Texas Tech coach takes shots at Notre Dame after BYU win

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Texas Tech Red Raiders football coach Joey McGuire criticized the Notre Dame Fighting Irish’s independent status 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 a lot of respect for BYU. I do,” McGuire told reporters in his postgame press conference. “I was really excited every time they joined the Big 12 because I think they carry a lot of weight 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 other people – you all already know who that is.

“So, I have a lot of respect for that. I mean, they’re earning their way like everyone else, but a couple of people in the nation are earning their way through conference play and playing in really tough places.”

Notre Dame and the UConn Huskies are the only two schools that have an independent schedule. The Fighting Irish have been independent for every year except one: 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 in 24th-ranked Pittsburgh.

No. 8 Texas Tech has only played two ranked opponents so far this season and defeated them both.

Irish head coach Marcus Freeman was asked about McGuire’s comments. He didn’t lean into the drama and said he was just focused on the team’s game against the Panthers.