The previously undefeated No. 7 BYU Cougars suffered a decisive 29-7 loss to No. 9 Texas Tech on Saturday, November 8, 2025, a result that dramatically reshaped the Big 12 Championship race and complicated BYU's path to the expanded College Football Playoff (CFP).

The Defensive Masterclass

The story of the game was the suffocating performance of the Texas Tech defense, which held the high-powered BYU offense to a season-low 255 total yards and just 67 yards rushing.

Key Defensive Plays: Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez was a standout, recording 14 tackles, a tackle for loss, and two crucial takeaways (an interception and a recovered fumble).

Struggles on Offense: BYU's true freshman quarterback, Bear Bachmeier, struggled to move the ball consistently, completing 23 of 38 passes for 188 yards and committing two turnovers. The Cougars were held scoreless until the fourth quarter.

The Impact on the Big 12

The loss, which snapped BYU's 10-game winning streak dating back to the previous season, had immediate and significant consequences:

Texas Tech Rises: The Red Raiders (9-1, 6-1 Big 12) took sole possession of first place and are now the clear favorites to secure a spot in the Big 12 Championship game, holding the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Cougars.

Loss of Control: BYU (8-1, 5-1 Big 12) lost control of their destiny. While they could still reach the Big 12 Championship by winning their remaining games, they now have zero margin for error. A second conference loss would likely require significant help from other teams to make the final.

CFP Outlook: The one-sided nature of the defeat (29-7) caused a significant drop in BYU's CFP ranking and a dip in their odds for a coveted CFP berth. Their primary path now relies on winning the Big 12 Championship and securing the automatic qualifier spot.

The blowout served as a major reality check, showcasing the defensive gap between the two teams and elevating Texas Tech into the Big 12's leading contender.

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