With College GameDay and Mahomes in town, Raiders are looking to tortillas even more

It's official, Patrick Mahomes is returning to Lubbock as ESPN's College GameDay comes to town for the Texas Tech Red Raiders' top-25 matchup against the BYU Cougars.

With the star-studded lineup, Tech fans have recognized the fact that the world (for at least part of the day) will be tuned into their team, their stadium, and their city. Because of that, many are calling for a tradition to return to Jones AT&T Stadium.

In August, Athletic Directors across the Big 12 voted to penalize teams 15 yards after two warnings for objects being thrown onto the field. That included the Red Raiders throwing their tortillas onto the field during games.

Then, the conference upped the penalty to a fine as large as $100,000, and Texas Tech Athletic Director implored his team's fans to stop the tortilla tossing.

"The stakes are too high," AD Kirby Hocutt said after the Big 12 announced the increased penalty.

ESPN hasn't banned the tortilla toss

However, one institution has yet to ban the throwing of tortillas: ESPN. So, as fans line up to get a good view of Nick Saban, Desmond Howard, Rece Davis, Pat McAfee, and Kirk Herbstreit, they will likely have tortillas in hand, finally able to let loose before the game itself.

Mahomes, who is the show's Celebrity Guest Picker of the week, even voiced his support for the tortilla toss when asked about it in October.

"I love the tortillas and throwing the tortillas," Mahomes said. "Doing that at the first kick off is awesome."

As a proud Red Raider quarterback who has obviously gone on to greatness in the NFL, it meant something to fans for Mahomes to share his love for the tradition. As he takes the stage on Saturday morning, he may just be greeted by a rain of tortillas once again.

On Saturday, Nov. 8, College GameDay will start the day at 8 a.m. CT, and then, the No. 8 Texas Tech Red Raiders and No. 7 BYU Cougars are scheduled to kick off directly after the early-morning show at 11 a.m. CT. The game itself will be broadcast on ABC.