The dominant 34-10 victory by Texas Tech over Utah on Saturday has created two competing narratives: that Utah might not be as good as its hype suggested, or that Texas Tech is an elite team. A closer look at the game's details and the teams' seasons so far provides evidence for both of these theories.

Is Utah Just Bad at Football?

While it might be too early to call the Utes "bad," the performance against Texas Tech certainly raised some major red flags.

Offensive Struggles: Utah's offense was a major disappointment. After a strong start to the season against lesser opponents, the Utes were completely shut down by the Red Raiders' defense. They were held to just 263 total yards and turned the ball over four times. This raises questions about their offense's ability to consistently perform against a high-level defense.

A "Paper Tiger": Before the Texas Tech game, Utah's most impressive win was against an anemic UCLA team that is now 0-3. It's possible that Utah's dominant early-season performances were more a reflection of their opponents' weaknesses rather than their own strength.

Is Texas Tech Simply Elite?

The performance by the Red Raiders, particularly on the road against a top-20 opponent, provides strong evidence that they are a legitimate elite team.

A Complete Performance: Texas Tech's victory was a total team effort. The defense, which was a major concern for the Red Raiders, played a near-perfect game, shutting down Utah's offense and forcing turnovers. The offense, even with backup quarterback Will Hammond playing after an injury to Behren Morton, was still able to move the ball and score.

The Turnaround is Real: Texas Tech's defensive improvement under new defensive coordinator Shiel Wood is not just a fluke. The Red Raiders' defense has been a major factor in their dominant wins this season, and their performance against Utah, an opponent known for its physical style of play, was a massive statement.

The Coaching is Top Tier: Head Coach Joey McGuire has built a program that is not only talented but also resilient. The team's ability to win on the road and overcome an injury to its starting quarterback speaks volumes about the team's coaching and culture.

In conclusion, while the loss certainly hurts Utah's reputation, it's more likely a testament to Texas Tech's unexpected and rapid ascent to elite status. The Red Raiders are not just a high-powered offense; they are a complete team that is a legitimate contender for the Big 12 championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff.

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