The Texas Tech Red Raiders have officially entered the bowl conversation after Week 4, with ESPN analysts projecting Joey McGuire’s squad in two different postseason rankings following a statement win on the road.
Texas Tech’s 34-10 victory over Utah not only boosted the Red Raiders’ momentum, but it also changed national perceptions of their season trajectory. Despite an early setback in Week 1, the squad has recovered with tenacity, demonstrating depth and a dedication to hard play on both sides of the field.
Quarterback Will Hammond, who took over for the injured Behren Morton, threw two touchdown passes and gained important rushing yards, confirming his spot as one of the week’s storylines. Combined with a dominating defense that caused turnovers at critical moments, Tech’s performance resulted in the type of quality win that bowl selectors and pundits keenly monitor.
On ESPN’s post-Week 4 bowl projections, Mark Schlabach placed the Red Raiders in the Valero Alamo Bowl, where they would face a Pac-12 opponent in one of the most anticipated games outside of the College Football Playoff. Fellow analyst Kyle Bonagura, meanwhile, predicted that Texas Tech would play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, a game with Big 12 and ACC ties, demonstrating how the Red Raiders’ ceiling continues to soar.
“This is a team that’s finding its stride,” Schlabach wrote. “Texas Tech is well-balanced, physically fit, and has depth in crucial areas. If they keep playing like they did at Utah, they’re a strong contender to finish near the top of the Big 12.
Bonagura shared that optimism but emphasized that consistency will be important. “The pieces are there. Tech boasts quarterback depth, a dynamic offense, and a defense capable of forcing mistakes. But the Big 12 is unpredictable, and each week presents a different challenge.”
Fans from Lubbock and beyond applauded the national recognition. The idea of a marquee bowl appearance sparked enthusiasm on social media among Red Raider fans. Some even hypothesized that if the squad continues to improve, a New Year’s Six bowl appearance may not be out of reach.
However, Coach McGuire is focused on the week ahead rather than projections. “We appreciate the recognition, but our job is to keep improving every day,” McGuire stated during his weekly media briefing. “We’ll let the postseason take care of itself if we handle business now.”
With conference play heating up, Texas Tech is in a strong position. Their next Big 12 games will either validate their bowl-bound status or put to the test how far this program has come in such a short period of time under McGuire’s direction.
For the time being, one thing is certain: following Week 4, the Red Raiders will be firmly on the national radar.