Red Raiders Stun Undefeated Cougars in Top-10 Big 12 Showdown
The Texas Tech Red Raiders delivered a statement win on Saturday, dismantling the previously undefeated BYU Cougars 29-7 in Lubbock. In a game billed as one of the biggest in Texas Tech history, the No. 8 Red Raiders suffocated the No. 7 Cougars with a relentless defensive performance, shaking up the Big 12 title race and the College Football Playoff picture.
Defensive Domination Defines the Day
Texas Tech’s defense, led by national sack leader David Bailey, set the tone early and never let up. The Red Raiders forced BYU’s freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier into uncomfortable situations all afternoon, holding the Cougars to just one touchdown and stifling their usually balanced attack.
BYU, who entered the game with a top-25 defense and a top-40 offense, simply couldn’t find answers. The Cougars’ offensive line struggled to contain Texas Tech’s pass rush, and their ground game was bottled up from the opening whistle. The Red Raiders’ 17 forced fumbles this season are now the second most in NCAA Division I, and their opportunistic play was on full display.
Key Moments and Standout Performances
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First Quarter Surge: Texas Tech jumped out to a 10-0 lead, highlighted by a 9-yard touchdown pass from Behren Morton to Caleb Douglas, capping a 92-yard drive.
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Relentless Pressure: The Red Raiders’ defense consistently harassed Bachmeier, forcing turnovers and limiting BYU’s explosive plays.
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BYU’s Lone Bright Spot: The Cougars managed just one touchdown, a testament to Texas Tech’s suffocating scheme and execution.
What This Means for the Big 12 and Playoff Race
With this win, Texas Tech all but locks up a spot in the Big 12 Championship Game and vaults into serious College Football Playoff contention. For BYU, the loss is a gut punch—ending their undefeated run and complicating their path to the postseason’s biggest stage.
This was only the third meeting ever between these programs, and the first in Lubbock since 1940. The stakes couldn’t have been higher, and Texas Tech rose to the occasion in front of a raucous home crowd.
Expert Insights and Future Implications
Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt noted before the game that BYU’s Bear Bachmeier had drawn comparisons to TCU’s Max Duggan for his poise and playmaking, but questioned whether the freshman could handle the pressure in Lubbock. Saturday’s result suggests the Red Raiders’ defense was simply too much for even the most promising young quarterback.
Looking ahead, Texas Tech’s defense appears championship-caliber, and their momentum could carry them deep into December. BYU, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly if they hope to salvage a New Year’s Six bowl bid.
Takeaways
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Texas Tech’s defense is among the nation’s elite, and their physicality could be the difference in the Big 12 title race.
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BYU’s magical season hits a major roadblock, but the Cougars remain a dangerous opponent for anyone left on their schedule.
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The Big 12 playoff picture just got a lot more interesting, with Texas Tech now firmly in the driver’s seat.
Sources
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