The list of undefeated college football teams is shrinking fast, but Joey McGuire and the Texas Tech Red Raiders are still standing.

Following a chaotic Week 6 that saw several nationally ranked programs suffer their first defeats, Texas Tech football remains one of just nine unbeaten teams in the country, sitting at 5-0 entering its Oct. 17 homecoming showdown against Arizona State.

MORE: Texas Tech's Top-10 Recruiting Class Making Noise Across The Nation

And with Texas, Alabama, Nebraska, Pitt and Duke among the teams falling from the undefeated ranks, the Red Raiders are gaining national attention without even stepping onto the field.

Texas Tech enjoyed its scheduled bye week after dismantling Colorado 29-7 on Oct. 3, a victory that showcased a defensive unit increasingly becoming the team's identity.

The Red Raiders intercepted four passes against the Buffaloes, including two by cornerback Brice Pollock and a pick-six by linebacker John Curry.

Colorado scored on its opening possession but never reached the end zone again.

Meanwhile, quarterback Will Hammond threw for 134 yards, including an 11-yard touchdown pass to tight end Terrance Carter Jr., while running back J'Koby Williams contributed 88 rushing yards.

It wasn't an offensive masterpiece, but Texas Tech's defense made sure it didn't need to be.

The Red Raiders have now opened consecutive seasons 5-0 for the first time in program history.

That's significant progress for a program looking to build on last season's Big 12 championship and College Football Playoff appearance.

McGuire, who became the fastest Texas Tech coach to reach 40 career victories following the Colorado win, has repeatedly emphasized his team's resilience.

Following the Red Raiders' earlier 28-26 victory over Houston, McGuire praised his players' ability to handle adversity.

“There was never a time that those guys got down. They just kept fighting,” McGuire said.

That toughness could become particularly important as conference competition intensifies.

The Red Raiders' narrow victory over Houston, now 5-1, remains their most impressive result, but Texas Tech will need more consistent production from Hammond and the offense against stronger opponents.

Georgia, Notre Dame, Miami, Indiana, Utah, UCLA, BYU and James Madison join Texas Tech among the remaining unbeaten teams.

Three Big 12 programs - Texas Tech, Utah and BYU - are represented, underscoring what could become a fascinating conference championship race.

Next up is Arizona State, which beat Texas Tech 26-22 last season.

The Red Raiders will enter Saturday's 2:30 p.m. CT kickoff on FOX riding an 11-game home winning streak.

For McGuire, the challenge is straightforward.

MORE: Texas Tech Women's Golf Eyes Breakthrough At Medinah Invitational

The defense has established itself as a difference-maker. Now the offense needs to become equally dependable.

Texas Tech has already demonstrated it can win games. The next step is proving it belongs among college football's legitimate national championship contenders.

Source: Yahoo Sports