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Texas Tech Red Raiders football coach Joey McGuire criticized the independent status of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish following their victory over the BYU Cougars on Saturday.
McGuire credited BYU for moving from an independent school to the Big 12 Conference in recent years.
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Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire gestures for a timeout during the BYU game Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Photo/Annie Rice)
“I have so much respect for BYU. It’s true,” McGuire told reporters during his postgame news conference. “I was really excited every time they joined the Big 12 because I think they have a lot of clout and a lot of respect. I think I have a lot of respect for them coming into a conference and not playing an independent schedule like the others – you all already know who that is.
“So, I have a lot of respect for that. I mean, they earn their right like everyone else, but a few people in the country earn their right by playing in conference and playing in really tough places.”
Notre Dame and the UConn Huskies are the only two schools playing an independent schedule. The Fighting Irish have been independent for almost a year – 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic affected the entire sports landscape.
Texas Tech Red Raiders head coach Joey McGuire against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium on October 18, 2025. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)
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This year, the No. 10 Fighting Irish have faced three ranked opponents and are 1-2 in those games. They have another ranked opponent on their schedule, No. 24 Pittsburgh.
No. 8 Texas Tech has only faced two ranked opponents so far this season and knocked them both out.
Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman was asked about McGuire’s comments. He didn’t address the drama, saying he was just focused on the team’s game against the Panthers.
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman speaks to reporters in New Orleans, December 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Gérald Herbert)
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The next round of the College Football Playoff rankings will be released Tuesday evening.
