In a contrast of ascending and descending performances, Texas Tech was mistake-free while BYU made them frequently
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Texas Tech Red Raiders wide receiver Coy Eakin (3) makes a catch in front of BYU Cougars defensive back Evan Johnson (0) as they play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Dave McCann is a sportswriter and columnist for the Deseret News and is a play-by-play announcer and show host for BYUtv/ESPN+.
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The landscape around Lubbock, Texas, is as flat as a pancake, but Saturday’s top-10 battle between No. 7 BYU and No. 8 Texas Tech produced a topography of peaks and valleys — high moments for the Red Raiders, and lots of low spots for the visiting Cougars.
In a contrast of ascending and descending performances, Texas Tech was mistake-free while BYU made them frequently. The Cougars’ uncharacteristic miscues on offense and special teams cost them dearly in a one-sided 29-7 defeat.
Here are the three plays that turned one of the biggest games in BYU history into an afternoon they would like to forget.
Eye off the ball
After a week and full morning of off-the-chart pregame hype, that included ESPN’s “College GameDay” originating from Lubbock, BYU’s defense silenced the venue and forced a punt on the fourth play of Texas Tech’s first possession.
BYU Cougars wide receiver Parker Kingston (11) tries to collect the ball after muffing the catch on a punt as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Parker Kingston waited for the kick at the 18-yard line but just before the ball arrived, the junior from Roy High took a quick peek down at the approaching defenders. When he looked back up, the ball was on him, and Kingston couldn’t pull it in.
The Red Raiders recovered the fumble at the 17 and cashed it in for a field goal to take an early lead they would never lose. The tough day for special teams also included a missed field goal and two shanked punts that gave Texas Tech optimum field position.
Missed opportunity
BYU entered the game with a nation-leading 34 interceptions during their exceptional 19-2 run over the last two seasons. The Cougars’ best chance at upsetting Texas Tech hinged on getting the Red Raiders’ hobbled quarterback to throw some bad balls.
Facing third-and-6 at their own 35, Behren Morton did just that, putting one up for grabs down the right sideline where BYU’s Evan Johnson was waiting for it. Just as the sure-handed cornerback readied himself to make the catch, Red Raider receiver Coy Eakin came back to the ball and snatched it away for a 37-yard gain.
Instead of BYU marching in to score, it was Texas Tech finding the end zone a few plays later to take a 10-0 lead on their only touchdown through the first three quarters.
Teenage turnovers
For a true freshman Bear Bachmeier, his collegiate debut has been nothing short of a dream with eight straight wins right out of the gate, including a victory against rival Utah. Bachmeier’s success has been buoyed by his ability to take care of the ball, whether the teen is running or throwing.
Following a third Stone Harrington field goal to extend Texas Tech’s lead to 16-0 in the third quarter, Bachmeier forced a pass that was tipped and intercepted by Jacob Rodriguez. In the fourth quarter, the heavily pressured youngster threw a backwards pass that the Red Raiders recovered at the BYU 19.
On a dismal day where Bachmeier rushed for 12 yards on 11 carries, his veteran receiver saw a silver lining.
“I think it was good for Bear, as a young quarterback, to feel some defeat and what it’s like to lose a game,” said senior Chase Roberts, who caught his 17th career touchdown pass in the fourth quarter. “He’s gonna learn a lot from that. I’m excited to see how he bounces back. This is a moment for him to really establish who he is as a quarterback and what the rest of his career is going to be like. We are going to rally around him, and he is going to lead us.”
Despite the tough day at Texas Tech, the Cougars (8-1, 5-1) still control their path to the Big 12 championship game. BYU will look to bounce back against TCU (6-3, 3-3) on Saturday (8:15 p.m., ESPN) in the first game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in nearly a month.
