Pigskin & Burnt Ends: Texas Tech Stuns Utah And Is Arch “Back?”

Texas college football delivered another wild weekend, and Pigskin & Burnt Ends host Indy Car Tim was ready to break it all down. From Texas Tech’s statement win in Salt Lake City to questions about Arch Manning’s performance, Week 4 provided plenty of drama across the Lone Star State.

Texas Tech’s Breakthrough in Utah

The headline game wasn’t just big for Texas—it resonated across the national stage. Texas Tech’s 34–10 win over No. 16 Utah shocked fans who expected a defensive slugfest. Backup quarterback Will Hammond stepped in for the injured Baron Morton and sparked the Red Raiders with 169 passing yards, two touchdowns, and 61 rushing yards. Meanwhile, Tech’s defense forced four turnovers and held Utah to just 263 total yards.

At 4–0, Joey McGuire’s Red Raiders look like a balanced team for the first time in years—capable of winning with defense as much as offense. Their bye week comes at a perfect time before a big matchup against undefeated Houston.

Arch Manning’s Bounce Back… Or Did He?

Texas rolled Sam Houston State, 55–0, with Arch Manning posting his most efficient game yet (18-of-21, 298 yards, 3 TDs, plus 2 rushing scores). But Tim urged caution. “It was Sam Houston State,” he warned. Fans calling Manning “back” may be overreacting until he proves it against stiffer competition. The Longhorns face Florida and Oklahoma next—games that will reveal whether Manning has truly turned a corner.

The Last Battle for the Iron Skillet

TCU and SMU met for the 104th time, and potentially the last time for years, in the storied Battle for the Iron Skillet. TCU pulled away late in a 35–24 victory, led by Josh Hoover’s five touchdown passes and wideout Eric McAlister’s 254 receiving yards. With SMU moving to the ACC, this historic rivalry—dating back more than a century—may be gone for the foreseeable future.

Oklahoma and Rice Shine

Outside of Texas borders but with Texas ties, Oklahoma’s John Mathier (a North Texas product) powered the Sooners past Auburn with 271 yards and a touchdown, keeping OU undefeated. Closer to home, Rice impressed in a 28–17 win over Charlotte, starting 3–1 for the first time since 2001.

As Tim put it, Texas football is entering the “meat of the season.” And if Week 4 was any indication, there’s plenty more chaos to come.

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