Tracking Greatness: Texas Tech in the NCAA FBS Record Book

The NCAA keeps a mind boggling number of statistics covering all facets of college football.

Everything from touchdowns scored on punt returns to most yards gained over two, three and four seasons is tracked and recorded in the NCAA FBS Record Book (which can be accessed through the NCAA website).

With the 2010 College Football Season a mere month or so away, all-time FBS records are reviewed to compile “watch lists” of individuals and teams who are in a position to break all time leaders in a wide array of categories.

When we think of Texas Tech and its lofty place in the collegiate football records our minds quite naturally immediately turn to offensive numbers.

As Red Raiders, we are sure our most recent gridiron heroes must hold all-time marks in passing, scoring, first downs, touchdowns, etc.

But, what other records does Texas Tech own within the sacred pages keeping track of the best of the best in all of college football?

Frankly speaking, the answer to this question might surprise Red Raider fans, and, for that matter, other close followers of college ball.

The Texas Tech Football Red Raiders hold approximately 100 team and individual records in the NCAA FBS archives.

For instance, Graham Harrell holds the mark for "Most Yards Gained, per Game, Against One Opponent in a Career (with a minimum of three games)."

His 486.3 per game yards vs. Texas (from 2006 – 08) or 1459 total yards in three games vs. the Longhorns is the best ever in college football history.

Additionally, Tech is ranked among the top producers in a wide array of position specific rankings in categories as varied as "Season Total Tackles" (Lawrence Flugence, 2002, number one all time with 193 tackles) to "Career Average Punting Yards" (Maury Buford, 1978-1981, eighth all time with 43.2 yards average per punt).

It would impossible, in this forum, to list each statistic and every record associated with Texas Tech in the FBS Record Book.

The following slideshow attempts to cover the highlights of Tech’s achievements: individuals, specific teams and games where the Red
Raiders have shone brightly above all of college football.

These are records that will stand for many years, representing greatness, outstanding personal effort, and teamwork.

But, even when eventually bested by others these marks of distinction will remain in the hearts of Red Raiders everywhere.

Indeed, Texas Tech is a beacon of hope not only for its own loyal throng of fans, but, for our entire college football nation.

Graham Harrell

Graham Harrell’s career at Texas Tech produced some of the supreme moments in all of Red Raider football history.

Arguably, Harrell is one of the greatest players to ever suit up for Texas Tech, and, the best quarterback to ever take a snap from under center for the Red Raiders.

Harrell, who played for Tech from 2005 – 2008, holds a mind numbing number of individual records in the offensive categories of the FBS record book.

Most Yards Gained in Two Years: 10,710 yards (2007-08).

Most Yards Gained in Three Years: 15,187 yards (2006-08).

Most Seasons Gaining 2500 Yards or More: 3 seasons (2006 – 08), tied with Kingsbury.

Most Seasons Gaining 3000 Yards or More: 3 seasons (2006 – 08), tied with Kingsbury.

Most Seasons Gaining 4000 Yards or More: 3 seasons (2006 – 08).

Most Yards Gained per Game in Two Years: 411.9 yards per game (2007-08), 10,710 yards in 26 games.

Most Games Gaining 400 Yards or More in a Career: 21 games (2006-08).

Most Touchdowns Responsible For and Touchdowns Scored in Two Years: 103 touchdowns (2007 – 08), scored 10, passed for 93.

Most Touchdowns Responsible For and Touchdowns Scored in a Career: 146 touchdowns (2005 – 08), scored 12, passed for 134.

Touchdown Passes over Three Years: 131 TD passes.

Most Points Responsible For in Two Years: 624 points (2007 – 08), 10 TD’s, 93 TD passes and three two-point conversions.

Most Points Responsible For, Per Game, in Two Years: 24.2 points (2007 – 08)

Most Points Responsible For, Per Game, in Four Years: 19.6 points (2005 – 08)

Most Passes Attempted in Two Years: 1339 attempts (2007 – 08), completed 924.

Most Passes Attempted in Three Years: 1955 attempts (2006 – 08), completed 1366.

Most Passes Completed in a Season: 512 completions (2007), 13 games, 713 attempts.

Most Passes Completed in Two Years: 954 completions (2007 - 08), 1330 attempts; also holds per game completion record over two years, 36.7.

Most Passes Completed in Three Years: 1366 completions (2006 - 08), 1955 attempts; also holds per game completion record over three years, 35.00.

