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Joel Klatt predicts final score, winner of Texas Tech-BYU matchup

No. 9 Texas Tech hosts No. 8 BYU on Saturday in a top-10 Big 12 game this weekend.
Patrick Previty|
Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt
Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

No. 9 Texas Tech hosts No. 8 BYU on Saturday in a top-10 Big 12 game that Joel Klatt believes tilts toward the Red Raiders because of the environment in Lubbock and Tech's disruptive front seven.

"This environment could be one of the best... maybe for the entire season," Klatt said, before questioning how BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier will handle the stage.

The matchup has the No. 1 Big 12 scoring offense and a top-five scoring defense. Texas Tech leads the conference at 43.6 points per game and allows 13.2 points per game, while BYU scores 36.3 a games. Texas Tech's senior edge David Bailey leads the FBS with 11.5 sacks, and linebacker Jacob Rodriguez has forced a nation-leading seven fumbles.

Bachmeier's poise has carried BYU to their 8-0 start. The freshman has thrown for 1,693 yards with 11 touchdowns against three interceptions and has been lauded for late-game decision-making. "One thing I love about Bear Bachmeier is the guy just wins... he reminds me a lot of Max Duggan," Klatt said.

BYU also expects feature back LJ Martin (shoulder) to be available after being listed as probable on the Big 12 availability report.

Bear Bachmeier
BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier | Reese Strickland-Imagn Images

Klatt also highlighted the depth of the Red Raiders and the elevated scene as ESPN's College Gameday is back in Lubbock for the first time since 2008.

Both teams enter with top-10 credentials this week, and ABC will carry the noon ET/11 a.m. CT kickoff at Jones AT&T Stadium. Oddsmakers list the Red Raiders as double-digit favorites with game totals clustered around 52.5. As of Thursday, widely available lines had Texas Tech -10.5.

Klatt's forecast rests on whether Texas Tech's defense can unsettle BYU's rookie quarterback. "This defense is a different animal for Bear Bachmeier than he’s faced before," he said, pointing to Bailey and Rodriguez screaming off the edges.

Ultimately, Klatt sided with Texas Tech and the points. "I'm giving the 10-and-a-half... Texas Tech 34-21," he said, projecting a two-score win for the Red Raiders

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker John Curry celebrates with defensive backs Cole Wisniewski and Brice Pollock
Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker John Curry celebrates with defensive backs Cole Wisniewski and Brice Pollock | Scott Sewell-Imagn Images

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Patrick Previty
PATRICK PREVITY

In addition to writing for On SI, Patrick is also a site expert for Canes Warning and has previously written for outlets such as Betsided, Orlando Magic Daily and Southbound and Down. He serves as a sideline reporter for ESPN+, covering UCF athletics and the Big 12 Conference. In 2024, he hosted a live, on-site UCF football pregame show that aired on ESPN+. Patrick has interviewed numerous figures in the college sports world, ranging from players to UCF’s athletic director. Recently, he traveled to Mobile, Ala., to cover the 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl, where he spoke with multiple NFL Draft prospects. Patrick also hosts coverage of the Orlando Magic for Digest Media on YouTube and has become one of the leading voices on the team in the region. Patrick also helps run the social media department for The Voice of College Football Network, focusing on breaking news and digital storytelling. Patrick previously spent time at CNN in the sports department, where he assisted with CNN’s World Sport show and Bleacher Report updates for morning programming. Hailing from the Tampa Bay Area, Patrick is a lifelong fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Rays, Tampa Bay Lightning, Orlando Magic and UCF Knights.

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