Texas Tech football and Arkansas field patchwork lineups in the Liberty Bowl

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Texas Tech football teams have made four consecutive bowl appearances only once, and that was over a five-year period from 2009 to 2013. Tech teams have never completed four consecutive seasons with a bowl victory.

That distinction and a nine-win season that Tech teams haven’t accomplished since the Mike Leach era are on the line when the Red Raiders face an old Southwest Conference rival in the Liberty Bowl.

“I think this is a pretty big deal,” Tech coach Joey McGuire said Thursday. “Tomorrow is an important milestone in moving this program forward, moving this culture forward, what we want to do.”

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

More:Inside Will Hammond’s quest to make his first career start in the Liberty Bowl for Texas Tech football

More:Texas Tech’s football interim staff is ready to lead the Red Raiders to the Liberty Bowl against Arkansas

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

Texas Tech Football, Arkansas are missing many key players for the Liberty Bowl

The 66th edition is open to the emergence of new stars, because the game is more important to those who don’t play than to those who play it. The Razorbacks could be without four starters who have declared for the NFL Draft and seven whose names are listed in the NCAA transfer portal. This cast includes Southeastern Conference yardage leader Andrew Armstrong, team rushing leader Ja’Quinden Jackson, team sacks 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 key statistical categories and both their coordinators the past three seasons.

McGuire has remained cautious about the biggest remaining uncertainty: whether Doak Award semifinalist Tahj Brooks will play. The two-time 1,500-yard runner continued practicing with the team this week in Memphis, although given his circumstances it is common for seniors to skip the postseason.

“I would say it’s 50-50,” McGuire said. “I’ll totally let him decide.”

True freshmen J’Koby Williams and Cameron Dickey, who played in nearly every game and totaled 270 yards and two touchdowns, will leave if Brooks sits.

Liberty Bowl features an intriguing quarterback duel with Arkansas’ Taylen Green and Texas Tech freshman Will Hammond

There’s nothing to decide when it comes to 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, wowed fans in segments against North Texas and TCU.

“He’s different,” McGuire said. “I haven’t seen many young men like him, 18 years old and the way he prepares. He’s in the building as much as any of my veterans. He has a very high football IQ, a high caring factor and the players. “I love him. He’s one of those guys that people gravitate towards.

“So we’re very happy with what he’s going to do offensively and we’re going to let him run free.”

The Razorbacks don’t have to worry about the quarterback either. Taylen Green passed for 2,813 yards and 13 touchdowns this season and rushed for 521 yards and seven touchdowns. The Lewisville High School product has been a starter for Boise State for the past two years.

“He’s going to be tough, man,” McGuire said. “Does a great job with his arm, but if something breaks, he can be really creative with his legs. We really need to be clear about what he’s going to do, especially third and fourth downs when moving the sticks.”

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Texas Tech football and Arkansas field patchwork lineups in the Liberty Bowl

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