Texas Tech's Playoff Hopes On The Line After Cincinnati Upset

A week ago, Texas Tech looked like a legitimate College Football Playoff contender with an undefeated record and a clear path toward the Big 12 championship.

Now, the Red Raiders are facing the possibility that one more mistake could derail everything.

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Texas Tech's stunning 37-24 loss to Cincinnati on Saturday dropped the Red Raiders to 6-1 overall and 3-1 in Big 12 play, turning this weekend's home showdown against Arizona into one of the most important games of Joey McGuire's tenure.

The defeat also exposed a bigger problem for the entire conference.

CBS Sports analyst Shehan Jeyarajah labeled the Big 12 among college football's biggest Week 8 losers after Texas Tech and BYU both suffered their first defeats.

"Had the league powers taken care of business, the league would have had a realistic shot at three College Football Playoff teams," Jeyarajah wrote.

That opportunity now appears considerably less realistic.

BYU fell 39-31 to UCF in double overtime, while Texas Tech struggled to contain Cincinnati's offense. Quarterback JC French IV threw four touchdown passes, and running back Cole Tabb rushed for 173 yards.

Texas Tech quarterback Will Hammond threw for 227 yards but committed costly mistakes, including a fumble and an interception.

The Red Raiders trailed 24-6 at halftime and never fully recovered.

Meanwhile, Utah emerged as the Big 12's only remaining undefeated team after defeating Houston 21-13. The Utes are 7-0 overall and 4-0 in conference play, giving them control of the league race.

For Texas Tech, the consequences extend beyond one disappointing Saturday.

The Red Raiders dropped to No. 13 in the Associated Press rankings, while Arizona climbed to No. 22 after overwhelming Iowa State 39-3.

The Wildcats arrive in Lubbock at 6-1 overall and 3-1 in the Big 12, making Saturday's matchup potentially decisive for both programs.

A Texas Tech victory would keep the Red Raiders firmly in the conference championship race and provide a valuable win over a ranked opponent.

Another loss would leave McGuire's team with two conference defeats and significantly complicate its path to Arlington.

There is still a route to the College Football Playoff, particularly if Texas Tech wins its remaining games and captures the Big 12 championship.

But the Red Raiders have lost the luxury of another slip-up.

Saturday's game against Arizona kicks off at 11 a.m. Central at Galaxy Stadium.

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The undefeated season is gone.

Now Texas Tech must prove its championship ambitions aren't disappearing with it.