College football fans braced for a thrilling Week 11 Big 12 clash as the No. 8 Texas Tech Red Raiders hosted the undefeated No. 7 BYU Cougars at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. This high-stakes matchup had significant implications for both teams’ conference championship hopes and the broader College Football Playoff picture. With Texas Tech aiming to maintain a perfect home record and BYU looking to continue their Cinderella run, the atmosphere promised to be electric, drawing ESPN’s College GameDay to the Red Raider faithful.
This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you needed to know about the game, from how to watch and kickoff times to key player insights, real-time updates, and the massive stakes involved in this monumental Big 12 battle.
A Crucial Top-10 Big 12 Showdown
The Week 11 encounter between Texas Tech and BYU was far more than just another game on the calendar; it was a defining moment for both programs in the 2025 season. The No. 8 Texas Tech Red Raiders entered the contest with an impressive 8-1 overall record, including a dominant 5-1 in conference play. They were fresh off a commanding 43-20 road victory against Kansas State and were determined to protect their unblemished home record at Jones AT&T Stadium. A win here would significantly bolster their College Football Playoff resume and keep them firmly in the Big 12 championship conversation.
On the other side, the No. 7 BYU Cougars arrived in Lubbock as an undefeated force, boasting an 8-0 overall record and a perfect 5-0 in Big 12 action. After enjoying a bye week, BYU was poised to play the role of major spoiler in their first trip to Lubbock in 85 years, aiming to maintain their perfect season and make a powerful statement on the national stage. The stakes were incredibly high for this top-10 matchup, with both teams eager to prove their dominance in a conference where a national championship has been elusive for two decades.
Your Ultimate Guide to Watching Texas Tech vs. BYU
For fans eager to catch every moment of the Texas Tech vs. BYU showdown, a variety of viewing options were available, catering to both traditional cable subscribers and cord-cutters. Knowing the kickoff time and broadcast details was essential for planning your game day experience.
Kickoff Time & Venue Details
The highly anticipated Big 12 battle between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the BYU Cougars was scheduled for:
Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
Start Time: 11 a.m. CT (Central Time) / 12 p.m. ET (Eastern Time)
Venue: Jones AT&T Stadium, Lubbock, Texas
TV Channel Broadcast
The game received national attention, airing on a major network:
TV Channel: ABC
Commentary Team: Chris Fowler (play-by-play), Kirk Herbstreit (analyst), Holly Rowe (sideline reporter)
Live Stream Options for Cord-Cutters
If you didn’t have traditional cable, several live TV streaming services offered access to ABC, ensuring you wouldn’t miss the action.
Fubo: This sports-focused bundle included ABC, ESPN, and other college networks. It typically offered a free trial period, making it a great option for short-term access. Fubo also provides unlimited cloud DVR storage.
DIRECTV STREAM (Choice Package): Often praised for its comprehensive channel lineup, DIRECTV STREAM provided ABC and many other essential football channels. It frequently offered a discounted introductory rate and a 5-day free trial.
Sling TV (Orange Package): A more budget-friendly option, Sling TV’s Orange package included ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3. While the base “Select” plan was mentioned as having ABC, for extensive college football, checking specific channel lineups for your region was advised.
ESPN Unlimited Bundle: ESPN’s own comprehensive streaming service included access to all ESPN networks, ABC programming, and a vast library of live events and on-demand content. This was a recommended option for the most extensive college football coverage.
Navigating the YouTube TV-ESPN Dispute
A significant point of contention for many fans was the ongoing carriage dispute between YouTube TV and ESPN. This dispute meant YouTube TV subscribers were unable to access ABC, ESPN, and other related networks, including the popular “College GameDay.” However, ESPN personality Pat McAfee provided a temporary workaround for “College GameDay” by live-streaming the show for free on his X (formerly Twitter) account (@PatMcAfeeShow). While this offered a solution for the pre-game analysis, watching the live game on ABC required one of the alternative streaming services listed above.
Team Deep Dive: Texas Tech Red Raiders
The Red Raiders showcased a remarkably balanced attack under their coaching staff, entering Week 11 with top-tier rankings in both offense and defense. Their 8-1 record was a testament to their comprehensive team effort.
