Texas Tech football is climbing the College Football Playoff rankings, but the Red Raiders have discovered that being one of the nation's top 12 teams doesn't necessarily guarantee a postseason invitation.

The Red Raiders jumped three positions to No. 12 in Tuesday's latest CFP rankings following their dramatic 53-48 victory over West Virginia.

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Yet despite an 8-1 record and two victories over ranked opponents, Joey McGuire's team remains outside the projected 12-team playoff field.

The problem isn't Texas Tech's ranking. It's the automatic qualification rules.

Boise State, ranked No. 24, currently occupies the bracket's reserved position for the highest-ranked eligible Group of Six program. That pushes the Red Raiders out despite their considerably higher national ranking.

For Texas Tech fans, it's another reminder that the playoff selection process isn't always as straightforward as the Top 25 suggests.

The Red Raiders have made a compelling argument on the field.

Quarterback Thomas Castellanos delivered his best passing performance of the season against West Virginia, throwing for 362 yards and five touchdowns while rushing for another 102 yards.

Running back J'Koby Williams contributed 160 rushing yards and a touchdown as Texas Tech piled up 638 yards of total offense.

The victory improved the Red Raiders to 5-1 in Big 12 play and kept them firmly in the conference championship race.

Texas Tech also owns victories over Houston and Arizona, both ranked No. 22 when the teams met.

Still, the committee has placed undefeated Utah at No. 2 and two-loss BYU at No. 10, leaving the Red Raiders third among Big 12 teams in the rankings.

Georgia claimed the top position Tuesday, followed by Utah, Alabama, UCLA and Notre Dame. Texas moved to sixth after defeating Missouri.

For McGuire, the playoff situation creates additional urgency heading into Saturday's road matchup against No. 25 Oklahoma State.

Texas Tech's official game notes describe the Red Raiders as having "control of their own destiny" in the Big 12 championship race.

Three consecutive victories to close the regular season would guarantee another appearance in the conference title game.

That's particularly important because winning the Big 12 would give Texas Tech an automatic playoff berth, eliminating the uncertainty surrounding an at-large selection.

But the road won't be easy.

The Red Raiders travel to Oklahoma State and Baylor before hosting TCU on Thanksgiving.

Saturday's game in Stillwater could be especially dangerous after Texas Tech surrendered 48 points and 582 yards against West Virginia.

The offensive production has been spectacular. The defensive consistency remains a concern.

For now, Texas Tech is ranked among the nation's 12 best teams without holding a projected playoff spot.

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The Red Raiders can complain about the mathematics of the bracket.

Or they can make the argument impossible to ignore by winning the Big 12.

Source: Yahoo Sports