In a highly anticipated Big 12 clash between ranked opponents, the No. 17 Texas Tech Red Raiders emerged victorious over the No. 16 Utah Utes with a convincing 34-10 win. The game, broadcast nationally on FOX's 'Big Noon Kickoff,' lived up to the hype in terms of atmosphere, but Utah's offense struggled to match the energy.
Texas Tech started strong, forcing a Utah three-and-out and quickly capitalizing on a 73-yard pass to J'Koby Williams, showcasing early defensive lapses by the Utes. Cameron Dickey punched it in from the one-yard line for an early 7-0 lead. While both defenses held strong for much of the first half, turnovers plagued both teams. Utah fumbled, and Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton threw two interceptions, one a crucial takeaway by Jackson Bennee in the end zone. Morton exited the game in the third quarter after a head injury, finishing with 142 passing yards and two interceptions.
Will Hammond took over at quarterback for Texas Tech and continued to move the ball effectively against a generally strong Utah defense. Despite 14 Texas Tech penalties, including seven false starts, Utah's offense remained stagnant, struggling to find success against the Red Raiders' defensive pressure, particularly against short passes and screen plays.
Utah finally showed some life late in the fourth quarter, with Devon Dampier leading a 75-yard touchdown drive, culminating in a Wayshawn Parker five-yard rushing touchdown. However, this brief resurgence was quickly extinguished. Hammond responded with a 32-yard run, setting up a 24-yard touchdown pass to Terrance Carter Jr., effectively sealing the game for Texas Tech.
Hammond's impressive performance included 169 passing yards, two touchdowns, and 61 rushing yards. Texas Tech's offense racked up 484 total yards. Utah's Dampier finished with 162 passing yards and two interceptions, along with a team-high 27 rushing yards, but the Utes managed only 256 total yards of offense. The game ultimately showcased the Red Raiders' offensive prowess and a disappointing performance from Utah's offense, failing to meet expectations in a crucial conference opener.
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Originally published at: https://www.ksl.com/article/51378128/no-16-utahs-offense-sputters-as-no-17-texas-tech-comes-away-with-34-10-win
