Texas Tech’s Behren Morton gets massive injury update ahead of Iowa State game
Texas Tech football missed a significant chance to secure a win after relinquishing a 17-point lead in the second half, ultimately losing to TCU by one point. A key factor in the loss was the injury to quarterback Behren Morton, who was sidelined for the second half due to a left shoulder injury.
Fortunately for Texas Tech, it appears that Morton’s injury is not severe, and he is expected to be available for the Red Raiders’ upcoming game against No. 10 Iowa State on Saturday, as reported by Pete Thamel of ESPN.
“Sources: Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton looked strong in practice on Tuesday and is expected to start on Saturday against No. 10 Iowa State,” Thamel reported on X, previously known as Twitter. “He did not play in the second half last week against TCU due to a left shoulder injury.”
Morton was replaced by true freshman Will Hammond, who stepped in as the Red Raiders aimed to remain competitive in the Big 12 title race. Hammond performed reasonably well, completing 10 of 15 passes for 121 yards and a touchdown.
However, he also committed a crucial turnover that severely impacted Texas Tech’s chances. While in field goal range and poised to win the game in the fourth quarter, Hammond fumbled during a designed quarterback run, allowing TCU to recover and effectively seal the victory.
Texas Tech squandered big opportunity on Saturday
Texas Tech’s loss to TCU on Saturday was a significant missed opportunity to stay competitive in the Big 12 title race as the regular season draws to a close. The Red Raiders entered the game with only one conference loss, putting them in a tie with several teams and trailing only unbeaten BYU and Iowa State.
If both BYU and Iowa State win out, all of this will be inconsequential as the two will face off in the Big 12 title game. However, if those two teams begin to falter for any reason, Texas Tech will look back at this game with plenty of regret.
The Red Raiders now find themselves trailing both Colorado and Kansas State in the conference standings. They have an opportunity to face Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes in Lubbock on November 9. However, the path to a title seems daunting, as Texas Tech would need to win out while also relying on significant help from other teams in the conference. With their 17-point lead slipping away on Saturday, it feels like their chances of contending for the Big 12 title have diminished.
Despite this setback, Joey McGuire and his team still have a lot to play for with a 5-3 record. They are just one win away from bowl eligibility for the fourth straight season. McGuire has successfully guided the Red Raiders to at least seven wins in each of his first two years, and he seems set to do so again in 2024, solidifying his position as the right leader for the program. Nonetheless, in a season where every game counts, overcoming Saturday’s loss will be a challenge.
