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Breaking the Curse: Can Texas Tech Win in Tempe for the First Time
“All roads lead to Tempe — can the Red Raiders end an 88‑year drought in 2025?”
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1. A Rivalry That Defies Time
This matchup isn’t just another Big 12 tilt. Texas Tech vs. Arizona State has been 87 years in the making—yet only six meetings have occurred, just two of them in Tempe. And here’s the kicker: Tech has never won on Arizona State’s turf . That makes October 18, 2025, in Mountain America Stadium more than a game—it’s a chance to rewrite history.
That scarcity of road games has given those two Tempe visits outsized weight. Now in their third true away matchup in this series, the Red Raiders have a golden opportunity to break through. With wins in back‑to‑back clashes in Lubbock, confidence is brewing . But all that matters is what happens under the lights in Arizona.
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2. The Road Trip: October 18, 2025
Mark it: Saturday, October 18, 2025—the date when Texas Tech leaves Lubbock, rolls into Tempe, and gets the full “Hall of Fame” treatment in a theme game . With kickoff time TBD and the stadium electric, both crowd energy and TV buzz will ride high—exactly the kind of stage college football dreams are made of.
But context matters: ASU is fresh off a first‑year campaign in the Big 12 that saw them shock everyone—winning the conference, capturing a CFP berth, and lifting the Peach Bowl title . Their swagger is real.
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3. Two Teams at a Crossroads
Arizona State: The New Big 12 Powerhouse
Once written off, the Sun Devils surprised the nation in 2024. Under coach Kenny Dillingham, they surged to an 11–3 record, a conference championship, and national acclaim . Their momentum carried into 2025, with betting markets slotting ASU atop the Big 12 crown picture alongside Kansas State . Their home opener schedule, featuring heavyweights like TCU and Texas Tech, reflects a program no longer content with mid‑tier status .
Texas Tech: A Season of Opportunity
In Lubbock, Joey McGuire heads into year four with key coordinators and a revamped staff—including Mack Leftwich calling the offense and Shiel Wood on defense . Their 2024 campaign ended at 8–5, capped by a Liberty Bowl outing .
Their 2025 schedule is sculpted for early success: three straight home games build momentum before a bruising stretch that begins with a high‑altitude trip to Utah and continues with Houston, Kansas, and then Tempe .
No easy path—but no excuses either. Confidence is high, unity is built, and a statement win in Tempe would signal Tech’s national arrival.
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4. Keys to Victory: What Tech Must Nail
1. Ball Control & Efficiency
Face it, ASU will bombard opponents with dynamic QB and RB play. Tech must protect the ball and sustain drives—long possessions that keep the Sun Devils’ explosive playmakers off the field.
2. Turnover Margin
Arizona State’s passing attack and perimeter speed means technique matters. Tech’s revamped secondary must hold tight, force mistakes, and feed the offense.
3. Special Teams Edge
The quieter third phase of the game can be a deal‑breaker on the road. Discipline in pagers, returns, and field goal placement could tip the scales.
4. Weather & Altitude
While Phoenix won’t bring snow, its October temps and 1,100 ft elevation create unique conditions. Tech needs to prepare accordingly—conditioning and hydration could be the hidden edge.
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5. Why This Game Matters
The stakes in Tempe go beyond one win. A Red Raiders victory there will resonate deeply:
End an 88‑year Tempe drought—instantly cementing itself as a top highlight in Tech lore.
Big 12 momentum—a win over a road nemesis signals conference ambitions.
Recruiting leverage—Televised triumph on a hostile field is a recruiting coup.
Fan belief—Lubbock and beyond will believe in 2025 if Tech conquers Tempe.
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6. Expert Perspectives
CBS Sports highlights the Big 12’s volatility in 2025. While ASU and K‑State are co‑favorites, Tech isn’t far behind at +600—with plenty of bounce‑back potential . The door is ajar—one big win can swing the pendulum.
FBSchedules’s insights into Tech’s slate underscore the significance: the ASU road trip is nestled in a key four-game stretch that could make or break their season .
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7. The Fan Angle: Stirring Comments Expected
This game is primed for a digital flame war:
Will Tech’s lack of road wins in Tempe haunt them?
Or can McGuire galvanize the team for historic redemption?
Will ASU’s national recognition propel them deeper into championship contention?
Expect fiery debates around QB matchups, defensive schemes, and whether Tech can finally handle hostile environments.
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8. What to Watch on Game Day
Wildcards to monitor:
Quarterback Showdown – Both QBs will need pinpoint passing. Who bails out their team in key moments?
Running Back Impact – Can Tech’s ground game neutralize ASU’s dynamic RBs?
Coaching Decisions – From fourth-down calls to timeout usage, McGuire vs Dillingham will be telling.
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9. Final Take: This Could Become The Moment
History, hype, heart—everything converges in Tempe on October 18. Texas Tech has everything to play for: redemption, momentum, and a defining moment in Joey McGuire’s tenure. Beat Arizona State on the road, and Tech becomes a narrative machine in the Big 12.
But fall flat, and the road curse endures. That would be a bitter pill—especially after a win in Lubbock earlier in the year .
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10. Ending on Input: What Do You Think?
Can Texas Tech outsmart ASU’s rise and shocks?
Will the Winter gamewear patterns echo back to 1937? Does history matter?
Are we about to witness a seismic shift in the Big 12 pecking order?
Drop your boldest take below—this is one game that deserves every React, Retweet, and comment you’ve got.
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In summary: Texas Tech has all the reasons to believe—and all the tools to make history. But in college football, belief meets reality one game at a time. On October 18 in Tempe, under frosty spotlight and full crowd noise, will the Red Raiders finally smash the road curse? If all goes right… they just might.