Most Passes Completed in a Career: 1403 completions (2005 - 08), 2010 attempts.

Most Passes Completed per Game, in a Season: 39.4 completions per game (2007), 512 completions in 13 games.

Most Passes Completed per Game, in a Career: 31.2 completions per game (2005 - 08), 1403 completions in 45 games.

Lowest Percentage of Passes Intercepted (Minimum 1050 Attempts)
: 1.69 percent, 34 of 2010 passes intercepted.

Most Yards Gained, per Season, in Two Years: 10,816 yards (2007 – 08).

Most Yards Gained, per Season, in Three Years: 15,371 yards (2006 – 08).

Most Yards Gained, per Game, in a Career: 351.00 yards (2005 – 08).

Most Games Gaining 200 Yards or More in a Career: 39 games (2005 – 08).

Most Games Gaining 400 Yards or More in a Season: 11 games (2007).

Most Games Gaining 400 Yards or More in a Career: 20 games (2005 – 08)

Most Yards Gained, per Game, Against One Opponent in a Career (minimum of three games): 486.3 yards vs. University of Texas Longhorns (2006 – 08) 1459 yards in three games.

Most Consecutive Games Throwing a Touchdown Pass: 36 games; September 23 2006 to January 2 2009.

Season Yards per Game : Number Three All-Time with 431.8 yards per game in 2007 (under David Klinger and BJ Symons).

Career Yards per Game : Number Three All-Time with 382.4 yards per game.

Season Yards : Number Three All-Time with 5976 yards in 2007 (BJ Symons – Number One).

Career Yards : Number Two All-Time with 15,793 career yards.

Touchdown Passes in a Career: Number One All-Time with 134 TD passes.

Graham Harrell was signed to play quarterback with the Green Bay Packers in May of 2010.

Kliff Kingsbury

Kliff Kingsbury was the first quarterback of the Mike Leach era at Texas Tech.

From 2000 to 2002 Kingsbury endured a successful transition into Leach’s eventually highly successful spread offense.

Most Tech fans will remember Kingsbury for bravely running for his life before the Red Raiders successfully recruited an offensive line that could protect Leach’s gun slinging string of quarterbacks.

Kliff Kingsbury got knocked around and was roughed up, repeatedly, in the name offensive progress.

Amazingly, Kingsbury managed to get back up off the turf, shake off ugly hits, and amass enough positive stats to be well represented in the NCAA’s FBS Record Book where his offensive prowess is preserved for future generations.

Most Plays in a Season: 814 plays (2002), 4903 yards.

Most Plays in Two Years: 1409 plays (2001 – 02), 8357 yards.

Most Plays in Three Years: 2072 plays (2000 – 02), 11,794 yards.

Most Plays per Game in a Career: 50.1 plays (1999 – 02), 2156 plays in 43 games.

Most Seasons Gaining 2500 Yards or More: 3 seasons (2000 – 02), tied with Harrell

Most Seasons Gaining 3000 Yards or More: 3 seasons (2000 – 02), tied with Harrell

Most Passes Completed in Four Consecutive Games: 176 completions (2002); 41 vs. New Mexico (September 27), 49 vs. Texas A&M (October 5), 37 vs. Iowa (October 12th) and 49 vs. Missouri (October 19).

Highest Percentage of Passes Completed in a Single Game (minimum 40 completions): 83.1 percent vs. Texas A&M (October 5 2002), 49 of 59.

Kliff Kingsbury currently serves as the Offensive Quality Control Coach at the University of Houston.

BJ Symons

BJ Symons, a native Houstonian, only got one season as the starting Quarterback at Texas Tech.

During that one year, 2003, Senior QB Symons racked up an amazing number of yards and subsequently record setting performances as the Red Raider passer.

The Red Raiders went only 8-5 during Symons year under center, but, one has to wonder what Symons could have done with a few more years as a starter.

BJ Symons is the 2003 Sammy Baugh Trophy winner, awarded annually to the nation’s top quarterback.

Most Yards Gained in a Season: 5976 yards (2003), 143 yards rushing and 5833 yards passing.

Most Yards Gained in Three Consecutive Games: 1799 yards; 618 yards vs. North Carolina State (September 20 2003), 681 yards vs. Ole Miss (September 27 2003) and 500 yards vs. Texas A&M (October 4 2003).

