In their fifth season under head coach Mike Leach, the Red Raiders compiled an overall record of 8–4 record with a mark of 5–3 in conference play, finished in a tie for third place in Southern Division of the Big 12, defeated California in the 2004 Holiday Bowl, and outscored opponents by a combined total of 434 to 314.

Cumbie would later serve as an assistant coach for the program starting in 2009, eventually being promoted to co-offensive coordinator in 2013.

The Horned Frogs jumped out to a 21–0 lead midway through the second quarter before the Red Raiders scored 56 unanswered points.

Texas Tech got on the board first, with Kansas running back John Randle being tackled in his own end zone for a safety.

Texas Tech would then respond with a 34-yard field goal from Alex Trlica with under a minute left in the first quarter.

The Red Raiders would score their first touchdown in the closing seconds of the first half, with a 32-yard pass from Sonny Cumbie to Trey Haverty.

Quarterback Sonny Cumbie had an uneven game, completing 28-of-52 passes (53.8%) for 356 yards with two touchdowns and four interceptions.

Wide receiver Danny Amendola lost a fumble, bringing the Red Raiders' turnover total to five.