This weekend, Behren Morton and the Texas Tech Red Raiders will take on their toughest test of the season so far. The Utah Utes are welcoming Texas Tech to Salt Lake City for an 11 a.m. matchup on Saturday and it’ll be the first road test and also the first ranked opponent that Morton and the Red Raiders will have faced so far this season.
On top of that, it’d be foolish to talk about this game without noting that the Utes have arguably one of the best defenses in the country. Right now, their scoring defense is second best in the Big 12. That presents a tough challenge for the Red Raiders (and especially Morton).
And there’s a few other intricacies to consider here. Like the fact that Morton still hasn’t really played a full game just yet. And also Morton is still likely getting adjusted to the offensive system designed by first year Texas Tech offensive coordinator Mack Leftwich.
So, how will this all play out?
Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton to lead Red Raiders in first road test against No. 16 Utah Utes
It’ll be interesting to see.
Morton is going to face a defense that is bound to put some pressure on the Texas Tech quarterback. Utah has been able to rack up nine sacks on the season. That’s not going to be fun for the Red Raiders to try to slow down. Especially since so much of Texas Tech’s offense through the early part of the season has revolved around deep shots down the field and stretching the defense out.
Can Texas Tech’s offensive line (which just gave up two sacks to an Oregon State Beavers team that is far less talented than Utah’s defense) hold up long enough for Morton to get the ball down the field?
It is worth noting that Morton, despite getting sacked a couple of times, still managed to throw for 464 yards against Oregon State.
Which is a testament to how things are working for Texas Tech’s quarterback so far this season in this offense. Through just three weeks of play, Morton is completing just over 70 percent of his passes, has a 208.4 passer rating, has thrown for 11 touchdowns against just one pick, and is at least partially responsible for 18 plays of 20 or more yards.
There’s a reason to be hopeful for Morton and the Red Raiders in this game, but it is worth wondering about Utah’s defense a bit.
We’re talking about a group that has allowed just three points in the first quarter all season. A defense that has a really solid secondary and is giving up just 134 passing yards per game so far. So, what’s going to break? Will Texas Tech be able to score on this group? Will Morton be able to lead the Red Raiders to a win in Salt Lake City?