No. 7 Texas Tech enters Saturday’s Big 12 matchup against Arizona State as one of the hottest teams in the country, riding a 6-0 start. The Sun Devils are coming off a 42-10 loss to Utah, though they were without starting quarterback Sam Leavitt, who is expected to return to the lineup this weekend.
The game will kick off at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday on FOX with the Red Raiders listed as 7.5-point favorites, and the over/under is set at 52.5 total points. Here are two key players to watch in this game, followed by the top storylines for each team, and a prediction from Heartland College Sports.
Two Key Players to Watch
Cameron Dickey (RB, Texas Tech)
Last weekend, running back Cameron Dickey delivered one of the top individual performances of the season, racking up 263 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries. His vision and burst were on full display, highlighted by a 71-yard run. Dickey’s breakout effort not only fueled his team’s offensive success but also firmly established him as one of the most explosive backs in the Big 12. Paired with veteran quarterback Behren Morton, who remains questionable for Saturday, Texas Tech boasts one of the most dynamic offenses in the country.
Jordyn Tyson (WR, Arizona State)
Star wide receiver Jordyn Tyson had a quiet outing last weekend (40 receiving yards), but with Sam Leavitt listed as probable for Saturday’s matchup, Tyson is in position to return to form as one of the Big 12’s most consistent playmakers. He’s already recorded three 100-yard receiving games this season and remains a key weapon in Arizona State’s offensive attack.
Two Key Storylines
Sam Leavitt’s Return
With Sam Leavitt trending toward playing in this pivotal Big 12 clash, Arizona State must find a way to knock off a top 10 team in the country. A third loss would deal a significant blow to the Sun Devils’ College Football Playoff hopes. Last weekend made it clear just how much Arizona State’s offense relies on Leavitt. Without their starting quarterback, the Sun Devils struggled to move the ball consistently and failed to find rhythm in the passing game. His ability to extend plays and push the ball downfield is central to ASU’s offensive identity, and his return could be the spark they need against a high-powered Texas Tech team.
Does ASU Have What It Takes To Slow Down Texas Tech?
The Red Raiders enter the weekend with one of the most explosive offenses in college football, fueled by Dickey and a dynamic passing attack. The Red Raiders are averaging over 35 points per game and have multiple playmakers capable of stretching the field. For Arizona State, the challenge lies in finding answers defensively, particularly after giving up 42 points to Utah last week. With Morton’s status uncertain, the Sun Devils may get a break if Tech is forced to lean more heavily on the run. However, unless ASU can tighten up against the big play and control the tempo, slowing down this high-powered unit will be a tall order.
Prediction: Texas Tech 38, Arizona State 28
Texas Tech continues to look like a legitimate CFP contender, with a balanced offense and a defense that’s improved drastically. Even if Morton remains questionable, the Red Raiders have shown they can move the ball efficiently and capitalize on explosive plays. Arizona State gets a boost with Leavitt most likely returning, but protecting him will be critical. The Sun Devils have struggled defensively, especially against tempo and vertical passing, which Tech is more than capable of exploiting. If the Red Raiders continue their efficient play on both sides of the ball, they should remain unbeaten and strengthen their Big 12 title push.
