Analysis: No. 7 BYU falls flat in its biggest game in years, loses to No. 8 Texas Tech and its big-time defense

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Analysis: No. 7 BYU falls flat in its biggest game in years, loses to No. 8 Texas Tech and its big-time defense

BYU receiver Parker Kingston (11) is hit hard by Texas Tech defensive back Dontae Balfour (20) and the ball falls to turf as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Jay Drew · Deseret News

Sat, Nov 8, 2025 ·

20 min read

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LUBBOCK, Texas — In a place so flat that the eye can see for miles and miles, the No. 7 BYU Cougars fell way short of passing the eye test Saturday afternoon in a 29-7 loss to No. 8 Texas Tech in front of 60,229 sun-drenched and wind-blown fans at Jones AT&T Stadium.

Sure, the Cougars lost by 22 points to the fired-up Red Raiders and their best-in-the-country defense. Other teams have lost to Tech in Lubbock by bigger margins. But it was worse than that. BYU (8-1, 5-1) simply didn't look the part of a top-10 team, regardless of the opponent, on national television when it entered the game saying it was one of its most important in years, maybe ever.

For starters, had the Red Raiders (9-1, 6-1) been better in the red zone, the final margin would have been higher. BYU's defense actually acquitted itself fairly well, despite giving up too many big plays.

The Cougars' offense played poorly, failing to meet the moment with the eyes of the nation upon it. And BYU's special teams were bad, inept at times, and just didn't have it from the get-go.

Add it all up, and it was one of the more embarrassing losses in BYU history, given the circumstances.

Head coach Kalani Sitake gave all the credit in the world to the Red Raiders, who proved they belong to be mentioned among the top teams in the country, especially with the defense they can play.

"I mean, they have one of the best teams in the country, and this was a good experience for us to go through," Sitake said. "We will learn from this, and we will be a better team for it."

The question now is, how far will the Cougars fall in the College Football Playoff rankings, after rising to No. 7 with their eight-game winning streak? Will they fall past idle and rival Utah, which was No. 13 and lost at home to these same Red Raiders by a count of 34-10?

"We are in control of our own destiny," said safety Raider Damuni. "We are still in a good spot."

1108fbccougars.spt_SGW_01771 2nd half.jpg — BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) is sacked by Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive tackle Lee Hunter (2) and is flagged for a backward pass BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

1108fbccougars.spt_SGW_01753 2nd half.jpg — BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) throws a pass with Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey (31) defending as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

1108fbccougars.spt_SGW_01786 2nd half.jpg — BYU Cougars wide receiver Parker Kingston (11) is hit hard by Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive back Dontae Balfour (20) and the ball falls to turf as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

1108fbccougars.spt_SGW_01645 2nd half.jpg — A Cougar fan reacts during the game as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

1108fbccougars.spt_SGW_01766 2nd half.jpg — Looking very angry BYU Cougars cornerback Jayden Dunlap (29) and BYU Cougars defensive end Kinilau Fonohema (97) walk off the field after BYU lost to Texas Tech at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

1108fbccougars.spt — Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker Ben Roberts (13) shadows BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) as they play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

1108fbccougars.spt_SGW_01566.jpg — BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake tries to talk to an official as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

1108fbccougars.spt_SGW_02129.jpg — The Red Raiders run onto the field prior to playing BYU at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

1108fbccougars.spt_SGW_08718.jpg — BYU Cougars kicker Will Ferrin (44) misses a field goal attempt as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

1108fbccougars.spt_SGW_02241.jpg — The crew begins disassembling the GameDay set as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

1108fbccougars.spt_SGW_05451.jpg — BYU Cougars defensive back Evan Johnson (0) steps to the line as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

1108fbccougars.spt_SGW_01730 2nd half.jpg — Dejected BYU players and staff watch the replay of a penalty as they and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

1108fbccougars.spt_SGW_01775 2nd half.jpg — BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake points out toward the field as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

1108fbccougars.spt_SGW_01780 2nd half.jpg — BYU Cougars defensive lineman Tausili Akana (13) tries to deflect a pass to Texas Tech Red Raiders wide receiver Micah Hudson (14) BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

1108fbccougars.spt_SGW_01778 2nd half.jpg — BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) throws a pass past Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive lineman Charles Esters III (11) as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

1108fbccougars.spt_SGW_01782 2nd half.jpg — BYU Cougars wide receiver Chase Roberts (2) BYU watches the ball into his hands as they and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

1108fbccougars.spt_SGW_01791 2nd half.jpg — BYU Cougars tight end Carsen Ryan (20) sheds Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive back AJ McCarty (1) off as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

1108fbccougars.spt_SGW_01792 2nd half.jpg — BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) goes for a pass over Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker Brock Golwas (45) as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

1108fbccougars.spt_SGW_01747 2nd half.jpg — BYU players sit dejected on the bench as they and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