Most Yards Gained in Four Consecutive Games: 2328 yards; 618 yards vs. North Carolina State (September 20 2003), 681 yards vs. Ole Miss (September 27 2003), 500 yards vs. Texas A&M (October 4 2003) and 529 yards vs. Iowa State (October 11 2003).

Most Games Gaining 400 Yards or More in a Season: 11 games (2003).

Most Consecutive Games Gaining 400 yards or more, both in a Season and Career : Nine games (2003).

Most Passes Attempted in a Season: 719 attempts (2003), 13 games, 470 completions.

Most Yards Gained per 12 Game Season: 5336 yards (2003), 429 of 666.

Most Yards Gained per 13 Game Season: 5833 yards (2003), 470 of 719.

Season Yards per Game : Number Two All-Time with 459.7 yards per game in 2003.

Season Yards: Number One All-Time with 5976 yards.

BJ Symons last played as a quarterback in the Arena League in 2009.

Michael Crabtree

Michael Crabtree played receiver with Mike Leach’s Red Raiders from 2007 to 2008 before turning pro.

Crabtree turned down offers from Texas, Texas A&M, Baylor, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas State, Oklahoma and Kansas to accept a scholarship to play for Texas Tech.

During his two seasons Crabtree set many receiving records, but, will always be best remembered by Red Raiders for his stunning catch and subsequent touchdown scored late in the game vs. the then number one Longhorns in Lubbock.

The catch sealed Tech’s stunning 39-33 victory over Texas and vaulted the Red Raiders into its first ever number two national ranking.

Even though he only played two seasons of college ball, Crabtree’s name can be found throughout the NCAA records for career receiving stats.

If he had played four years and Tech could have provided an adequate quarterback for his final two seasons, it could be argued that Crabtree may well have been the number one receiver in the history of college football.

Most Passes Caught by a Freshman: 134 receptions (2007), 1962 yards.

Most Passes Caught, per Game, by a Freshman: 10.3 receptions per game (2007), 134 in 13 games.

Most Yards Gained by a Freshman: 1962 yards (2007), 134 catches in 13 games.

Most Yards Gained, per Game, by a Freshman: 150.9 yards per game (2007), 1932 in 13 games.

Most Games Gaining 100 Yards or More, per Season: 11 games (2007), tied with others.

Most Touchdown Passes Caught by a Freshman: 22 TD receptions (2007).

Most Touchdown Passes Caught by a Freshman and Sophomore: 41 TD receptions (2007-08).

Most Passes Caught over Two Years: 231 receptions (2007 – 08), 3127 yards.

Crabtree was selected 10th overall in the 2009 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers. As a rookie Crabtree caught 48 passes for 625 yards and two touchdowns. 2010 will mark Crabtree’s second season in the NFL.

Byron Hanspard

Byron Hanspard, from Dallas, played running back for the Spike Dykes led Red Raiders from 1994 – 1996.

In 1996 Hanspard was one of only two backs in the nation to run for more than 2000 yards.

This and Tech's winning record were enough to have him proclaimed the nation’s top running back by virtue of winning the coveted Doak Walker Award.

Hanspard finished 6th overall in the 1996 Heisman trophy race.

Earliest Game Reaching 1000 Yards in a Season: Fifth game (1996), 1116 yards by end of game five, tied with several others.

Career Yards per Game: 127.8 yards per game, Number 23 All-Time (1994 – 96).

Season Yards per Game: 189.5 yards per game (1996), Number Seven All-Time (just beneath Ricky Williams with 193.1 yards per game).

Season Yards: 2084 yards (1996), Number Ten All-Time.

Hanspard was selected 41st in the 2nd Round of the 1997 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons. He gained 1375 yards during his rookie season, mostly as a return man.

Hanspard suffered a serious injury during the 1998 training camp and never fully recovered. He is also an ordained Pentecostal minister.

Taurean Henderson

Taurean Henderson, a product of Gatesville, Texas, played running back at Texas Tech from 2002 to 2005.

Henderson was a lethal threat as a receiver where he holds several all time records in receptions, points and touchdowns.

He is ranked, and, in many cases, ranked higher overall in these categories than the greatest wide receivers in history.

He may be one of the most underappreciated Red Raiders of all time.

Most Consecutive Games Catching a Pass in a Career: 51 games (2002 – 05).

Most Passes Caught by a Running Back in a Career: 303 receptions (2002 - 05), 2058 yards.

