The weekend game between No. 8-ranked Texas Tech and No. 7-ranked BYU has to be the most anticipated matchup of Week 11 in college football. There’s too much at stake for both programs. BYU is protecting its undefeated status. The Red Raiders have too much to lose as well, especially with Texas Tech’s playoff aspirations on the line after their $28 million offseason roster investment. Tech head coach Joey McGuire knows how hungry BYU is and understands what is on the line.

On November 5, Texas Tech Football’s official X handle dropped a clip from “What’s Next with Joey McGuire” where the head coach appeared fully locked in. Despite having the tied third-best offense in the country (43.6 points per game), he knows precisely what is at stake. McGuire said the players had earned the right to compete, not the right to win: “I started with you earned the right to play in this game, like you earned the right to play in this magnitude of game, day, all that stuff, but you haven’t earned the right to win, you know?”

This stern reminder was intended to reinforce the importance of preparation, from the very first practice of the week to game day. McGuire stressed that winning isn’t promised or bought. Winning comes from hard work and the right mindset. It’s a universal mantra for all sports teams.

He doubled down and made it pretty clear that the focus needs to stay strictly on football. He also warned his team that any outside distractions could derail their chances. “You make it about anything else, we’re going to miss the mark, and we’re not going to be ready to go. These guys are going to be ready to go. They’re vets. They know what’s in front of them, they watched call it. And so they know exactly what’s staff knows what’s on the line. You know, everybody knows what’s on the line.”

The Red Raiders simply cannot afford to lose this game. The Big 12 has been highly unpredictable this season, with all new teams constantly shaking up the standings. Now, that’s precisely the type of competition McGuire wants to see.

Texas Tech is 5-1 in conference play, the same as Cincinnati. If the Red Raiders lose this weekend, the Cincinnati Bearcats could jump them in the standings. And most definitely take the spot to compete in the Big 12 Championship and potentially the playoffs. The Red Raiders’ defense ranks first in the nation in rushing yards allowed (74.6 per game) and only allows an average of 13.2 points per game. It’s all thanks to the elite play of Jacob Rodriguez and Romello Height.

Their excellent run defense will be put to the test this weekend as BYU’s true freshman Bear Bachmeier already has nine rushing touchdowns this season. McGuire believes that a decisive win here would finally earn the Big 12 the national attention it deserves. The stakes are too high, with even College GameDay making its return almost 20 years after its initial debut.

College GameDay returns to Lubbock

Texas Tech Athletics officially announced today that the ESPN College GameDay crew will visit Lubbock this weekend. After hosting Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff last year, Texas Tech is now set to welcome College GameDay to the exact location. The Green Space is located just west of Jones AT&T Stadium. This marks an exciting event for the school and fans alike.

This will be the second time College GameDay has visited Lubbock, as the last time was 17 years ago. Notably, Texas Tech pulled off a massive upset against the top-ranked Texas Longhorns team. However, the Red Raiders plan to run it back. The buzz around the game continues to grow as the Red Raiders seek their third consecutive win, aiming to break the 40-point barrier once again.

The College GameDay broadcast will start at 8 a.m. It will move inside Jones AT&T Stadium at 10 a.m., just before the game begins. Kickoff for the game is set for Saturday at Jones AT&T Stadium. To sum up, with the College GameDay crew in town, it’s shaping up to be an unforgettable day for Texas Tech football.