The Night Arlington Became the Center of the CFP Conversation
The first half in Arlington looked like a potential BYU upset; the Cougars struck first on a 90-yard, 14-play drive capped by a touchdown from running back LJ Martin. However, after that, it was all Texas Tech. The Red Raiders surged in the second half, scoring 34 unanswered points to crush BYU 34–7 and claim their first-ever Big 12 Conference championship. Texas Tech’s performance showcased why its impressive offseason investment is paying off. Quarterback Behren Morton threaded the needle all game, finishing with 215 passing yards in a box score listing by the way, to go along with a balanced attack that featured 149 rushing yards; a far cry from the run-heavy plan BYU’s defense expected. Meanwhile, the defense, headlined by linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, slammed the door shut. Rodriguez piled up double-digit tackles, anchored a unit that forced multiple turnovers in the second half, and completely neutralized BYU’s tempo.
For BYU, the opening drive offered a flash of hope but that was as good as it got. After that, their offense was completely stagnant, limited to just 255 total yards and hindered by turnovers that destroyed any motion. Their playoff hopes, which had some life entering the game, are now basically nonexistent. The Cougars simply couldn’t establish consistency in the passing game, and their inability to stretch the field allowed Texas Tech’s defense to load the box without hesitation. Missed assignments and breakdowns in protection only widened the gap as the game wore on. By the fourth quarter, BYU looked overwhelmed, outpaced, and searching for answers that never came.
This win isn’t just a trophy for Texas Tech; it’s a statement. Going 12-1 overall and winning the Big 12 title in convincing fashion nearly guarantees them a top four seed and a first-round bye in the expanding 12-team CFP format. After a season filled with blowout wins, many by more than 20 points, the Red Raiders look poised for a deep playoff run. As Rodriguez put it after the win: “If we’re going to buy a team, why not be the best?” In short, Texas Tech didn’t just beat the Cougars tonight; they slaughtered them, and in doing so, may have cemented their path to the national title conversation.