Offense: Texas Tech’s offense was dynamic, ranking fifth nationally in total offense (492.3 yards per game) and third in scoring offense (43.6 points per game). Their passing game, led by quarterback Behren Morton, ranked 14th in the FBS (294.4 yards per game), complemented by a strong rushing attack that ranked 23rd (197.9 yards per contest). They also excelled on third downs, converting 50% of their opportunities.
Defense: Equally formidable, the Red Raiders’ defense ranked 10th in total defense (271.4 yards allowed per game) and fifth in scoring defense (just 13.2 points given up per game). Their run defense was particularly elite, ranking best in the FBS by allowing only 74.6 rushing yards per game. The Red Raiders also boasted a strong turnover margin of +8, forcing 20 turnovers, placing them second in the FBS.
Key Red Raiders to Watch
Quarterbacks: Behren Morton (1,750 passing yards, 15 TDs) and Will Hammond (680 passing yards, 7 TDs, 299 rushing yards, 5 rushing TDs) provided a dual threat.
Running Backs: Cameron Dickey (748 yards, 10 TDs) and J’Koby Williams (523 rushing yards, 5 TDs, 301 receiving yards) were crucial playmakers.
Linebackers: Jacob Rodriguez (66 tackles, 2 INTs) and David Bailey (10 TFL, 11.5 sacks) anchored a dominant defense.
Team Deep Dive: BYU Cougars
BYU’s undefeated 8-0 record highlighted their impressive defensive capabilities and a potent rushing attack. They had consistently found ways to win, making them a dangerous opponent for any top team.
Defense: The Cougars’ defense was a major strength, ranking 25th nationally in total yards allowed (318.3 per game) and 15th in scoring defense (17 points per game). They were particularly stingy on third downs, allowing opponents to convert only 31.7% of the time.
Offense: Offensively, BYU ranked 33rd in total yards (433.4 per game) and 19th in scoring (36.3 points per game). Their rushing offense was a significant asset, ranking 15th nationally with 216.6 rushing yards per contest. BYU also demonstrated excellent ball security, boasting a +10 turnover margin, placing them fifth in the FBS.
Key Cougars to Watch
Quarterback: Bear Bachmeier (1,693 passing yards, 11 TDs, 408 rushing yards, 9 rushing TDs) was a dual-threat force.
Running Back: LJ Martin (789 rushing yards, 5 TDs) led a strong ground game.
Wide Receivers: Parker Kingston (516 receiving yards, 4 TDs) and Chase Roberts (591 receiving yards, 4 TDs) were top targets.
Defensive Backs: Faletau Satuala (47 tackles, 2 INTs) and Isaiah Glasker (2 INTs) were ballhawks.
Live Game Updates: Red Raiders Dominate Early
The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal provided real-time coverage, showcasing Texas Tech’s dominant performance in the first half and into the third quarter. The Red Raiders quickly established control, building a significant lead.
Third Quarter Highlights
Texas Tech extended their lead further in the third quarter, putting immense pressure on BYU.
19-0 Texas Tech (3:41 Left): Stone Harrington continued his strong kicking performance with a 29-yard field goal, his fourth of the game. This score was set up by a critical interception from Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, who picked off BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier at the Cougars’ 25-yard line and returned it to the 22.
16-0 Texas Tech (7:00 Left): Harrington previously converted a 39-yard field goal, capping a 12-play, 59-yard drive. A key play on this drive was a crucial 25-yard catch by J’Koby Williams on a third-and-6, demonstrating the Red Raiders’ ability to convert in high-pressure situations.
Second Quarter Summary
The Red Raiders continued their scoring momentum into the second quarter.
13-0 Texas Tech (8:08 Before Halftime): Stone Harrington kicked a 27-yard field goal to cap an 8-play, 59-yard drive. The drive began with an explosive 43-yard pitchout run by J’Koby Williams, showcasing his versatility and placing Texas Tech deep in BYU territory at the 24-yard line.
First Quarter Breakdown
Texas Tech wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, establishing an early lead.
10-0 Texas Tech (11:39 Left): Quarterback Behren Morton connected with Caleb Douglas for a 9-yard touchdown pass. This play, confirmed after a review for Douglas’s toe-tap catch along the end zone sideline, concluded an impressive 12-play, 92-yard drive that consumed 5 minutes and 1 second. The Red Raiders converted two crucial third downs during this march, including a 37-yard catch by Coy Eakin from their own 35-yard line.
