(Photo: Clutchpoints)
Saturday Spotlight
(7) BYU Cougars at (8) Texas Tech Red Raiders
BYU (8-0):
I can say they were an afterthought when the preseason predictions for the Big 12 were revealed. Utah was a heavy favorite to win the conference, and many believed the Arizona State Sun Devils would also be in contention after last year’s success under Kenny Dillingham, who clearly has something promising brewing in Tempe. Both of those teams, however, have underachieved this year. The mark of a great football team is when injuries begin to pile up, yet they still find ways to win because the “next man up” mentality kicks in — and that’s exactly what I’ve seen from this BYU program. Kalani Sitake has done wonders in Provo and will continue to do so if the Cougars keep recruiting well and utilize the transfer portal to its full advantage. This team lost LJ Martin to a shoulder injury earlier in the season, and since then, Coach Sitake has handed the keys to freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier, who has kept the ship steady. At this moment, there are six undefeated teams remaining in the country: the Ohio State Buckeyes, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, Indiana Hoosiers, Navy Midshipmen, Texas A&M Aggies, and these BYU Cougars. This is a football team that believes it can match up with anyone. They excel at blocking and tackling, their defense gets off the field on third down, and their offense can wear opponents down with a running game averaging just over 200 yards per contest. Today, they head to Lubbock to battle a formidable opponent.
Texas Tech (8-1):
When I first saw this group play, it was in Week 4 in Salt Lake City against the Utah Utes. At that time, it was expected to be their toughest challenge of the year since their first three opponents weren’t exactly eye-popping — but they got the job done, and that’s what matters most. In that game against Utah, this wasn’t your typical high-powered Texas Tech offense. Yes, they have speed and can use tempo whenever they choose, but they’re also capable of slowing the game down and attacking with their ground game. That was also the game when Behren Morton left with an injury and Will Hammond stepped in — and the offense didn’t miss a beat. I like what Joey McGuire has cooking in Lubbock. Throughout the season, I’ve often found myself comparing this Texas Tech team to the 2022 TCU Horned Frogs, though I think this Red Raiders squad is actually more talented. Behren is the conductor of this offense — they go as he goes. In my opinion, this is one of the most underrated defenses not just in the Big 12, but in the entire nation. I saw how stingy they were against the Utes and how one-dimensional they made that offense look. This could easily be one of those dark horse teams that makes a playoff run in December. This afternoon, they welcome the BYU Cougars to town for a marquee Big 12 showdown.
BYU X-Factor: LJ Martin
He is expected to return to the field today, and his presence will give the BYU offense a significant boost in terms of balance. LJ has become the heartbeat of this Cougars offense, and when he’s the focal point, the unit can stay ahead of the chains, open up play-action for Bachmeier, and control tempo — keeping opposing offenses on the sideline. LJ is slippery in space and capable of breaking tackles to grind out tough yards. His impact alone could force Texas Tech to drop an extra safety into the box. If BYU is going to hang with this physical Red Raiders defense, it will start — and probably end — with LJ Martin.
Texas Tech X-Factor: Jacob Rodriguez
This Red Raiders defense is full of playmakers, and Jacob is one of the best among them. He ranks among the nation’s leaders in forced fumbles and tackles for loss, and he’s the quintessential disruptor at the second level. When BYU looks to establish its running game, Rodriguez will need to attack downhill, shed blockers, and fly to the football. If he can make his presence felt against this BYU offense, Texas Tech’s defense will dictate the game — and that’s exactly where they want to be.
Final Thoughts:
We have a top-10 matchup in the Big 12 here. BYU, as mentioned, is one of the six remaining undefeated teams, while Texas Tech has been one of the conference’s best all season — minus a hiccup against Arizona State. The Cougars are the real deal. Their defense plays with a mean streak and consistently makes plays in key moments. Texas Tech, on the other hand, features a balanced offense paired with a physical, opportunistic defense. For BYU, the keys will be: Win the turnover battle (they forced five turnovers the last time these two teams met). Control the line of scrimmage and run the football and manage the clock, control tempo, and limit big plays on defense. For Texas Tech: Assert physical dominance early and win the trenches on both sides.protect the football and avoid mistakes that could spark BYU and lastly, control tempo and sustain drives to keep BYU’s offense off the field. When the Red Raiders are firing on all cylinders, they’re one of the best teams in the nation. I see BYU competing hard through the first half, but Texas Tech’s efficiency and defensive explosiveness will take over down the stretch.
