The Texas Tech Red Raiders are preparing for a pivotal Big 12 battle against the undefeated #11 Iowa State Cyclones this Saturday, and they may have their star quarterback back under center. Sources tell ESPN that Behren Morton, who exited last week’s heartbreaking loss to TCU with a shoulder injury, looked strong in Tuesday’s practice and is expected to start in Ames.
Morton’s presence would provide a major boost for the Red Raiders, who saw a 17-point second half lead slip away against the Horned Frogs after their sophomore signal-caller left the game. Despite spending the second half in street clothes with his arm in a sling, Morton appears to have made significant progress in his recovery over the past few days.
Morton’s Impact on Texas Tech’s Offense
When healthy, Morton has been one of the most productive quarterbacks in the country this season. The talented sophomore ranks 20th nationally with 2,063 passing yards and has tossed 17 touchdowns against just three interceptions. His ability to stretch the field vertically and deliver pinpoint passes has made the Red Raiders’ offense one of the most explosive units in the Big 12.
With Morton leading the charge, Texas Tech boasts the nation’s 18th-ranked scoring offense, averaging over 36 points per game. The Red Raiders have already notched impressive wins over Arizona State, Cincinnati, and Arizona, largely due to Morton’s ability to distribute the ball to a deep group of playmakers.
A Stiff Test Against the Cyclones
While having Morton back in the lineup is certainly encouraging for Texas Tech, they’ll face a stiff test against an Iowa State team that has emerged as one of the biggest surprises in college football. The Cyclones have raced out to a 7-0 start, including a perfect 4-0 mark in Big 12 play, and are coming off a bye week that allowed them to rest and prepare for the stretch run.
Iowa State has already secured impressive road wins over Iowa, West Virginia, and Baylor, showcasing a physical brand of football predicated on tough defense and a punishing ground game. The Cyclones’ undefeated start has catapulted them to #11 in the national rankings, putting them firmly in the mix for a potential College Football Playoff berth.
We know we have a huge challenge ahead of us going into Ames. Iowa State has a great team, and they’ve proven they can beat anyone. But we’re excited about the opportunity. Having Behren back leading our offense gives us a lot of confidence.
— Texas Tech Head Coach, according to a team source
High-Stakes Big 12 Showdown
For Texas Tech, Saturday’s clash with Iowa State represents a chance to get back on track after consecutive losses have dropped them to 5-3 on the season. A victory over the unbeaten Cyclones would not only bolster the Red Raiders’ bowl positioning but also set the stage for a strong finish to the 2024 campaign.
With Morton at the controls and star running back Tahj Brooks, who ranks 3rd nationally with 132.1 rushing yards per game, Texas Tech has the offensive firepower to go toe-to-toe with the stingy Iowa State defense. However, they’ll need to avoid the costly turnovers and defensive breakdowns that have plagued them in recent weeks.
As the college football season enters its final month, the stakes continue to rise with each passing week. For Texas Tech and Iowa State, Saturday’s showdown could prove to be a defining moment in their respective campaigns. With Behren Morton expected to be back leading the charge, the Red Raiders will look to play spoiler and hand the Cyclones their first loss of the season in front of a raucous crowd at Jack Trice Stadium.
