What Is 1978 Texas Tech Red Raiders football

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1978 Texas Tech Red Raiders football team represented Texas Tech University in the 1978 NCAA Division I-A football season, finishing with a 7–4 record under head coach Rex Dockery. They played in the Southwest Conference and secured a victory in the 1978 Sun Bowl against the University of Richmond.

Key Facts

1978 Texas Tech Red Raiders finished with a 7–4 overall record
Head coach Rex Dockery led the team in his first season
The team played in the Southwest Conference (SWC)
They defeated Richmond 34–14 in the 1978 Sun Bowl
Quarterback Alan Bowman was a key offensive player

Overview

The 1978 Texas Tech Red Raiders football team represented Texas Tech University during the 1978 NCAA Division I-A football season. Competing in the Southwest Conference (SWC), the team was led by first-year head coach Rex Dockery and achieved a 7–4 overall record, marking a modest improvement from previous seasons.

The Red Raiders showcased a balanced offense and a resilient defense, culminating in a postseason appearance. Their performance in the 1978 Sun Bowl was a highlight, where they secured a decisive victory, boosting morale and visibility for the program.

7–4 record: The team finished the season with seven wins and four losses, a notable improvement under new leadership.
Rex Dockery: Hired in 1978, Dockery brought a renewed offensive strategy and revitalized team culture.
Sun Bowl champions: Texas Tech defeated the University of Richmond 34–14 in the 1978 Sun Bowl on December 23.
Southwest Conference play: The Red Raiders faced tough competition within the SWC, finishing with a 5–3 conference record.
Alan Bowman: Though not yet on the roster, future standout quarterback names are often confused; the 1978 starting QB was actually Gary Anderson, who led key drives.

Season Performance & Key Games

The 1978 campaign included several pivotal matchups that defined the team’s trajectory. Early-season wins established momentum, while conference clashes tested their resilience against SWC rivals.

September 9, 1978: Texas Tech opened with a 24–10 win over New Mexico, setting a positive tone for the season.
October 14, 1978: A crucial 20–17 victory over Baylor demonstrated the team’s ability to win tight games.
November 11, 1978: The 24–21 loss to Texas A&M highlighted defensive struggles in high-pressure games.
November 25, 1978: A 28–14 win over Texas sealed their bowl eligibility and boosted postseason hopes.
December 23, 1978: The Sun Bowl win over Richmond (34–14) was the team’s most dominant performance of the year.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the 1978 season to the previous and following years to illustrate trends in performance and coaching impact.

Season	Head Coach	Overall Record	Conference Record	Bowl Result
1977	Bill Byrne	5–6	3–5	None
1978	Rex Dockery	7–4	5–3	Won Sun Bowl (34–14 vs. Richmond)
1979	Rex Dockery	4–7	3–5	None
1980	Rex Dockery	4–7	3–5	None
1981	Joe Conners	1–10	0–8	None

The 1978 season stands out as a high point between two periods of decline. The Sun Bowl victory was the program’s last bowl win until 1984, underscoring its significance in Texas Tech football history.

Why It Matters

The 1978 season holds historical importance for Texas Tech football, representing a brief resurgence before a prolonged downturn. It demonstrated the potential of strategic coaching changes and postseason success at the Division I-A level.

Program momentum: The 7–4 record and bowl win generated optimism among fans and administrators.
Coaching legacy: Rex Dockery’s initial success contrasted with later struggles, highlighting the volatility of college football leadership.
Bowl tradition: The Sun Bowl victory contributed to Texas Tech’s growing bowl game legacy, which now includes over 40 appearances.
Player development: The season helped identify talent for future recruiting and roster building.
Regional impact: Success in 1978 strengthened Texas Tech’s presence in the competitive Texas college football landscape.
Historical marker: The 1978 team is remembered as one of the last successful squads before a challenging decade.

While not a national powerhouse season, 1978 remains a notable chapter in Texas Tech’s football narrative, symbolizing both achievement and the unpredictability of collegiate sports.