Greg McElroy picks winner of Texas Tech-Utah on Saturday

That dynamism runs straight into a Utah back end he described as “elite,” raising the premium on Tech’s interior protection that has shown leaks. If the Utes win inside, perimeter shots shrink and drives stall.

Utah’s offense layers on the quarterback run game with Devin Dampier. McElroy emphasized how Dampier’s left-handed, downhill element widens gaps and sets up the Utes’ stable of backs. Even with Tech’s surge against the run, that read-and-option stress can flip second-and-long into third-and-manageable and tilt possession toward Utah’s sideline in a game that figures to hinge on a few key series.

Third Down, Pass Rush, And Quarterback Run Will Swing It

McElroy circled third down as the fulcrum. Utah sits at a nation-leading clip on conversions, sustaining drives and limiting exposure for its defense. Texas Tech’s defense has been stingy in those moments, allowing only 14 percent, creating a true strength-on-strength collision where one conversion near the red zone could dictate the narrative.

Protection for Morton is the other pivot McElroy kept returning to. Utah’s front can attack guards and centers with movement, twists, and interior blitz looks that force hurried throws.

If Tech picks it up, Morton’s vertical accuracy becomes a pressure release and the Red Raiders’ identity holds. If not, Utah’s rush-and-cover pairing forces throwaways and field goals instead of touchdowns.

Dampier is Utah’s tiebreaker when the script compresses. QB runs and keepers can chew clock, protect the ball, and wear down a defense that prefers to hunt negative plays. Add Utah’s home advantage and repeatable traits, and McElroy trusts the Utes in a one-score game while still acknowledging Tech’s ceiling if Morton finds time.

Utah will host Texas Tech on Saturday at 12:00 p.m. ET on FOX.