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Harrell, Filani return to Lubbock as ACU coaches - acuoptimist.com
Graham Harrell and Joel Filani are heading back to Lubbock this Saturday, this time on the opposing sideline as Abilene Christian University offensive coordinators facing their alma mater Texas Tech. Harrell, who was inducted into the Texas Tech Hall of Fame in 2021, will coach against the Red Raiders at Galaxy Stadium, the venue formerly known as Jones AT&T Stadium.
Harrell, who was inducted into the Texas Tech Hall of Fame in 2021, will coach against the Red Raiders at Galaxy Stadium, the venue formerly known as Jones AT&T Stadium. Filani is also being inducted into the Texas Tech Hall of Fame as part of the trip, making the homecoming carry extra weight for both coaches.
ACU head coach Keith Patterson also has ties to Texas Tech, meaning the Wildcats' coaching staff arrives in Lubbock with deep roots in the program they're trying to beat. For players on the ACU roster, stepping into Galaxy Stadium won't feel like walking into unfamiliar territory given how connected this coaching staff is to the place.
Harrell put it plainly: when you come back as an opponent, the experience is stripped down to the game itself. No nostalgia tour, no reminiscing in the building where he made his name. Just football.
Filani getting inducted into the Hall of Fame the same weekend he's trying to knock off his old school is the kind of storyline that doesn't need any extra dressing up.
Common questions
Why are Graham Harrell and Joel Filani coming back to Lubbock?
- Harrell and Filani are returning to Lubbock as Abilene Christian University offensive coordinators to face their alma mater Texas Tech at Galaxy Stadium. Both have deep ties to the Red Raiders program, and Harrell was inducted into the Texas Tech Hall of Fame in 2021.
Is Joel Filani being inducted into the Texas Tech Hall of Fame?
- Yes, Joel Filani is being inducted into the Texas Tech Hall of Fame as part of this trip to Lubbock. The honor adds extra meaning to what is already a notable homecoming for Filani and fellow ACU coordinator Graham Harrell.
Where is the ACU vs. Texas Tech game being played?
- The game is being played at Galaxy Stadium in Lubbock, the venue formerly known as Jones AT&T Stadium. ACU head coach Keith Patterson also has Texas Tech ties, meaning much of the Wildcats' coaching staff has history with the stadium and program.
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