The Big 12 Championship Game holds the key to the entire College Football Playoff picture. The Texas Tech Red Raiders are a lock to make the field, and with a win could secure a first round bye. Even if they lose, they’re in. If BYU wins, that will knock out at least one at-large team currently ranked inside the top ten of the playoff rankings, and possibly switch up how the entire first round bracket looks.

The last time these two teams played, Texas Tech completely obliterated BYU 29-7. BYU didn’t even score until the fourth quarter. However, it’s important to note that the Cougars’ best offensive player, running back LJ Martin, was just returning from injury, and their true freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier had only played against one defense with a pulse up to that point. This rematch could play out much differently.

Considering the playoff implications and what this could mean for both programs, media members from A to Z Sports who cover the sport nationally decided to weigh in, predicting a winner. The picks are in. Enjoy!

Texas Tech 30, BYU 17

“If BYU just simply takes care of the football they should make this rematch with the Texas Tech Red Raiders a much closer game. Last time, BYU’s freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier threw an interception and the the Cougars suffered two fumbles. Meanwhile, Texas Tech didn’t have one turnover on the game. That allowed things to get a little out of hand, leading to a 29-7 final score. Still, Texas Tech is just the better team across the board. Behren Morton brings much greater experience and accuracy as a passer at quarterback for Texas Tech. The elite pass rushing duo of David Bailey and Romello Height both project to be early NFL Draft picks. Tech likely holds a skill position edge everywhere except for running back (BYU’s LJ Martin is a phenomenal running back). This just boils down to the talent gap between the two teams. BYU keeps it close for most of the game, but Texas Tech handles business and keeps it a two possession margin of victory in the end.” – Travis May, A to Z Sports CFB & NFL Draft Managing Editor

Texas Tech 21, BYU 17

“The last time these two teams squared off, it was an ugly slugfest in Lubbock that was much closer than the final score would indicate. Texas Tech’s offense didn’t do much of anything against BYU, but they forced three turnovers that ultimately made the difference. I’d expect a much cleaner game this time from the Cougars, and if it is, this one could get interesting. BYU will have a much healthier LJ Martin at their disposal this go around, and their defense matches up well with the Red Raiders, who are more explosive than consistent. At the end of the day, I think Texas Tech’s talent level will simply be too much for BYU late in this one, but it feels like a grimey, grind-it-out kind of struggle that the Red Raiders eek out at the end 21-17.”

“In that scenario, I would be curious to see how the committee sorts out both of these squads. If BYU proves it can go toe to toe with a team like Texas Tech and their only two losses are to the same school with one being in the conference championship, how would the committee weigh that vs. other at-large bids? On the flip side, if Texas Tech struggles to really bury BYU, how much would that sway the committee on their seeding against teams like Oregon, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, and potentially Alabama, who have all played much tougher schedules? All of this could be purely academic, as the CFP committee seems as lazy as ever and might just slap the rankings out and call it a day, but it’s still worth a discussion.” – AJ Schulte, A to Z Sports Oklahoma

Texas Tech 27, BYU 13

There is just no way I pick BYU over Texas Tech in a game where Tech dominated the first meeting. Seriously, the final score of the first matchup does not do it justice. Tech struggled offensively early in the game, and it still didn’t look like BYU showed up. Neutral fans watching this may want BYU to win to create more chaos, but I’m not sure that happens. BYU is a great team that had a great year, but it’s obvious that Tech has far better talent than they do, and that’s simply what it boils down to. – Justin Churchill, A to Z Sports Oklahoma

Texas Tech 27, BYU 13

“The last time these two teams faced off, Texas Tech had their way with the Cougars in a 29-7 shellacking in Lubbock. That was just four weeks ago, and the Red Raiders’ defense has continued to look as dominant as ever since, allowing 9 points to UCF and shutting out West Virginia last week. BYU’s offense has started slowly their last two games against Cincy and UCF, but came on to eventually win by double digits. There can’t be any slow start if they hope to have a chance on Saturday. I just don’t see how the Cougars are able to get enough consistency in the ground game. Lower scoring, but Cougars don’t have enough on the tank to keep up.” – Craig Smith, A to Z Sports Tennessee

Final Score Predictions for BYU and Texas Tech

The A to Z Sports staff is extremely confident in Texas Tech here over BYU. Our team believes it might be slightly closer than the nearly two full touchdowns that sports books expect, but ultimately the Red Raiders win. On average, our team projects the final score to be somewhere around 26-15, with Texas Tech likely locking in a first round bye after winning the Big 12 Championship. If BYU does somehow pull this off they’re likely a bid thief who earns the 10, 11, or 12 seed in the College Football Playoff, but that’s likely too much to ask in this matchup.