Big 12 Championship 2025: Texas Tech Aims for Playoff Bye Against Desperate BYU Squad

The No. 4 Texas Tech Red Raiders face the No. 11 BYU Cougars in the Big 12 Championship game today. Kickoff is at 12:00 PM ET at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The game airs nationally on ABC.This matchup carries monumental playoff implications for both teams. Texas Tech can lock up a coveted first-round bye with a victory. BYU must win to secure an automatic bid to the expanded College Football Playoff.

Divergent Paths to the Playoff

Texas Tech enters as a significant favorite. According to CBS Sports, the Red Raiders are favored by 12.5 points. Their dominant 11-1 season has them positioned as a virtual lock for the playoff field.A win solidifies their status as a top-four seed. This guarantees a bye in the first round of the new 12-team format. The Red Raiders control their own destiny for a premier postseason path.BYU’s situation is far more precarious. The Cougars also boast an impressive 11-1 record. But their playoff hopes are on a knife’s edge.They almost certainly need an automatic qualifier spot by winning the conference. An upset today would send two Big 12 teams to the playoff. A loss leaves them hoping for a rare at-large bid.

A Clash of Strengths and Styles

Texas Tech’s defense is the unit to watch. They have stifled opponents all season with a relentless pass rush and disciplined secondary. This defense will test BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier severely.Bachmeier has thrown for 2,593 yards this season. He leads a capable BYU offense. But overcoming Texas Tech’s defensive pressure is his biggest challenge yet.On the other side, Texas Tech’s balanced offense poses problems. They mix efficient passing with a strong ground game led by Cameron Dickey. This balance makes them difficult to defend.Expert predictions widely favor the Red Raiders. Analysts from Athlon Sports and College Football News predict comfortable Texas Tech victories. The consensus points to their experience and defensive prowess.

Los Angeles Lakers Look to Bounce Back Against Toronto Raptors in Key NBA Clash

The Big 12 Championship will define the postseason for both programs, but the pressure rests disproportionately on BYU’s shoulders to pull off a season-defining upset.

A quick knowledge drop for you

What time is the Big 12 Championship game?

The game starts at 12:00 PM Eastern Time today. It is being played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. You can watch it live on ABC.

Who is favored to win the Big 12 Championship?

Texas Tech is a heavy favorite. Sportsbooks list the Red Raiders as 12.5-point favorites over BYU. The over/under for total points is set at 49.5.

What are BYU’s chances of making the playoff?

BYU’s playoff chances are slim without a win. They likely need the automatic bid granted to the conference champion. A loss would leave them dependent on the selection committee’s discretion for an at-large spot.

What is at stake for Texas Tech?

A win guarantees Texas Tech a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff. It would cement their status as a top-four national seed. This provides a crucial rest advantage in the new 12-team format.

Where can I watch the Big 12 Championship?

The game is being broadcast nationally on ABC. It can also be streamed live on services that carry the ABC network, such as ESPN+ and various TV provider apps.