A handful of times over the past year or so, we've had some interesting discussions about what realistic expectations "should" be, the definition of "mediocre", "acceptable", etc. based on when we were at Tech.

For those of us "fortunate enough" to be at Tech during any of the Jerry Moore years, it can be difficult to have anything more than cautious optimism from one game to the next regardless of how well we're playing. That's how it is for me anyway. There were enough games that we played lights out against top teams only to lose on the last play(s) of the game, either because we shot ourselves in the foot or because we were outplayed. Which is one reason November 1, 2008, was all the more special. Boy, was it nice to be on the other end of that equation.

In a comment on one of the daily links thread, someone mentioned a hit on Rodney Alison in a game against the aggies in '77. While looking for a video of that hit, I stumbled upon a great clip of a game from '82. We were playing SMU at the Jones. SMU were SWC Champs. Undefeated. We were 4-5 overall (3-3 in conference play) going into the game. Clear underdogs.

I'm not spoiling anything by saying we lost. On the last play of the game. It is a great example of what we experienced more than once during those years. It's why it can be hard to get too excited sometimes. At the November 1, 2008, game I was afraid to get excited about the Crabtree catch until it was reviewed. And I was still nervous about the possibility of a Jordan Shipley kickoff return. No full celebration until there weren't any ticks left on the clock.

The video is definitely worth a watch. The announcing is fantastic.

Some favorite quotes from the video:

• All-American Eric Dickerson met All-American Gabe Rivera for a 4 yard loss.
• The (Red Raider) offense was having its most productive day of the season chalking up 20 first downs and 421 total yards on the SWC champs.
• As they had done so many times in the ‘82 season, the raiders refused to give up. (Personal commentary: YESSSS! THAT IS BECAUSE IT’S WHO WE ARE!!)
• The fourth quarter of this game is one that college football thrives on.

https://www.youtube.com/watchv=Zx1PccepNHQ&playnext=1&list=PLC4E5793272A33051&feature=results_video

Some general information:

SWC consisted of the following nine teams:

1. Arkansas

2. Houston

3. A&M

4. Texas

5. SMU*

6. Texas Tech

7. Baylor

8. Rice

9. TCU

*SMU did not play in 1987 or 1988. The Death Penalty Sanction required they sit out 1987. SMU decided to take 1988 off after determining they couldn't field a team.

Tech Record & Coaches:

Interested to hear about other folks experiences, thoughts, stats, etc. based on when they were at Tech!