MORGANTOWN — As the Texas Tech Red Raiders prepare to face the West Virginia Mountaineers this Saturday, their highly regarded offense is set to present a formidable challenge. While much attention has been focused on the aggressive defensive front, led by linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, the Red Raiders” offensive capabilities should not be underestimated.
The Red Raiders currently boast the top offense in the Big 12 and the third-best in the nation. Under the guidance of offensive coordinator Mack Leftwich, the team has been firing on all cylinders, largely thanks to their resilient quarterback, Behren Morton. Despite battling injuries this season, Morton has demonstrated exceptional toughness, leading Texas Tech to a 10-1 record and a ranking of No. 5 in the latest College Football Playoff standings.
“He”s clearly a tough kid,” stated defensive coordinator Zac Alley. “I think he”s got either some kind of stress fracture or fracture in his leg or something. He”s playing through it. You can”t make anything up higher than having guts. That dude has got guts and he plays like it.”
Even while dealing with injuries, Morton averages 235 yards per game, ranking fourth in the conference, and he is known for his accuracy as a passer. His experience and ability to manage the game are invaluable assets for the Red Raiders. In fact, Texas Tech”s only loss this season came when Morton was sidelined. He understands the importance of minimizing mistakes, allowing the defense to handle their responsibilities effectively.
“I think he throws the ball really well,” Alley noted. “He tears apart zone coverage. He finds the holes, finds the windows, and they do a great job of getting guys open schematically.”
While Morton may not lead the conference in passing touchdowns or total yards, this is largely due to the Red Raiders” balanced offensive approach, which features a strong rushing attack. Texas Tech employs two running backs with distinct skill sets to keep defenses on their toes. The primary back, sophomore Cameron Dickey, has rushed for the third-most yards in the Big 12 and leads the league in rushing touchdowns with 13.
“No. 8, my analyst has compared him to Ray Rice,” Alley mentioned, referring to Dickey. “He”s really patient. He”s a great visual runner. He can find holes and allows blocks to develop. It”s kind of a one cut downhill and can run you over and outrun you, too.”
Additionally, sophomore J”Koby Williams serves as a versatile option in the backfield, excelling as a pass catcher with 27 receptions for 362 yards and two touchdowns, while also contributing 647 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Alley referred to him simply as “No. 20,” emphasizing his speed and ability to capitalize on open space.
“No. 20 is the other back that they use,” Alley said. “He”s kind of more of a scat back, get him in space, outside run game. Those types of things. He gets one step, and he”s gone every time. He”s got one step speed.”
Despite the daunting nature of Leftwich”s offensive scheme, the Mountaineers” defense has been preparing all season for this showdown, having faced a similar pace in practice against their own offense. The key will be whether West Virginia can leverage their preparation and teamwork to counter Texas Tech”s offensive prowess.
“They”re a good team,” linebacker Reid Carrico remarked. “They got a lot of good players. But I think over the second half of the season, we”ve gotten a lot better. I think that we”re a lot better than what we normally get credit for. We”ll do everything we need to do to prepare.”
