Utah and Texas Tech meet for Top 25 Big 12 battle in Salt Lake City: Preview

When No. 16 Utah hosts No. 17 Texas Tech on Saturday, it could be the game that shapes the Big 12 title race. Both teams have rolled through the first three weeks of the season, but this matchup feels like an early elimination game. The winner will emerge as the clear conference favorite.

Texas Tech is looking to get to 4-0 for the first time since 2013. Meanwhile, Utah wants to reestablish Rice-Eccles Stadium as one of the toughest venues in the country after going winless at home in Big 12 play last season. With College Football Playoff aspirations in play for both programs, this showdown is about national recognition as it is about the Big 12 title race.

Utah’s offensive surge

Few storylines have been bigger in Salt Lake City than the arrival of new quarterback Devon Dampier and offensive coordinator Jason Beck. Through three games, Dampier has been nearly flawless by completing 73% of his passes with 628 yards and accounting for eight total touchdowns. He’s orchestrated an offense averaging 45.7 points per game, and Utah’s offensive line remains among the best in the country at both protecting the passer and finishing drives.

Needless to say, the transition for Beck and Dampier from New Mexico has been successful. However, this will be the biggest test for both the Utes coordinator and quarterback. 

Texas Tech’s "Air Raid" continuation

On the other sideline, Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton is off to a scorching start. He's tied for the lead in college football with 11 touchdowns this season. The Red Raiders rank second nationally in explosive play rate, trailing only USC. But Morton has yet to face an elite defense like Utah, which is allowing just 224 total yards per game and hasn’t given up more than 10 points in a contest. Morton and his receivers will need to be at their best against a Utes secondary that allows just 134 passing yards per game.

Defensive matchups

Both defenses have been stingy. Texas Tech has allowed only 231 yards per game and hasn’t surrendered a first-half point all season. Utah’s is every bit as suffocating, particularly up front, where it matches strength against a Red Raiders offensive line that has yet to be tested by a front as physical as Kyle Whittingham’s.

History and trends

Utah has been a dominant home team under Whittingham, boasting a 93-30 record at Rice-Eccles since 2005. Still, last season’s 0-4 mark at home in Big 12 play was a black eye. On the other hand, Texas Tech has thrived in the opening weeks but has yet to play outside of Lubbock in 2025.

Both offenses are capable of big plays, and points should come more easily than either defense has allowed so far. But Utah’s home-field advantage, Dampier’s early-season dominance will be on full display. 

How to watch, game time and TV 

No. 17 Texas Tech (3-0) vs. No. 18 Utah (3-0)

Date: Saturday, September 20

Kickoff: Noon ET

Location: Rice-Eccles Stadium- Salt Lake City, Utah

TV: FOX

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