The first College Football Playoff berth up for grabs on Saturday, Dec. 6 has been handed out.
In a rematch between two of the Big 12’s top-ranked teams, No. 6 Texas Tech (No. 4 in CFP rankings) secured a 34-7 win over No. 11 BYU (No. 11 in CFP rankings) at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
The win marks the first Big 12 championship for the Red Raiders, and sends Joey McGuire’s squad to the CFP for the first time in program history.
Watch the Big 12 championship game on Fubo (free trial)
Behren Morton led the way on offense for Texas Tech, as he completed 20 of 33 passes for 215 yards and two touchdowns, both of which were to Coy Eakin.
The Red Raiders started putting the game away in the third quarter when Cameron Dickey scored an 11-yard rushing touchdown immediately following a Ben Roberts interception of BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier.
Texas Tech’s top-ranked defense, led by star linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, took over from there. Roberts’ interception started a three-drive stretch where the Red Raiders came up with a takeaway on defense, with Roberts adding another interception.
If that wasn’t impressive by Texas Tech’s defense, perhaps keeping BYU scoreless since its opening drive is. The Cougars created just 110 total yards of offense over their final 12 drives after their first drive, which went 14 plays for 90 yards.
With its win, Texas Tech likely locked up a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff. BYU will miss out on the CFP, barring any unforeseen changes to the field, despite having an 11-2 record.
USA TODAY Sports provided live updates, stats and highlights from the Big 12 championship game between Texas Tech and BYU. Follow below:
Texas Tech vs BYU score
Texas Tech vs BYU live updates
This section will be updated with new information
Final score: Texas Tech 34, BYU 7
Texas Tech wins Big 12 championship
Texas Tech secures its top-four spot in the College Football Playoff with a 34-7 win over BYU in the Big 12 championship. It’s the first outright conference championship for Texas Tech since 1955, and the program’s first Big 12 title.
Texas Tech extends lead with FG
Scott Harrington hits the 28-yard field goal attempt to push Texas Tech’s lead over BYU to 27 points. This one is all about done at AT&T Stadium.
Texas Tech recovers fumble
When it rains, it pours. Texas Tech comes up with another takeaway on defense as Jayden Cofield jumps on LJ Martin’s fumble that was forced by John Curry. It’s the fourth takeaway of the game for the Red Raiders.
Behren Morton throws 28-yard TD pass
Texas Tech isn’t taking its foot off the gas pedal, as Behren Morton throws a 28-yard touchdown pass to Coy Eakin on fourth-and-2. It’s the second time in the afternoon that Morton and Eakin have connected for a score.
The Red Raiders now lead BYU 31-7.
Texas Tech misses field goal
Stone Harrington misses on a 49-yard field goal attempt. BYU takes over at its own 31-yard line down 24-7 with 10:36 remaining in the fourth quarter.
Texas Tech intercepts Bear Bachmeier
Texas Tech linebacker Ben Roberts picks off BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier for the second time in the last three drives. It’s the third consecutive drive that Texas Tech’s defense has come up with a takeaway.
Texas Tech extends lead with FG
Texas Tech cashes in on its takeaway with a 44-yard field goal from Stone Harrington to extend its lead to 24-7 over BYU with 12:49 remaining in the fourth quarter.
Texas Tech recovers fumble
Texas Tech brings the pressure and A.J. Holmes Jr. forces the ball out of Bear Bachmeier’s hands with a big hit, leading to the Red Raiders’ second takeaway of the game. Romello Height recovers the fumble and gives Texas Tech the ball at BYU’s 24-yard line.
Just an outstanding performance by Texas Tech’s defense on the afternoon, as it now has a forced fumble and an interception. BYU has yet to score since its opening drive.
End of third quarter: Texas Tech 21, BYU 7
Texas Tech is 15 minutes away from winning its first Big 12 championship trophy, as it leads BYU 21-7 at the end of the third quarter. The Cougars will start the fourth quarter with the ball.
Cameron Dickey extends Texas Tech lead with TD
Texas Tech breaks open the game with an 11-yard rushing touchdown from Cameron Dickey on the first play of the drive. The Red Raiders now lead BYU 21-7 after Dickey’s score and a successful 2-point conversion.
The scoring drive was set up by Ben Roberts’ interception of Bear Bachmeier. All momentum right now with Texas Tech.
Texas Tech intercepts Bear Bachmeier
Ben Roberts perfectly times Texas Tech’s first takeaway of the game, as he swats down Bear Bachmeier’s passing attempt and then catches his own deflection for the interception. It’s just the fifth interception this season by Bachmeier.
The Red Raiders’ defense has been outstanding.
