Joey McGuire previews Texas Tech football’s trip to Utah
Joey McGuire previews Texas Tech football’s trip to Utah
Five different programs have won the Big 12 football championship in the past five seasons. With FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff in Salt Lake City for the Utah-Texas Tech football game on Saturday, Sept. 20, the crew members forecast who’ll win it this year.
«The best defense in the Big 12, led by (defensive coordinator) Morgan Scalley,» Meyer said. «Arguably, one of the top five best stadiums in college football. Utah wins the big 12, Kyle Whittingham gets another ring on his finger and Utah gets to celebrate another championship.»
Former Notre Dame and NFL quarterback Brady Quinn noted the winner of the Texas Tech-Utah game will be in the driver’s seat.
«I’m not so sure we don’t see these two teams play off again for when it’s all said and done,» Quinn said. «I don’t think there’s as much parity in this conference this year compared to last year. I think these are the two best teams by far.
«I think the big question I have in my mind is, can you buy a championship?» Quinn added, «because Texas Tech has put a lot of money into this roster and this program. Is that ultimately going to lead to them being able to win the Big 12 and a College Football Playoff spot?»
Former Southern California and NFL quarterback Matt Leinart went with Iowa State.
«They’ve got a good defense,» Leinart said. «Defense wins championships. We love coach (Matt) Campbell’s culture there. It’s a winning culture.
«Remember, this team got to the conference championship a year ago, and in this conference these games always come down to the wire every single week. You need a quarterback you can count on. You can count on Rocco Becht.»
Mark Ingram, the 2009 Heisman Trophy winner at Alabama and a former NFL running back, played to the crowd.
«I love a team who dominates in the trenches,» Ingram said. «I love a team with the best offensive line in college football, and who’s got that? U-T-A-H. I love a team that’s going to hit you in the mouth and turn the football over. Who’s got that? U-T-A-H. I love a coach who has passed the test of time. Who’s got that? Utah.»
