Texas Tech Climbs to No. 11 in AP Poll After Colorado Comeback

LUBBOCK - Texas Tech had to sweat out another Saturday, but the Red Raiders eventually came out with an expected 29-7 win over Colorado.

The Red Raiders were bolstered by another second-half shutout that was highlighted by an astounding four interceptions thrown by the Buffaloes.

While the performance was once again less than ideal for Texas Tech, it earned some additional respect for the Red Raiders in the polls.

Voters in the Associated Press Top 25 rewarded the victory with a one-spot gain to No. 11 in the latest release of the rankings on Sunday.

The newest placement matches the highest of the season so far for Texas Tech, which previously reached the mark after taking down Oregon State in week two.

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Unlike last week's poll that got clogged by a jam at the top, the Red Raiders benefitted from some unexpected results that cleared out the highest tier.

One week removed of crashing into the top 10, Florida got embarrassed by Missouri 45-17 in nearly the same way it did to Ole Miss in Gainesville.

The Gators drop to No. 16 and the Tigers stopping their ascent at No. 14 played a large role in Texas Tech inching up the rankings.

Outside of Texas Tech, four other teams from the Big 12 were represented by the AP.

BYU continued to cement its spot at the head of the conference, with the Cougars leaping to No. 8 after a gritty 17-10 win over TCU in Fort Worth.

Utah remained right behind the Red Raiders, as the Utes slid up to No. 12 off their bye week. Also moving up on its off week, Oklahoma State hit No. 18 with the Cowboys posting a 3-1 record.

Finally, Houston tumbled two spots to No. 22 despite downing UCF 27-17 at home, but the Cougars remained firmly in the Top 25 with a lone loss to the Red Raiders.

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The good news for Texas Tech is its unbeaten record is in no jeopardy this week, as the Red Raiders get a much-needed break.

It could not have come at a better time, with injuries, such as one suffered by running back Cameron Dickey in Boulder, starting to surface and several questions lingering, especially on offense.

The Red Raiders will try and get some answers for the first time this year in its return to action against Arizona State, which was just routed by Baylor 55-19.

Texas Tech welcomes the Sun Devils to Lubbock for the first time since 2024 for its annual Homecoming celebration on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 2:30 p.m. CT.