Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Oct 13, 2026 11:53 AM
No. 10 Texas Tech looks to remain unbeaten against an Arizona State team searching for consistency after a difficult start to Big 12 play and a major roster overhaul.
The No. 10 Texas Tech Red Raiders return from their bye week Saturday with an opportunity to remain undefeated, avenge last season's most painful regular-season loss and strengthen their position in the Big 12 championship race.
Standing in their way is an Arizona State Sun Devils team that's already demonstrated both explosive potential and alarming inconsistency under head coach Kenny Dillingham.
Arizona State arrives in Lubbock with a 3-2 overall record and a 1-1 mark in Big 12 play after defeating Hawaii 30-12 on Saturday.
Texas Tech, meanwhile, is 5-0 overall and 2-0 in conference play following its dominant 29-7 road victory over Colorado.
Saturday's Homecoming matchup kicks off at 2:30 p.m. Central on FOX.
The Red Raiders have a particularly good reason to remember Arizona State.
Last October, the Sun Devils handed Texas Tech its only regular-season defeat, rallying for a 26-22 victory in Tempe after the Red Raiders led by 12 points in the fourth quarter.
That loss temporarily interrupted Texas Tech's undefeated season, although Joey McGuire's team eventually recovered to capture the Big 12 championship.
This year's Arizona State roster looks considerably different.
The Sun Devils welcomed 48 newcomers, including 30 transfers and 18 freshmen, creating one of the conference's more extensive roster overhauls.
The changes have produced mixed results.
Arizona State opened with a 70-7 victory over Morgan State before suffering a 48-20 loss at Texas A&M.
A 24-17 win over Kansas in London provided some momentum, but Baylor exposed significant defensive problems in a 55-19 victory in Tempe on October 3.
The Sun Devils responded Saturday behind freshman running back Cardae Mack, who exploded for 154 rushing yards on just 13 carries against Hawai‘i.
Mack's performance included a 67-yard touchdown run, giving Texas Tech another dangerous offensive weapon to prepare for.
Wide receiver Reed Harris presents an equally significant challenge.
Harris has caught 34 passes for 590 yards through five games, including eight receptions for 91 yards and two touchdowns against Hawaii.
Quarterback Cutter Boley connected with Harris for both scores, demonstrating the Sun Devils' ability to stretch defenses through the air.
For Texas Tech, limiting those explosive plays will be essential.
The Red Raiders have been particularly effective at creating turnovers, intercepting seven passes over their last two games, including four against Colorado.
That defensive aggression could prove valuable against an Arizona State offense that has struggled to establish consistent production against stronger opponents.
Texas Tech's offense also has an opportunity to exploit a vulnerable Sun Devils defense.
Arizona State surrendered 48 points to Texas A&M and 55 to Baylor, raising questions about its ability to handle another nationally ranked opponent.
Quarterback Will Hammond and the Red Raiders haven't always started quickly, but they've consistently improved as games progress.
Texas Tech has outscored opponents by 72 points in the second half this season, demonstrating its ability to make adjustments and finish games.
The Red Raiders also carry an 11-game home winning streak into Saturday's contest.
A victory would give Texas Tech consecutive 6-0 starts and extend its home winning streak to 12 games.
But overlooking Arizona State would be a mistake.
Dillingham's program has already demonstrated its ability to frustrate McGuire's team, and the Sun Devils have enough offensive talent to create problems if Texas Tech loses defensive discipline.
The formula for the Red Raiders is straightforward: contain Arizona State's explosive playmakers, protect the football and take advantage of a defense that's struggled against quality opponents.
Saturday represents another opportunity for Texas Tech to prove it belongs among the nation's legitimate College Football Playoff contenders.
And with last season's loss still fresh in the program's memory, the Red Raiders shouldn't need any additional motivation.
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