When it comes to exciting college football rivalries, Arizona State and Texas Tech might not be the first names you think of—but they should be! These two teams have clashed on the gridiron with explosive offenses, dramatic finishes, and lots of history tucked into a small number of games. This rivalry is not as constant as some others, but when they meet, it’s must-watch football.
TL;DR Summary
Arizona State and Texas Tech have only met a handful of times, but each matchup has been high-scoring and packed with energy. Both teams love to light up the scoreboard. The rivalry is relatively balanced, with neither team truly dominating the other. Their classic 2017 shootout is one for the ages.
How the Rivalry Started
This rivalry didn’t begin as a yearly showdown. In fact, Arizona State and Texas Tech have only met a few times. But when they do meet, sparks fly. The series began in 1999 and has featured a blend of nail-biters and blowouts.
- First Meeting: 1999
- Total Games Played: 3
- Series Record: Texas Tech leads 2-1
- Latest Game: 2017
Even with so few games, there’s enough action packed in to call this a rivalry. Each matchup brought fireworks, and fans still talk about them.
Breakdown of the Games
Game 1: 1999 – Texas Tech Wins Big
The first time these two clashed, Texas Tech was ready. They took down Arizona State with authority, winning 31-13. The Red Raiders played strong defense and moved the ball efficiently. ASU just couldn’t find their rhythm on offense.
Game 2: 2016 – Arizona State Responds
Seventeen years later, the teams met again in Tempe, Arizona. And boy, did ASU return the favor. The Sun Devils torched Texas Tech’s defense with a 68-55 win. It was an offensive masterpiece. Running back Kalen Ballage tied an FBS record with 8 total touchdowns! That’s right—8!
This game was an epic shootout. Total points scored? 123! Both teams combined for over 1,200 yards. It was the kind of wild Saturday night that fans live for.
Game 3: 2017 – Texas Tech Gets Revenge
A year later, Texas Tech hosted Arizona State. This time, their defense tightened up just enough to secure a 52-45 victory. It was another high-scoring affair, but the Red Raiders took control early and never let go. Quarterback Nic Shimonek had a monster night, throwing for over 500 yards!
The Sun Devils made a late push, but it wasn’t enough. This game gave the Red Raiders a 2-1 series lead. And once again, fans got their money’s worth— nearly 100 points total!
Key Stats from the Rivalry
Even with only three games, the stats from this rivalry are off the charts. Let’s break it down:
- Total Points Scored (All Games): 364
- Average Points per Game: 121.3
- Highest Scoring Game: 2016 – 123 total points
- Lowest Scoring Game: 1999 – 44 total points
- Most Passing Yards in a Game: 543 by Texas Tech in 2017
- Most Rushing Touchdowns: 8 by Kalen Ballage in 2016 (ties NCAA record)
What do these numbers tell us? One thing: don’t blink when these two meet. You’ll miss a touchdown.
Player Highlights
Kalen Ballage (ASU)
The star of 2016. His 8-touchdown performance is legendary. He ran, caught, and bulldozed through defenders all night long. Ballage’s big night put him in NCAA history books.
Nic Shimonek (Texas Tech)
In 2017, it was Shimonek’s turn to shine. He threw lasers all over the field and carved up ASU’s defense. His 543-yard performance played a major role in Texas Tech’s win.
Punt Return Action
Special teams didn’t get left out either. In the 2017 game, ASU’s N’Keal Harry returned a punt for a touchdown, giving Sun Devils fans a moment to cheer.
Why Fans Love This Matchup
It’s simple: offense, offense, offense!
If you enjoy constant action, long passes, big runs, and scoring galore, this rivalry is made for you. Defensive purists may cringe, but fans love the drama and excitement.
Plus, the games are unpredictable. In 2016, Arizona State shocked everyone. In 2017, Texas Tech got even. Each contest feels like a wild rollercoaster.
Future of the Rivalry
As of now, there’s no regular meeting scheduled between the two. Arizona State is moving to the Big 12 in 2024, which could spice things up. Now that both teams will be conference rivals, we might finally get this matchup more regularly.
Imagine these teams going head-to-head every year. The fireworks! The touchdowns! The bragging rights!
Who’s the Better Team?
It’s still too close to call. Texas Tech leads the series, but only by one game. ASU has the most dominant win (2016), while Tech has two solid victories.
Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Team | Wins | Points Scored | Record Holder |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State | 1 | 126 | Kalen Ballage – 8 TDs |
| Texas Tech | 2 | 145 | Nic Shimonek – 543 passing yds |
This just proves: both programs bring it when they face each other.
Fun Facts
- Each game has had more than 40 total points—every single one!
- No defense has ever truly stopped the other team.
- The 2016 game is one of the highest-scoring games in FBS history.
- Arizona State and Texas Tech have both had players drafted to the NFL after these games.
Final Thoughts
Arizona State vs. Texas Tech may not be the oldest rivalry, but it is definitely one of the most explosive. Every game brings something wild—gigantic plays, record-setting performances, and big-time energy.
Now that the Sun Devils are headed to the Big 12, we can hope for many more matchups. The college football world needs it. Fans need it. It’s football chaos—and we love it!