Mack Leftwich confident in Morton’s return and offensive growth
Texas Tech offensive coordinator Mack Leftwich met with the media today, after the bye week, in preparation for the Houston Cougars matchup. Leftwich touched on several key topics, including Behren Morton’s return from injury, the offensive line’s steady growth, J’koby’s versatility as a weapon, and how the Red Raiders are preparing for one of the nation’s most efficient defenses.
Morton’s recovery brings energy back
Texas Tech offensive coordinator Mack Leftwich expressed excitement about the return of quarterback Behren Morton. After clearing concussion protocol, Morton looked like his old self in practice.
“I think he was playing efficient. He was making good decisions, playing with a lot of confidence,” Leftwich said. “He was back out there last night throwing the ball around and looked good. Looked confident. So excited to get him back out there.”
Leftwich emphasized that Morton’s leadership is just as valuable as his arm. Even when sidelined, Morton stayed engaged by taking mental reps and encouraging teammates.
Leftwich highlights offensive growth
One of the biggest surprises for Leftwich has been the progress of the offensive line. “Those guys are just kind of starting to gel together,” he explained. “We had a couple new pieces that you’re plugging in, and they’re getting used to playing together. I think Coach Clay’s done a great job in all the details.”
From Week 1 to the Utah game, the line has shown steady improvement. While penalties remain a focus, Leftwich pointed out the group settled down late in Salt Lake City. “Up until that Utah game, we had three pre-snap penalties on the season, which isn’t terrible but not great. Those are completely controllable, and we want to eliminate them completely.”
The bye week also gave the staff a chance to self-scout. Leftwich said each unit has shown growth but admitted there are always “red flags” to address. “Every position group has stepped up in a big way, and the guys have responded to challenges. We want to keep building week by week.”
J’koby’s versatility and quarterback depth
Leftwich highlighted J’koby as a game-changer because of his ability to line up anywhere on the field. “Your typical running back, you move him out wide and he’s basically just a decoy. With J’koby, like that first third down we had at Utah, it was a design play to get him the football. He’s just dynamic with the ball in his hands.”
He also praised the depth at quarterback after backup Will was thrust into action. “That’s a hard thing, getting thrown in as the backup without many reps,” Leftwich said. “For him to come off the bench cold and respond the way he did was impressive.”
Morton’s two interceptions against Utah weren’t cause for concern. “Were they great throws? No. But the defense made great plays,” Leftwich explained. “One was a tip off a guy’s helmet, the other was a phenomenal catch by the defender. They’re easily correctable.”
Tech’s approach to Cougars defense
Houston’s defense ranks among the nation’s best in efficiency, and Leftwich knows it will be a challenge. “Through four games, their defense is fourth in the nation in expected points added,” he said. “It’s a good defense. A good unit. But it’s really about us and our execution.”
Leftwich added that Tech’s preparation doesn’t change based on the opponent. “It doesn’t matter if we’re playing the Dallas Cowboys or whoever’s on the schedule. We’re going to go through our practice week the same.”
The Red Raiders could also see more depth on offense as Cash Cleveland and Ellis Davis work back into shape. “They’ve done some good things in practice, but it’s different when you haven’t played in that long. Getting back in shape will tell us a lot.”
Leftwich confirms few wrinkles left
While much of Tech’s identity is already visible on film, Leftwich confirmed there’s still more to show. “You’ve seen the base majority of it. But there are always wrinkles depending on what the defense is doing. We always have a few tricks up our sleeve.”
Final thoughts
For Mack Leftwich, the message is clear: growth and discipline remain the foundation of Texas Tech’s offense. The Red Raiders have used the bye week to correct mistakes and sharpen execution, with coaches stressing the importance of building week to week. With quarterback Behren Morton cleared and looking confident, the offense regains its steady leader under center. Running back J’koby continues to provide versatility that stretches defenses, while the offensive line has shown steady improvement since Week 1. As Texas Tech heads into a critical Big 12 matchup against the Houston Cougars, the unit carries both momentum and belief that discipline and execution will define their success
