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3 Arizona State Defenders Texas Tech Must Stop In Big 12 Showdown
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- 3 Arizona State Defenders Texas Tech Must Stop In Big 12 Showdown
(Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
Texas Tech football returns from its bye week Saturday looking to protect its unbeaten record, but Arizona State brings three defensive playmakers capable of making Homecoming considerably more uncomfortable than the Red Raiders would prefer.
No. 10 Texas Tech (5-0, 2-0 Big 12) welcomes the Sun Devils (3-2, 1-1) to Galaxy Stadium for a 2:30 p.m. kickoff on FOX. With quarterback Will Hammond directing the offense, the Red Raiders will have to account for Arizona State linebackers Owen Long and Martell Hughes, along with defensive tackle C.J. Fite.
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Owen Long might be the most important defender Texas Tech needs to neutralize.
The Colorado State transfer has become a centerpiece of coordinator Brian Ward's defense, collecting 47 tackles through five games.
Long delivered his signature performance against Kansas in London, recording 12 tackles, nine solo stops, a forced fumble and a game-clinching interception. His effort earned Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week and national recognition.
The junior's greatest asset is his ability to diagnose plays before blockers reach him. Texas Tech must prevent Long from freely attacking running lanes by getting offensive linemen to the second level and using misdirection to challenge his instincts.
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Martell Hughes presents a different problem.
The junior linebacker has recorded 39 tackles and six tackles for loss, demonstrating an ability to attack the backfield rather than simply clean up plays downfield.
Hughes could be particularly dangerous against Texas Tech's running game, which features J'Koby Williams and Quinten Joyner.
The Red Raiders need to establish offensive balance, but repeatedly running into Hughes would create the kind of second-and-long and third-and-long situations Ward wants.
Then there's C.J. Fite.
The 310-pound senior defensive tackle doesn't need eye-popping tackle totals to influence a game. His ability to occupy blockers, disrupt interior running lanes and collapse the quarterback's pocket makes him an important piece of Arizona State's defensive front.
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Fite has registered three tackles for loss and two sacks this season after entering the year as one of the Big 12's more experienced interior defenders.
Texas Tech's offensive line must keep Fite from controlling the middle, particularly when Hammond drops back to throw.
There's also a dangerous wild card in Arizona State's secondary. Defensive back Montana Warren has contributed 26 tackles, one sack and four pass breakups, giving the Sun Devils another potential difference-maker.
Arizona State hasn't been invincible defensively. Baylor exposed significant weaknesses during a 55-19 victory over the Sun Devils earlier this month.
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But Texas Tech knows better than to overlook Kenny Dillingham's team.
Arizona State handed the Red Raiders their only regular-season defeat in 2025, winning 26-22 in Tempe.
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This time, Joey McGuire's unbeaten team has home-field advantage and an opportunity to strengthen its Big 12 championship position.
Containing Long, Hughes and Fite would go a long way toward making sure another Arizona State upset doesn't spoil the celebration in Lubbock.
