Texas Tech suffered a significant blow during their Big 12 opener against the Utah Utes. Starting quarterback Behren Morton, a senior and key player for the Red Raiders, was ruled out of the game due to an injury sustained in the third quarter. The injury occurred after a hard hit from Utah linebacker Johnathan Hall during a second-and-long scramble near the Texas Tech 7-yard line. While officials reviewed the play for targeting, no foul was called.
This wasn't Morton's first encounter with injury during the game. He had previously left the field briefly in the first half after another hard hit, necessitating a temporary replacement by redshirt freshman Will Hammond. Hammond, who has some experience under his belt from last season (four games played, one start, completing 35 of 57 passes for 471 yards and two touchdowns), stepped in again to finish the game after Morton's more serious injury. His performance will be crucial in determining Texas Tech's success in the coming weeks.
The Red Raiders held a 10-3 lead at halftime, but the loss of their starting quarterback undoubtedly impacts their game strategy and overall chances. Morton's absence raises serious concerns about the team's future performances and highlights the importance of depth in college football. The extent of Morton's injury is currently unknown, adding uncertainty to his return timeline. The upcoming weeks will be crucial for Texas Tech as they navigate this significant challenge.
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Originally published at: https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/46324836/texas-tech-qb-behren-morton-injured-ruled-vs-utah
