Texas Tech quarterback Tyler Shough suffered a broken fibula during the game against West Virginia on Saturday and will require surgery, according to a team source. This is a significant blow for both Shough and the Texas Tech football team, as it marks the third consecutive season that Shough has had his season interrupted by a major injury.
Shough, a senior and former Oregon transfer, had shown promise this season despite the team’s 1-3 start. He had thrown for 743 yards and seven touchdowns on 65-of-105 passing, in addition to two rushing touchdowns. However, his injury will now force him to miss a significant portion of the season.
Losing their starting quarterback at this point in the season is a major setback for the Red Raiders. Despite Shough’s ups and downs, he was instrumental in operating Texas Tech’s offense and was a threat in both the passing and running game. The team will now have to rely on a new quarterback to lead them through the rest of the season.
Fortunately for Texas Tech, they have a talented young quarterback waiting in the wings. Redshirt sophomore Behren Morton, who is considered the program’s quarterback of the future, will now step in for Shough. Morton has already shown flashes of his potential, starting four games last season and playing in nine. While he struggled in his limited action against West Virginia, completing just 13 of 37 passes, he will have more time to prepare as the starter for the upcoming game against Houston. The coaching staff believes that Morton has the ability to provide a spark to the offense and lead the team to success.
The loss of Shough also has implications for the Big 12 title race. Texas Tech was considered a sleeper pick to win the conference this season after finishing strong in 2022. However, their 1-3 start has put them behind other undefeated teams like Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. While the loss to West Virginia doesn’t eliminate them from contention, the Red Raiders will need to rally and put together a win streak soon if they want to stay in the race. Their upcoming games against Houston and Baylor will be crucial in determining their chances of competing for the conference title.
In conclusion, the injury to Tyler Shough is a significant setback for both him and the Texas Tech football team. Shough’s season has once again been interrupted by a major injury, and the team will now have to rely on Behren Morton to lead them through the rest of the season. The loss of their starting quarterback will also impact their chances in the Big 12 title race, as they will need to rally and put together a win streak to stay in contention.