The Texas Tech Raiders head to Utah this Saturday morning to take on the Utah Utes in a top 25 matchup between two newly positioned Big 12 conference rivals in Week 4. FOX's Big Noon Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. ET — or 10 a.m. ET local time in Salt Lake City.
This Texas Tech vs. Utah will showcase two of the Big12's best teams, with Utah’s emerging offense under new QB Devon Dampier against Texas Tech’s explosive air raid identity led by returning QB Behren Morton.
Below, we’ll give you aUtah vs. Texas Tech prediction in the featured game on the Week 4 slate, plus player picks for PrizePicks CFB DFS, including QB Devon Dampier, QB Behren Morton, and RB J’Kobe Williams.
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Texas Tech vs. Utah Prediction, Preview for CFB Week 4
This Big 12 game at Noon ET is a clash of two different coaching philosophies: Utah’s stout, defense-first approach versus Texas Tech’s air-it-out and fast-paced offense.
Both programs enter 2025 with high expectations to win the Big 12, both are still undefeated, and both are ranked inside the top 25 — Utah at No. 16 and Texas Tech No. 17.
#17 Texas Tech Red Raiders Outlook
Despite Texas Tech’s reputation as one of the stronger programs in the Big 12 with a well-respected offense, head coach Joey McGuire has struggled to find consistency on the road in the past.
He owns a 6-10 record away from home since 2022, and his challenges extend to the big game where he is just a 3-7 against Top 25 opponents in his career.
Texas Tech continues to lean on its up-tempo, high-volume passing attack, aiming to put defenses under stress from the opening drive. The Red Raiders thrive when they can spread the field and gain big chunk plays through the air.
#16 Utah Utes Preview
Since the start of the 2019 season, Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham has been dominant at home, posting an impressive 30-6 record — including an undefeated mark so far this year. Whittingham has also held his own against elite competition, going 5-4 against Top 25 opponents during that span.
The Utes enter the 2025 campaign with high expectations, especially as transfer Devon Dampier takes over at quarterback. Dampier brings a dynamic skillset; he’s capable of extending plays with his legs while also showing touch on downfield throws.
His development could be the difference between not only Utah being a solid team in the Big 12 but a playoff dark horse.
Texas Tech vs. Utah Picks – CFB Week 4
Here are the Texas Tech vs. Utah picks to key in for CFB DFS on PrizePicks. Just pick More or Less on player stats — like the picks below — to win real money on PrizePicks on every game of the college football season.
Utah QB Devon Dampier Projection: 68.5 Rushing Yards
Transfer QB Devon Dampier, formerly of New Mexico, has quickly become the driver of Utah’s offense and is rising fast on the Heisman board.
Through just three games in 2025, Dampier has thrown for 620 yards with 7 pass TDs and a rushing TD. His dual-threat ability has elevated the Utes, and he’s showing no signs of slowing down.
Dampier’s legs have been just as valuable as his arm. Over his last 10 games dating back to New Mexico, he’s averaged over 101 rushing yards per contest.
Now in a Utah uniform, he’s averaging 106.6 rushing yards per game, consistently smashing his projections —including a 67-yard projection he cleared easily against Florida. In his last five outings, he’s logged 16.4 rushing attempts per game, with a high of 28, proving he’s not afraid to carry the offense when needed.
Utah’s offensive line has been instrumental in Dampier’s success. Anchored by right tackle Spencer Fano, ranked 19th nationally among 577 qualifying tackles, and Caleb Lomu, ranked 93rd via PFF, the unit gives Dampier time to operate and lanes to exploit on the ground.
This combination of protection and mobility makes Utah’s offense far more dynamic than in recent years.
One cause for concern is Texas Tech's run defense that currently ranks second in rush defense success rate (21.6%), per Game on Paper, but that number comes vs. Arkansas Pine-Bluff, Kent State, and Oregon State. Not exactly fierce competition.
Texas Tech QB Behren Morton Projection: 258.5 Passing Yards
Texas Tech QB Behren Morton has been lighting up the scoreboard. Through three games, Morton has already piled up 923 passing yards and 11 TDs, including a monster performance against Oregon State where he threw for 464 yards.
His ability to push the ball downfield makes makes Morton one of the more dynamic quarterbacks in the Big 12
Still, Morton has been inconsistent when measured against projections. Over his last 20 starts, he has cleared this passing yard projection in just nine games when attempting at least 19 passes.
That trend suggests volatility — he can explode for huge numbers, but he’s also prone to quieter outings if defenses apply pressure.
That will be the challenge against Utah. The Utes’ secondary has been airtight at home this season, allowing just 136 passing yards to UCLA and 108 to Wyoming.
With Utah EGDGE Jonah Henry Daley (already tied for the national lead with 5 sacks) crashing the pocket, Morton will face his toughest test yet — on the road, in a hostile environment, against one of the most disciplined defenses in the Big 12.
Texas Tech RB J’Kobe Williams Projection: 52.5 Rushing Yards
Texas Tech sophomore RB J'Kobe Williams has had a modest start to the 2025 season. Through three games, he totaled only 28 carries for 158 yards, with single-game outputs of 56, 54, and 48 rushing yards.
Despite his efficiency, he has only surpassed 10 carries once, limiting his overall impact on the ground. Although Texas Tech has won each of those games by 30+ points, the lack of volume is still cause for concern.
Williams now faces his toughest test yet against Utah’s linebacking corps. The Utes are anchored by Lander Barton, ranked 93rd out of 665 linebackers in run defense, and Jonathan Hall, ranked 45th via PFF, giving Utah one of the best linebacker units in the Big 12 and one of the more disciplined units in college football.
Combined with a dominant defensive front, this matchup makes it difficult to envision Williams breaking loose for any type of explosive runs. Utah’s ability to close gaps and win at the point of attack could neutralize him entirely.
Make Texas Tech vs. Utah Picks on PrizePicks
There’s a ton to look forward to in this top 25 matchup between Texas Tech vs. Utah on Saturday's Big Noon Kickoff on FOX, including two QBs that will look to emerge as the conference favorites.
Utah will look to keep riding this transfer from New Mexico who has lived up to all of his hype and Texas tech will look to keep the foot on the gas offensively.
No matter how you think this game plays out, you can cash in on your predictions on PrizePicks. Just pick your players, predict More or Less on their Week 3 stats, and win real money when your picks hit — all the way up to 2000x.
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