What to know ahead of Fox's Big Noon game of the week: No. 17 Texas Tech vs. No. 18 Utah

At the tail end of the first month of college football, there are multiple high-level matchups in week 4. One matchup in particular is going to have all eyes on it in the early slate. Thanks to Fox's Big Noon Kickoff heading out west.

Big Noon Kickoff has revealed that they're set to go to Salt Lake City, Utah, for a massive Big 12 showdown between number 17-ranked Texas Tech vs. number 16-ranked Utah.

— Big Noon Kickoff (@BNKonFOX) September 13, 2025

Both of these teams are going to this game undefeated at 3-0. This will be the third-ever meeting between the two programs in 52 years. Texas Tech leads the series 2-0.

What to know for this game

Texas Tech is coming off its hottest start in recent memory. Taking care of business in all three previous matchups, winning by an average of 46.3 points per game. The Red Raiders are number 1 in scoring offense and are top 15 in total defense in the country. QB Behren Morton is tied 1st in the nation with the most passing touchdowns with 11, and has looked very poised in his first 3 starts.

The Utah Utes are also coming off a 31-6 gritty road win against Wyoming. Utes QB Devon Dampier has already proven to be a great new addition to the team, transferring in from New Mexico. Throwing for 7 touchdowns and 628 yards. He also leads the team in rushing with 198 yards. Utah is number 14 in the country in points per game, scoring 45.7. Utes also place top 15 in total defense.

Battle to watch

The battle to watch is in the trenches. According to PFF, Utah's offensive line has only allowed a 7.7% pressure rate on its quarterback. Both Utah offensive tackles, RT Spencer Fano and LT Caleb Lomu, are mocked to be drafted in the first round.

On the other side of the ball for Texas Tech's defensive line is the highest graded in the country, with a 92.7 rating according to PFF. Lee Hunter, David Bailey, Romell Height, and Skyler Gil-Howard have combined for 6 sacks.

Highest Graded Defenses This Season🔥 pic.twitter.com/4BadbjjOSA

— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 17, 2025

What's at stake for the head coaches

For both coaches, this is a prove-it game. Utes HC Kyle Whittingham is trying to prove that last year's 5-7 record was just a fluke as he tries to start a path to his 4th conference championship appearance. Red Raiders HC Joey McGuire needs to prove that the $28 million roster was worth it as they finally face a legitimate opponent.

Start time for the game

Kickoff is at 10 am Mountain Time, which is so early that Chick-fil-A will still be serving breakfast when the game starts.