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NEW: Is Utah Actually REALLY Bad Or Is Texas Tech Big 12's BEST Football Team Via Joey McGuire, NIL Sep 23, 2025

Show notes

The dominant 34-10 victory by Texas Tech over Utah on Saturday has created two competing narratives: that Utah might not be as good as its hype suggested, or that Texas Tech is an elite team. A closer look at the game's details and the teams' seasons so far provides evidence for both of these theories.

Is Utah Just Bad at Football?

While it might be too early to call the Utes "bad," the performance against Texas Tech certainly raised some major red flags.

Offensive Struggles: Utah's offense was a major disappointment. After a strong start to the season against lesser opponents, the Utes were completely shut down by the Red Raiders' defense. They were held to just 263 total yards and turned the ball over four times. This raises questions about their offense's ability to consistently perform against a high-level defense.

A "Paper Tiger": Before the Texas Tech game, Utah's most impressive win was against an anemic UCLA team that is now 0-3. It's possible that Utah's dominant early-season performances were more a reflection of their opponents' weaknesses rather than their own strength.

Is Texas Tech Simply Elite?

The performance by the Red Raiders, particularly on the road against a top-20 opponent, provides strong evidence that they are a legitimate elite team.

A Complete Performance: Texas Tech's victory was a total team effort. The defense, which was a major concern for the Red Raiders, played a near-perfect game, shutting down Utah's offense and forcing turnovers. The offense, even with backup quarterback Will Hammond playing after an injury to Behren Morton, was still able to move the ball and score.

The Turnaround is Real: Texas Tech's defensive improvement under new defensive coordinator Shiel Wood is not just a fluke. The Red Raiders' defense has been a major factor in their dominant wins this season, and their performance against Utah, an opponent known for its physical style of play, was a massive statement.

The Coaching is Top Tier: Head Coach Joey McGuire has built a program that is not only talented but also resilient. The team's ability to win on the road and overcome an injury to its starting quarterback speaks volumes about the team's coaching and culture.

In conclusion, while the loss certainly hurts Utah's reputation, it's more likely a testament to Texas Tech's unexpected and rapid ascent to elite status. The Red Raiders are not just a high-powered offense; they are a complete team that is a legitimate contender for the Big 12 championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff.

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BIG 12 POWER RANKINGS: BYU Soars, Utah Sinks, Texas Tech Leads, West Virginia Falls, TCU, UCF Rise Sep 22, 2025

Show notes

Saturday, September 20, was a perfect example of why the Big 12 is arguably the most competitive conference in college football. The day was filled with upsets, thrilling finishes, and major statement victories that reshaped the early-season landscape.

The biggest story was Texas Tech's commanding 34-10 road win over Utah. In a matchup between two top-20 teams, the Red Raiders' defense completely shut down the physical Utah offense, validating Texas Tech as a legitimate contender.

Meanwhile, the new members of the conference continued to prove their worth. In Waco, Arizona State, the defending Big 12 champion, showcased its grit with a 27-24 victory over Baylor, sealed with a last-second field goal. BYU, despite a close start, went on the road and defeated a tough East Carolina team 34-13, solidifying its strong start to the season.

The day also saw surprising blowouts. Kansas dominated West Virginia, winning 41-10 in a game that was uncompetitive from the start. The Jayhawks' offense was explosive, while their defense made key plays and forced turnovers. Similarly, UCF continued its impressive start, soundly defeating North Carolina 34-9, further cementing the Big 12's strong performance against the ACC this season.

Saturday's results left no doubt about the depth and parity of the Big 12. There is no clear-cut favorite, and a number of teams have emerged as legitimate threats to win the conference championship. The unpredictability of the league, where any team can win on any given Saturday, makes it one of the most exciting conferences to watch in college football.

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BIG 12 SQUAD: Texas Tech EXPOSES Utah, BYU Wins Again, Kansas Is Back, Joey McGuire is Real Deal? Sep 22, 2025

