The 16th-ranked Utah Utes saw their perfect start come to an end Saturday with a tough 34–10 road loss to No. 17 Texas Tech.
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| Texas Tech defensive back Brice Pollock intercepts a pass intended for Utah tight end JJ Buchanan during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in Salt Lake City, Utah. (AP Photo/Jeffrey D. Allred) |
The game shifted dramatically in the third quarter when Texas Tech backup quarterback Will Hammond replaced starter Behren Morton, who left after a helmet-jarring hit. At that point, Utah was up 10–3.
Hammond immediately provided a spark, throwing for 169 yards and two touchdowns while adding 61 yards on the ground. Morton had put up 142 passing yards before exiting but also tossed two interceptions.
Utah struggled offensively all night. Starting quarterback Devon Dampier threw for 162 yards but was also picked off twice, and the Utes were limited to just 263 total yards with four turnovers overall.
Texas Tech set the tone early with a 1-yard touchdown run from Cameron Dickey, who went on to score twice in the game. The Red Raiders also got a boost from kicker Stone Harrington, who drilled a 58-yard field goal before halftime.
Utah nearly had a big play late in the second quarter when Dampier hit Jackson Bennee on a 69-yard strike, but the score was erased by an ineligible receiver penalty. The Utes had to settle for a 32-yard field goal from Dillon Curtis to trail 10–3 at the break.
In the second half, Texas Tech pulled away. Dickey broke free for a 24-yard touchdown run to extend the lead to 27–10. On Utah’s next possession, Dampier threw another interception, setting up a 21-yard touchdown pass from Hammond to Reggie Virgil that sealed the win.
The Utes (now 3–1) will look to regroup after their first setback of the season, while Texas Tech (4–0) continues its strong start with a statement victory.
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