Rankings affect two of the better programs this season, for vastly different reasons. The true test lies in conference play, the arena that determines playoff invitations, high stakes, and college football prestige.
Texas Tech’s Low Ranking Upsets Fans, While Notre Dame Benefits from Voting
After defeating previously unbeaten BYU 29-7, many expected Texas Tech to jump in the rankings. Instead, climbed on spot to eighth, even after toppling the seventh-ranked team. In contrast, Notre Dame keeps winning and stays high in the rankings, even though Miami, who beat them, sits nine slots lower at 16. Fans are frustrated with this inconsistency.
“@On3sports Texas Tech beat #8 BYU and only allowed BYU 7 points and only moved up 1 rank? Also, why tf is Notre Dame #9? WTF?”
Texas tech beats #8 BYU and only allowed BYU to 7 points and only moved up 1 rank? Also why tf is notre dame #9 wtf??
— Broke_Sim (@Broke_Sim) November 9, 2025
To place that into context, BYU averages 33 points per game, according to College Football Reference. Tech held them to seven points and just 255 yards of total offense, underscoring their defensive performance. In one of the most important games in the Big 12 Conference, one team, seemed to prove themselves as the best, far and away.
“This is such a joke. Texas Tech destroys the team ahead of them and does not move up? Seriously.”
This is such a joke. Texas Tech destroys the team ahead of them and does not move up? Seriously.
— Joey 🌵 (@JoeyTTU01) November 9, 2025
Texas Tech earned a decisive victory over a top ten team yet saw little ranking improvement, moving up just one spot to eighth. BYU failed to score until late, and Tech’s defense dominated both run and pass, raising questions about how performances impact rankings. Tech lost their only game to defending conference champion Arizona State.
“Still don’t understand how Notre Dame is 7 places above Miami.”
Still don’t understand how Notre Dame is 7 places above Miami
— Courtside Commentary (@Courtsidecom) November 9, 2025
On August 31, Miami defeated Notre Dame 27-24. While a three-point win does not appear convincing, it is still a win. Right now, each team possesses the same record at 6-2, so the first tiebreaker would usually center on head-to-head competition.
“Notre Dame has zero business being in the top 10.”
Notre Dame has zero business being in the top 10
— GZA ティッカー (@GzaOnAir) November 9, 2025
Notre Dame has a losing record against ranked teams, a distinction none of their top ten peers share, fueling arguments that their ranking is undeserved. While the team soundly defeats the lesser programs, they struggle against the better teams.
If current rankings hold, they could greatly affect playoff paths for both Miami and Texas Tech. Seeding might decide whether a team faces a tougher or easier opponent. Miami especially stands to lose if their ranking remains low, despite outperforming higher-ranked teams. What will they look like when the final rankings occur after the last conference championship?
When people stop being homers and beome college football fans instead; they’ll fully understand the rules of the sport!!!