Texas Tech fans held their breath Saturday when Behren Morton limped off the field against Kansas. The Red Raiders’ undefeated season, their best start since 2013, has been built on their QB’s arm, poise, and that trademark swagger. So when he went down late in the third quarter, the silence in Lubbock said it all. But before panic could take over, Sunday brought a sigh of relief. 

On October 13, ESPN’s Pete Thamel shared a sourced report on X stating that Behren Morton is “day-to-day” after suffering a leg injury. That’s the best-case scenario for a team that’s been riding his leadership through the Big 12. Despite the injury scares, the QB has been more than efficient. Through six games, he’s piled up over 1,500 yards, 13 touchdowns, and just three picks while completing nearly 70% of his throws. And that’s why the Red Raiders have legitimate playoff buzz swirling around Lubbock.

Before his exit, Behren Morton had already done enough damage throwing for 91 yards and a touchdown while giving his team an 18-0 lead. His redshirt freshman backup, Will Hammond, then calmly finished the job, sealing a 42-17 rout over Kansas and keeping the Red Raiders perfect at 6-0. CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz added to the optimism, reporting there’s belief Behren Morton won’t miss any games and could be ready for the Red Raiders’ upcoming showdown with Arizona State. 

For HC Joey McGuire, that’s the equivalent of dodging a program-shifting setback. The Red Raiders are finally being taken seriously and the presence of the Big 12’s third-leading passer is the engine behind it all. Still, this isn’t the first time the sophomore’s body has been tested. Earlier this season, Behren Morton left the Utah game with a neck scare. He bounced back fast enough to earn his coach’s praise for his grit. And that resilience at the QB spot has translated to the team’s national reputation.

Behren Morton leads Texas Tech to elite company 

In the bigger picture, Texas Tech’s rise feels real. They’re sitting at No. 9 in ESPN’s Top 10 for Week 7, a testament to the consistent statement wins they’ve stacked in Big 12 play. ESPN’s Strength of Record metric has them at No. 8, giving the average top-25 team just a 44.1% chance to replicate their undefeated run. 

Their next test comes against Arizona State, a game that could further cement their postseason resume. And while critics may point to a softer nonconference slate with wins over Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Kent State, and a struggling Oregon State, the Red Raiders’ dominance in conference play keeps them firmly in the playoff picture.

Looking ahead, November 8 looms large. That’s when Texas Tech faces BYU, a matchup that could double as a Big 12 Championship preview. But for now, all eyes are on Behren Morton’s health. If “day-to-day” really means what it sounds like, Texas Tech’s dream season might just stay alive.