Biggest threats to Texas Tech’s Big 12 title defense include BYU, Arizona and a dark horse - Arizona Sports

The ruling shifts the starting job to Will Hammond. Hammond takes the reins of the offense just one year after tearing his ACL during games against Utah and Arizona State. Fans arguing over burgers at Spanky's on University Avenue now have to pin their championship hopes on a sophomore coming off major knee rehab.

The defense must carry the load now. Coaches rebuilt the defensive line to weather this sudden roster shakeup, but challengers like BYU are already circling. Las Vegas oddsmakers still favor the Red Raiders, though the gap between Tech and the rest of the conference has shrunk overnight.

For local fans, this news changes the entire energy around Jones AT&T Stadium this fall. Tailgaters cannot count on an easy air attack anymore. Hammond must prove his knee can withstand Big 12 pass rushes, or the team will rely entirely on its defense to win low-scoring slugfests.

Hammond has only played two full collegiate games, yet he now holds the keys to the most anticipated season in Lubbock in a decade.