3-0 Texas Tech (11:19 Left): The scoring began with a 47-yard field goal from Stone Harrington. This field goal was set up just four plays earlier when BYU’s Parker Kingston muffed a punt, and Texas Tech cornerback Ashton Hampton recovered the ball at the Cougars’ 17-yard line, giving the Red Raiders excellent field position.
Texas Tech Injury & Availability Report
Ahead of the game, Texas Tech released an availability report, outlining key players who were out or probable for the contest. Quarterback Behren Morton, who ultimately played a significant role, was listed as probable.
OUT:
DL Skyler Gill-Howard
WR T.J. West
WR Leyton Stone
WR Roy Alexander
OL Hunter Zambrano
PROBABLE:
WR Reggie Virgil
QB Behren Morton (played and scored a touchdown)
OL Will Jados
WR Bryson Jones
CB Amier Boyd
Pre-Game Prediction
In their weekly game preview, the experts at the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal had projected a close, high-scoring affair. Their final prediction for the Texas Tech vs. BYU game was a 34-28 victory for the Texas Tech Red Raiders. This forecast anticipated a tough challenge from the undefeated Cougars but ultimately favored the Red Raiders’ home-field advantage and balanced attack.
Texas Tech Red Raiders 2025 Season Schedule
The 2025 season had been a dominant one for the Texas Tech Red Raiders, leading up to their pivotal matchup against BYU. Their schedule showcased a series of impressive victories, with only one loss marring their record.
Aug. 30: Texas Tech 67, Arkansas-Pine Bluff 7
Sept. 6: Texas Tech 62, Kent State 14
Sept. 13: Texas Tech 45, Oregon State 14
Sept. 20: Texas Tech 34, Utah 10
Oct. 4: Texas Tech 35, Houston 11
Oct. 11: Texas Tech 42, Kansas 17
Oct. 18: Arizona State 26, Texas Tech 22
Oct. 25: Texas Tech 42, Oklahoma State 0
Nov. 1: Texas Tech 43, Kansas State 20
Nov. 8: Texas Tech vs. BYU (Result: Texas Tech leading 19-0 as of Q3)
Nov. 15: Texas Tech vs. UCF, 2:30 p.m.
- Nov. 29: Texas Tech at West Virginia, TBA
- www.lubbockonline.com
- sports.yahoo.com
- nypost.com
- www.foxsports.com
- www.si.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the major stakes for Texas Tech and BYU in their Week 11 Big 12 showdown?
The Week 11 game was a top-10 matchup with enormous implications for both teams. For the No. 8 Texas Tech Red Raiders (8-1, 5-1 Big 12), a win was crucial to bolster their College Football Playoff aspirations and maintain their perfect home record. For the undefeated No. 7 BYU Cougars (8-0, 5-0 Big 12), the game was an opportunity to preserve their perfect season and act as a major spoiler in their first visit to Lubbock in 85 years, aiming to solidify their standing in the Big 12 title race.
How could fans watch the Texas Tech vs. BYU game, especially without traditional cable?
The Texas Tech vs. BYU game was broadcast nationally on ABC, starting at 11 a.m. CT on Saturday, November 8th. For those without traditional cable, live streaming services like Fubo, DIRECTV STREAM, and Sling TV offered access to ABC, often with free trial periods. It was important to note that due to a dispute, YouTube TV subscribers could not access ABC/ESPN content, although Pat McAfee streamed “College GameDay” for free on X as a workaround for the pre-game show.
What were the key plays and early scoring highlights that defined the first half of the Texas Tech vs. BYU game?
Texas Tech established an early lead. In the first quarter, Stone Harrington kicked a 47-yard field goal after a BYU muffed punt. Later, Behren Morton threw a 9-yard touchdown pass to Caleb Douglas, capping a 92-yard drive. In the second quarter, Harrington added a 27-yard field goal, set up by a 43-yard run from J’Koby Williams. By the third quarter, Harrington had added two more field goals, extending Tech’s lead to 19-0, with a critical interception by Jacob Rodriguez also fueling their dominance.
Conclusion
The Week 11 clash between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the BYU Cougars was more than just a game; it was a national spectacle brimming with College Football Playoff implications and intense Big 12 rivalry. With ESPN’s College GameDay on location and a dominant early performance by Texas Tech, the Red Raiders certainly made a strong statement in front of their home crowd. This game exemplified the high stakes and unpredictable nature of college football, reinforcing both teams’ desire for conference supremacy and a coveted national championship berth.