Texas Tech turns ball over on downs
Texas Tech elects to go for it on fourth-and-2 and it costs the Red Raiders, as Behren Morton’s throw into the end zone for Caleb Douglas falls short. The Red Raiders’ lead stays at one possession, 13-7, with 4:58 remaining in the third quarter.
It’s a big stop for the Cougars’ defense. However, there appeared to be a potential missed defensive pass interference call in the back of the end zone on BYU.
BYU misses field goal attempt
BYU misses out on an opportunity to cut the deficit, as Will Ferrin misses the 46-yard field goal attempt. It’s not the start the Cougars wanted after driving down to the Texas Tech 28-yard line on a 12-play drive that latest over five minutes of game time.
BYU starts second half with ball
It will be BYU up first on offense to begin the second half. A big drive is coming up for the Cougars, who haven’t been able to score since their opening drive.
End of first half: Texas Tech 13, BYU 7
Texas Tech leads BYU 13-7 at halftime in the Big 12 championship game.
The leading team at halftime has won the last five Big 12 championship games. One thing to watch out for coming out of halftime and in the second half for BYU is the health of Bear Bachmeier, who has been seen limping due to an ankle injury he sustained on the first drive of the game.
Texas Tech created 228 total yards of offense in the first 30 minutes of action, while BYU created just 114.
Texas Tech extends leads with FG
Texas Tech extends its lead to 13-7 just before halftime with a 40-yard field goal attempt from Stone Harrington.
The scoring drive was set up by a crazy play on third-and-1 at its own 42-yard line when Terrance Carter Jr. recovered J’Koby Williams’ fumble at the BYU 35-yard line and brought it down to the 25.
BYU miss snap leads to punt
A miscommunication error between Bruce Mitchell and Bear Bachmeier on the snap forces BYU to punt the ball back to Texas Tech out of the two-minute timeout. The self-inflicted wound results in a loss of 13 yards.
Texas Tech now has an opportunity to add to its lead before halftime.
BYU facing third down out of two-minute timeout
Texas Tech leads BYU 10-7 at the two-minute timeout. The Cougars are facing a big third-and-10 out of the timeout, as they are knocking on the door of the Red Raiders’ side of the field.
BYU hasn’t been able to find the same rhythm (or success) that it had on its first drive over its last few drives. One contributing piece to that has been Bear Bachmeier’s inability to run due to a lingering ankle injury that ESPN’s Kris Budden reported he sustained on the first drive of the game.
Texas Tech misses FG attempt
Texas Tech is unable to capitalize on great field position, as Stone Harrington’s 48-yard field goal attempt goes wide left. It’s a big break for BYU, which tried to pick up a first down with a fake punt.
Red Raiders lead 10-7 with 4:51 remaining in the second quarter. BYU gets the ball back at its own 30-yard line.
BYU unsuccessful with fake punt
BYU attempts to pick up the first down with a fake punt on fourth-and-7, but it blows up terribly for the Cougars. Sam Vander Haar’s pass attempt falls well short of reaching Bodie Schoonover, resulting in a turnover on downs.
Texas Tech takes over at the BYU 40-yard line.
Coy Eakin makes back-shoulder catch for Texas Tech TD
Holy smokes, Coy Eakin! The Texas Tech wide receiver makes a miraculous back-shoulder catch to give the Red Raiders their first touchdown score of the game. It’s a 33-yard touchdown pass from Behren Morton.
That’s now back-to-back scoring drives put together by Texas Tech after being forced to punt to begin the game. Texas Tech has created 131 total yards of offense on 18 plays in those drives.
The scoring drive was seven plays for 61 yards and took 2:34 off the game clock.
Texas Tech gets stop
It’s a quick three-and-out for BYU on its second drive of the afternoon after Hunter Lee tackles LJ Martin for a loss of a yard. The Cougars’ drive lasted just three plays and lost a couple yards.
A big stop and response by the Red Raiders’ defense, which ranks third in the country in scoring at 11.3 points per game. Behren Morton and Co. head back out on offense.
Texas Tech gets on board with FG
Texas Tech is on the board with a 23-yard field goal from Stone Harrington. The Red Raiders’ two false starts in the red zone end up costing them a few points.
The scoring drive was 11 plays for 70 yards and took 5:02 off the game clock.
End of first quarter: BYU 7, Texas Tech 0
Texas Tech facing fourth down decision
Texas Tech lets the clock run down to finish the first quarter, buying some extra time to think over kicking a 22-yard field goal or going for it on fourth-and-5.
The Red Raiders were down at the 4-yard line but were moved back after their second false start penalty in the red zone. That 5-yard penalty on left tackle Howard Sampson could leave some points off the board for Texas Tech.
