Texas Tech announces QB Behren Morton will miss Liberty Bowl vs. Arkansas after surgery

Texas Tech announced quarterback Behren Morton will miss the Liberty Bowl against Arkansas after undergoing shoulder surgery.

He went under the knife Tuesday and is projected to resume throwing activities in the spring. However, he won’t be on the field two weeks from now.

Morton released a statement following the procedure.

“After hearing from several leading NFL medical experts, my family and I felt it was best to get this procedure done now so that I can fully rehab this spring and be ready for the start of summer workouts,” Morton said.

“As I’ve said all year, this injury did not impact me at all this past season. I elected to undergo this surgery now for my long-term success, which will allow me to invest more time in offseason strength and conditioning and my development as a quarterback. I love this team and will be there every step of the way as a captain and leader entering the bowl game.”

Morton completed 63.3% of his passes this season, throwing for 3,335 yards and 27 touchdowns to lead a Texas Tech offense that enters bowl season ranked fifth in the country for scoring at 38.6 points per game as well as ninth for both total offense a contest (459.8) and passing yards per game (298.1).

The Red Raiders lead the Big 12 in both scoring and total offense and are third currently for average passing yards.

Head coach Joey McGuire released a statement on missing Morton for the bowl game.

“Behren is a competitor and a fantastic leader for this football program,” McGuire said. “I know he wants to be with his teammates against Arkansas in the Liberty Bowl, but this decision is best for his long-term future as a quarterback as well as following his playing career. Our team has been preparing for this possibility, and I know Behren will be a great resource to Will (Hammond) and our entire team in the days leading up to the game.”