The Texas Tech Red Raiders are set to clash with the Arkansas Razorbacks on December 27, 2024, at the AutoZone Liberty Bowl taking place at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee. This much-anticipated matchup is particularly noteworthy as it reunites two former rivals from the Southwest Conference, making it the first time they face off in bowl history. This game marks the 42nd bowl appearance for Texas Tech and the 38th meeting between these two programs.
Heading onto the field, Texas Tech carries the honor of leading all current Big 12 schools with the most all-time bowl appearances, which also ranks them at No. 20 nationally among FBS teams. The Red Raiders have recently been strong contenders, having claimed victory in 12 of their last 16 postseason games. Under the guidance of coach Joey McGuire, the team has reached bowl games consecutively over the last four seasons, including impressive wins against Mississippi State, Ole Miss, and California.
The stakes are high for Texas Tech as they aim for their fourth consecutive bowl win, which would be an unprecedented achievement for the program. Yet, the Red Raiders arrive at this pivotal game without their star running back, Tahj Brooks, who faced uncertainty about his participation following injury concerns. Coach McGuire initially indicated Brooks was "50-50" to play but confirmed shortly before kickoff he wouldn’t suit up. Brooks had enjoyed a stellar season, even setting the record as Texas Tech's all-time leading rusher with 1,505 yards.
Arkansas is also feeling the effects of departures, as they compete without 11 starters due to transfers and NFL draft declarations, including key players such as their leading receiver Andrew Armstrong. Coach Sam Pittman described Brooks as "very physical, downhill guy" and highlighted his ability to transcend the playing field with leadership qualities. This loss for Texas Tech could have significant morale and tactical implications for the Red Raiders as they face Arkansas’ formidable lineup.
The two teams experienced different challenges as they prepared for the game. Texas Tech had to adapt to the absence of not only Brooks but also quarterback Behren Morton, effectively sidelining the top passer, rusher, and receiver for the Red Raiders. Arkansas, likewise, was left scrambling to cope with its own personnel losses, making for what some analysts called “patchwork lineups.”
Kickoff came with Arkansas winning the toss and deferring possession to the second half, giving Texas Tech first possession. The Red Raiders struggled initially against the Arkansas defense, punting after minimal gain. Arkansas' Rodney Hill quickly made his mark, sprinting for 70 yards on just the second play of their first drive, setting the tone as quarterback Taylen Green rushed for the opening touchdown, putting the Razorbacks on the board 7-0.
Despite the early deficit, Texas Tech responded with a field goal, narrowing Arkansas’ lead to 7-3. Yet, the Razorbacks were relentless. Following another strong drive, Arkansas scored again, quickly extending their lead to 14-3 after Braylen Russell's one-yard touchdown run. Arkansas wasn’t finished; they added another touchdown shortly after, pushing their score to 21-3.
It seemed like the momentum was firmly entrenched with the Razorbacks when Texas Tech, desperate for points, found options dwindling due to their key injuries. McGuire’s players refused to surrender. A safety brought Arizona Tech to 21-5, and soon thereafter, J'Koby Williams scored for the Red Raiders. Williams' pivotal 54-yard touchdown run stoked the Red Raiders’ hopes and, before halftime, Texas Tech fought back to 21-19 after another touchdown run from Jalin Conyers.
The twist of fortune symbolized the contentious dynamic of the Liberty Bowl, where the Red Raiders managed to score 16 unanswered points, constructing their comeback after being down 18 earlier. Analysts and fans alike were captivated by the intensity of the match, as Texas Tech outgained Arkansas offensively by the trailing score.
Going forward, the clash of these two storied programs underscored not only the competitive spirit of college football but also how circumstances dramatically alter outcomes. Despite the absence of star players, both teams showcased the depth of their lineups and the readiness of young talent to step up on the big stage.
The rivalry and spectacle on display left fans eager to see how the second half unfolded following the impressive comeback. After years of struggles, both Texas Tech and Arkansas will look back on this historical encounter as they measure their growth, adjustments, and the strategic decisions made throughout the unforgettable game.
This 2024 AutoZone Liberty Bowl promises not only to cap off the season spectacularly but also offers insights as both programs seek to build on this experience, heading forward to next year's campaigns.