Gained 1000 Yards in Both Receiving and Rushing, Career: 3241 yards rushing, 2058 yards receiving (2002 – 05), tied with many others.

Touchdowns Scored in a Career: 69 touchdowns, Number Three All-Time (2002 – 05).

Points Scored in a Career: 414 points, Number Three All-Time (2002 – 05).

Career Receptions: 303 receptions, Number Four All-Time (2002 – 05).

Henderson went undrafted in the 2006 NFL Draft though was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as a free agent. He was then signed by the Atlanta Falcons who have him playing on their NFL Europe team the Rhein Fire.

Wes Welker

Wes Welker played high school football at Heritage Hall School in Oklahoma City. Though he was recognized as one of the best players in the state in 1999 Welker was not selected by any college teams by national signing day.

Welker finally received a scholarship offer from Texas Tech, but, only after another recruit backed out of his commitment.

Tech signing Welker proved to be one of the best decisions of the Mike Leach era.

Though Welker’s career receiving and rushing numbers are impressive (259 receptions, 3019 yards, 21 touchdowns plus 79 rushes for 456 yards and one touchdown) it is his numbers as a punt returner that earned him a place in the FBS Record Book.

Most Punt Returns in a Season: 57 returns (2002), 752 yards, 14 games.

Most Yards on Punt Returns in a Career: 1761 yards (2000 – 03), 152 returns

Most Touchdown’s Scored on Punt Returns in a career: 8 touchdowns (2 in 2000, 1 in 2001, 3 in 2002 and 2 in 2003), tied with one other.

Career Receptions: 259 receptions, tied for Number 24 All-Time (2000 – 03).

Welker was not drafted in the 2004 NFL draft, and, amazingly was not invited to the NFL combines. He signed with the San Diego Chargers as a free agent and spent three seasons with the Miami Dolphins before becoming a pro bowl all purpose receiver at the New England Patriots from 2007 until present day.

Alex Trlica

Alex Trlica, from Friendswood Texas, was appropriately nicknamed “Mr. Clutch” while the kicker at Texas Tech.

Trlica kicked for the Red Raiders from 2004 to 2007 and set numerous team, conference and national records.

Tech fans will eternally be grateful to Trlica for icing numerous kicks, both long and short, many to win games.

Notably, Trlica kicked the game winning scores in the memorable Tech comebacks in both the 2006 Insight Bowl vs. Minnesota and the 2008 Gator Bowl vs. Virginia.

Highest Percentage of Extra Points Made (minimum 100 attempts): 233 of 233 (2004 – 07), tied with others.

Most Consecutive Extra Points Made in a Career: 233 (2004 – 07).

Points Scored in a Career: 377 points, tied for Number 18 All-Time (2004 – 07).

Receiving

Though each of the Tech quarterback’s under Mike Leach had phenomenal stats, including many record setting performances, Tech’s receiving corps are an equally important part of Leach’s successful tenure leading the Red Raiders.

The unique aspect of Tech’s offenses from 2000 thru 2009 was how the ball was spread across Tech’s talented set of receivers. It was never just one or two guys catching the ball, it was always a wide array of players contributing to the total offensive accomplishments.

Not surprisingly, Texas Tech holds many of the records involving multiple receivers from the same team having combined success.

Most Passes Caught by Two Players of the Same Team in a Single Season: 243 receptions (2007) 134 by Crabtree and 109 by Danny Amendola. The two combined for 3207 yards and 28 touchdowns.

Two or More Players, Same Team, Each Gaining 1000 Yards in a Season:
2003: Carlos Francis (1177 yards, 73 catches), Wes Welker (1099 yards, 97 catches), Nehemiah Glover (1081 yards, 77 catches).

2004: Jarrett Hicks (1177 yards, 76 catches), Trey Haverty (1019 yards, 77 catches).

2007: Michael Crabtree (1962 yards, 134 catches), Danny Amendola (1245 yards, 109 catches).

Three or More Players, Same Team, Each Gaining 1000 Yards in a Season:

2003: Carlos Francis (1177 yards, 73 catches), Wes Welker (1099 yards, 97 catches), Nehemiah Glover (1081 yards, 77 catches).

Three or More Players, Same Team, Each Catching 60 passes or More per Season:

2003: Wes Welker (97), Mickey Peterson (78), Taurean Henderson (78), Nehemiah Glover (77) and Carlos Francis (75). (This group also holds the record for Four and Five or More Players from the Same Team, Each Catching 60 or More Passes per Season). ***Texas Tech is the only team in history with five players with at least 60 catches in a season.

