Joey McGuire takes shot at Notre Dame for remaining independent, not joining conference

It’s normal for head coaches to tip their hat to opposing teams after a game. After Texas Tech‘s 29-7 win over BYU on Saturday, it appeared Red Raiders head coach Joey McGuire was doing just that. However, things took an unexpected turn when McGuire turned his crosshairs on another program.

“I have so much respect for BYU. I do,” McGuire said. “I was really excited whenever they joined the Big 12 because I think that they carry a lot of weight and a lot of respect. I think that I have a lot of respect for them entering a conference and not playing an independent schedule like other people—y’all already know who that is.

“So, I have a lot of respect for that. I mean, they’re earning their right just like everybody, but a couple of people in the nation, are earning their right through conference play and playing in some really tough places.”

Anybody familiar with the college football landscape knows Joey McGuire was referring to Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish are one of just two FBS teams that compete as independents, meaning they don’t belong to a conference.

Notre Dame has come under heavy criticism in the past for its refusal to join a conference. Specifically, critics chastise the Fighting Irish’s ability to choose their opponents, while teams that belong to a conference have approximately two-thirds of their schedule chosen for them.

Critics believe this ability is an unfair advantage for the Fighting Irish, who could front load their season with difficult opponents, but sneak into the College Football Playoff with easy wins in the back half of their schedule. As an independent from 2016-22, BYU also had the ability to handpick its schedule.

Alas, in 2023, the Cougars officially joined the Big 12. It hasn’t taken long for BYU to become one of the top teams in the conference.

In BYU’s first campaign in the Big 12, the team finished 5-7 and 2-7 in conference play. Alas, the Cougars excelled the following season, notching an 11-2 overall record and a 7-2 mark in conference play.

BYU’s loss to Texas Tech on Saturday was its first of the season. The Cougars are 8-1 on the season and 5-1 against Big 12 competition. In contrast, Notre Dame is 7-2.

BYU landed at No. 7 in the first CFP rankings of the year. Notre Dame trailed three spots behind. However, with the loss, BYU will likely fall behind the Fighting Irish when the CFP committee updates their rankings this week.