Texas Tech QB Tyler Shough Injured in 1st Quarter of 1st Game
The Texas Tech Red Raiders got off to a fiery start in their 2022 opening game against the Murray State Racers, putting up 14 points in quick succession, courtesy of QB Tyler Shough.
Shough hit Loic Fouonji for the first touchdown of the season, before letting running back Tahj Brooks do his thing for another 6. But Shough's hot start flamed out before the end of the 1st quarter.
During a quarterback draw, Shough pulled away from the pocket and darted toward the Racers' sideline. Instead of sliding to his knees, he was brought down hard by Murray State tacklers. While it's unclear if this specific play caused Shough's injury, a couple of miffed passes later in the drive lend credence to that theory.
As of the publication of this story, the extent of Shough's injury is unknown. It's possible we'll hear more during the post-game press conference.
Donovan Smith took over for Shough in the 2nd quarter. Smith led the Red Raiders through several games in 2021 after Shough missed the final eight games of that season following a broken collar bone. In 2021, Smith secured the Red Raiders' 6th win of the season against Iowa State, plus a Liberty Bowl win over Mississippi State. He opened the 2nd quarter against Murray State with a 30-yard touchdown pass to Jerand Bradley. On his second drive of the game, Smith led a one-play touchdown drive with a 39-yard touchdown pass to Fouonji, his second of the game.