Jan. 8, 2002

LUBBOCK, Texas - The 2002 Texas Tech Red Raider football team will face one of the strongest schedules in school annals. Included on the slate are games against six bowl participants from 2001 and three teams that ended the season ranked in the top 10 nationally.

"Our 2002 schedule is one of the most challenging we've faced here at Texas Tech," Red Raider head coach Mike Leach said. "This schedule gives our fans a chance to see our team play some of college football's finest teams at home. Add to that a strong road schedule with trips to Texas A&M, Iowa State, Colorado and Oklahoma in conference play.

"We are excited about next season and hope to carry the success and enthusiasm we experienced this year into it," Leach added.

The Red Raiders will renew an old rivalry when they travel to Dallas to face SMU in the season opener (Sept. 7). The two teams have not met since the 1995 season when both schools were members of the Southwest Conference. Texas Tech returns home to take on Mississippi in the home opener (Sept. 14), before hosting North Carolina State the following weekend (Sept. 21). The Red Raiders will play their final non-conference game at New Mexico (Sept. 28).

Tech kicks off Big 12 play at Texas A&M (Oct. 5) in College Station. The game will be the 61st in the series, which dates back to the 1927 season. Following the A&M game, the Red Raiders travel to Ames, Iowa, to meet Iowa State (Oct. 12). The game begins a stretch of three-straight games against members of the Big 12's North Division. Tech will host Missouri (Oct. 19), before heading to Colorado to face the 2001 Big 12 Champion Buffaloes (Oct. 26).

The Red Raiders return home for three straight, beginning with a matchup against Baylor (Nov. 2). Oklahoma State follows the next weekend (Nov. 9), before Tech faces traditional rival Texas (Nov. 16). The Red Raiders close the 2000 regular-season schedule at Oklahoma (Nov. 23).

The six bowl teams on Texas Tech's schedule are: North Carolina State (Tangerine), Texas A&M (Galleryfurniture.com winner), Iowa State (Independence), Colorado (Fiesta), Texas (Holiday winner) and Oklahoma (Cotton winner). Texas (fifth), Oklahoma (sixth) and Colorado (ninth) each finished the 2001 season ranked among the nation's top 10.

Game times will be announced at a later date. Season tickets are now on sale. For information on season tickets, please contact the Texas Tech Athletic Ticket Office at (888) GO-BIG-12 or (806) 742-TECH. Also, visit the Texas Tech Athletic Website at www.texastech.com for further updates.