Show notes

Texas Tech's upset victory over Utah in Salt Lake City was highlighted by an incredible relief performance from backup QB Will Hammond who threw for two TD's in the victory. Tech's 24-point 4th quarter blew the game wide open and makes them the clear Big 12 favorite. Join the Big 12 squad as they break down all the games from the weekend from "America's Conference"! Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! 5-Hour ENERGY Enough with boring, flavorless caffeine, it’s time to give your caffeine a flavor upgrade with 5-hour ENERGY®️ shots. Get the favorites you love or be bold and try something new in-store and online at https://www.5hourENERGY.com or Amazon today. Square To learn more, go support your favorite neighborhood spot and see what Square has been up to in your neck of the woods. And then if you have extra time, check out https://square.com/go/lockedoncollege The Game Cap Grab your team’s classic bar or retro circle designed hat and use code LOCKEDON for an exclusive discount. Head to Because legends wear The Game. Head to https://thegamecaps.com Wayfair Get organized, refreshed, and back to routine for way less. Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. DoorDash With DoorDash Streaks, you save every Saturday you order — stack it up all season and you could save up to $250. Order this Saturday. Keep the streak alive. Fuel your gameday — only with DoorDash. Terms apply. Promo period through 11/18. Mazda It’s the small details that make the big plays. And just like there’s more to every player, there’s more to a Mazda vehicle. Mazda. Move and Be Moved. PrizePicks Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup. PrizePicks — Run Your Game. Click Link Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at https://www.monarchmoney.com/lockedoncollege for 50% off your first year. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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HUGE WEEK: Texas Tech Drills Utah, BYU Impresses, TCU Rolls, Arizona State Legit, Kansas Back, UCF? Sep 21, 2025

Show notes

The Big 12's 2025 college football season proved its "superconference" status with a wild Saturday filled with significant upsets, close finishes, and statement victories. It was a day that saw the league's hierarchy shaken up and its depth put on full display.

The biggest shocker of the day came in Salt Lake City, where #17 Texas Tech went on the road and absolutely dominated #16 Utah, winning 34-10. The Red Raiders' defense, a major question mark coming into the season, was lights-out, shutting down a potent Utah offense. This victory not only established Texas Tech as a legitimate Big 12 contender but also delivered a major blow to Utah's playoff aspirations.

Elsewhere, the new members made a huge impact. Arizona State, the defending Big 12 champion, walked into McLane Stadium and beat Baylor 27-24 with a last-second field goal, a gritty road victory that solidified their place at the top of the conference. Meanwhile, BYU went on the road to a hostile environment and proved its resilience with a 34-13 win over East Carolina, a score that was closer for a while but ended in a convincing win.

In other matchups, Kansas had an explosive day, dominating West Virginia 41-10 in a game that was a surprising blowout. The Jayhawks' offense was unstoppable, while the defense made key plays. And UCF continued its strong start, beating North Carolina 34-9, a result that further highlights the ACC's struggles this season.

Saturday's results cemented the Big 12's reputation as a deep, unpredictable, and highly competitive league. There are no easy games, and the conference race is wide open, with multiple teams having a legitimate shot at the conference title.

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UPSET: Texas Tech BLOWS OUT Utah, BYU & Iowa State LOVE IT, Joey McGuire In College Football Playoff Sep 20, 2025

Show notes

In a stunning turn of events, the Texas Tech Red Raiders went on the road and completely dominated the Utah Utes, winning with a final score of 34-10 in a game that was far less competitive than the final score suggests. The victory was a major statement for the Red Raiders and a stunning wake-up call for a Utah team that had been heavily favored.

Here's a breakdown of how Texas Tech completely dominated Utah:

Defensive Masterclass: The Red Raiders' defense, which had been a major question mark coming into the season, played a near-perfect game. They completely suffocated Utah's offense, which had been one of the most explosive in the country. The Utes' offense was held to just 10 points and struggled to get anything going all game. The Red Raiders' defensive line won the battle in the trenches, forcing turnovers and putting constant pressure on Utah's quarterback, Devon Dampier.

Forcing Turnovers: Texas Tech's defense was opportunistic and capitalized on Utah's mistakes. They forced multiple turnovers, including an interception from Dampier, who had not thrown a pick all season. These turnovers gave the Red Raiders' offense a short field and allowed them to put points on the board.

Morton's Replacement Steps Up: The Red Raiders' offense had a major scare when starting quarterback Behren Morton was knocked out of the game with an injury. However, his backup, Will Hammond, came in and played a brilliant game. Hammond led the team on multiple scoring drives and made key plays, including a 24-yard touchdown pass to Terrance Carter Jr., which sealed the game.

Disrupting the Utah Offense: Utah's offense, which had been known for its physical, run-first style, was completely neutralized by the Red Raiders' defense. The Utes' rushing attack was held to just 3.5 yards per carry, and they were unable to establish a rhythm. The lack of a running game forced Dampier to win the game with his arm, and Texas Tech's secondary was up to the challenge.

The dominant victory not only improves Texas Tech's record to 4-0, but it also establishes them as a legitimate contender for the Big 12 championship and a major player in the national conversation. It was a complete performance by both the offense and the defense that proved the Red Raiders are for real.

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It's Time: FIRE MIKE GUNDY, Oklahoma State Needs Change NOW, Winless in Big 12, Jeff Traylor Time? Sep 19, 2025

Show notes

Mike Gundy's job security at Oklahoma State is a major topic of discussion among college football insiders and fans. While Gundy is the winningest coach in program history and an institution in Stillwater, a number of factors, particularly recent on-field struggles, have put him on one of the hottest seats in the country.

