Former Hutto Hippos quarterback Will Hammond made his first collegiate start for Texas Tech in the Liberty Bowl against Arkansas on Friday, Dec. 27. Hammond got the nod after usual starter Behren Morton, a junior, underwent shoulder surgery.
The Red Raiders fell short, losing to the Razorbacks 39 - 26.
Despite the defeat, Hammond put up solid numbers, completing 20 of 34 passes for 280 yards and a touchdown.
However, the young quarterback also showed his inexperience with two costly interceptions. Texas Tech found itself in a 21 - 3 hole early in the second quarter, but a safety and a long touchdown run from freshman running back J’Koby Williams cut the deficit to 21 - 12. The Red Raiders scored again on a goal-line touchdown by senior tight end Jalin Conyers, set up by a 45 - yard pass from Hammond to junior wide receiver Caleb Douglass, making it 21 - 19.
Arkansas responded with 18 unanswered points before Hammond threw his only touchdown of the night — a 20-yard pass to sophomore wide receiver Coy Eakin. Hammond also contributed 14 yards on five carries.
The Red Raiders finished the season 8 - 5.
Hammond wrapped up his freshman campaign with 471 passing yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.
