Texas Tech football, Arkansas pit patchwork lineups in Liberty Bowl

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Texas Tech football, Arkansas pit patchwork lineups in Liberty Bowl

Don Williams, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal · Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

Thu, Dec 26, 2024 ·

4 min read

Texas Tech football, Arkansas missing many major players for Liberty Bowl

The 66th edition is wide-open for new stars to emerge because the game is more noteworthy for who's not playing than for who is. The Razorbacks could be without four starters who have declared for the NFL draft and seven who have had their names in the NCAA transfer portal. That cast includes Southeastern Conference receptions and yardage leader Andrew Armstrong, team rushing leader Ja'Quinden Jackson, team sacks leader Landon Jackson and three starting offensive linemen.

Tech's without quarterback Behren Morton (shoulder surgery) and wide receiver Josh Kelly (opt out) , both top 10 in the FBS in major statistical categories, and both its coordinators for the past three seasons.

Texas Tech football coach Joey McGuire is shown at a press conference Thursday for the Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tennessee. Texas Tech plays Arkansas at 6 p.m. Friday at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.

McGuire's been coy about the biggest remaining unknown: whether Doak Award Semifinalist Tahj Brooks will play. The two-time 1,500-yard rusher has continued practicing with the team this week in Memphis, though it's common for seniors in his circumstances to skip the postseason.

"I'd say it's 50-50," McGuire said. "I'm letting him totally decide that."

True freshmen J'Koby Williams and Cameron Dickey, who have played in nearly every game and rushed for 270 yards and two touchdowns between them, will go if Brooks sits.

Liberty Bowl features intriguing quarterback matchup with Arkansas' Taylen Green , Texas Tech freshman Will Hammond

There's nothing to be decided at quarterback. Freshman Will Hammond will make his first career start in Morton's place. Hammond, a consensus top-50 recruit in Texas coming out of high school, excited fans in stretches against North Texas and TCU.

"He's different," McGuire said. "I've not been around very many young men like him, 18 years old and the way he prepares. He's in the building as much as any one of my vets. He's got a very high football IQ, high care factor and the players love him. He's one of those guys that people gravitate to.

"So we feel really good about what he's going to do with the offense, and we're going to let it fly."

Texas Tech football coach Joey McGuire, right, and Arkansas coach Sam Pittman, left, pose during a press conference Thursday for the Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tennessee. The two teams play at 6 p.m. Friday at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.

The Razorbacks don't have to wonder about quarterback either. Taylen Green passed for 2,813 yards and 13 touchdowns this season and rushed for 521 yards and seven TDs. The Lewisville High School product started the past two years for Boise State.

"He's going to be tough, man," McGuire said. "Does a great job with his arm, but when things break down, he can be real creative with his legs. We've got to be really aware of what he's going to do, especially third down and fourth down of moving the sticks."

Tech's suffered less attrition via the transfer portal, and McGuire lets players with their names in the portal play in the bowl. He said wide receivers Jordan Brown, committed to Nevada, and Brady Boyd will play Friday, and offensive lineman Sterling Porcher, newly entered into the portal, will start against the Razorbacks.