Big 12 Title Game Spotlight: Sitake, McGuire Push for Playoff Berths as BYU, Texas Tech Square Off
As the Big 12 Championship Game looms large this Saturday, the focus is rightfully shifting to what’s happening on the field - and not off it - even if the coaching rumor mill is swirling. BYU head coach Kalani Sitake made it clear on Monday: his eyes are on Texas Tech, not on any outside noise, including reports linking him to the open Penn State job.
And that’s probably for the best, because what’s at stake in Arlington goes far beyond conference bragging rights.
The Matchup: A Rematch with Major Playoff Implications
No. 11 BYU (11-1, 8-1) and No.
5 Texas Tech (11-1, 8-1) are set to collide at AT&T Stadium in a rematch of their November showdown in Lubbock - a game that still stands as the Cougars’ lone blemish this season. Texas Tech dominated that day, winning 29-7, but BYU has looked like a different team since then.
And both head coaches, along with Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark, are making the case that this weekend’s title bout should be a springboard to the College Football Playoff - for both teams.
Sitake didn’t hold back in his praise of the Red Raiders, calling them “the best team in the nation” and highlighting their defense, led by Heisman hopeful linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, as one of the country’s elite units. But he also made his own case, pointing to BYU’s season-long body of work.
“I wasn’t much of a campaign guy for us during the season,” Sitake said. “But after the season, and looking at everything, I do believe what Commissioner Yormark and Coach McGuire said - that we are a playoff-contending team. I’m looking forward to both teams representing the Big 12 in this playoff, and doing it the right way.”
Yormark: “Let’s Look at Resumes, Not Logos”
Commissioner Yormark echoed Sitake’s sentiment, turning up the volume on the playoff conversation. He emphasized that both BYU and Texas Tech have earned their way into the CFP discussion based on performance, not brand recognition.
“As I said last Friday, BYU is being undervalued by the CFP committee at No. 11 in the rankings,” Yormark said. “Let’s not look at logos. Let’s look at resumes.”
Yormark pointed to blind résumé comparisons that place BYU inside the top 10 “no question about it,” and didn’t shy away from calling out a specific comparison: BYU vs. 10-2 Notre Dame. According to the commissioner, the Cougars have the edge in overall record, strength of record, and strength of schedule - and they’ll be playing for a conference title, unlike the Irish.
“I am confident that the CFP will get it right for BYU,” Yormark said. “The depth of this conference is unprecedented. Twelve of our teams have top-25 wins, and the best two teams are certainly playing in our championship game.”
As for the event itself, Yormark said a sellout is expected, with country star Jon Pardi set to perform at halftime - part of the Big 12’s effort to make its title game “truly different” from the rest.
McGuire: “We’ve Earned the Ride”
Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire was equally bullish about the playoff chances for both squads. He’s watched BYU closely since their loss in Lubbock and came away impressed with the Cougars’ growth, especially from freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier.
“They just keep getting better and better,” McGuire said. “I think Kalani’s got one of the best freshmen at quarterback and he’s got an incredible coaching staff.”
McGuire didn’t hesitate when asked about the playoff picture.
“Without a doubt, we should both be in the playoffs, no matter what happens on Saturday,” he said. “I think we’ve earned the ride. We are as good as anybody in the country, and we’re going to put on a great game.”
Sitake Stays Focused Amid Coaching Rumors
Of course, Sitake couldn’t entirely avoid questions about the Penn State job - four of the five questions he fielded Monday circled back to it. But the 10-year BYU head coach stayed on message, emphasizing focus and unity within the locker room.
“I’ve asked our team to be focused on what we can control, and what we’re doing as a team,” Sitake said. “This is a great distraction to have.
Let’s be honest. But right now we need to be focused on making sure that we’re giving our best shot in this game against Texas Tech.”
When pressed about reports that talks between him and Penn State had intensified, Sitake didn’t bite, saying he’d already addressed it and was moving on.
Asked about how he and his staff feel about their treatment at BYU - particularly on the financial side - Sitake cracked a smile and took a lighthearted approach.
“Yeah. I mean, I’ve gained weight.
You can tell. I’m living the good life,” he joked.
“So the more Joey buys dinner for me, the better my life will get.”
Looking Ahead
Saturday’s Big 12 title game isn’t just about crowning a champion - it’s a proving ground for two teams that believe they belong in the College Football Playoff. And based on what we’ve seen this season, they’ve got a compelling case.
BYU and Texas Tech have taken different paths to 11-1, but they’ve arrived at the same destination: one win away from a conference title, and possibly one committee decision away from a shot at the national championship.
No matter what happens in Arlington, both teams have shown they belong in the conversation. Now it’s time to let the football do the talking.