As Texas Tech Red Raiders starting quarterback Behren Morton was dinged up and dealing with some injuries after some hard hits on the road against the Utah Utes, backup quarterback Will Hammond stepped in and stepped up for TTU’s offense.
Offensively, Texas Tech really wasn’t able to get much going against the Utes defense. Utah just did such an impressive job of slowing and smothering Texas Tech’s offense. Morton played well early on against the Utes, but he still struggled due to the way Utah’s defense pressured him.
And after some hard hits, the Red Raiders needed a new quarterback to take over. It took a few drives for Hammond to really settle in and get the offense rolling, but the young quarterback really got the offense rolling in the fourth quarter.
Texas Tech’s offense turned to Will Hammond after Behren Morton’s injury and the backup quarterback thrived on the road
Hammond was efficient and effective and threw some really impressive passes against the Utes.
Backup QB Will Hammond is out here throwing dimes for @TexasTechFB 🎯 pic.twitter.com/TQhykjhNhn
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 20, 2025
HAMMOND TO TERRANCE CARTER JR. FOR THE TD 🔴@TexasTechFB makes it a 10-point game once again @wendys pic.twitter.com/5V7KBij8MR
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 20, 2025
The combination of athleticism and poise (and also being fully healthy) that the Red Raiders got from Hammond really seemed to help Texas Tech in a significant way. In total, Hammond completed 13 of 16 pass attempts for 169 yards and two touchdowns. On the ground, Texas Tech’s backup quarterback added 61 rushing yards on just eight carries.
That mobility was exciting to watch and has to be considered a difference maker for Texas Tech in this game. Especially when that athleticism and ability to run down the field contributed to the 24 fourth quarter points that Texas Tech had.
Hammond was excellent. Both of his touchdown passes were plays of over 20 yards. He also managed to have a 32-yard run, the longest run of the game for the Red Raiders. On top of that, he didn’t really make any significant mistakes. No turnovers. No glaring errors. And in the fourth quarter, he completed 6-of-9 passing for 121 yards and those two aforementioned touchdowns.
Texas Tech fans have to be thrilled with what they saw from their backup quarterback in Salt Lake City and don’t be shocked if some of them want Hammond to be the full time starter moving forward.