Texas Tech, Big 12 Powers Rise in Rankings After Wild Week 7
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LUBBOCK — Joey McGuire was happy with Texas Tech's dominance over Arizona State Saturday afternoon, with the 53-25 win feeling like the Red Raiders' most complete victory of their undefeated campaign.
Then, in the postgame press conference, McGuire acknowledged the chaos that had ensued nationwide. With Texas Tech sticking to its "1-0" mindset each week, McGuire says, the Red Raiders can compete for more than just another Big 12 title.
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The new rankings after a wild Week 7 reflect that belief.
The 6-0 (3-0 Big 12) Red Raiders come in at No. 5 in the US LBM Coaches' Poll and No. 8 in the Associated Press Top-25 rankings released Sunday.
Arguably the biggest winner of the weekend was the Big 12 Conference. BYU waited with bated breath until the final second of their night game hosting No. 2 Notre Dame before pulling off a 28-24 upset in Provo. Utah also remained undefeated with a narrow victory over Colorado.
The loss for the Fighting Irish capped an unprecedented day in college football. For the first time in the AP rankings era, five of the top seven nationally ranked squads lost on the same day (No. 1 Georgia, No. 2 Notre Dame, No. 5 Indiana, No. 6 Alabama and No. 7 Texas).
The Cougars moved up to No. 2 in this week's AP poll, and Utah, the third 6-0 Big 12 team, surged to No. 10.
Now more than ever, the Big 12 has a case for multiple bids in this year's 12-team College Football Playoff.
That format, however, will already see another change soon as media partners and the selection committee are nearing confirmation on an expanded 24-team playoff to end the 2027 season.
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As it relates to this season, Texas Tech's road to the CFP is easier than most, as long as the Red Raiders continue to handle business. Tech does not face either BYU or Utah this season; the Cougars and Utes will square off in a rivalry matchup on Nov. 7, likely determining Texas Tech's top conference competitor.
On a resume standpoint, previous wins for the Red Raiders have also gained credibility. Oregon State, whom Tech beat on the road in Week 2, is 5-2 overall and receiving votes in the AP poll, with standout freshman wide receiver Jesse Legree leading the nation with 1,040 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns – both more than Heisman Trophy candidate Jeremiah Smith of No. 3 Ohio State.
Texas Tech's Week 3 victory over the Houston Cougars also looks better and better with the new rankings. Houston rose to No. 14 in the AP poll after an upset win over Oklahoma State this weekend.
The Big 12 is ascending at just the right time, and the Red Raiders – who remain strong leaders on the recruiting trail in addition to their undefeated championship defense thus far – are at the center of a major dynamic shift in the national landscape.
"Our guys just keep responding – that's what you're supposed to do," McGuire said when asked about where Tech might land in the new rankings. "Your objective is to go 1-0 each week, and if you do that, good things are going to happen.
"This team is finding ways to win. … We'll line up against anybody."
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