BYU leads 7-0 after the first quarter in the Big 12 championship game.
BYU takes lead with TD
BYU strikes first with a 10-yard rushing touchdown from LJ Martin. It’s the first points allowed this season by Texas Tech’s defense on an opening drive, per the ABC broadcast.
It’s a great drive put together by the Cougars, who drove 90 yards in 14 plays in nearly seven minutes of game clock. BYU showed some creativity on the drive with a few trick plays, including a fake reverse pass on first-and-10 at the Texas Tech 33-yard line, which went for 22 yards to the Texas Tech 11-yard line.
BYU moves into Texas Tech territory
Bear Bachmeier connects with LJ Martin for a 9-yard pass to get into Texas Tech territory for the first time on the afternoon. The Cougars have found a nice rhythm on offense, mixing up the pass and run game. Injury timeout on the field after a Texas Tech linebacker went down.
Texas Tech punts
BYU’s defense comes up with a near walk-in pick-6, but Faletau Satuala is unable to hold onto it. It’s a big third-down stop for the Cougars’ defense nonetheless, as Texas Tech sends the punt unit out.
Bear Bachmeier and BYU’s offense will start at its own 10-yard line.
Texas Tech moving on offense
Texas Tech moves into BYU’s side of the field on its first drive. Behren Morton has completed 3-of-5 passes for 25 yards to begin the drive.
Pregame
The Big 12 championship game is almost underway at AT&T Stadium between Texas Tech and BYU! The Cougars won the toss and deferred the kickoff to the second half.
‘College GameDay’ picks for Texas Tech vs BYU
Here’s how the ‘College GameDay’ crew and celebrity guest picker Ernie Johnson picked the Big 12 championship game between Texas Tech and BYU:
- Desmond Howard: Texas Tech
- Pat McAfee: Texas Tech
- Ernie Johnson (guest picker): Texas Tech
- Nick Saban: Texas Tech
- Kirk Herbstreit: Texas Tech
BYU trolls CFP outlook
The Big 12 championship game is crucial for BYU’s CFP outlook, as a win would put the Cougars in the field. However, despite being 11-1 on the season and ranked for much of the season, it appears that BYU is not happy with its current CFP situation, as the Cougars posted a troll tweet on the athletic department’s official X account.
Has Texas Tech won the Big 12 championship before?
No, Texas Tech has not won the Big 12 championship before. In fact, Saturday’s appearance at AT&T Stadium is the first for the Red Raiders in the conference championship game.
Has BYU won the Big 12 championship before?
No, BYU has not won the Big 12 championship before. In fact, Saturday’s conference championship is the first appearance in the title game for BYU, which is in its third season as a Big 12 member.
BYU QB Bear Bachmeier warming up before Big 12 championship game
BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier has taken the field at AT&T Stadium for some pregame stretches ahead of the Big 12 championship game. The true freshman has been one of the Big 12’s top quarterbacks this season, as he has thrown for nearly 2,600 yards and 14 touchdowns while adding 11 scores on the ground.
Jacob Rodriguez wins ‘College GameDay’ challenge
Appearing on ‘College GameDay’ for an on-the-field interview, Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez won a $250,000 donation from Pat McAfee to a military foundation of Rodriguez’s choice for hitting a crossbar from roughly the 20-yard line.
Rodriguez’s wife, of course, is a member of the U.S. Army, as she is a Black Hawk helicopter pilot.
Jacob Rodriguez named Butkus Award winner
Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez has been one of the top defensive players in the country, as he leads all FBS players with seven forced fumbles this season. He was recently named the recipient of the 2025 Butkus Award, which is handed out to the top linebacker in the country.
Rodriguez is also the only FBS player since 2005 to have five forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and four interceptions in the same season, according to Texas Tech’s game notes.
Big 12 championship game uniform matchup released
Texas Tech looks to be rocking with its home
What’s at stake for Texas Tech in Big 12 championship game?
Texas Tech is playing for a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff in the Big 12 championship game against BYU. The Red Raiders were moved up to the No. 4 seed in the penultimate CFP top 25 rankings after then-No. 3 Texas A&M lost in Week 14.
A loss for Texas Tech in the Big 12 title game would create the question of whether the Red Raiders have a strong enough resume to keep a top-four seed or not.
What’s at stake for BYU in Big 12 championship game?
BYU is playing for a spot in the College Football Playoff against Texas Tech.
The 11th-ranked Cougars are currently on the wrong side of the bubble: The No. 11 and 12 seeds will go to two of the five highest-ranked conference champions, meaning BYU’s only way in is to become a conference champion itself.
What time does Texas Tech vs BYU start?
