado has a solid offense). NU will loose for sure against Texas and we all know how a late season loss appears to selection officials.
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no nebraska deff brings more people i remember a few yrs back when they were completely terrible they were filling opponents stands and the parking lots full of their rv’s covered in the red and white. they are one of the best traveling teams in college football period
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Newsflash! They still suck!
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j/k
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As long as UT doesn’t choke, it’ll be Tech vs. LSU in the Cotton. Bring on the Bayou Cats, their offense is as bad as Nebraska!!!
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Leach does not prepare for a game well, consider last year’s Cotton Bowl vs. Ole Miss.
Doesn’t matter where they go, I doubt he will succeed against anyone.
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I’d prefer Cotton, but would be OK with Holiday. I would like Tech to get another shot at an SEC team. I live in Florida and all they talk about here is how much greater the SEC is than the rest. I hate rooting for UT but I sure hope they beat Ala or FL but I digress. Just like others said, i don’t really care which bowl we’re in, just win it.
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West coast has schools with big heads like uT. Either way we MUST win the bowl game!
Wreck’Em Tech!
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Gator bowl?
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I don’t think it was Leach who wasn’t prepared as much as it was the players who went out and had a little too much fun the week before the bowl. I do hope we win at whatever bowl we go to!
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I would chose Cotton first (in new Cowboy’s Stadium), then Holiday, then Alamo.
Actually, Jim McAlister, that is a rather ignorant statement. Leach and Tech had won 5 of their last 6 bowl games prior to last years game.
Go Raiders!
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How bout Tach and Sul Ross hook up and play in the Toilet Bowl.
Tech might win that one
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Just beat Baylor 1st!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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First business, Baylor, remember last year, we struggled much of the game!
Any of the mentioned bowl games would be fantastic for Tech. Selfishly I would like to see them stay in TX, my pick Cotton!
We need to redeem our performance from last year!
BAYLOR FIRST, this is there bowl game, Jerry World, Bryles against his old school, watch out!!!!!!!!!!
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Hopefully the Holiday Bowl since I live in southern Cali!!
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Loser_C, don’t be a hater! You have a fitting user name, btw!
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Agreed, don’t overlook Baylor. They don’t have Griffin at QB this year, though.
Wreck ‘em Tech!
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I am going to Pasadena!!!! BEVO XIV in the house!!!!
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This just in, ut’s title hopes go down the drain after they lose to a&m or nebraska!
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Since we’re not going to the bcs championship game it is now a matter of money in my eyes. I want TECH to go to the cotton bowl since it pays out more than the holiday or alamo. This season is already a bust and any bowl is simply icing on the muffin. The one thing i want is for ut to not win the NC. I think the texas team that should be there is TCU. They have all the right conditions in order for a strong showing maybe even win the damn thing. Another thing i would like to see is Loser c with the football running down the sidelines full stride and then get smacked square on his lady breasts by Rajon Henley. I would definitely pay money to see that.
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bernie, that’s a good point. Here are the bowl payouts:
Cotton – $3 million
Alamo – $2.25 million
Holiday – $2.13 million
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What would happen if (WHEN) uT losses both games!
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Watchdog113,
There is no telling…but good question. Just as long as tu gets bumped out after all their hard work they put in…especially that crying sack of spit…mccoy. New tu hiesmen strategy….tell sports reporters after a lackluster game that you had flu symptoms all during practice and right after the game tell them you ate a pb&j sandwich to get get that extra energy….blow it out your pie hole mccoy. As for butter teeth brown….if his beloved athletes/prisoners get bumped out expect him to be all over the sports channels protesting. BTW…no hard feelings here….just do not respect a team who is led by a coach who helps them avoid arrests and…and…and who’s fan base declares that they are title contenders year in and year out…horse manure!!! Can anybody tell me how many NC has under coach brown-eye. (and if tu fans respond yes I now we don’t have any NC…beat you to the punch!! and even further we stole one from you too!!!). Anyways to ALL TECH fans have wonderful Turkey-Day and get your guns up for aTm.
GO TECH!!
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Bevo_Says said:
I am going to Pasadena!!!! BEVO XIV in the house!!!!
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Im afraid its going to be one heck of a BBQ.
Maybe not. Thats why they play the games.
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Mike said:
bernie, that’s a good point. Here are the bowl payouts:
Cotton – $3 million
Alamo – $2.25 million
Holiday – $2.13 million
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Its my understanding that the Bowl proceeds are placed in an account to be distributed equally to all universities in the conference. Am I wrong?
