Jacob Rodriguez has turned into one of the nation's top linebackers for No. 9 Texas Tech after beginning his college career listed as a quarterback for another Power Four school. BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier last played linebacker in middle school and was also formerly a running back, but still wears No. 47 like he did then.

Both play significant roles for their schools, which meet Saturday in the Big 12's first matchup of top-10 teams since 2021. The game in Texas could be a preview of the conference championship game four weeks later, and certainly has College Football Playoff implications.

The No. 8 Cougars (8-0, 5-0, No. 7 CFP) are trying to get to 9-0 again, like they were last year with Jake Retzlaff , whose unexpected transfer over the summer opened the way for Bachmeier to

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