Matchup: Texas Tech (2-1) vs. Arizona State (3-0)
Date: September 21st, 2024
Location: Jones AT&T Stadium, Lubbock, Texas
Kickoff: 2:30 pm

Week four marks Texas Tech’s second of three straight home games and their Big 12 opener as Arizona State returns to Lubbock for the first time since 2017. The Sun Devils come in undefeated, but the real question is: Who is Arizona State?

Head coach Kenny Dillingham is an intriguing figure. At just 34 years old, he already has 17 years of coaching experience. After suffering a torn ACL in high school, Dillingham transitioned quickly into coaching, becoming the quarterbacks coach of his junior varsity team. By the time he was 21, he was the offensive coordinator for the varsity squad—all while earning his degree from Arizona State. Dillingham's coaching journey has since taken him through stops under Mike Norvell at Memphis and Florida State, Gus Malzahn at Auburn, and Dan Lanning at Oregon, before taking the reins of his alma mater.

Dillingham inherited a mess at Arizona State. With 28 players transferring out and 30 new faces coming in, his first year saw the Sun Devils stumble to a 3-9 finish. They were competitive at times, but also endured some rough losses. In his second year, they’ve responded with three wins, but those victories have come against teams with a combined 3-6 record: Wyoming, Mississippi State, and Texas State. Hardly a daunting gauntlet.

That’s not to say Arizona State hasn’t improved—they probably have. But beyond Michigan State transfer quarterback Sam Leavitt’s scrambling ability and the punishing runs of Cam Skattebo, it’s hard to identify much offensive firepower. Then again, a mobile quarterback and a bruising runner at Arizona State? That hasn’t exactly been kind to Texas Tech in the past. Anyone remember Kalen Ballage? Surely, we’re not in for a repeat of that nightmare, right? Right?

It’s worth noting that this is only the fifth meeting between Texas Tech and Arizona State, and the Sun Devils' second trip to Lubbock. In 2017, Texas Tech won a 52-45 shootout in West Texas, avenging a 68-55 loss from the previous year in Tempe. The teams also met in 1999, when Arizona State claimed a victory in Tempe, meaning the home team has won every game in the series.

At home this season, Texas Tech’s offense has been electric, putting up 52 points against ACU and 66 against North Texas. While the defense has steadily improved, Arizona State poses a different kind of challenge. Texas Tech’s linebackers look up to the task, but the defensive line may struggle against Skattebo’s power running. That said, Tahj Brooks is likely to find plenty of running room as well.

The biggest difference between these two teams might be at quarterback. Behren Morton has been outstanding at home, lighting up both defenses he's faced at Jones AT&T Stadium. Even in a tough road loss at Washington State, he managed over 300 yards. More importantly, he’s protected the football in Lubbock, and I expect him to do the same here, outlasting Leavitt in a close contest.

There’s something about playing in Lubbock. The Red Raiders protect The Jones, and Joey McGuire improves his home record to 13-3.

Traveling in for the game? Visit Lubbock has you covered for Things to Do, Can’t Miss Experiences and Where to Stay!