Texas Tech Keeps Rolling: Red Raiders Climb to No. 5 in AP Poll After Statement Win Over West Virginia
Texas Tech has made a habit of not just winning games this season, but dominating them. Through 11 victories, the Red Raiders haven’t simply outlasted opponents-they’ve overwhelmed them.
Every win has come by a margin of at least 22 points, and on average, they’re beating teams by a staggering 35.2 points per game. That kind of consistency in blowout fashion doesn’t happen by accident.
It’s the result of a team firing on all cylinders-offense, defense, coaching, and execution.
Their most recent performance? A Week 14 shutout on the road against West Virginia that looked more like a clinic than a contest.
The Mountaineers never had a chance. Texas Tech imposed its will from the opening kickoff and never let up, showcasing just how complete this team can be when it’s locked in.
That win didn’t just pad the win column-it made a statement. And the AP voters took notice.
Texas Tech Jumps to No. 5 in Latest AP Poll
Following the dominant showing in Morgantown, Texas Tech has surged to No. 5 in the latest AP Top 25 rankings heading into Week 15. Here’s how the top of the poll stacks up:
- Ohio State Buckeyes
- Indiana Hoosiers
- Georgia Bulldogs
- Oregon Ducks
- Texas Tech Red Raiders
The Red Raiders leapfrogged several high-profile programs thanks to their relentless performances week after week. It’s not just that they’re winning-it’s how they’re winning.
Even their lone blemish, a narrow loss on the road at Arizona State while starting a backup quarterback, came under tough circumstances. Outside of that, it’s been a season of dominance.
A Final Test Before the Playoff
Now, Joey McGuire’s squad has one more hurdle before the College Football Playoff: the Big 12 Championship Game against No. 11 BYU.
This isn’t unfamiliar territory-these two teams already met earlier in the season, and Texas Tech handled business with a 22-point win. But championship games have a way of turning familiar matchups into something entirely different.
BYU will come in motivated, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. For Texas Tech, it’s a chance to not only secure the Big 12 title but to put one final exclamation point on a resume that’s already among the most impressive in the country.
What Makes This Team So Dangerous?
What stands out about this Texas Tech team is its balance. They’re not leaning on one superstar or a gimmicky scheme.
They’re winning games with physicality, precision, and depth. The offense is efficient and explosive.
The defense is disciplined and opportunistic. And McGuire has this group playing with a swagger that’s earned, not manufactured.
When you’re beating teams by 30+ on average, that’s not just talent-it’s culture. It’s preparation. It’s a team that knows exactly who it is and plays like it every Saturday.
The Road Ahead
If Texas Tech can take care of business against BYU in the Big 12 title game, the College Football Playoff committee will have a hard time keeping them out of the top four. They’ve done everything asked of them-and then some. One more win, and the Red Raiders will officially go from dominant regular-season force to legitimate national title contender.
The next stop? Arlington. And if their season so far is any indication, Texas Tech isn’t just showing up-they’re planning to make another loud statement.