- Date: Saturday, Dec. 6
- Time: Noon ET, 11 a.m. CT
- Where: AT&T Stadium (Arlington, Texas)
Texas Tech vs BYU will kick off at noon ET (11 a.m. local time) on Saturday, Dec. 6 from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
What TV channel is Texas Tech vs BYU on today?
- TV channel: ABC
- Livestream: ESPN app | Fubo (free trial)
ABC will nationally broadcast the Big 12 championship game between Texas Tech and BYU. Joe Tessitore and Jesse Palmer will broadcast the game from the booth at AT&T Stadium, while Katie George and Kris Budden will report from the sidelines.
Streaming options for the game include the ESPN app (with a TV login) and Fubo, which carries ABC and offers a free trial to new subscribers.
Texas Tech vs BYU predictions
Here’s a look at some predictions for Texas Tech vs. BYU from USA TODAY Sports’ experts:
Matt Hayes, USA TODAY: Texas Tech 35, BYU 17
‘Look for Tech to take care of BYU by multiple touchdowns and enter the playoff ready to advance to the semifinals and even beyond. BYU is a physical, well-coached team that typically won’t make the crucial mistakes that can mean the difference against elite competition. The Red Raiders are simply more talented, with difference-making talent at quarterback, the defensive line and the entire front seven.’
Austin Curtright, USA TODAY Network: Texas Tech 31, BYU 10
‘Quarterback Behren Morton wasn’t quite himself against the Cougars the first time around this season, as he was returning from a multi-week injury. Still, Texas Tech’s suffocating defense was too much for BYU and true freshman Bear Bachmeier to handle in the 29-7 loss. The Red Raiders are the most capable Big 12 team to cause some chaos in the College Football Playoff, and standout defenders Jacob Rodriguez and David Bailey lead the way in Texas Tech’s first-ever Big 12 title.’
Texas Tech football schedule 2025
Here’s a look at Texas Tech’s schedule in 2025, including past scores:
- Saturday, Aug. 30: No. 24 Texas Tech 67, Arkansas-Pine Bluff 7
- Saturday, Sept. 6: No. 23 Texas Tech 62, Kent State 14
- Saturday, Sept. 13: No. 20 Texas Tech 45, Oregon State 14
- Saturday, Sept. 20: No. 16 Texas Tech 34, No. 18 Utah 10*
- Saturday, Sept. 27: BYE
- Saturday, Oct. 4: No. 14 Texas Tech 35, Houston 11*
- Saturday, Oct. 11: No. 10 Texas Tech 42, Kansas 17*
- Saturday, Oct. 18: Arizona State 26, No. 8 Texas Tech 22*
- Saturday, Oct. 25: No. 15 Texas Tech 42, Oklahoma State 0*
- Saturday, Nov. 1: No. 13 Texas Tech 43, Kansas State 20*
- Saturday, Nov. 8: No. 9 Texas Tech 29, No. 8 BYU 7*
- Saturday, Nov. 15: No. 8 Texas Tech 48, UCF 9*
- Saturday, Nov. 22: BYE
- Saturday, Nov. 29: No. 7 Texas Tech 49, West Virginia 0 *
- Saturday, Dec. 6: vs No. 11 BYU | Noon ET | ABC (Fubo) **
* Denotes Big 12 game** Denotes Big 12 championship game
BYU football schedule 2025
Here’s a look at BYU’s schedule in 2025, including past scores:
- Saturday, Aug. 30: No. 23 BYU 69, Portland State 0
- Saturday, Sept. 6: No. 25 BYU 27, Stanford 3
- Saturday, Sept. 13: BYE
- Saturday, Sept. 20: BYU 34, East Carolina 13
- Saturday, Sept. 27: No. 24 BYU 24, Colorado 21*
- Friday, Oct. 3: No. 23 BYU 38, West Virginia 24*
- Saturday, Oct. 11: No. 18 BYU 33, Arizona 27* (2OT)
- Saturday, Oct. 18: No. 14 BYU 24, No. 22 Utah 21*
- Saturday, Oct. 25: No. 10 BYU 41, Iowa State 27*
- Saturday, Nov. 1: BYE
- Saturday, Nov. 8: No. 9 Texas Tech 29, No. 8 BYU 7*
- Saturday, Nov. 15: No. 12 BYU 44, TCU 13*
- Saturday, Nov. 22: No. 11 BYU 26, Cincinnati 14*
- Saturday, Nov. 29: No. 11 BYU 41, UCF 21*
- Saturday, Dec. 6: vs. No. 6 Texas Tech | Noon ET | ABC (Fubo) **
* Denotes Big 12 game** Denotes Big 12 championship game
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