Cameron Dickey delivered a stunning career-high 263 rushing yards and two pivotal touchdowns, powering No. 9 Texas Tech to a resounding 42-17 victory against Kansas. The Red Raiders showcased remarkable resilience after starting quarterback Behren Morton exited with a lower-leg injury, with backup Will Hammond rallying the team in the second half to maintain their undefeated season.
In a thrilling Big 12 showdown on Saturday night in Lubbock, Texas, the No. 9 Texas Tech Red Raiders asserted their dominance over Kansas with a commanding 42-17 win. The narrative of the game was largely shaped by the spectacular, career-defining performance of sophomore running back Cameron Dickey, who exploded for 263 rushing yards and two long touchdowns. However, the victory was also a testament to the Red Raiders’ resilience, as they had to navigate a significant challenge after starting quarterback Behren Morton left the game with a right lower-leg injury in the second quarter.
Dickey’s Breakout Performance: A Career-Defining Night
Cameron Dickey had a night for the ages, shattering his previous career high with an incredible 263 rushing yards. His explosive runs included touchdown scampers of 71 and 55 yards, electrifying the home crowd at Jones AT&T Stadium. What makes Dickey’s performance even more remarkable is that he had not surpassed 100 rushing yards in any of his 12 previous games for the Red Raiders, making this a true breakout moment for the young sophomore.
His impact was immediate, as he busted free for the 71-yard touchdown on Texas Tech‘s very first offensive play of the game. This early statement set the tone for an offense that would ultimately amass 505 total yards, with a significant 372 coming on the ground.
Quarterback Drama: Morton’s Injury and Hammond’s Stepping Up
The game took a dramatic turn midway through the second quarter when starting quarterback Behren Morton exited with a right lower-leg injury. Morton had been efficient before his departure, completing 7 of 12 passes for 91 yards and a touchdown to Terrance Carter Jr., contributing to Texas Tech‘s early 21-0 lead.
Redshirt freshman Will Hammond stepped in to replace Morton. While Hammond initially struggled, throwing an interception and leading to three punts before halftime, he demonstrated remarkable composure in the second half. This wasn’t the first time Hammond had been called upon this season; Morton had previously been sidelined with a hyperextended knee and a separate head injury, as reported by ESPN’s game recap. Hammond finished the game completing 7 of 16 pass attempts for 42 yards, but truly shined with his legs, adding 61 rushing yards and two crucial touchdowns of 20 and 10 yards to help seal the victory.
A Tale of Two Halves: Early Dominance, Kansas’s Fight, and Tech’s Rebound
Texas Tech started the game in blistering fashion, scoring on its first four possessions to build a commanding 21-0 lead early in the second quarter. Dickey‘s 71-yard touchdown was followed by a 21-yard touchdown pass from Morton to Terrance Carter Jr., and two field goals by Upton Bellenfant (25 yards) and Stone Harrington (40 yards).
However, Kansas, despite their historical struggles in Lubbock and against the Red Raiders, showed resilience. Quarterback Jalon Daniels led the Jayhawks on a scoring surge in the latter part of the first half, completing touchdown passes of 10 yards to Leshon Williams and 24 yards to Boden Groen. A 55-yard field goal by Laith Marjan as time expired in the half cut Texas Tech‘s lead to a mere four points, 21-17, heading into halftime. Daniels finished with 228 passing yards and two touchdowns on 27 of 33 attempts.
The second half, however, belonged entirely to Texas Tech. After a few early struggles following Morton’s injury, the Red Raiders rediscovered their scoring touch. Hammond’s 20-yard run in the third quarter extended the lead, and Dickey’s second long touchdown, a 55-yard sprint early in the fourth quarter, effectively put the game out of reach at 35-17. Hammond added a 10-yard touchdown run later in regulation to cap off the scoring.
Defensive Grit and Big 12 Implications
Beyond the offensive fireworks, Texas Tech‘s defense played a pivotal role, especially in shutting down Kansas in the second half. The Red Raiders recorded an impressive eight sacks on Jalon Daniels, with David Bailey contributing three of his own, and added a ninth sack on backup Cole Ballard. This defensive pressure prevented the Jayhawks from sustaining any drives after halftime, forcing five consecutive punts.
The victory pushes Texas Tech‘s impressive record to 6-0 overall and 3-0 in Big 12 play, solidifying their position as a top-10 team and a serious conference contender. This marks the first time since 2013 that the Red Raiders have been an AP Top 10 team, adding significant pressure and excitement to their season. For Kansas, who fell to 4-3 overall and 2-2 in conference, the loss highlights their ongoing struggles in Lubbock, where they now hold a 1-12 all-time record against Texas Tech, as noted by Big 12 Sports.
The Red Raiders’ ability to overcome the loss of their starting quarterback and rely on a breakout performance from Cameron Dickey speaks volumes about the depth and coaching of the team. As they continue their undefeated run, the fan community will be eagerly watching the status of Behren Morton and the continued development of Will Hammond, knowing that Texas Tech has found another legitimate offensive weapon in Dickey.
