One of the most intriguing things that we’ve seen from the Texas Tech Red Raiders throughout the season is the way that Joey McGuire’s team has had to adjust strategically to the various quarterback injuries the Red Raiders have dealt with.
And it hasn’t just been in the simple, straightforward way of swapping the starting quarterback for the backup quarterback in the way that would be expected and desired. Unfortunately, the Red Raiders have had to navigate their starting quarterback getting hurt and then witnessing their talented freshman backup quarterback suffer an injury.
Thankfully, Behren Morton, Texas Tech’s starter, was able to return to action. But it’s not like he’s been playing at 100 percent health. And the Red Raiders have been open about that. That hasn’t been a secret for TTU.
But I don’t think a lot of folks have really sat back and understood how the Red Raiders have been getting Morton ready for games while he’s still healing. Thankfully, Texas Tech offensive coordinator Mack Leftwich provided a little bit of transparency on that front to help make it clear just how dedicated Morton has been to elevating the Red Raiders this season.
Texas Tech offensive coordinator notes how Red Raiders QB Behren Morton prepared for games while still recovering from injury
During a press conference, Leftwich explained the sort of process that Morton and Texas Tech’s offense have had to go through to prepare for games down the stretch of this season.
“After the BYU game, he would kind of go through our walkthroughs in his boot,” Leftwich explained. “He wasn’t doing the Tuesday and Wednesday practices, but he would do our walkthroughs in the boot and he was throwing it.”
To me, that’s such an interesting breakdown that shows Morton’s desire to get as much practice time and time on the field as he possibly (and safely) can.
“I was joking with him, I told him that made him more accurate because he had to play with a base and balance,” Leftwich said. “I think when you have injuries, you’ve got to kind of learn to play with it and know where your limitations are and what you’re able to do.”
There’s something to be said about what Leftwich is breaking down here. The fact that the Red Raiders were able to adapt to get Morton access to practice time and then he was able to focus on sharpening some specific skills fascinates me.
“Now that he’s back feeling good again and feeling really healthy, I think he’s as confident as he ever has been,” Leftwich said.
It’ll be intriguing to see how he performs against the Oregon Ducks in the Orange Bowl. He’s going to be meeting up with one of the best, most talented defenses in the country. Here’s to hoping that he’s well-rested and feeling great.