Wreckem Texas Tech
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TTU ALUM said:
Watchdog113,
There is no telling…but good question. Just as long as tu gets bumped out after all their hard work they put in…especially that crying sack of spit…mccoy. New tu hiesmen strategy….tell sports reporters after a lackluster game that you had flu symptoms all during practice and right after the game tell them you ate a pb&j sandwich to get get that extra energy….blow it out your pie hole mccoy. As for butter teeth brown….if his beloved athletes/prisoners get bumped out expect him to be all over the sports channels protesting. BTW…no hard feelings here….just do not respect a team who is led by a coach who helps them avoid arrests and…and…and who’s fan base declares that they are title contenders year in and year out…horse manure!!! Can anybody tell me how many NC has under coach brown-eye. (and if tu fans respond yes I now we don’t have any NC…beat you to the punch!! and even further we stole one from you too!!!). Anyways to ALL TECH fans have wonderful Turkey-Day and get your guns up for aTm.
GO TECH!!
Good post.
I do believe that we have stolen quite a few NCs from TU over the years. oU is still crying about the NC we cost them a few years back. There is a great deal of satisfaction to be gained out of doing this. Wasnt McCoy’s face just priceless after the infamous CRAB GRAB. Speaking of CRAB GRABS, did anyone see his spectacular CRAB GRAB in the 49er game? His first TD. And some said hed never make it at the next level.
Wreckem Texas Tech
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And little ol’ Wes Welker! How’s that short kid from Oklahoma that no one wanted doing! Short guys have another Spud Webb role model.
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East Techsan………..
It is my understanding the proceeds from all Big 12 Bowl games are pooled and split between ALL members.
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Everything I’ve read says we are going to the Alamo Bowl. I’d prefer Cotton but Alamo is cool. I’ll see yall there.
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My, MY!
I haven’t heard this much chatter about future events since the week before we played A & M.
Talk about taking your eye off the ball.
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I think that tech should go to the cotton bowl if ou beats osu and if osu gets to go to a bcs bowl i will kill someone since tech got robbed for that one last year we sshould have been in the fiesta bowl we would’ve killed Ohio State un like ut ’s win by 3 points!
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Toilet Bowl against Michigan State!!! LMAO
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watch out for Baylor’s bowl game this weekend! leach needs to have this team ready to play, unlike his last visit to the metroplex!
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Wazoo,
You’re spot on. The only thing on the radar screen must be Green and Gold (Baylor). The bowl game should be a mute point right now. Baylor is ripe to have a good offensive game. I stated the same when we played A&M.
Frankly, bowl games in Texas are good for recruiting. Oh, I believe I read a post that Leach doesn’t prepare well for bowl games. What a bunch of hogwash! The biggest challenge for Tech to overcome in bowl games is the long layoff. Much of our offensive success depends on rhythm and tempo. Long layoffs don’t help in that regard. Just look at OU last year. The several week layoff killed their offensive rhythm. Had they played Florida the week after the Big 12 championship, probably a different story.
No looking ahead here. Baylor-Baylor-Baylor-Baylor. Stay focused Tech. The bowl situation wil take care of itself.
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As Crabtree sais last year about being in the Cotton “I’m not feeling it.” I think the Cotton is played at Jerry’s world this year and I don’t know if I would go after seeing the Baylor game there this week. I see the Holiday Bowl when it’s all said and done.
Potts makes the connection to Britton at OSU, Potts scores in Houston and easily 9-2 this year. Tech finishes with a bang will only help recruiting.
Swing the Sword!
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aha and defense shows up against a&m and we are looking at a potential bcs bowl but what can we do
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East Techsan, I agree, it is fun spoiling the NC for ut and ou, but I would like for us to be the ones playing in the NC game. We are definitely headed in the right direction!
Wreck ‘em Tech
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The only bowl game I’m interested in is Baylor’s this weekend in Dallas. Mike Leach is correct in saying it’s the players responsibility to get themselves ready; that said it’s Leach’s responsibility to set the tone for the team. I’d like to see more leadership from him (Leach) on getting the team ” up and focused” on beating Baylor.
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Beat Baylor is the #1 objective for now! it would be really interesting if Coloroado beats Nebraska and Nebraska beats the Texas ShortHorns! After the Short Horns have lost to Texas A&M!
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Tech sometimes has trouble filling 53,000 seat stadium and Nebraska sells out 85,000+ for that last 300+ games….who do you think travels more? Nebraska sent 65,000 people to an away game at arrowhead and sold out a spring practice…lets be honest here…
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ryan – Nebraska had the seceond lowest attendence in the last last 10 years of the Alamo bowl. Spring practice is all hype. You still got shut down by Tech.
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i am a huge tech fan! i want them to go to a good bowl for once and stop getting the crappy stuff!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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PlainOTXen…..did you forget 1996 Alamo when the Tech game only had 55,000 people…in your home state?
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