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Texas Tech Red Raiders vs BYU Cougars Game Preview
The Texas Tech Red Raiders return home for a marquee Big 12 clash against the unbeaten BYU Cougars in a matchup drawing national attention and ESPN’s College GameDay to Lubbock for the first time in years.
No. 8 Texas Tech (8–1, 5–1 Big 12) and No. 7 BYU (8–0, 5–0) are separated by a single spot in the College Football Playoff rankings, with both programs aiming to keep their championship hopes alive. The Red Raiders enter on a five-game home winning streak, while BYU’s unbeaten run features clutch wins over Utah, Arizona, and Iowa State.
Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire called this “one of those weeks where you feel college football’s pageantry everywhere,” as fans have camped outside Jones AT&T Stadium since early in the week. For the Cougars, head coach Kalani Sitake knows his team must play a complete 60-minute game to survive the Red Raiders’ offensive firepower.
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Odds and Key Information
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Spread | Texas Tech –10.0 / BYU +10.0 |
| Moneyline | Texas Tech –365 / BYU +287 |
| Total (O/U) | 52.5 points |
| Venue | Jones AT&T Stadium, Lubbock, TX |
| Time | Saturday, Nov. 8, 12:00 PM ET |
| Broadcast | ABC |
Texas Tech is 6–0 straight up at home this season, while BYU has covered in eight of its last nine games as an underdog.
Texas Tech Outlook
The Texas Tech Red Raiders are peaking at the right time, led by an offense that ranks among the top five nationally in scoring (392 total points). Quarterback Behren Morton has matured into a reliable leader, completing 65.6% of his passes for 1,750 yards, 15 touchdowns, and just four interceptions.
Running back Cameron Dickey (746 rushing yards, 10 TDs) anchors a balanced ground game averaging 199 yards per contest at home. His power-running style complements Morton’s precision in the short passing game. Wide receiver Caleb Douglas has emerged as a consistent target with 41 catches for 594 yards and four touchdowns.
Defensively, the Red Raiders are forcing turnovers and pressuring quarterbacks effectively. They rank fifth nationally in sacks and have limited opponents to 21.1 points per game during their current five-game winning streak. Defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter’s unit thrives on creating third-and-long situations, a formula that will be crucial against BYU’s balanced offense.
If Texas Tech can protect Morton and win the line-of-scrimmage battle, their offense should find success against BYU’s secondary.
BYU Outlook
The BYU Cougars continue to find ways to win in every environment, displaying a mix of physicality and resilience that has fueled their 8–0 start.
Quarterback Bear Bachmeier (1,693 yards, 11 TDs, 3 INTs) has kept the offense efficient and turnover-free, while running back LJ Martin has been the workhorse, compiling 789 yards and five touchdowns in eight games. His availability, however, is in question after leaving last week’s win over Iowa State with a minor injury.
The Cougars’ defense has been quietly elite. They rank 15th nationally in sacks (23) and 13th in interceptions (10), showcasing their ability to pressure quarterbacks and capitalize on mistakes. BYU’s defensive front will need another strong performance to contain Texas Tech’s high-tempo offense.
Coach Sitake emphasized during the week that his team “still hasn’t played a complete game yet,” a statement that reflects both the Cougars’ high ceiling and their coach’s drive for refinement. To stay unbeaten, BYU must avoid slow starts and win turnover margin — something they’ve done in six of their eight victories.
Key Storylines
College GameDay spotlight – Lubbock is buzzing as ESPN’s premier pregame show arrives, amplifying the pressure and excitement around Texas Tech’s biggest home game in years.
Quarterback efficiency – Both Morton and Bachmeier excel at avoiding turnovers, which could make third-down conversions and red-zone execution decisive.
Trenches decide everything – Texas Tech’s offensive line faces a major test against BYU’s heavy, physical front seven that has thrived at collapsing pockets.
Health watch – LJ Martin’s recovery and BYU’s depth at running back will influence their offensive rhythm.
Betting Trends
- BYU is 8–1 ATS as an underdog in its last nine games.
- The Cougars are 9–1 straight up in their last 10 road games.
- Texas Tech is 6–0 straight up at home this season.
- The Red Raiders are 9–2 ATS in their last 11 overall.
- The total has gone over in five of BYU’s last seven games following a win.
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Predictions
The Texas Tech Red Raiders enter with the better balance and home-field momentum, but the BYU Cougars have the veteran discipline to keep this one close. Expect explosive plays early, sustained drives in the middle quarters, and a tight finish decided by red-zone efficiency.
Projected score: Texas Tech 35, BYU 30
Spread pick: BYU +10.0
Total lean: Over 52.5
BYU’s experience and situational defense keep this game within reach, but Texas Tech’s offensive depth and home edge help them survive a late surge from the Cougars.
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