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BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) is sacked by Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive tackle Lee Hunter (2) and is flagged for a backward pass BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) throws a pass with Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey (31) defending as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars wide receiver Parker Kingston (11) is hit hard by Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive back Dontae Balfour (20) and the ball falls to turf as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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A Cougar fan reacts during the game as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Looking very angry BYU Cougars cornerback Jayden Dunlap (29) and BYU Cougars defensive end Kinilau Fonohema (97) walk off the field after BYU lost to Texas Tech at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker Ben Roberts (13) shadows BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) as they play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) tries to hurdle Texas Tech Red Raiders safety Cole Wisniewski (5) and is driven into the turf as they play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake tries to talk to an official as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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The Red Raiders run onto the field prior to playing BYU at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars kicker Will Ferrin (44) misses a field goal attempt as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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The crew begins disassembling the GameDay set as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars defensive back Evan Johnson (0) steps to the line as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake tries to talk to an official as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) tries to hurdle Texas Tech Red Raiders safety Cole Wisniewski (5) and is driven into the turf as they play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker Ben Roberts (13) shadows BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) as they play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Looking very angry BYU Cougars cornerback Jayden Dunlap (29) and BYU Cougars defensive end Kinilau Fonohema (97) walk off the field after BYU lost to Texas Tech at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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A Cougar fan reacts during the game as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars wide receiver Parker Kingston (11) is hit hard by Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive back Dontae Balfour (20) and the ball falls to turf as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) throws a pass with Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey (31) defending as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) is sacked by Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive tackle Lee Hunter (2) and is flagged for a backward pass BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Dejected BYU players and staff watch the replay of a penalty as they and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake points out toward the field as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars defensive lineman Tausili Akana (13) tries to deflect a pass to Texas Tech Red Raiders wide receiver Micah Hudson (14) BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) throws a pass past Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive lineman Charles Esters III (11) as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars wide receiver Chase Roberts (2) BYU watches the ball into his hands as they and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars tight end Carsen Ryan (20) sheds Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive back AJ McCarty (1) off as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) goes for a pass over Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker Brock Golwas (45) as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU players sit dejected on the bench as they and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) gets tagged by Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive end Romello Height (9) as they play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars wide receiver Chase Roberts (2) is brought down by Texas Tech Red Raiders safety Cole Wisniewski (5) as they play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey (31) disrupts BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) enough to cause an errent throw resulting in an interception as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake stands with his team to sing the fight song to their fans after losing to Texas Tech at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (10) reaches out for and makes an interception off of a tipped ball as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) passes the ball as they and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) passes the ball as they and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake pleads his case to an official as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars kicker Matthias Dunn (97) stands on the sideline watching as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU players and staff watching the video replay during a penalty review as they and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU helmets sit on a rack during the game as they and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars cornerback Therrian Alexander (1) reacts after missing a sure interception as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars cornerback Therrian Alexander (1) goes up for and misses a sure interception as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Dejected Cougar fans sit and watch as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake looks out at the field as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) is driven to the ground by Texas Tech Red Raiders safety Cole Wisniewski (5) as they play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Texas Tech Red Raiders cheerleaders perform as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars wide receiver Chase Roberts (2) isn’t able to hold onto the ball with Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive back Brenden Jordan (7) defending as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars wide receiver Jojo Phillips (13) drops a pass as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Texas Tech Red Raiders wide receiver Reggie Virgil (1) makes a catch over BYU Cougars cornerback Therrian Alexander (1) as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake tries to talk to an official as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Texas Tech Red Raiders wide receiver Coy Eakin (3) makes a catch in front of BYU Cougars defensive back Evan Johnson (0) as they play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Texas Tech Red Raiders fans cheer as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive back Ashton Hampton (16) celbrates after recovering a muffed punt by BYU as they play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake, celebrates after a sack as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars wide receiver Parker Kingston (11) tries to collect the ball after muffing the catch on a punt as BYU and Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Texas Tech Red Raiders wide receiver Caleb Douglas (5) loses the ball as he is defended by BYU Cougars defensive back Evan Johnson (0) as they play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey (31) tips a pass by BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) as they play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) looks around the stadium as he warms up prior to playing Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) warms up prior to playing Texas Tech play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU players enter the field for warmups as they and Texas Tech prepare to play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Tyler Romney and his son Connor Romney of Frisco Texas, sit sideline as BYU and Texas Tech prepare to play at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Dave McCann is a sportswriter and columnist for the Deseret News and is a play-by-play announcer and show host for BYUtv/ESPN+. He co-hosts “Y’s Guys” at ysguys.com and is the author of the children’s book “C is for Cougar,” available at deseretbook.com.
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