2005: Robert Johnson (67), Taurean Henderson (67), Joel Filani (65) and Jarrett Hicks (65).

2006: Joel Filani (91), Robert Johnson (89), Shannon Woods (75).

2007: Michael Crabtree (134), Danny Amendola (109) and Eric Morris (75).

November 11, 1939

Pete Cawthon’s 1939 Texas Tech team might not immediately jump to the top of the list of teams that possibly hold college football records.

The 1939 Red Raiders were 5-5-1 overall with wins over Texas Wesleyan, North Arizona, New Mexico, Montana and Loyola of New Orleans.

Disappointing losses were suffered to such powerhouses as the Texas State Schools of Mines, Gonzaga, Duquesne, Miami of Florida and Marquette.

However, it was the November 11th scoreless tie against Centenary (La) in Shreveport that holds a mind numbing eleven plus records in the FBS annals.

The Red Raiders and Centenary Gentlemen suffered four miserable quarters in what was reported as a heavy, continuous and nasty downpour.

The rain caused the teams to punt the ball a record number of times, remarkably 77 punts in all, 67 on first downs including 22 consecutive punts in the third and fourth quarters.

The records set at this thriller include:

Most Punts in a Game: 36 punts by Charlie Calhoun (TTU).

Most Yards on Punts in a Game: 1318 yards by Charlie Calhoun (TTU).

Most Punts Returns in a Game: 20 returns by Milton Hill (TTU), 110 yards.

Most Kick Returns (Punts and Kickoff Returns Combined) in a Game: 20 returns by Milton Hill.

Fewest Yards Gained by Both Teams in a Game: 30 total yards; Tech -1 yards and Centenary 31 yards.

Fewest Rushes by Both Teams in a Game: 28 rushes; Tech 10 and Centenary 18 yards.

Most Punts by Both Teams in a Game: 77 punts, Texas Tech vs. Centenary (November 11 1939).

Most Punt Returns by a Team in a Single Game: 22 returns, Texas Tech (vs. Centenary, 1939).

Most Punts Returns by Both Teams in a Game: 42 returns, Texas Tech vs. Centenary (November 11 1939).

Fewest Plays in a Game: 12 plays, Texas Tech (vs. Centenary, 1939).

Fewest Plays by Both Teams in a Game: 33 plays; Texas Tech - 12 and Centenary - 21 (November 11 1939).

Defensive Records

Texas Tech has not been a defensive powerhouse in the last decade, but, Tech’s defense has definitely played well enough to put the Red Raiders in contention.

Though the exit of Coach Leach and the arrival of Coach Tuberville may well mark the end of the massive number of entries for Tech in the offensive side of the record book, hopefully it will also mark the beginning of Tech being mentioned more frequently in the defensive categories.

Total Tackles in a Season: 193 tackles, Lawrence Flugence (2002), 14 games.

Passes Defended in a Game: 8 by Joselio Hanson vs. Oklahoma State (November 9 2002).

Touchdowns Scored by Fumble Return and Interception Return in Same Game: 2 touchdowns, Paul McClendon, vs. North Texas (September 22 2001), six yard fumble return and 50 yard interception return.

Fewest Rushes Allowed in a Game: 5 rushes vs. Houston (November 25 1989), 36 yards.

Interceptions in a Career: Tracy Saul, 25, tied for Number Three All-Time (2002 – 05).

Offensive Team Records

In addition to records set by outstanding individual athletes, Texas Tech has produced offensive output worthy of mention among the offensive team records in the FBS record book.

Most Plays vs. a Major College Team: 111 plays, Texas Tech vs. Iowa State (October 11 2003), 775 yards.

Both Team Gaining 600 yards or More in a Game: Texas Tech, 718 yards and Oklahoma State 610 yards (September 22 2007), 182 plays; tied with many.

Most First Downs in a Game: 45 first downs vs. Iowa State (October 11 2003), 16 rushes, 28 passing, one penalty.

Most Passes Completed per Game in a Season: 41.8 passes (2007), 544 completions in 13 games.

Most First Downs per Game in a Season: 32.2 (2003), 418 first downs in 13 games.

Most Passing First Downs per Game in a Season: 23.5 (2003), 305 first downs in 13 games.