Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire fired back at Steve Sarkisian's criticism of the Red Raiders' schedule by issuing a public challenge. After Sarkisian suggested Texas Tech could go undefeated with "twos and threes," McGuire proposed playing Texas in Week 1. Texas Tech offered to buy out games against Texas State and Abilene Christian to make room for a matchup with the Longhorns.

McGuire revealed Texas Tech board member Cody Campbell has spoken with AT&T Stadium CEO Stephen Jones about hosting the game. The offer comes after Sarkisian questioned whether Texas Tech's schedule warranted a College Football Playoff spot. Sarkisian had previously drawn criticism for suggesting Ole Miss recruits could "major in basket weaving" due to lax academic standards.

"We'll find out if their twos and threes can win in this conference," McGuire stated, making clear the Red Raiders want to prove their strength on the field rather than through schedule strength. The challenge represents a significant escalation in the growing tension between the two Texas programs.