The primary reason for Gundy's precarious position is the team's abysmal performance in the 2024 season. The Cowboys finished with a dismal 3-9 record and went winless in the Big 12 conference, a first in Gundy's two-decade tenure. This dramatic and unexpected collapse, which followed a promising start, raised serious concerns about the program's direction.

The struggles have continued into the 2025 season. A humiliating 69-3 blowout loss to Oregon in Week 2 was a major red flag that has only amplified the calls for a coaching change. The uncompetitive nature of the loss, coupled with the previous season's disaster, has led many to question Gundy's ability to adapt to the new era of college football, with its emphasis on the transfer portal and NIL.

The situation has also been complicated by off-field issues. There was a reported power struggle with the administration and a tense contract negotiation during the offseason. Gundy ultimately agreed to a restructured deal that included a $1 million pay cut and a reduced buyout. While Gundy has a buyout of $15 million, which could decrease after January 1, 2026, the optics of the situation suggest that the university has an upper hand.

For Gundy, this season is a crucial one. He made a dramatic overhaul of his coaching staff, but if the on-field results don't improve and the team fails to even reach a bowl game, it's very likely that his long and successful run at Oklahoma State will come to an end.

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GROSS: Barstool, Big Cat Want Drake Toll to Put a Corndog In His Butt if TCU Loses to SMU | Squad Sep 18, 2025

Show notes

Week 3 was a wild ride for the Big 12 and Week 4 is also going to be one to watch. The Utah Utes vs the Texas Tech Red Raiders leads the slate, the future of Mike Gundy at Oklahoma State is unclear, Drake Toll made a brave TCU Horned Frogs bet and much more!

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BIG 12 BEST BETS: BYU Rolls, Texas Tech Shocks Utah, West Virginia Covers, Baylor Wins, TCU Over SMU Sep 18, 2025

Show notes

This week is a pivotal one for three of the Big 12's most impressive teams—Utah, Texas Tech, and BYU—as each faces a significant test that will help define their season.

Utah vs. Texas Tech

The marquee matchup of the weekend is the top-20 showdown between Utah and Texas Tech in Salt Lake City. Both teams are undefeated and have looked dominant in their early games. The game is a classic clash of styles: Texas Tech's explosive, high-scoring offense against Utah's notoriously physical and disciplined defense. The winner will establish themselves as a top contender for the Big 12 championship. Adding to the excitement is the fact that FOX's Big Noon Kickoff will be in town, a clear indication that this is one of the most important games on the national schedule.

BYU at East Carolina

BYU, also undefeated, faces its first real challenge of the season on the road against East Carolina. While BYU has looked dominant in its first two wins, the team has yet to be truly tested. East Carolina, a tough and gritty team in a hostile home environment, will provide that test. For BYU's true freshman quarterback, Bear Bachmeier, this will be his first career road start, and he will face an aggressive and blitz-happy defense. This game is a classic "trap game" and a potential upset alert for the Cougars, as a win would solidify their status as a legitimate contender.

The outcomes of these games will have major implications for the Big 12's standing in the national polls and the race for the expanded College Football Playoff.

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Utah vs Texas Tech/Auburn V Oklahoma Are Big Tests in Week 4 Sep 18, 2025

Show notes

There are a lot of big time tests teams like Auburn, Utah, and Illinois will have to face this week in college football.

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Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

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UPSET ALERT: STUNNING Prediction for Texas Tech, Utah In Kyle Whittingham's FINAL Season, NIL Bowl Sep 17, 2025

Show notes

The highly anticipated top-20 showdown between Utah and Texas Tech in Salt Lake City is a clash of two of the Big 12's most impressive teams. Both are undefeated and have showcased distinct strengths that make this a must-watch game.

Texas Tech's offense has been a juggernaut, leading the conference in scoring with over 58 points per game. Quarterback Behren Morton is a major reason for this success, having thrown for over 400 yards in his last outing and showcasing a high level of efficiency. They will face their toughest test yet against a notoriously physical and disciplined Utah defense.

Utah's success is rooted in its defensive dominance and a punishing, physical style of play. The Utes have held opponents to just over 45 points per game and have been excellent at pressuring the quarterback and stopping the run. The key matchup will be Utah's defensive front against Texas Tech's explosive offense. If the Utes can get pressure on Morton and force turnovers, they will have a major advantage.

On the other side of the ball, Utah's balanced offense, led by dual-threat quarterback Devin Dampier, will face a surprisingly improved Texas Tech defense. This Red Raiders' unit has made a complete turnaround from last season and has been a major factor in their dominant wins. The game will likely come down to which team can win the battle in the trenches, control the clock, and minimize mistakes.

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Mazda. Move and Be Moved.

Gametime
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