Dust off those Southwest Conference yearbooks, folks. A rivalry dormant for over three decades reignites this December when the Texas Tech Red Raiders and Arkansas Razorbacks square off in the 2024 Liberty Bowl. While the two teams haven’t met on the gridiron since 1991, their history is rich, spanning 35 games filled with memorable moments and heated competition.
Texas Tech enters the game looking to notch their fourth straight bowl victory, a feat that would solidify their program’s upward trajectory. Meanwhile, Arkansas hopes to use this game as a springboard for a stronger 2025 campaign. For the Red Raiders, running back Tahj Brooks, who cemented his name in the record books as Texas Tech’s all-time leading rusher in November, will be a key player to watch. His performance could very well dictate the Raiders’ offensive success.
Beyond the immediate implications of the game, this Liberty Bowl matchup represents a nostalgic trip back in time for longtime fans. It’s a chance to reminisce about the days when the Red Raiders and Razorbacks were conference foes, engaging in annual battles for bragging rights. This game is more than just a postseason contest; it’s a revival of a historic rivalry, a chance to add another chapter to a storied saga. Whether you bleed scarlet and black or cardinal and white, this game offers a compelling narrative, a chance to witness the next installment in a rivalry renewed.
The 2024 Liberty Bowl kicks off on Friday, December 27, at 7:00 PM ET on ESPN, live from Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee.