Tech had suspended coach Mike Leach, and the Alamodome brewed with discontent. Leach’s staff backed him. So did Tech fans, who held up “Team Leach” signs. But Tech players weren’t so supportive, many indicating they were on the side of teammate Adam James, whose treatment by Leach led to the suspension.
Amidst the turmoil, a funny thing happened. The old Texas Tech offense broke out. The Red Raiders, who weren’t having a glorious season, beat Michigan State 41-31.
And Bob Stoops took notice. Lincoln Riley, all of 26 years old, didn’t know he’d be coordinating the Tech offense for that bowl game until after landing in San Antonio.