USC, Texas A&M and NC State Decline Texas Tech Scheduling Requests for 3 Future Matchups
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Aug 12
USC, Texas A&M and NC State Decline Texas Tech Scheduling Requests for 3 Future Matchups
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 12
Summary
Joey McGuire said USC, Texas A&M, NC State and other programs have turned down Texas Tech’s efforts to line up future non-conference games, leaving the Red Raiders unable to toughen their schedule that way.
Strength of schedule sits at the center of the dispute because playoff debates routinely favor SEC and Big Ten teams, while Big 12 schools are criticized for lighter slates.
McGuire argued Texas Tech is "talking to everybody and anybody" but keeps hearing no, undercutting complaints that the program does not play enough marquee opponents.
The report said some schools may still be wary because of lingering anger over Texas Tech’s handling of the Brandon Sorsby situation, even as McGuire has embraced a college-football "villain" image.
The standoff highlights a broader tension in scheduling: programs can be penalized for weaker résumés even when power-conference opponents refuse to put them on the calendar.