1108fbccougars.spt_SGW_01593.jpg — BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) gets tagged by Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive end Romello Height (9) as they play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

1108fbccougars.spt_SGW_01567.jpg — BYU Cougars wide receiver Chase Roberts (2) is brought down by Texas Tech Red Raiders safety Cole Wisniewski (5) as they play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

1108fbccougars.spt_SGW_01658 2nd half.jpg — Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey (31) disrupts BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) enough to cause an errent throw resulting in an interception as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

1108fbccougars.spt_SGW_01620 2nd half.jpg — BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake stands with his team to sing the fight song to their fans after losing to Texas Tech at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

1108fbccougars.spt_SGW_01663 2nd half.jpg — Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (10) reaches out for and makes an interception off of a tipped ball as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

1108fbccougars.spt_SGW_01684 2nd half.jpg — BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) passes the ball as they and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

1108fbccougars.spt_SGW_01678 2nd half.jpg — BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) passes the ball as they and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

1108fbccougars.spt_SGW_01714 2nd half.jpg — BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake pleads his case to an official as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

1108fbccougars.spt_SGW_01692 2nd half.jpg — BYU Cougars kicker Matthias Dunn (97) stands on the sideline watching as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

1108fbccougars.spt_SGW_01736 2nd half.jpg — BYU players and staff watching the video replay during a penalty review as they and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

1108fbccougars.spt_SGW_01751 2nd half.jpg — BYU helmets sit on a rack during the game as they and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

1108fbccougars.spt_SGW_01744 2nd half.jpg — BYU Cougars cornerback Therrian Alexander (1) reacts after missing a sure interception as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

1108fbccougars.spt_SGW_01742 2nd half.jpg — BYU Cougars cornerback Therrian Alexander (1) goes up for and misses a sure interception as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

1108fbccougars.spt_SGW_01687 2nd half.jpg — Dejected Cougar fans sit and watch as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

1108fbccougars.spt_SGW_01565.jpg — BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake looks out at the field as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

1108fbccougars.spt_SGW_01586.jpg — BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) is driven to the ground by Texas Tech Red Raiders safety Cole Wisniewski (5) as they play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

1108fbccougars.spt_SGW_01605.jpg — Texas Tech Red Raiders cheerleaders perform as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

1108fbccougars.spt_SGW_01591.jpg — BYU Cougars wide receiver Chase Roberts (2) isn't able to hold onto the ball with Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive back Brenden Jordan (7) defending as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

1108fbccougars.spt_SGW_01571.jpg — BYU Cougars wide receiver Jojo Phillips (13) drops a pass as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

1108fbccougars.spt_SGW_01601.jpg — Texas Tech Red Raiders wide receiver Reggie Virgil (1) makes a catch over BYU Cougars cornerback Therrian Alexander (1) as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

1108fbccougars.spt_SGW_01548.jpg — Texas Tech Red Raiders wide receiver Coy Eakin (3) makes a catch in front of BYU Cougars defensive back Evan Johnson (0) as they play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

1108fbccougars.spt_SGW_01561.jpg — Texas Tech Red Raiders fans cheer as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

1108fbccougars.spt_SGW_01537.jpg — Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive back Ashton Hampton (16) celbrates after recovering a muffed punt by BYU as they play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

1108fbccougars.spt_SGW_01538.jpg — BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake, celebrates after a sack as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

1108fbccougars.spt_SGW_01533.jpg — BYU Cougars wide receiver Parker Kingston (11) tries to collect the ball after muffing the catch on a punt as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

1108fbccougars.spt_SGW_01531.jpg — Texas Tech Red Raiders wide receiver Caleb Douglas (5) loses the ball as he is defended by BYU Cougars defensive back Evan Johnson (0) as they play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

1108fbccougars.spt_SGW_01529.jpg — Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey (31) tips a pass by BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) as they play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

1108fbccougars.spt_SGW_01163.jpg — BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) looks around the stadium as he warms up prior to playing Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

1108fbccougars.spt_SGW_01337.jpg — BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) warms up prior to playing Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

1108fbccougars.spt_SGW_00933.jpg — BYU players enter the field for warmups as they and Texas Tech prepare to play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

1108fbccougars.spt_SGW_00262.jpg — Tyler Romney and his son Connor Romney of Frisco Texas, sit sideline as BYU and Texas Tech prepare to play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Then there was receiver Chase Roberts , one of the lone bright spots for the offense with six catches for 61 yards and a touchdown.

"So we're gonna meet them again, promise you that, and we're gonna go beat them," Roberts said in the postgame news conference after he was asked how BYU can keep one loss from turning into two, like last year after it started 9-0.

Anybody who watched even a quarter of Saturday's game will probably beg to differ. Texas Tech's defense was just too tough, too disciplined, and too opportunistic for the Cougars, and freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier in particular.

