BYU running back LJ Martin says the team he wants to beat most is Texas Tech, acknowledging the Cougars need to improve to compete for a Big 12 title. BYU lost twice to the Red Raiders last season.
For BYU seniors LJ Martin and Isaiah Glasker, the standard in the Big 12 isn't on the schedule – unless both teams reach the championship game. Despite an upcoming contest with Notre Dame in Provo on Oct. 17 and the rivalry showdown at Utah on Nov. 7, it's Texas Tech that motivates them most.
Martin, the reigning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, didn't mince words. “I wouldn’t want it any other way. They are a really good team,” he said. “We know if we want to compete for the Big 12 championship or the national championship, that’s what we are going to have to go up against.”
BYU's path to facing Texas Tech again hinges on both teams reaching the Big 12 title game on Dec. 4 in Arlington, Texas. Last December, the No. 5 Red Raiders defeated the No. 11 Cougars 34-7 on that same field.
The Sting of Two Losses
Texas Tech defeated BYU 29-7 during the regular season on Nov. 8 in Lubbock, Texas. The Cougars entered that game ranked No. 7 in the College Football Playoff poll, a program best. Glasker led BYU with 10 tackles, while Martin, playing with a tender shoulder, had 78 yards of total offense.
The Big 12 title game saw Martin combine for 107 yards and a touchdown, and Glasker added six tackles. However, a series of second-half turnovers swung the game in Texas Tech’s favor. "Quite frankly, we weren’t good enough last year,” Martin said. “We have another chance this year to go out there and prove we are good enough and compete against them again.”
Looking Ahead
Glasker and Martin, both recovering from postseason surgeries, spent spring practice coaching up teammates. Glasker expects to be cleared for workouts in June, while Martin will get the green light in May.
Martin recalled a 10-yard touchdown run against Texas Tech in the championship game as a highlight. “I felt that first drive was really good. It was in the championship game and we were feeling good,” Martin said of BYU’s 14-play, 90-yard drive. “Some things happened from there where it didn’t work out, but in that moment, it gave us confidence and reassurance after we lost that first game and couldn’t move the ball on them. To move the ball on them felt good.”
Martin's Drive
During his junior season, Martin rushed 236 times for 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns. With 2,541 career rushing yards, Martin ranks No. 9 among BYU’s all-time rushing leaders. Another season like last year would put him within reach of Jamaal Williams’ program record of 3,901 yards. A blow to the shoulder knocked Martin out of the Iowa State game on Oct. 25. After surgery prior to the Pop-Tarts Bowl, Martin has been testing his shoulder.
Texas Tech is the preseason favorite to repeat as Big 12 champion. The Red Raiders, with their coach and NIL resources, have become the standard the other 15 programs are chasing. The Cougars know the path to the Big 12 title runs through Lubbock – or at least, through a team built in its image.
Whether Martin's shoulder can withstand the pounding remains to be seen. He admits to testing it on a weight room punching bag. But the real test will come when pads are on, and the Red Raiders are across the line.
