Wreck'Em Red
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Recalling Previous Texas Tech Quarterback Battles

By Matthew Conner

NORMAN, OK - OCTOBER 2: Quarterback Sonny Cumbie #15 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders passes against the Oklahoma Sooners behind a block by offensive lineman Daniel Loper #60 on October 2, 2004 at Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners defeated the Red Raiders 28-13. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK - OCTOBER 2: Quarterback Sonny Cumbie #15 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders passes against the Oklahoma Sooners behind a block by offensive lineman Daniel Loper #60 on October 2, 2004 at Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners defeated the Red Raiders 28-13. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /
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Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /

2015: Pat Mahomes vs. Davis Webb

Technically, Kingsbury staged a QB battle in 2015.  But in reality, there was never a doubt who would win the job.

With two future NFL draft picks on the roster, Kingsbury was in great shape.  Sophomore Pat Mahomes was coming off a record-setting performance against Baylor in the 2014 season finale to cap a stellar three-game run to end his freshman season.

Meanwhile, junior Davis Webb was trying to regain the starting job after an injury forced him to miss the final four games of his sophomore season.  But prior to the injury, Webb had been inconsistent and a bit disappointing.

After entering the season as a dark horse Heisman Trophy candidate, Webb seemed to digress as the season unfolded.  Trying to make the heroic plays rather than the simple plays, Webb completed just 61.2% of his passes and had a 2-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio (both statistics being worse than what he posted as a freshman).

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Mahomes, on the other hand, had an 8-1 TD-to-INT ratio and threw for 1,428 yards in four games as a starter.  He brought an element of mobility and athleticism to the position that Webb was unable to match and as a result, the choice for Kingsbury in 2015 was easier than he let on during fall camp.

Mahomes would go on to 4,653 yards and 36 TDs in 2015.  After an even better statistical season in 2016, he would forego his senior season to enter the NFL Draft where he was selected at No. 10 overall by Kansas City.

Webb meanwhile, handled the situation with class and dignity (which could not be said of Baker Mayfield in 2013). As the backup, Webb did all that was asked of him, including being an pseudo QB coach for Mahomes.  Webb left for Cal in the offseason and he would parlay that season with the Golden Bears into an opportunity in the NFL where he is currently the backup for the New York Giants.

This QB battle was more of a formality than the others on this list.  Even the most casual of fans could see how special Mahomes was during his true freshman season and Kingsbury likely refrained from naming him the starter only as a motivational tool.

dark. Next. Kingsbury's Biggest Mistakes

Certainly, Kingsbury wishes the QB choice this year was as clear.  It will be the biggest decision of his career thus far and one that will impact the program for years to come.  Here’s hoping he makes the correct choice again.

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