Texas Tech’s Rise to the College Football Playoff: A Cinderella Story with Mixed Reviews
Texas Tech’s football program has achieved what many thought impossible just a year ago. The No. 4 Red Raiders earned a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff after a dominant 34-7 victory over then-No. 11 BYU in the Big 12 championship game. This remarkable achievement marks the program’s first-ever Big 12 title, validating the substantial investments the university made in its roster during the offseason. The Red Raiders’ impressive 12-1 record was marred only by a close 26-22 loss to Arizona State, a game in which they were notably without their starting quarterback, Behren Morton. This strategic absence may have been the difference between an undefeated season and their current standing.
Despite their success and commanding performances throughout much of the Big 12 schedule, not everyone in the college football world is convinced that Texas Tech belongs among the elite. In a revealing comment reported by Bruce Feldman of The Athletic, an anonymous Big 12 offensive coordinator labeled the Red Raiders as the “biggest fraud” in the College Football Playoff. While acknowledging the team’s “phenomenal” defensive line that “can hold their gaps and let those linebackers play freely,” the coach criticized the offense for struggling in the red zone and questioned quarterback Behren Morton’s decision-making abilities despite his experience. This mixed reception reflects the skepticism that often follows rapid ascensions in college football rankings, particularly for programs without established playoff pedigrees.
At the center of both Texas Tech’s success and the criticism they face is quarterback Behren Morton. His season statistics tell the story of a capable field general: 201 completions on 300 attempts for 2,643 yards, with an impressive 22 touchdowns against just four interceptions. These numbers become even more remarkable considering the physical challenges Morton has overcome throughout the season, including injuries to his head, neck, knee, and leg. His performance in the Big 12 championship game demonstrated his resilience, throwing for 215 yards and two touchdowns to secure the conference title. Earlier in the season, Morton held his ground in Texas Tech’s first victory against BYU, though observers noted he missed several potentially game-changing throws that could have sealed the victory much earlier.
The extended break before their next playoff game provides a valuable opportunity for Morton and the entire Texas Tech team to recuperate and prepare. With several weeks to heal from the accumulation of injuries that naturally come with a full season of competitive play, Morton could potentially showcase an even higher level of performance in the College Football Playoff. However, this rest comes with a significant challenge: the competition in the playoff will likely present a substantial step up from what the Red Raiders faced in the Big 12. The team’s ability to elevate their play accordingly will determine whether they can continue their Cinderella story or if the skeptics will be proven correct about their playoff worthiness.
The Red Raiders’ next challenge awaits in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Orange Bowl on January 1st. They’ll face the winner of the matchup between No. 12 James Madison and No. 5 Oregon, which takes place this Saturday. This extended waiting period creates both advantages and challenges for Texas Tech. While it allows for physical recovery and extended preparation time, it also means the coaching staff must maintain the team’s focus and competitive edge during a period when many college athletes might be tempted to relax or lose the rhythm of weekly competition. How head coach Joey McGuire manages this delicate balance could prove crucial to their quarterfinal performance.
Texas Tech’s journey represents one of the most compelling storylines in this expanded College Football Playoff format. From a team that wasn’t on the national radar at the beginning of the season to securing a first-round bye as the No. 4 seed, their rise embodies the unpredictability and excitement that make college football special. Whether they’re legitimate contenders as their record suggests or “frauds” as some opponents claim, their presence in the playoff brings fresh energy to a system that has often been criticized for featuring the same handful of programs. As January 1st approaches, the Red Raiders have a chance to silence their critics and prove they belong among college football’s elite – or they may confirm the doubters’ suspicions. Either way, their unexpected presence in the playoff’s top tier has already made this season one for Texas Tech’s history books.
