Texas Tech cruised past rival BYU in the Big 12 Championship Game, delivering an even stronger performance than in their Week 11 meeting. The Red Raiders dominated from start to finish, securing a 34-7 victory. For head coach Joey McGuire, the win carried added meaning, as it fulfilled a promise made to quarterback Behren Morton’s father six months earlier.

With just under five minutes remaining, Stone Harrington’s 28-yard field goal signaled the final confirmation: McGuire had led Texas Tech to a Big 12 title in the program’s first-ever appearance in the championship game. The moment also marked the completion of the promise McGuire and Morton made to Morton’s father, delivering a Big 12 championship to the Red Raiders.

“In June, (Behren Morton) and I both said, we’re going to win the Big 12 championship, and we’re going to walk out of Cowboys Stadium together. His dad sent me a text this week and said, just make sure I get a picture of you two walking out.” McGuire revealed in the post-game press conference.

On the other side, BYU’s playoff hopes effectively came to an end. After taking an early lead on an LJ Martin rushing touchdown in the first quarter, the Cougars were unable to maintain control. Texas Tech overturned the score in the second quarter and continued to pull away, ultimately taking command of the game.

Texas Tech’s defense delivered a dominant performance, forcing four turnovers in the second half and holding BYU scoreless over the final three quarters. The win secures a first-round bye for the Red Raiders in the College Football Playoff. BYU, meanwhile, must now wait and hope the selection committee considers them for an at-large bid, especially since their only two losses this season came against Texas Tech.

What’s next for Joey McGuire and Texas Tech?

Finishing the regular season with a 12-1 record is impressive on its own. So how can Joey McGuire top it? By doing the unthinkable: winning the College Football Playoff National Championship. The Red Raiders are set to face a brutal field in the quarterfinals. Indiana, Ohio State, and Georgia have already secured playoff spots alongside Texas Tech.

Alabama could miss the playoff after its 28-7 loss to Georgia, which would open the door for Notre Dame or Miami to enter the field. No opponent will be an easy matchup for Texas Tech. However, McGuire’s team is no pushover either. The Red Raiders are one of the most balanced squads in the nation.

Texas Tech ranks inside the national top 25 in several key categories: points per game (3rd, 43.2), points allowed (3rd, 11.3), passing yards (9th, 295.6), and rushing yards (25th, 193.6). As the Big 12 representative, they will be a difficult draw for any team they face in the quarterfinal round.

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With the Big 12 title secured, Joey McGuire now sets his sights on the ultimate prize: a national championship.