It’s hard to call it a downside, but having Texas Tech ranked #4 has a big effect, or lack of one, on the Hub City.

Texas Tech fans don’t need a reminder of how special this moment is. Seeing the Red Raiders ranked #4 in the nation is rare air—the kind of thing that shifts expectations and energizes an entire city. Still, before anyone starts penciling in championship celebrations, it’s worth slowing down and looking at the road ahead with clear eyes.

This weekend’s rematch with BYU is a perfect example of why caution matters. On paper, Texas Tech may look like the superior team, but college football rarely follows scripts. Great coaches share one defining trait: they adjust. Every season, you hear the same phrase repeated—we just want to get better each week. That isn’t coach-speak; it’s survival. BYU has had Texas Tech squarely in its sights. Somewhere in a film room, the question has already been answered: What weaknesses can we exploit?

That means this game is less about rankings and more about responses. How Tech adapts will reveal just how legitimate this playoff push really is.

Why Winning Big Matters Right Now

If Texas Tech clears this hurdle and does so convincingly, there’s a strong likelihood the Red Raiders hold firm at #4. That ranking carries real weight. It validates the season so far and solidifies national respect. There’s no downside to that—at least not on the surface.

Momentum is everything in college football, and staying at #4 keeps Texas Tech firmly in control of its destiny. Win and advance. Lose, and the entire conversation changes overnight.

The Playoff Bracket Catch

Here’s where things get complicated. In the current playoff structure, the #4 team earns a first-round bye. From a competitive standpoint, this is ideal. Extra time to heal nagging injuries, regroup mentally, and prepare for elite competition is invaluable. Any coach in the country would happily take it.

But not every benefit lands evenly.

What the Hub City Loses With Tech’s Ranking

That first-round bye also means no additional home playoff game. No final night under the lights in Lubbock. No packed stadium sending this team off one more time. For the players, the reward is rest. For fans, it’s a missed opportunity.

Read More: Why Lubbock Ranks Low In Fun Cities Across America

Everyone wants what’s best for Texas Tech football, and a legitimate shot at a national championship tops the list. Still, it’s okay to admit there’s a bit of melancholy mixed in with the excitement. The season may continue, but the celebration shifts elsewhere—away from the Hub City that helped power this run.

Success is thrilling. It just isn’t entirely painless.

Texas Tech’s Tortilla Throwing Tradition

Gallery Credit: Topher Covarrubio

Texas Tech Looks Rather Lovely Covered in Snow

Lovely images of the Tech campus after a big snow.

Gallery Credit: Chrissy