Texas Tech could have QB controversy after massive Big 12 road win

Despite scoring a massive Big 12 road win on Saturday, the Texas Tech Red Raiders left Utah with more questions than answers.

Starting quarterback Behren Morton left early in the third quarter after suffering a hit to the helmet, and freshman Will Hammond shone in relief, potentially setting Texas Tech up for a quarterback controversy.

Before exiting, Morton had a rough game, going 12-of-19 for 142 yards and two interceptions. After an opening drive touchdown, the Red Raiders managed a field goal with two turnovers and three punts, including two three-and-outs, in Morton's six other first-half possessions.

Meanwhile, Hammond was 13-of-16 for 169 yards and two touchdowns, completing his final five attempts for 88 yards and two touchdowns and leading the Red Raiders on four fourth-quarter scoring drives.

Potential QB controversy brewing at Texas Tech

With the resounding 34-10 win over No. 16 Utah Utes (3-1, 0-1 in Big 12), Texas Tech established itself as the team to beat in the Big 12. Hammond may have also declared himself the best option at quarterback going forward.

It would likely be difficult for head coach Joey McGuire to bench Morton, a fifth-year senior, after one bad half of football, but his production going forward will be worth monitoring. Based on how the team played against Utah, Texas Tech could make noise in the College Football Playoff. McGuire must do what's in the best interest of the program, which might be playing Hammond.

The redshirt freshman appeared in four games last season after entering 2024 as the No. 14 quarterback of his recruiting class. Per Rivals director of scouting and rankings Charles Power, Hammond averaged 359 yards per game as a high-school senior. He made several big-time throws on Saturday, including this off-platform 19-yarder to wideout Coy Eakin and a 24-yard touchdown along the sideline to receiver Terrance Carter Jr. one play later.