Matador Report

The bye week is over, and Texas Tech returns to face the Arizona State team that handed the Red Raiders their only Big 12 loss in the last season and a half. Aaron Dickens and Chris Level preview Saturday’s game, including why Joey McGuire says Tech was out-coached last time, what to expect from Kenny Dillingham’s Sun Devils, and why Will Hammond’s comfort level matters more than anything else on offense. They also look at the injury picture: Cam Dickey is out, Thomas Castellanos’ availability is uncertain pending a court hearing, and Texas Tech is preparing as if he won’t play. That raises the question of who gets the short-yardage and goal-line carries, with Terrence Carter, AJ Holmes and Moose all in the mix. Plus: a look at one of the biggest weekends in the Big 12 this season, with Notre Dame at BYU, TCU vs. Baylor, and what it all means for the league’s playoff hopes and a possible second CFP team.

Texas Tech is 5-0 heading into the bye week, but is the national conversation giving the Red Raiders enough credit? Aaron Dickens and Chris Level make the case that Texas Tech's resume is underrated, with a win over a ranked team and two double-digit road wins, and that the team is being unevenly punished for not being as dominant as last year. They also dig into the "second-half team" trend, with Texas Tech outscoring opponents 68-9 after halftime over its last three games. Plus: a Big 12 check-in around the league, including Oklahoma State's national hype, Arizona State's struggles, Baylor and TCU, and the weekend's games. They also break down the circus around Colorado and Deion Sanders.

Texas Tech handles a sloppy Colorado team on the road, covers and heads into the bye week at 5-0. Aaron Dickens and Chris Level break down a dominant defensive performance and a four-takeaway night, why the offense is still a big question mark, and how Friday's Thomas Castellanos news and Cam Dickey's high ankle sprain changed the game plan. Plus: the wild story of a 25-page Colorado playbook found at the team hotel bar, and whether the first scripted drive matched what was on the pages. They also look at what Texas Tech needs to figure out during the bye week.

Reports suggest the College Football Playoff could expand to 24 teams as soon as next year — and Aaron Dickens and Chris Level break down what that would actually mean for Texas Tech. They discuss how a bigger field changes the margin for error, why realignment could rear its head again if the pending college sports bill doesn't pass, and which ACC programs the Big 12 should be eyeing if the conference landscape shifts again. Plus: Mike Tomlin's surprising video game addiction, and a quick preview of Saturday's trip to Colorado — including why Texas Tech shouldn't lose unless they help the Buffaloes.

Texas Tech heads to Boulder to face a Colorado team that's struggling to find any rhythm on offense. Aaron Dickens and Chris Level break down why this matchup feels different from Texas Tech's other tests this season, what's gone wrong for the Buffaloes under Deion Sanders, and why a win alone might not be enough — Texas Tech needs to actually look good doing it. Plus: a look at the UCF-Houston jersey drama, and whether the Big 12 is as strong as the rankings suggest.