The game was played on January 2, 2009, at the self-named stadium in Dallas, Texas, and was televised in the United States on FOX.

The Raiders had the first two scores (both touchdowns) of the game with a 35-yard pass from Graham Harrell at the 6:31 mark of the first quarter and a Darcel McBath 45 yard interception return at the 5:22 mark of the first quarter to start the game with a 14-0 lead over the Ole Miss Rebels.

Ole Miss would remain in the lead over Texas Tech for the rest of the game, ending with a final score of 47-34.

This had another meaning, as it foreshadowed the next week in the 2009 BCS National Championship Game, which pitted the Florida Gators, also of the SEC, against the Oklahoma Sooners, also of the Big 12.

In the game, Graham Harrell broke the record for more touchdown passes thrown than anyone in major-college history.