Overview
- Texas Tech enters 9-1 overall and 6-1 in the Big 12 after a 29-7 win over then-No. 7 BYU, with two regular-season games left against UCF and West Virginia.
- Reuters notes the Red Raiders are 6-0 in Lubbock and seeking a fourth straight victory, reinforcing their position in the Big 12 race and the CFP picture.
- Linebacker Jacob Rodriguez leads the nation with seven forced fumbles and has 91 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions and two fumble recoveries, drawing Heisman support from coach Joey McGuire and alumnus Patrick Mahomes.
- UCF arrives 4-5 (1-5 Big 12) after a 30-27 loss to Houston in which Phillip Dunnam recorded a program-record three interceptions, and the Knights have dropped five of six with ongoing road struggles.
- The Sun Sentinel lists Texas Tech as a 24-point favorite and reports the program’s roster was heavily fortified through the portal and NIL, including a reported near-$28 million investment.