It was the second time in three weeks that BYU tasted dust against Joey McGuire’s Texas Tech. The Cougars entered AT&T Stadium, shouldering playoff hopes, but a 34-7 upset snuffed out those dreams. Despite facing such a huge loss, head coach Kalani Sitake had just one message for the CFP committee.

Texas Tech is “the best team in the country,” as Sitake put it. Repeating that string of thought five times, he points to the respect and admiration BYU has for the Red Raiders. He praised the grit his roster displayed for facing off against such an elite unit twice within a month.

“If you look at what Texas Tech’s done, they’re the best team in the country for a reason; I am not on the committee. (But) I can tell you one thing, who’s played the best team in the country twice? We have.”

On Nov. 12, 2025, a similar episode unfolded at Jones AT&T Stadium. Texas Tech limited BYU to a mere seven points after QB Bear Bachmier threw a six-yard touchdown pass. However, that occurred in the last fifteen minutes. During the early quarters, the team was plagued by a string of missed field goals, interceptions, and punts. Eventually, they lost, 7-29. And Sitake’s disappointment was too obvious.

“A couple of passes and a muffed punt cost us, I think, 13 points,” he said post-game.

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Of late, that feeling has evolved into resilience. After facing defeat on Saturday, Sitake couldn’t be prouder of his locker room. Facing off the “best team in the country” twice within weeks takes grit and determination.

“I’m really proud of our team,” he added. “They played really strong. And so, you know, I’d love to have a third chance at them.”

No. 4-ranked Texas Tech is a “dangerous” unit. Their offense ranks fourth nationally, averaging 489.2 yards per game. On the other hand, the defense has allowed 258.9 total yards to its opponents (ranking No. 6), limiting them to 11.3 points per game. Sitake continued his argument by touching upon BYU’s playoff chances.

“Does that mean that you’re not one of the best 12? I have no idea. I’m not in that committee. I don’t make the decisions, but others will find out.”

The Cougars are likely out of the playoff race. However, Texas Tech has solidified its position as a strong contender for one of the top four automatic bids.

On a similar note, Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire shared similar sentiments regarding the Cougars.

“Respect for Kalani” Joey McGuire gets candid

Joey McGuire’s Red Raiders dominantly crushed the Cougars twice. Kalani Sitake’s playoff dreams hinged on the Big 12 championship and were toppled by Texas Tech twice. But McGuire acknowledges BYU’s resilience.

“Man, so much respect for Kalani (Sitake),” he said post-game. “That’s a really good football team that I hope the committee looks at it, because there’s gonna be 2-loss teams out there, but there’s not gonna be an 11 (win) and 2-loss team. (BYU) did a great job throughout the season getting here.”

BYU’s performance was also impacted by its signal-caller’s injury. Within the first fifteen minutes of the game, the Cougars’ faithful received concerning news. Prior to LJ Martin scoring a touchdown, QB Bear Bachmeier had twisted his ankle during a sprint and was visibly pained. He headed towards the sidelines and got it taped up. However, he struggled to give 100%.

BYU is no longer in the playoff contention. But maybe a likely bowl appearance might give them a boost.