Red Raiders break Big 12 curse after CFP reveal

The chaos of November continued to reshape the playoff table, and ours The projections for Week 11 reflect that while a handful of regular contenders simply held serve.

In the commotion, a loud lifter emerged from it Big 12 image, one that now sits in the top eight of ClutchPoints’ playoff predictions.

ESPN Insights highlighted the turning point that followed: Texas Tech makes its first appearance in the CFP rankings at No. 8, previously the only Big 12 team never to appear. The moment comes just as the committee unveils its initial November lineup, adding juice to an already crucial move.

The Red Raiders earned that platform with a home win at Kansas State, followed by a league-best 8-1 record. With quarterback Behren Morton in rhythm and Joey McGuire’s group relying on a balanced identity, Texas Tech looks like a program peaking at the right time.

The immediate test is huge, BIU awaits in Lubbock with College GameDay in town for the 17th anniversary of Michael Crabtree’s legendary game-winner over Texas, the perfect backdrop for a decisive Saturday in November.

Context in all the power leagues also helps. Georgia Tech and Miami stumbled in the ACC, Cincinnati’s Big 12 race took a hit and Texas tightened the SEC race. That left the very top of our plate mostly intact, while the back half, where Texas Tech lives today, was churned up.

If the Red Raiders do their job against BIU and continue to string together wins, they control a viable path to the field as league chaos continues to thin out the one-loss group.

Depth and explosiveness will decide. This offense has found timely shots but still sustains drives when needed, a combination that carries over in the boardroom and into fourth quarters.

The defense held its own in high-leverage spots, buying forwards extra possession and protecting leads late. Put it together and the climb to No. 8 looks earned rather than cosmetic, with runways set to grow.

Before the mount solidifies, the recruiting momentum adds another data point. Texas Tech just secured a 2027 pledge from five-star quarterback Kavian Bryant, a dynamic dual threat who chose the Red Raiders over Texas and others, reinforcing McGwire’s long view as the current roster chases something immediate.