Texas Tech made a statement on Saturday with a dominant win over Utah, and the national conversation is starting to reflect just how impressive the Red Raiders have looked. During FOX’s broadcast, analyst Joel Klatt went out of his way to praise the program, even saying that he believes Texas Tech is one of the ten best teams in the country right now.
“Texas Tech is a Top 10 team,” Klatt said, pointing to the Red Raiders’ balance on both sides of the ball and their ability to overwhelm quality opponents. His comment came in the second half as Tech was in full control, leaving little doubt about the outcome. For a team that has been looking to break into the national spotlight, that kind of endorsement on a major broadcast carries weight.
The Red Raiders were dominant in every phase against Utah. The offense moved the ball with efficiency, quarterback Behren Morton was sharp when on the field, and the running game kept the Utes on their heels. Defensively, Tech swarmed to the ball and forced mistakes, creating short fields that the offense capitalized on. By the time the fourth quarter arrived, it was clear that Utah had no answers for what Joey McGuire’s team brought to the field.
Klatt’s comment also highlights how quickly expectations are shifting in Lubbock. Entering the season, Texas Tech was viewed as a dark horse contender in the Big 12. Three weeks in, the conversation has changed from whether the Red Raiders could be competitive to whether they can challenge for a spot in Arlington. With a decisive win over a respected Utah program, that argument looks stronger than ever.
For the Big 12, Texas Tech’s rise adds another layer to what already looks like a wide-open title race. TCU, Arizona State, Houston, and Arizona have all shown early promise, but the Red Raiders might have the most complete team in the league. If they continue to play at this level, national rankings will have to adjust, and the playoff committee will take notice later this fall.
Hearing Klatt declare Texas Tech a Top 10 team may have raised eyebrows around the country, but based on Saturday’s performance, it is hard to argue. The Red Raiders are rolling, and the rest of the Big 12 will have to take them seriously.
