Texas Tech’s season-long saga of quarterback injuries continues as Behren Morton exited Saturday’s game against Kansas, marking his third premature departure this season. Yet, the No. 9 Red Raiders, fueled by dynamic backup Will Hammond and a dominant ground game, maintained their undefeated record, showcasing remarkable resilience and depth in a pivotal 42-17 victory.
The journey for the No. 9 Texas Tech Red Raiders has been nothing short of captivating this season, especially as they navigate the recurring health challenges of their starting quarterback, Behren Morton. For the third time in the 2025 campaign, Morton was forced out of a game due to injury, leaving the reins to redshirt freshman Will Hammond. Despite the disruption, Hammond has consistently risen to the occasion, most recently guiding Texas Tech to a dominant 42-17 win over Kansas on Saturday night in Lubbock.
Morton’s Injury Timeline: A Concerning Pattern
Morton’s latest setback occurred in the second quarter against Kansas when a Jayhawks lineman rolled onto his ankle during a sack. He was visibly in pain, limping off the field and eventually heading to the locker room. Coach Joey McGuire noted that this injury was similar to a hyperextended right knee Morton sustained in the season opener. This follows another early exit in a 34-10 victory over Utah where Morton was sidelined after a hard hit to the head. This pattern raises significant concerns for both the coaching staff and the fervent Red Raider fanbase.
The repeated injuries to their starting signal-caller have forced Texas Tech to rely heavily on their depth chart, an unexpected but ultimately successful strategy thus far. Before his exit against Kansas, Morton had completed 7 of 12 passes for 91 yards and a touchdown, leading the team to an early 18-0 lead. This performance underscored his capabilities when healthy, but also highlighted the fragility of his current season.
The Rise of Will Hammond: A Redshirt Freshman Stepping Up
When Morton went down, Will Hammond stepped in, just as he had twice before. The redshirt freshman’s initial performance against Kansas was a bit shaky, including an interception and three punts before halftime. Kansas capitalized, cutting Texas Tech’s 21-0 lead to just four points at the break. However, Hammond quickly found his rhythm in the second half, leading the Red Raiders to a decisive victory. His stat line for the game included 7 of 16 passing for 42 yards, but more importantly, he added 61 crucial rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground, including a 20-yard score on the first drive of the second half.
Coach McGuire expressed immense confidence in Hammond, stating, “I don’t think anybody that’s been around Will Hammond is surprised by what he’s been doing. We’re really fortunate that we have a really good quarterback room.” This sentiment is echoed by many in the fan community who have watched Hammond consistently perform under pressure. His ability to step in and lead the offense, especially with his legs, has been a critical factor in the Red Raiders’ undefeated start, which has seen them climb into the AP Top 10 for the first time since 2013, as reported by Associated Press.
The Cameron Dickey Show and a Dominant Defense
While the quarterback situation grabbed headlines, the Red Raiders’ ground game, led by Cameron Dickey, was nothing short of spectacular. Dickey exploded for a career-high 263 rushing yards and two long touchdowns, including a 71-yard sprint on the first offensive play and a 55-yard score in the fourth quarter. His performance was instrumental in maintaining offensive pressure and allowing Hammond to ease into the game. The team finished with 372 rushing yards, demonstrating a robust offensive line and deep backfield talent.
The defense also played a crucial role, recording eight sacks on Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels and an additional ninth sack on backup Cole Ballard. David Bailey led the charge with three sacks, constantly pressuring the Jayhawks’ offense. Even with another significant injury to defensive tackle Skyler Gill-Howard, who was carted off in the first quarter with a lower left leg injury (though X-rays were negative), the defense held strong, limiting Kansas to zero points after halftime.
Fan Theories and What Lies Ahead
The Red Raider faithful are undoubtedly thrilled with the 6-0 start (3-0 Big 12), but Morton’s recurring injuries spark a mix of concern and debate within the fan community. Many wonder if Hammond should be given a more extended look, especially with his consistent ability to keep the team winning. Others express sympathy for Morton, hoping for a clean bill of health for the remainder of the season, whenever he returns. The team’s 6-0 record positions them strongly in the Big 12, as seen in the ESPN College Football Standings.
Looking ahead, Texas Tech faces a significant challenge next Saturday, traveling to face No. 21 Arizona State, the defending Big 12 champion. This upcoming game will be a true test of the team’s depth and resilience, particularly if Morton remains sidelined. Coach McGuire has expressed confidence not only in Hammond but also in third-stringer Mitch Griffis, a Wake Forest transfer, underscoring the team’s strong quarterback room.
The Unpredictable Path to Glory
The 2025 Texas Tech season has become a compelling narrative of perseverance, depth, and unexpected heroes. While Behren Morton’s injuries are an undeniable setback, they have also unveiled the readiness of Will Hammond and the strength of the Red Raiders’ overall roster. As Texas Tech aims to continue its undefeated run and solidify its position as a contender, the ability of its coaching staff to adapt and its players to step up will be continuously tested. The fans, eager for a deep postseason run, will be watching closely as their team navigates this unpredictable yet thrilling season. You can find more details on Morton’s individual game statistics at CBS Sports.
