Utah Utes vs Texas Tech Red Raiders Picks and Predictions September 20th 2025

Utah Utes vs Texas Tech Red Raiders September 20th 2025

In Week 4 of the 2025 college football season, the Texas Tech Red Raiders will travel to Salt Lake City to take on the Utah Utes. The game will be held at Rice-Eccles Stadium, an outdoor venue. Kickoff is set for Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 12:00 PM and will be broadcast on FOX.

Both teams enter the game undefeated with 3-0 records. Texas Tech is ranked #17 in the AP Poll and #16 in the Coaches Poll. Utah holds the #16 spot in the AP Poll and #18 in the Coaches Poll. This game marks the first road test for Texas Tech, while Utah looks to maintain its winning streak at home.

Texas Tech vs Utah CFB Key Information

• Sport: College Football
• Teams: Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Utah Utes
• Venue: Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, UT
• Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
• Betting Odds: Texas Tech Moneyline +132, Utah Moneyline -157, Texas Tech Spread +3.0 (-108), Utah Spread -3.0 (-112), Total Over 57.5 (-112), Total Under 57.5 (-109)

No. 16 Utah hosts No. 17 Texas Tech with Big 12 supremacy on the line

The Utah Utes and Texas Tech Red Raiders both enter Saturday’s showdown undefeated, and the winner will gain an early upper hand in the Big 12 title race. Utah has leaned on a resurgent rushing attack and improved quarterback play, while Texas Tech brings the nation’s top-scoring offense to Salt Lake City. With two of the hottest teams in the country colliding, this has the makings of one of the weekend’s marquee matchups.

Betting Odds and Trends

Utah Can Win If…

The Utes have found their offensive rhythm behind transfer quarterback Devon Dampier, who has been efficient and turnover-free. Dampier is completing 73% of his passes with 826 total yards and eight touchdowns through three games. His ability to extend plays and hurt defenses with both his arm and legs makes him a matchup problem for any opponent.

Utah’s ground game is another weapon. The Utes rank second in the Big 12 with 290 rushing yards per game, spreading carries among multiple backs. Their physical style allows them to control tempo and keep opposing high-powered offenses off the field.

Defensively, Utah thrives on discipline and execution. If the front seven can contain Behren Morton and force Texas Tech into uncomfortable down-and-distance situations, the Utes can dictate the pace at home in front of a raucous Rice-Eccles Stadium crowd.

Texas Tech Can Win If…

The Red Raiders enter this matchup boasting the No. 1 scoring offense in the nation at 58.0 points per game. Quarterback Behren Morton has been sensational, passing for 923 yards and 11 touchdowns while completing 70.4% of his throws. His 464-yard, four-touchdown performance against Oregon State highlighted just how explosive Texas Tech can be through the air.

But it isn’t just the passing game. The Red Raiders have a balanced attack, averaging over 200 rushing yards per game. That balance prevents defenses from selling out against the pass and has helped them pile up over 600 yards per game — second-best in the FBS.

Defensively, Texas Tech’s biggest challenge will be containing Dampier. If the Red Raiders’ defensive front can keep him in the pocket and limit explosive runs, their offense has the firepower to outscore just about anyone.

The Lean

Oddsmakers have Utah as a slight -3.0 favorite at home, but this matchup feels like a toss-up. Utah has been dominant in Salt Lake City, and its rushing attack combined with Dampier’s efficiency makes them tough to slow down. However, Texas Tech’s offensive numbers are too explosive to ignore.

The model projects a 34-31 Utah win, which gives Utah the lean to cover -3.0 in a close contest.

The total is set at 62.5. With both teams averaging over 45 points per game, and with two dual-threat quarterbacks leading the charge, the projection sits at 65 points. The lean is on the over 62.5.

Game Preview Recap

Much more than bragging rights are on the line as No. 16 Utah hosts No. 17 Texas Tech. Both teams are unbeaten and among the early favorites in the new-look Big 12.

Utah’s turnaround has been sparked by new offensive coordinator Jason Beck and the steady play of quarterback Devon Dampier, who has yet to turn the ball over this season. The Utes are averaging 517 yards per game and sit near the top of the conference in both scoring and rushing.

Texas Tech, meanwhile, is lighting up the scoreboard with Behren Morton at quarterback. Morton has thrown for 11 touchdowns already and leads the Big 12 in passing. The Red Raiders average more than 600 yards per game, showing balance and efficiency in both the run and pass.

Saturday’s matchup marks the first meeting between these programs since 1973, when Texas Tech claimed a 29-22 win. The Red Raiders also won the series opener in 1972, meaning Utah is still searching for its first win against Tech.

With Big 12 supremacy and national rankings on the line, this one has all the makings of a high-stakes thriller.