What Is 1968 Texas Tech Red Raiders football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1968 Texas Tech Red Raiders football team represented Texas Tech University during the 1968 NCAA University Division season, finishing with a 4–6 record under head coach Spike Dykes. They competed in the Southwest Conference and played home games at Clifford B. Jones Stadium in Lubbock, Texas.

Key Facts

The 1968 Texas Tech Red Raiders finished the season with a 4–6 overall record
Head coach Spike Dykes led the team during its final season before his departure
They played home games at Clifford B. Jones Stadium in Lubbock, Texas
The team competed in the Southwest Conference and went 2–4 in conference play
Quarterback Steve Van Buren was the offensive leader, throwing for 1,042 yards

Overview

The 1968 Texas Tech Red Raiders football team represented Texas Tech University in the NCAA University Division football season. Competing in the Southwest Conference (SWC), the team was led by head coach Spike Dykes, who was in his final year at the helm after five seasons. Despite showing flashes of offensive potential, the Red Raiders struggled to maintain consistency across the season.

The team played its home games at Clifford B. Jones Stadium in Lubbock, Texas, a venue that had been their home since 1947. The 1968 campaign marked the end of an era as Dykes stepped down after the season, paving the way for a new coaching direction. Though not one of the program’s most successful years, it remains a documented chapter in Texas Tech football history.

Record: The 1968 Red Raiders finished with a 4–6 overall record, including a 2–4 mark in Southwest Conference play.
Head Coach: Spike Dykes coached his final season in 1968, compiling a 4–6 record before departing for a career in administration.
Home Stadium: Clifford B. Jones Stadium, located in Lubbock, Texas, hosted all home games with a capacity of approximately 40,000.
Offensive Leader: Quarterback Steve Van Buren led the offense, throwing for 1,042 yards and 7 touchdowns during the season.
Defensive Challenges: The defense allowed an average of 23.1 points per game, struggling against key SWC opponents like Texas and Arkansas.

How It Works

The 1968 season operated under standard NCAA University Division rules, with teams playing an 11-game regular season schedule. Games were played on Saturdays, and standings were determined by win-loss records within the conference.

Season Format: Teams played a mix of non-conference and conference games; Texas Tech played 10 games in 1968, including key rivals.
Scoring System: Teams earned 6 points for a touchdown and 3 for a field goal, with extra points worth 1 or 2 points after touchdowns.
Player Eligibility: NCAA rules required student-athletes to maintain academic standing and amateur status to participate in games.
Coaching Structure: The head coach managed play-calling, staff coordination, and player development, with assistants focusing on position groups.
Game Day Operations: Home games at Jones Stadium involved pregame preparations, media coverage, and fan engagement activities.
Conference Play: The Southwest Conference used head-to-head results to determine standings and potential bowl eligibility.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1968 Texas Tech Red Raiders’ performance can be better understood when compared to peer teams in the Southwest Conference and national averages.

Team	Overall Record	Conference Record	Points For	Points Against
Texas Tech	4–6	2–4	167	231
Arkansas	8–3	5–2	286	142
Texas	7–4	4–3	222	138
Baylor	4–6	3–4	188	205
SMU	2–8	1–6	138	271

Compared to conference leaders like Arkansas and Texas, Texas Tech ranked in the lower half of the SWC. Their 167 total points scored placed them near the bottom, while their defense conceded more than the league average. Despite similar records to Baylor, the Red Raiders had a weaker point differential, highlighting inconsistencies in both offense and defense.

Why It Matters

The 1968 season holds historical significance for Texas Tech football as a transitional year that set the stage for future changes. While not a championship contender, the team’s performance reflected broader challenges within the program during the late 1960s.

Coaching Transition: Spike Dykes’ departure marked the end of a five-year tenure, leading to the hiring of a new head coach in 1969.
Recruiting Shifts: The season highlighted the need for stronger recruiting, especially in defensive positions, to remain competitive in the SWC.
Stadium Legacy: Games at Jones Stadium continued to build fan loyalty and support for future athletic investments.
Conference Context: The Southwest Conference was highly competitive, and consistent performance was essential for bowl eligibility and national recognition.
Historical Record: The 1968 season is preserved in Texas Tech’s football archives, contributing to the program’s long-term narrative.
Player Development: Athletes like Steve Van Buren gained experience that helped shape future team leadership and on-field strategy.

Though overshadowed by more successful seasons, the 1968 campaign remains a factual milestone in Texas Tech’s football journey, illustrating both the challenges and resilience of collegiate athletics during that era.