Texas Tech announced that it scheduled Houston Baptist as its lone nonconference opponent for the 2020 season. The game will take place on Sept. 12 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock. 

“While we are disappointed we aren’t able to play a full 12-game schedule, we are looking forward to Houston Baptist and five Big 12 games at home this season,” said Texas Tech athletic Kirby Hocutt. 

The new game likely means the previously scheduled matchup against UTEP is off the table, as the Big 12 is only allowing one nonconference game in 2020. The Red Raiders were scheduled to go on the road to the Sun Bowl, but the Big 12 mandated that all nonconference games must occur at Big 12 home stadiums. 

Houston Baptist, one of the youngest programs in Texas, is fresh off the best season in program history. The Huskies went 5-7, including a near-upset of UTEP in the season’s opening game. Quarterback Bailey Zappe is a DCTF Preseason All-Texas Small College selection after throwing for 3,811 yards and 35 touchdowns. 

The HBU staff features several Texas Tech ties. Offensive coordinator Zach Kittley is the son of track coach Wes Kittley, and running backs coach Tyler Schovanec is the son of Texas Tech president Lawrence Schovanec.  

Texas Tech will pay Houston Baptist $400,000 to play the game and will mandate the Huskies follow the Big 12’s COVID-19 protocols. 

The Red Raiders are the only Big 12 program in Texas that has confirmed their lone nonconference opponent as part of the Big 12’s “9+1” schedule at this time. All three of TCU’s previous nonconference opponents have canceled. Baylor has contracts with UIW and Louisiana Tech, while Texas has South Florida and UTEP on the schedule.

In addition to UTEP, Texas Tech previously scheduled Pac-12 opponent Arizona and SWAC opponent Alabama State.