BYU, Texas Tech Face Off in Playoff Showdown This Weekend

ARLINGTON, Texas — BYU and Texas Tech are set to clash this Saturday, both vying for a top spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings. The matchup features two top-10 teams, with BYU ranked seventh and Texas Tech eighth. Both have a solid shot at securing at-large bids for the playoffs.

The College Football Playoff selection committee released its first rankings on Tuesday, highlighting the importance of strength of schedule in determining playoff contenders. This year, the Big 12 conference appears well-positioned, with three teams in the top 13.

BYU has maintained an unbeaten record of 8-0, but its victories have not come easily. The Cougars have needed to come back in the second half against teams like Colorado, Arizona, and Iowa State. Nevertheless, they hold a notable win against top-15 ranked Utah.

Texas Tech, boasting an 8-1 record, is similarly strong, sitting right behind BYU in the rankings. The Red Raiders lost their only game to a fully fit Arizona State while their starting quarterback, Behren Morton, was unavailable. They have dominated matches since, with an average margin of victory of 34.6 points, including a decisive 23-point win against Kansas State last week.

In terms of playoff predictions, statistics suggest Texas Tech has a 72 percent chance of making the playoffs, the highest among Big 12 teams. BYU, while undefeated, will need to perform at its best this weekend to increase its chances.

Utah, another contender from the Big 12, is ranked 13th in the CFP polls but has shown formidable strength, averaging a victory margin of 36.4 points, despite their two losses.

As the season progresses, football fans are eager to see if both BYU and Texas Tech can secure their playoff positions. A win for BYU would almost guarantee them a spot in the Big 12 title game, while a Texas Tech victory could set up an intriguing race at the top of the Big 12 standings.