Much more than simple bragging rights will be on the line when No. 16 Utah hosts No. 17 Texas Tech in Salt Lake City on Saturday. Both teams look like early Big 12 title contenders amid a string of impressive non-conference victories.
The Utes (3-0) are rolling behind a vastly improved offense after ranking near the bottom of the Big 12 in virtually every major offensive category last season. Through three games, the Utes rank third in the league in scoring offense (45.7 ppg), second in rushing offense (290.0 ypg) and third in total offense (517.0 ypg).
Depth and versatility on that side of the ball has served Utah well to this point. First-year offensive coordinator Jason Beck has utilized a variety of players in his offensive packages.
“Jason has a really good feel for getting the most out of his guys and putting them in positions where they can do the things they do best instead of asking a guy to do something that maybe is not his cup of tea,” Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said.
Another lynchpin is the play of New Mexico transfer Devon Dampier. His accuracy and decision-making have improved significantly from last season.
Dampier is completing 73% of his passes and has not committed a turnover through three games. He has tallied 826 total yards and eight total touchdowns for the Utes.
Figuring out how to defend him is a real challenge for Texas Tech.
“I wish they had a pro-style quarterback. I’d feel better,” Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire said. “He’s a dual threat, man. He does a phenomenal job of pulling it down whenever he gets pressure, so we’ve got to stay in our rush lanes. We’ve got to be really disciplined and coordinated in our rush without him getting out.”
The Red Raiders (3-0) will also present a challenge to Utah’s defense.
Texas Tech has an equally electric quarterback leading a dynamic and proficient offense rivaling what the Utes have put together. The Red Raiders lead the FBS in scoring (58.0 ppg) and rank second in total offense (602.7 ypg).
“Texas Tech (has) phenomenal numbers on offense right now,” Whittingham said. “Over 600 yards a game, nearly 60 points, good on third down, good in the red zone, balanced attack, rushing for over 200, and throwing for nearly 400. Really, no weakness. They’ve had an outstanding start to their season.”
It all starts with Behren Morton’s proficiency in running the offense.
Morton is the Big 12’s top passer, with 923 yards and 11 touchdowns on 70.4% passing through three games. He threw for a career-high 464 yards in a 45-14 victory over Oregon State. It marked the second career 400-yard game for Morton.
Utah and Texas Tech are facing one another for the first time since 1973. The Red Raiders won both previous meetings in the series, both played in Lubbock. Texas Tech prevailed in its 1972 matchup 45-2 and won in 1973 29-22.
