There is more than just a Big 12 championship trophy on the line when Texas Tech and BYU meet for the second time in Arlington, Texas. The Red Raiders would secure a first-round bye with a win. Meanwhile, BYU is fighting for its playoff life. Because of the playoff committee’s penultimate rankings slotting the Cougars at 11, they must win this game, or they will be out of the playoffs. What kind of adjustments will Kalani Sitake and Joey McGuire have for each other in round two of this Big 12 heavyweight fight?
What Can BYU Do On Offense?
When these two teams met the first time in Lubbock, it was one of the few times this season that BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier looked like a true freshman. He turned the ball over twice and was 23-for-38 passing for only 188 yards. BYU, which ranks second in the Big 12 and 23rd nationally in rushing offense, couldn’t run the ball against the Red Raider defense (67 yards). How can BYU change the script in the Big 12 championship? They have to find a solution against one of the nation’s top defenses that ranks tied for second with 27 takeaways and third with only 11.3 points allowed.
It is noteworthy that running LJ Martin was banged up leading into the game. He only had 10 rushing attempts in the game after getting injured the week prior against Iowa State (he only had five rushing attempts). In the other six Big 12 games, BYU has had a healthy Martin in the backfield; he has carried it no less than 21 times in each of those games. The Cougar offense must run through him.
Even if the rushing game struggles early, they must stay committed to it. Texas Tech only sacked Bachmeier one time in their first matchup. But that doesn’t illustrate how much pressure he was under. When the Red Raiders didn’t have to worry about the running game, Bachmeier had little time to operate. Additionally, this team needs to be aware of where Heisman candidate Jacob Rodriguez is on the field at all times. In their last matchup, he had 14 total tackles and an interception.
Red Raider Redzone Woes Repeat?
Just like BYU, Texas Tech had its own major offensive contributor at less than 100%. Quarterback Behren Morton was noticeably immobile when facing the pass rush from the BYU defense. And yet, even with Morton being limited, the offense moved the ball well against the BYU defense that ranks in the top 30 in total defense. What kept this game close for much of the game on the scoreboard was the lack of touchdowns in the red zone. Texas Tech got the ball inside BYU’s 20 six times and had a drive stall out on BYU’s 21-yard line. Of those seven possessions, only two resulted in two touchdowns. It has been an issue that has been a sore subject for most of the season.
However, in the last two games against UCF and West Virginia, they have had a combined 12 trips into the red zone, resulting in 10 touchdowns scored. In the Big 12 championship game, the Red Raiders must continue that type of touchdown efficiency. Leaning on running back Cameron Dickey in that area of the field could be a good option. He leads the team with 15 total touchdowns.
Big 12 Championship Prediction
For the first time in program history, Texas Tech will play a team for a second time in a single season. Beating the same team in one football season is a difficult task for anyone. No question, BYU is going to make life more challenging for Texas Tech this second time around. BYU made a few uncharacteristic mistakes (muffed punt) in the last meeting. Those shouldn’t show up in the Big 12 championship game.
However, the level of dominance Texas Tech has displayed this season is historic. They are only the sixth team in the past 100 years to win at least 11 regular-season games by at least 20 points. They now join 1971 Nebraska, ‘08 Florida, ‘13 Florida State, ’18 Alabama, and ’19 Ohio State. Three of those teams won a national championship, with only Ohio State not making a national championship appearance in 2019. Texas Tech leads the nation with an average margin of victory of 35.2 points. While BYU will hang around for the first half of the Big 12 championship, Texas Tech pulls away in the second half. The Red Raiders finish out the season 12-1 with their first outright title since winning the Border Conference in 1955.
Texas Tech 31, BYU 14
How To Watch
Day/Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Time: 12pm EST
Location: AT&T Stadium; Arlington, TX
TV: ABC
Main Image: Stephen Garcia/Avalanche-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