And it held BYU running back LJ Martin to 35 yards on 10 carries; Martin did catch six passes, but for only 29 yards.

"Yeah, they are a good defense," Roberts said when asked if it was the best defense the Cougars have faced since a 35-6 loss at Texas in 2023, BYU's first season in the Big 12. "I felt like we left a lot (of plays) out there. "I felt like we matched up well, and we just needed to make space. … There were some self-inflicted wounds. So, learn, grow from it, honestly."

While Texas Tech's defense played lights out, its offense actually didn't play that well, according to quarterback Behren Morton, who completed 17 of 32 passes for 219 yards and a touchdown, but was not particularly effective in the red zone.

"Offense didn't play great, defense didn't play great, but we did enough to put up 29 points," Morton said.

For perhaps the first time this season, Bachmeier looked out of sorts, confused at times, and a step slow when escaping the pocket. He completed 23 of 38 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown, for a passer rating of 105.5. He was picked off by All-America linebacker Jacob Rodriguez , and threw an ill-advised backwards pass in garbage time that Rodriguez recovered.

"Against one of the best defenses in the country, I think they made things difficult for him," Sitake said. "But we just can't blame it on one guy. … I appreciate Bear's attitude and willingness to learn. We didn't do enough of the little things to put ourselves in position to get the victory."

BYU didn't get on the scoreboard until 7:35 remained in the game, as Bachmeier found Roberts for a 6-yard touchdown after an eight-play, 75-yard drive. The Cougars played with tempo, caught the Red Raiders on their heels a bit, and finally looked like a Power Four offense.

Parker Kingston , whose fumbled punt put BYU in an early hole, made some nice catches on the drive and finished with five catches for 43 yards.

"The muffed punt was a big issue," Sitake said.

The Cougars scored on the two-point conversion try after Roberts' TD catch, but the play was negated by an offensive pass interference penalty on Kingston, for setting a pick, essentially, and BYU settled for a long PAT by Will Ferrin. It was that kind of day for the visitors.

The touchdown averted the Cougars getting shut out for the first time since a 27-0 loss to LSU in New Orleans in 2017.

Texas Tech put up 368 yards and held BYU to 255. Until that late TD drive by BYU, the Cougars had ran only three plays in TT territory.

Defensively, BYU was solid until the start of the fourth quarter, when it finally wore down and allowed an 80-yard touchdown drive. In what was billed as a battle between two of the top rushers in the Big 12, Tech's Cameron Dickey picked up 121 yards and a touchdown, on 23 carries.

"There are a couple of big plays that we gave up that we would love to have back," said BYU safety Tanner Wall."

One in particular came late in the first quarter, when BYU cornerback Evan Johnson seemingly had a bead on a Morton throw. The ball sailed a bit out of Johnson's reach, and into the waiting hands of Tech's Coy Eakin .

"In a game like that, we have to play better complementary football," Wall said. "… I didn't think the defense played great. I thought we just played good."

As noted, two special teams blunders by BYU early led to a quick field goal from the Red Raiders, and quick 3-0 lead. After Sam Vander Haar's shanked punt, BYU's defense got a three-and-out. But Kingston muffed the punt, and the Red Raiders took over at the BYU 17.

Jack Kelly sacked Morton on third down, and Stone Harrington booted a 47-yard field goal.

Another mistake, a false start by tight end Carsen Ryan, thwarted BYU's second possession. At that point, the Cougars had 44 total yards, the Red Raiders minus-24.

That would change, however, as Texas Tech drove 92 yards for a touchdown with the wind at its back, using 12 plays.

It was the fourth time previously undefeated BYU trailed by double digits on the road this season, having also trailed at Colorado, Iowa State and Arizona. But this time, the Cougars didn't come close to making a spirited comeback. They had a chance to score in the first half, but Will Ferrin missed a 51-yard field goal.

The Cougars were fortunate to only be trailing 13-0 at the break. Texas Tech got into the red zone four times, but came away with just one touchdown and two field goals.

At the end of the half, the home team got greedy and went for the touchdown on fourth-and-goal from the 2, but Raider Damuni broke up a pass in the end zone.

BYU's defense sacked Morton four times in the first half, but Tech was 4 for 9 on third down and the veteran QB made several big plays to keep drives alive. The Red Raiders finished the half with 187 yards, as Morton was 8 of 16 for 134 through the air.

After hearing Sitake tell them to settle down, curb the mistakes and start playing BYU football in his halftime address, the Cougars still couldn't generate anything on offense when they really needed it.

Three possessions in the third quarter resulted in two punts and an interception, as Rodriguez picked off Bachmeier's desperation throw on third-and-6.

Up next for the Cougars is a late-night affair Saturday with TCU.

"It is my job as a head coach to get these guys ready and get them to play at a higher level than what we did today," Sitake said. "But again, Texas Tech did a great job of executing the fundamentals and all of it. We have a lot of work to do to improve."

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