The Texas Tech Red Raiders faced a challenging setback in Week 11 of the 2024 college football season, suffering their fourth loss of the year. This defeat came at the hands of the then-No. 20-ranked Colorado Buffaloes, resulting in a score of 41-27. With this loss, Texas Tech’s record has now dropped to 6-4 overall and 4-3 in Big 12 play. This recent performance marks a troubling trend, as the Red Raiders have lost three of their last four games, all within the competitive landscape of their conference.
Upcoming schedule for the Red Raiders
The Texas Tech Red Raiders will take a breather this week, as they do not have a game scheduled for Week 12. This open week comes at a crucial time, allowing the team to regroup and refocus before entering the final stretch of the season. Following this break, the Red Raiders will return to action against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in Week 13. This matchup will be particularly significant, as it represents their last road game of the regular season.
Challenges in the postseason race
As the season progresses, it becomes increasingly clear that the Texas Tech Red Raiders face a steep uphill battle to secure a spot in the College Football Playoff. Following their loss to Colorado, the odds of the Red Raiders making it to the postseason have been effectively eliminated. This is a stark contrast to the optimism that surrounded the team earlier in the season.
Initially, Texas Tech started strong, opening the season with a victory over an FCS-level program. However, they quickly faced adversity, suffering a loss in their second game. The team made a commendable comeback, stringing together four consecutive wins, three of which were against Big 12 opponents. Yet, despite this promising start, the wheels began to fall off as they faced a series of tough losses.
Recent performance and struggles
The Red Raiders’ recent performance has been concerning. After a blowout loss to the Baylor Bears, they faced another defeat against the TCU Horned Frogs. Although they managed to bounce back with a victory over the then-No. 11-ranked Iowa State Cyclones, their momentum was short-lived, culminating in the disappointing loss to Colorado.
With the postseason field expanding to 12 teams in 2024, the competition has intensified. Automatic bids are awarded to the five highest-ranked conference champions, while the next seven highest-ranked teams receive at-large bids. Unfortunately for Texas Tech, the reality is that they are currently ranked behind six other teams in the Big 12 standings, making their path to the playoffs virtually impossible.
Looking ahead: Bowl game aspirations
Despite the challenges they face, Texas Tech has secured a spot in a bowl game after achieving the six-win threshold. This is a positive takeaway for the team and its supporters, as it signifies that their season is not over yet. The focus now shifts to the remaining games and how they can finish strong to build momentum heading into the bowl season.
Texas Tech Red Raiders 2024 college football schedule
As the Red Raiders prepare for their upcoming games, here’s a quick look at their remaining schedule:
- Nov. 23: at Oklahoma State Cowboys
- Nov. 30: vs. West Virginia Mountaineers
The final two games of the season will be critical for Texas Tech, not only for bowl positioning but also for restoring confidence after a tumultuous stretch of play.
Can Texas Tech turn things around?
The question on every fan’s mind is whether the Red Raiders can turn their season around. With a strong finish, they can regain some of the momentum lost in recent weeks. The upcoming match against Oklahoma State will be pivotal. A victory could serve as a springboard into their final game against West Virginia, allowing them to finish the season on a high note.
In college football, anything can happen, and the Red Raiders have the talent to compete. They will need to harness their strengths and address their weaknesses in the coming weeks. The support from their fans will be crucial as they navigate this challenging period.
As the season winds down, the Texas Tech Red Raiders have the opportunity to reflect on their journey, learn from their experiences, and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. With determination and focus, they can make the most of the remaining games and set the stage for a successful bowl appearance. The spirit of college football is alive, and the Red Raiders have the chance to showcase their resilience and fight in the weeks to come.
