No. 11 BYU and No. 4 Texas Tech are just days away from one of the biggest games in both programs’ histories as they prepare to meet in the Big 12 Championship on Saturday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Tex.
Kickoff is at 10 a.m. MST on ABC.
On Monday, Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark, BYU head coach Kalani Sitake and Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire spoke about the matchup and what’s at stake.
Yormark praised both teams for their performances this season and said both teams should be considered by the College Football Playoff committee. He noted that both programs “earned their way to Arlington” with consistent results throughout the year.
For BYU, this is a major moment. In only their third year in the Big 12, the Cougars have powered their way to an 11–1 record and now have a chance to win the conference title.
It marks BYU's first conference championship game appearance since 1998, when the Cougars were members of the Western Athletic Conference.
Sitake spoke highly of Texas Tech, describing the Red Raiders as a complete team and emphasizing the importance of executing well in all phases. He also acknowledged his familiarity with McGuire, saying he respects the way the Texas Tech coach has built his program.
McGuire returned the compliment, calling Sitake a friend and noting his appreciation for what BYU has accomplished this season. He said both teams play a physical brand of football and that the matchup fits the standard of a championship game.
Texas Tech defeated BYU 29-7 in their regular-season matchup on Nov. 8 in Lubbock.
Both programs come into the game with identical 11–1 records, and both are hoping to earn their first berth to the College Football Playoff. The winner receives an automatic bid.