Texas Tech Reportedly to Start True Freshman Jake Strong Against BYU

Texas Tech will start true freshman quarterback Jake Strong against BYU according to Brett McMurphy. Behren Morton, who has started for Texas Tech since starter Tyler Shough broke his leg, suffered an injury last week against Kansas State.

Jake Strong replaced Morton at quarterback against Kansas State and he struggled. He made some promising throws against Kansas State, but he also made costly mistakes that allowed the Wildcats to grow their lead. Strong threw three interceptions and he threw another ball that was dropped by a Kansas State safety. He finished the game 16/28 for 173 yards, 1 touchdown, and 3 interceptions.

Morton was expected to be a game-time decision against BYU.  "Behren's really sore," McGuire told the media earlier this week. "I saw him this morning getting treatment, but in good spirits. He's frustrated. It's interesting, a lot of players have come out of games and I don't know if I've seen a person more upset than Behren was that we were taking him out...it's so important to him. He's feeling good just really sore."

The Red Raiders have been snake-bitten with injuries at the quarterback position. Tyler Shough broke his leg earlier this year and is out indefinitely. Morton has been dealing with the same shoulder injury for multiple weeks. Morton was starting to find a rhythm before the injury against Kansas State before leaving the game with an injury. So far this season, Morton is completing 57% of his passes for 696 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions.

The BYU defense has prepared for both quarterbacks this week. Regardless of who is under center for the Red Raiders, BYU will need to improve in all areas to have a chance to beat Texas Tech.