Behren Morton Says He’s “100%” - And That’s Big News for Texas Tech Ahead of CFP Showdown with Oregon
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. - Texas Tech has a perfect record when Behren Morton is under center this season - 11-0. That’s not just a stat; it’s a statement. And with the Red Raiders preparing for their College Football Playoff quarterfinal matchup against Oregon in the Orange Bowl, they’re getting the best kind of news at the best possible time: Morton says he’s fully healthy.
“I’m 100%,” Morton said Tuesday, just days before kickoff. That’s a big deal - not just because he’s playing, which was never in doubt, but because he’s been taking full-speed reps in practice for the first time in months. For a Texas Tech team that’s been rolling with Morton on the field, that’s a game-changer.
Let’s rewind a bit. Morton spent nearly two months in a walking boot, dealing with a hairline fracture in his right leg.
He suffered the injury against Kansas back in October, and while he continued to suit up, his practice time was limited - especially in full-team drills. That’s now changed.
“This whole bowl prep has been really good for me,” Morton said. “I’ve been basically 100% in practice as far as team reps.
I haven’t been able to do team reps really all season long. Been in the boot for probably about seven weeks, eight weeks throughout the season.
Got out of the boot - I’d been wearing the boot. Just getting the body back to playing football again.
It’s been a while since I’ve gotten to do that.”
The timing couldn’t be better. Texas Tech hasn’t played since the Big 12 Championship Game against BYU nearly four weeks ago.
That downtime gave Morton the window he needed to recover and get back into rhythm. And now, with a full bowl prep under his belt, the Red Raiders are heading into Thursday’s CFP clash with their leader finally back at full speed.
Morton’s impact on this team is undeniable. The only game Texas Tech lost this season - an October slip-up against Arizona State - came when he wasn’t available.
He also missed the following week against Oklahoma State. Since then, he’s thrown for nine touchdowns and just one interception over five games.
And now that he’s moving better, expect offensive coordinator Zach Kittley to open up the playbook a bit more - especially in the quarterback run game.
Oregon is well aware of what a healthy Morton brings to the table.
“Within this offense there’s plenty of quarterback run activity, and that’s something that you see that has been a little less in these last few weeks,” Ducks defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi said. “But he’s certainly effective and can run the ball, and we know that. I think you certainly don’t want to play the game of being unsound and not accounting for him.”
Morton’s overall numbers tell the story: 2,643 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and just four interceptions on the year. He’s been efficient, smart with the football, and a steady presence for a Red Raiders team that’s playing its best football when he’s on the field.
Now, with the stakes at their highest, Texas Tech gets its quarterback back at full strength. And that could make all the difference against an Oregon defense that knows it can’t afford to overlook No. 2.
The Red Raiders are riding momentum and health into the Orange Bowl. And with Morton finally out of the boot and back in command, Texas Tech’s playoff push just got a serious boost.