Zak Drapeau's CFB Week 11 Game of the Week: BYU at Texas Tech
- Zak Drapeau
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
by Zak Drapeau 11/7/2025 Sportz Nation
Game Preview
For only the second time this season, College Gameday and I agree on the Game of the Week, this time being the ultra Big-12 showdown BYU at Texas Tech.
A game that has MASSIVE implications on the Conference Championships and College Football Playoffs, this matchup of Top-10 teams will also be a brilliant showing of two of the best defenses in the country; Texas Tech #5 and BYU #16.
The implications of this game is that the winner will all but assuredly host the Big-12 Conference Championship game in December, with the winner of THAT game getting an automatic bid to the CFP and most likely hold a Top-6 ranking for the playoffs as well.
BYU
Currently #8 in the country and on their 2nd elite season in a row, the Cougars have a chance to fight for the Big 12 Championship for the first time in their 3 years of being aligned.
BYU's season has centered around their defense and their run game. More specifically, winning the trenches especially on offense. Without top-end playmaking talent, this team has relied on smart play and holding on to the football, while their offensive line has pushed defenses back and protected their field positions and moved their offense one play at a time.
A true testament to their coaching, BYU wins football games through some of the best showing of fundamentals in the country. Namely, running the football, protecting the rock and capitalizing on your opponent's mistakes.
Quarterback Bear Bachmeier has been the perfect leader for this team, limiting sacks to only 9 in 8 games and only turning the ball over 3 times. Running Back LJ Martin has been a great foil to Bachmeier and get some big chunk plays when needed.
On defense, Linebacker Jack Kelly has been the Captain that this defense can rally around. A true sideline-to-sideline LB, Kelly leads the team in tackles and sacks and is the reason no one has been able to break through the Cougars' Front-7.
Texas Tech
Texas Tech's defensive line has been the driving force of the #9 ranked team in the nation and likely the best in the country. David Bailey and Romello height are two of the best pass rushers this season and are backed up by Linebacker Jacob Rodriguez who is a finalist for the Nagurski Award.
As a whole, Tech has the #1 rushing defense, #37 pass defense, #10 in total yards and #5 in scoring as they lay a claim for a Top-5 unit in the league.
On offense they may have an even better pass game, ranking #4 behind Joey McGuire's deadly offensive scheme. Behind Starting QB Behren Morton, the Red Raiders are 7-0 on the season, only losing during a start from backup-QB Will Hammond.
Opposing to BYU's fundamental-based team, the Red Raiders are just flooring people by playing fast and aggressive with their playmakers. On defense, Rodriguez and Bailey can make plays happen on any down and on offense, RB Dickey and WRs Douglas, Eakin and Virgil are one of the best 3-deep receiving cores in the country.
Zak's Picks
After last week's 2-0 performance in the Vandy at Texas game, my season record is 13-7. Through that record 5 of my losses have been the Over/Under and only 2 have come from Game Lines.
The Lines for this game are Texas Tech -10 and Over/Under 52.5.
When first seeing these numbers I was shocked. I knew Tech would be favored having the better offense by a longshot and being at home but giving 10 points is a huge margin.
Even though I believe Tech takes this one, I am going to go with BYU +10 because I truly believe this one will be a slugfest until the end. With both teams getting their licks in, I'll also be taking the Over/52.5 and predict the final score to be something like 30-24 Texas Tech.
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Make sure to stay tuned as we continue coverage of the 2025 CFB Season and Zak Drapeau's College Football Game of the Week Every Friday.
-Z.D.