Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton is set to play a crucial role as his team faces Oregon in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals on December 28, 2023. After battling injuries throughout the season, Morton’s recovery could be the key factor the Red Raiders need to secure a victory against the Ducks.
Head coach Joey McGuire expressed his admiration for Morton, highlighting his resilience. “There he is,” McGuire said when he saw Morton at a media event. “No. 2 on the field, No. 1 in your heart.” Morton, who suffered a hairline fracture in his right fibula earlier this season, has been sidelined with a walking boot for nearly two months. His return to health comes just in time for the Red Raiders (12-1), who have relied heavily on his leadership and playmaking abilities.
Despite the injury, Morton led Texas Tech through a successful second half of the season, helping the team to an undefeated record during his tenure. The Red Raiders averaged an impressive 40.6 points per game in the five games he played after the injury, earning a first-round bye in the playoffs. Now, with Morton physically fit, the team is optimistic about their chances against Oregon (12-1) at the Orange Bowl.
“I just want to play healthy,” Morton stated. “How much better can I be when I’m healthy? If I can do this while being injured, how much is the ceiling of being healthy?” His determination is evident as he prepares to take the field without the constraints that have hampered him for most of the season.
Morton’s journey has not been without challenges. He has faced multiple injuries over the past two seasons, including a grade five AC joint sprain and other setbacks that have limited his practice time. Despite this, he has only missed three games in total, showcasing his commitment to the team. “To see your quarterback go through some pain and still play hard, there’s no excuse to be tired, there’s no excuse to be lazy,” said Texas Tech wide receiver Coy Eakin.
The recent three-week break between the Big 12 Championship game and the upcoming playoff matchup has allowed Morton to focus on football and recovery. “I think the offense expands a lot when I’m healthy,” he noted. “We have so many playmakers, it makes my job easy.” This could be particularly advantageous against an Oregon defense renowned for its strength.
Texas Tech’s defense is also formidable, currently ranked as the top unit in the nation according to Pro Football Focus. The matchup against Oregon’s third-ranked offense promises to be intense, with both teams showcasing their strengths on the field. The Ducks’ defense has proven to be tough, allowing more than 20 points only once during the regular season.
Morton’s health could significantly impact the outcome of the game. Before his injury, he averaged only one sack per game, but that number doubled following his return, illustrating how limitations affected his performance. Facing a Ducks defense that pressures quarterbacks in over 10% of pass-rush situations will require Morton to be at his best.
“Oregon’s defensive line is impressive,” remarked edge rusher Matayo Uiagalelei. He acknowledged Morton’s ability to distribute the ball effectively to his playmakers. “They have multiple running backs and big wide receivers, which makes them balanced and dangerous.”
Oregon defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi acknowledged Morton’s capabilities, emphasizing that his improved health could introduce new elements to Texas Tech’s offense that have not been seen in recent games. “I certainly don’t go by the paper. I go by the film. It looks pretty darned explosive on film,” Lupoi said, reinforcing the notion that the Red Raiders should not be underestimated.
With the extra time to recover and prepare, Morton and Texas Tech aim to harness their untapped potential in this crucial playoff matchup. “I feel like we have a little untapped potential to go play at our highest level,” Eakin added, reflecting the optimism shared by the team as they look to make a deep playoff run.
As the Red Raiders prepare for their showdown against the Ducks, all eyes will be on Behren Morton, whose health and performance could very well dictate the outcome of this highly anticipated College Football Playoff clash.
