ESPN
Tech checks in at #30. Given a 11.5% chance to make the playoff and a .03% chance of Tech winning it all.
Other teams of note:
Texas-- #3 (Former Conference Member)
Missouri-- #9 (Former Conference Member)
Oklahoma-- #10 (Former Conference Member)
Kansas-- #15 (Big 12 Member)
Kansas State-- #16 (Big 12 Member)
Texas A&M-- #17 (Former Conference Member)
SMU-- #21 (In State School)
Arizona-- #23 (Big 12 Member)
UTSA-- #24 (In State School)
Oklahoma State-- #28 (Big 12 Member)
Utah-- #29 (Big 12 Member)
Blurb on Tech--
FPI's chance to make playoff: 11.5% |
Win national title: 0.3%
2023 record: 7-6
ESPN BET odds to win the national title: 300-1
CFP ranking history: N/A
Dinich's take: This is a sleeper that is making progress and could surprise some teams, but until proven otherwise, it remains a long shot for the CFP. The Red Raiders were picked by the media to finish ninth in the Big 12. Without a conference title, Texas Tech would likely have to win at Arizona and/or at Oklahoma State to give the committee a signature victory to consider for an at-large spot. There are a handful of coin-toss games -- at TCU, at Iowa State and against West Virginia -- that could really help Texas Tech contend for an at-large spot, but there's no margin for error in those.
Toughest test: Oct. 5 at Arizona. It's a new conference opponent and one expected to contend for the Big 12 title. ESPN's FPI gives Arizona a 59.9% chance to win.
What the committee will like: A winning road record. The Red Raiders' best chances to impress the selection committee with quality wins will come on the road. The most elite competition will be at Arizona and Oklahoma State, but it will also be difficult to win at TCU and Iowa State. ESPN's FPI favors every Texas Tech road opponent except Washington State.
What the committee won't like: The overall schedule strength. Texas Tech is ranked No. 69 in SOS, according to ESPN Analytics, and might face only two CFP top-25 opponents during the regular season (Oct. 5 at Arizona and Nov. 23 at Oklahoma State). Its nonconference lineup includes FCS
Abilene Christian, Washington State -- which is No. 64 in ESPN's FPI -- and
North Texas, which is No. 106 in FPI.