BYU, Texas Tech: Unranked to Top 10 Big 12 Clash

**Unranked No More: BYU and Texas Tech Clash in Unexpected Top-10 Showdown**

**PROVO, UT – September 7, 2023** – What was anticipated to be an intriguing early-season Big 12 contest has rapidly escalated into perhaps the most impactful game of the entire conference schedule, as the No. 8 BYU Cougars prepare to host the No. 9 Texas Tech Red Raiders this Saturday, September 9th. Both teams, starting the season completely unranked, have defied expectations with stunning Week 1 upsets that have propelled them into the national spotlight and the top 10 of major power rankings.

The sudden ascent of both programs has captivated college football fans. BYU, now sitting at a remarkable No. 8, earned its lofty ranking after a dominant 41-10 road victory over then-No. 4 Oklahoma. The Cougars’ stifling defense and efficient offense silenced the crowd at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, sending a clear message to the league.

Not to be outdone, the Texas Tech Red Raiders, currently ranked No. 9, pulled off their own dramatic upset. In a thrilling encounter at Jones AT&T Stadium, the Red Raiders edged out then-No. 9 USC with a 41-38 victory. The win, secured in the final minutes, showcased Texas Tech’s resilience and high-octane offense.

This Saturday’s matchup, kicking off at 5:00 PM MT (7:00 PM ET) at LaVell Edwards Stadium and broadcast nationally on ESPN, marks BYU’s highly anticipated first home conference game as a member of the Big 12, adding another layer of significance to an already historic event.

“Our team has worked incredibly hard, and the win in Norman was a testament to their dedication,” said a BYU spokesperson. “But that’s Week 1. This Saturday, we face another incredibly talented and confident team in Texas Tech. The atmosphere in Provo will be electric, and we know we’ll need our best performance.”

Texas Tech’s camp echoed similar sentiments of excitement and focus. “Beating a team like USC at home gives you tremendous belief,” a Texas Tech assistant coach commented. “Now we go into a hostile environment against a Top-10 BYU team that just handled Oklahoma. This is what you play for – a chance to prove yourselves early in the conference race.”

The game carries immense implications for early conference standing. The winner will not only solidify their unexpected top-10 position but also gain an invaluable advantage in the Big 12 championship race, establishing themselves as an immediate frontrunner. Both teams showcased dynamic offenses and opportunistic defenses in Week 1, promising a high-stakes, competitive contest.

Tickets for the highly anticipated game are sold out, with record-breaking attendance expected at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Fans unable to attend can catch all the action live on ESPN, with pre-game coverage beginning at 4:30 PM MT. For updates and additional information, follow both teams’ official athletics pages and the Big 12 Conference website.