In a fiercely contested Big 12 opener at Rice-Eccles Stadium, the No. 17 Texas Tech Red Raiders emerged victorious over the No. 16 Utah Utes with a final score of 34-10. The game, marked by a high number of turnovers and penalties, saw a dramatic shift in momentum after Texas Tech starting quarterback Behren Morton suffered an injury in the third quarter.
Texas Tech started strong, scoring a touchdown on their opening drive. However, the first half devolved into a turnover-filled battle, with both teams struggling to maintain possession. Morton himself threw two interceptions, while the Red Raiders also forced two fumbles through aggressive play. Utah quarterback Devon Dampier also added an interception to the chaotic first half, resulting in a defensive showcase filled with missed opportunities. The Red Raiders, despite committing 14 penalties, managed to hold a 10-3 lead at halftime.
The tide turned early in the third quarter when Morton suffered a significant injury after a hard hit, forcing him to leave the game. Red Raiders redshirt freshman Will Hammond, stepping in for the injured starter, proved to be a game-changer. After Utah scored a touchdown to narrow the gap to 13-10, Hammond led a crucial scoring drive in the fourth quarter, showcasing his skills with a 32-yard quarterback run and a 19-yard pass to Coy Eakin before finding Terrance Carter Jr. for a 24-yard touchdown.
Hammond's performance wasn't limited to that drive. He continued to lead the offense, effectively capitalizing on Utah turnovers. Following a Utah punt, Hammond connected with Carter for a key third-down conversion, setting up a 24-yard touchdown run by Cameron Dickey. Another Utah turnover, an interception by Jacob Rodriguez, sealed the deal as Hammond connected with Reggie Virgil for a 21-yard touchdown.
Texas Tech's defense played a crucial role, holding Utah in check and creating numerous turnover opportunities. The Red Raiders' final push included 24 unanswered points, solidifying their victory and showcasing the team's resilience. Hammond finished the game with an impressive performance, completing 13 of 16 passes for 169 yards and two touchdowns, adding another 61 rushing yards. This win marks Texas Tech's first victory against a ranked opponent since 2008, solidifying their position as a force to be reckoned with in the Big 12.
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Originally published at: https://sports.yahoo.com/college-football/article/no-17-texas-tech-pulls-away-in-sloppy-big-12-opener-against-no-16-utah-qb-will-hammond-steps-up-after-behren-morton-injury-184627501.html
