Texas Tech vs Utah Prediction: Which One is the Real Deal Big 12 Contender?

This year's team had a nice base, a good coach, and plenty of veterans, and then it went out and grabbed just about every good transfer it could possibly sign.

Over the first three games, the Red Raiders have been nothing short of outstanding, winning by a combined score of 174-35.

Utah won its first three games by a combined score of 137-25.

But is either one any good? We're about to find out.

Texas Tech vs Utah How To Watch

Saturday, September 20, 2025
Game Time: 12:00 PM ET
TV: FOX
Location: Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, UT
@PeteFiutak

Why Texas Tech Will Win

What's been the biggest difference so far with this Texas Tech team?

It helps to have played three teams that aren't going to win much this season, but it's the talent level, the depth, and the attitude that it'll unapologetically come out and hand a big number on the board.

It's No. 1 in the nation in scoring, second in run defense, second in passing, and it has the parts to hang around with a Utah team that's good at playing the bully role.

Utah is doing a lot of things right, but it's not stretching the field so far. It's stretching it wide, but not deep, with the running game doing most of the heavy lifting.

The Utes will want to run at least 45 times, but Texas Tech's offense might be too efficient to let that happen. However ...

Why Utah Will Win

Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Kent State, Oregon State. 

Come on, everyone. We're all adults here and can speak freely - Texas Tech has done nothing more than hold glorified practices so far.

No, Utah hasn't had to deal with Ohio State or Georgia or anyone amazing, but UCLA and Wyoming - as bad as the Bruins might be - are better than anything the Red Raiders have faced.

The Texas Tech talent level really has stepped up several notches, but it's about to deal with a whole other world of physical toughness. Utah has the lines, it has the power ground game, and ...

Utah Will Grind Its Way To a Win

This is the third time these two have played after trading home dates to kickoff the 1973 and 1974 seasons. Texas Tech won those two games by a combined score of 63-29.

This one will be different.

Time of possession and style will matter here, and so will playing in Salt Lake City. The Utes will hold on to the ball for at least 35 minutes, resting the defense for long periods of time when the fast-paced Red Raider offense gets off the field fast.

Texas Tech really is that good, and it'll be in the game late, but when Utah has to take the air out of the ball, it will.

Texas Tech vs Utah Prediction, Betting Lines

Utah 30, Texas Tech 24
Line: Utah -3, o/u: 56.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 4
Must See Rating: 4.5
- Predicting Every Remaining Game

Consensus Line from BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
- Hot Seat Coaches