Texas Tech football, Arkansas pit patchwork lineups in Liberty Bowl

On December 27, 2024By Littum

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Texas Tech football teams have won four consecutive bowl appearances only once, and that was over a five-year stretch from 2009-13. Tech teams have never posted four straight seasons with a bowl victory.

That distinction and a nine-win season not accomplished by a Tech team since the Mike Leach era is at stake when Red Raiders take on an old rival from the Southwest Conference in the Liberty Bowl.

“I think it’s a pretty big deal,” Tech coach Joey McGuire said Thursday. “Tomorrow is a big marker to push this program forward, push this culture forward, what we want to do.”

Tech (8-4) and Arkansas (6-6) start at 6 p.m. Friday at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. ESPN has the broadcast.

Both teams have won the Liberty Bowl recently, Tech beating Mississippi State 34-7 three years ago and Arkansas edging Kansas 55-53 in triple overtime two years ago.

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

The 66th edition is open for new stars to emerge because the game is more notable for who doesn’t play than for who. 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 rushing 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 of its coordinators for the past three seasons.

McGuire has been worried about the biggest remaining unknown: whether Doak Award semifinalist Tahj Brooks will play. The two-time 1,500-yard rusher has continued to practice with the team this week in Memphis, although it is common for seniors in his circumstances to skip the postseason.

“I’d say it’s 50-50,” McGuire said. “I’ll let him decide that entirely.”

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.

The Liberty Bowl features an exciting quarterback matchup with Arkansas’ Taylen Green, Texas Tech freshman Will Hammond

There is nothing to decide as a 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, thrilled fans in stretches against North Texas and TCU.

“He’s different,” McGuire said. “I haven’t been around very many young men like him, 18 and the way he prepares. He’s in the building as much as any 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 turn to.

“So we feel really good about what he wants with the offense and we’re going to let it fly.”

The Razorbacks don’t have to wonder at 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 last 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 really creative with his legs. We have to be really aware of what he’s going to do, especially third down and fourth down moving the sticks.”

Tech has slightly less attrition via the transfer portal, and McGuire is letting players with their names in the portal play in the bowl. He said wide receivers Jordan Brown, who is committed to Nevada, and Brady Boyd will play Friday, and offensive lineman Sterling Porcher, who just entered the portal, will start against the Razorbacks.