It might show to be a very powerful common season recreation of the yr for the Huge 12 when No. 16 Utah hosts No. 17 Texas Tech. Each groups are off to flying begin, and whereas there is a great distance left to go, they’re additionally the 2 favorites to win the Huge 12 heading into this one.
The winner will turn out to be the clear favourite.
There was loads of consideration paid to Texas Tech and its switch class in the course of the offseason, and thus far it appears to be like to be cash nicely spent. The Crimson Raiders have gained their first three video games of the yr and have achieved so with ease. The transfers to Salt Lake Metropolis had been a little bit under the radar, however new QB Devon Dampier (in addition to new offensive coordinator Jason Beck) have been a smashing success for the Utes, too.
It is an early begin, as the sport will kick shortly after 10 a.m. native time, and each groups should be sure that they’ve wiped the crust out their eyes. A sluggish begin might wreck your Huge 12 title hopes.
Utah vs. Texas Tech: Must know
Texas Tech is trying to get off to its greatest begin since 2013: I discussed Tech has began the season 3-0, which is the primary time it has achieved that since 2021. That was earlier than head coach Joey McGuire took over in Lubbock. If the Crimson Raiders choose up the win right here they will be 4-0 for the primary time since 2013. It was Kliff Kingsbury’s first yr in cost, and Tech would truly get off to a 7-0 begin and into the top-10 of the AP Ballot earlier than a five-game dropping streak derailed the marketing campaign.
The Crimson Raiders have not allowed some extent within the first half: There hasn’t been a lot must dash full pace within the second half for Texas Tech. The Crimson Raiders have outscored Arkansas Pine-Bluff, Kent State and Oregon State 123-0 within the first half this yr. They’re the one FBS workforce within the nation to have scored greater than 100 factors within the first half this season, and so they’re certainly one of solely three but to permit some extent. One key distinction this week? All three of Tech’s video games have been at dwelling. This Saturday would be the first time they’ve ventured outdoors Lubbock.
Utah went 0-4 at dwelling in Huge 12 play final season: The Utes would like to put final yr within the rearview fully, and getting a house win right here can be good. Rice-Eccles has all the time been a home of horrors for opponents, however final yr it was a funhouse mirror for the Utes. Not solely did they go 0-4 at dwelling towards Huge 12 opponents, however three of the losses had been one-score defeats.
The place to observe Utah vs. Texas Tech stay
Date: Saturday, September 20 | Time: 12 p.m. ET
Location: Rice-Eccles Stadium — Salt Lake Metropolis, Utah
TV: Fox | Reside stream: Fubo (Begin watching, save $20!)
Utah vs. Texas Tech prediction, picks
It isn’t an old style Huge 12 matchup, nevertheless it might resemble an old style Huge 12 shootout. Texas Tech’s offense trails solely USC in explosive play fee, and whereas the Utah protection is best than any its confronted, it ought to nonetheless be capable to discover some large performs within the passing recreation. On the opposite aspect, I like Tech’s defensive position quite a bit, however Utah has among the finest offensive strains within the nation, and the Utah offense has been unimaginable at ending drives. I like each offenses to achieve this one, so I am going over. Decide: Over 57.5
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