Just In: Ranking Texas Tech football’s remaining 7 Opponents by Degree of Difficulty

In mid-August, the outlook for Texas Tech football seemed bright. Fans and analysts alike predicted an undefeated start through the first five games and a strong chance at finishing the regular season unbeaten at home. However, the optimism quickly faded after a disappointing loss to Washington State in Week 2. Despite this setback, the Red Raiders are currently sitting at a respectable 4-1 with a 2-0 record in the Big 12, but the road ahead remains fraught with challenges. In this analysis, we will rank Texas Tech’s remaining seven opponents based on the degree of difficulty, with the hope of gaining insights into what lies ahead.

Starting with the toughest matchup, we have Arizona. The Wildcats come into this game with a record of 3-1, having recently regained their footing by defeating preseason favorite Utah convincingly. This game is pivotal for Tech, as Arizona’s quarterback Noah Fifita, likened to former Heisman winner Kyler Murray by Tech coach Joey McGuire, poses a serious threat. The Red Raiders’ pass defense has struggled, ranking 131st out of 133 FBS teams, which only amplifies concerns heading into this matchup. With dynamic receivers like Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona has the potential to exploit Texas Tech’s weaknesses, making this a daunting task for the Red Raiders. For these reasons, this matchup earns the rank of 7 in terms of difficulty.

Next on the list is Iowa State, currently sitting at 4-0 and ranked No. 16 in the nation. The Cyclones are riding high after a shutout win over Houston and a strong performance against their in-state rival, Iowa. This game promises to be a battle of strengths: Texas Tech’s high-scoring offense faces off against Iowa State’s formidable defense, which currently ranks No. 4 in scoring defense in the FBS. Tech has shown vulnerabilities in its secondary, having allowed several explosive plays in recent games, which makes the matchup against Iowa State even more challenging. Thus, we assign a 5 to this contest.

The Colorado Buffaloes come in at the fourth spot, boasting a record of 4-1 and a two-game winning streak. Under the guidance of their talented quarterback Shedeur Sanders and two-way player Travis Hunter, the Buffaloes are showing signs of being a legitimate threat in the Big 12. They’ve had impressive wins and can score in bursts, making them a formidable opponent for any team. While Texas Tech has had success against Colorado in the past, the Buffaloes’ explosive offense and improving defense make this matchup quite challenging. For these reasons, this game is ranked 4.

Following Colorado is TCU, which currently holds a record of 3-2. While the Horned Frogs have not had the same success as they did during their College Football Playoff run two years ago, they remain a competitive squad. Tech coach Joey McGuire has focused on improving their away game performance, which has historically been a challenge for the Red Raiders. TCU quarterback Josh Hoover is fourth in the FBS in passing yards per game, presenting a significant challenge for Texas Tech’s beleaguered defense. Given these factors, we assign a rank of 3 to the TCU matchup.

Next is West Virginia, currently at 2-2. Despite their recent struggles, the Mountaineers have shown resilience in their games, including thrilling finishes that could easily have gone either way. Texas Tech has enjoyed success against West Virginia in past seasons, winning four consecutive matchups before a setback last year. Still, the unpredictability of the Mountaineers, coupled with their dual-threat quarterback Garrett Greene, keeps this game interesting. Thus, we rank this matchup as a 2 in terms of difficulty.

The second to last opponent is Oklahoma State, which sits at 3-2. The Cowboys have had a rocky start to the season, with tough losses that have already impacted their chances in the conference. However, they boast an experienced offensive line and a seasoned quarterback, factors that can lead to an unexpected resurgence. Head coach Mike Gundy is known for pulling off surprises, and given the talent available on this roster, Tech must be cautious. Consequently, we assign Oklahoma State a 6 on the difficulty scale.

Finally, we have Baylor, currently at 2-3 and struggling to find its footing under head coach Dave Aranda. After being picked to finish near the bottom of the Big 12, the Bears have had a tumultuous start to their season, compounded by a disappointing finish against Colorado. While they have shown flashes of competitiveness, Baylor has a favorable November schedule that could provide them with opportunities to turn things around. Given Tech’s current form and the Bears’ ongoing challenges, we consider this matchup the most favorable, ranking it as a 1.

As the season progresses, Texas Tech must navigate a series of games that will test their resilience and adaptability. While the predictions may have shifted since the start of the season, the Red Raiders have the opportunity to solidify their standing in the Big 12 by leveraging their strengths and addressing their weaknesses. In this critical countdown, Texas Tech must rise to the occasion against each opponent, seizing the opportunities to finish strong and potentially reach their preseason forecast of an 8-4 record. The journey ahead is fraught with challenges, but with determination and skill, the Red Raiders can navigate their way to success.