Texas Tech football: Plenty of questions remain as conference play arrives

Who is the right player to be QB1 for Texas Tech?

Steven Sheffield vs. Taylor Potts.  Davis Webb vs. Baker Mayfield.  Pat Mahomes vs. Davis Webb.  Those are some of the more memorable QB controversies this program has lived through in the modern era.

Now, we could be on the verge of adding Tyler Shough vs. Behren Morton to that list.  While the coaching staff doesn’t seem inclined to participate in any QB debate, the fan base certainly is and the noise is only growing louder after Morton played virtually the entire second half against Tarleton.

It wasn’t just that Morton played, it was that he took over after Shough was less than impressive for a third straight week.  What’s more, Morton also looked sharper and more dynamic than Shough.  Now, the fan base is clambering for a change at the position.

Thus, it is fair to wonder whether or not this program actually has put its trust in the correct QB this season.  That’s not where anyone wants the Red Raiders to stand on the eve of Big 12 play.

Shough will get the start against West Virginia.  It will be the most important game of his career.

If he plays well he will silence his critics.  If he struggles, though, the pressure for McGuire to make a change might force the head coach’s hand.

So far, West Virginia is giving up only 214.6 yards per game through the air.  Now, it must be noted that none of the three teams they have played (Penn State, Duquense, and Pitt) are known for having elite passing attacks.  On the other hand, it also isn’t fair to label Tech’s passing game as top-notch either given what we’ve seen thus far.

This week’s road test in Morgantown will tell us quite a bit about Shough as a competitor and as a player.  It is his opportunity to put to rest a brewing QB controversy and reaffirm his hold on the QB1 job.  If he can’t do that, we will go even deeper into the season wondering if the coaching staff is misguided in its trust in Shough.