Good Morning Longhorn Fans!
Texas 42, Kansas 27
I have received a bunch of emails and read several commentaries that bring up Coach Royal’s great quote, “Old ugly is better than ole nuthin’.” I agree, and much of Saturday night was muy feo. Funny thing is, according to a reliable source (Bill Little), that wasn’t about winning an ugly game, but a response to having to use a backup punter (Kim Gaynor) because star Ernie Koy was injured. Goes to show you how great most Royalisms are: you can use them for multiple situations.
Texas Longhorns vs. West Virginia Mountaineers
It is going to be cold and maybe wet for kickoff in Morgantown. Rain and a high in the mid-50’s forecast at Milan Puskar Stadium. 11:00 a.m. on ESPN. West Virginia is only favored by 3, and the over/under is 53. I like our chances. Connor Williams back, Sam Ehlinger healthy, and Todd Orlando will have the defense ready.
Good Stuff
- The Washington & Lee Generals won the ODAC football championship, and the playoffs start Saturday. Lots more below.
- Jose Altuve is the 2017 A.L. Most Valuable Player. So well deserved, and earned.
- The Texas Exes recognized the 2017 Distinguished Alumni. Among the worthy recipients is my friend Mickey Klein, a great Texan. You can see more on the Texas Exes YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/TexasAlumni
- Texas Athletes have plenty of opportunity to eat well. Really well. Great article from Sports Illustrated: https://www.si.com/eats/2017/11/14/university-of-texas-nutrition-center
- Great article on Tracy LaQuey Parker in The Alcalde. She’s a big deal. She also knows Juan Heisman. https://alcalde.texasexes.org/2017/11/qa-with-tracy-laquey-parker-newest-member-of-the-internet-hall-of-fame/
Jayhawks vs. Longhorns
Nine seconds into the game, Buechele connected with Lorenzo Joe for a 49 yard touchdown. (To be honest, I heard the cheers and the cannon as I was walking down DeLoss Dodds Way, having watched the parachutes and flyover from Juan Heisman; I didn’t know until I got into DKR that KU had tried an onside kick to start the game.). Antwuan Davis picked off Stanley on the second Jayhawks possession and took it for 6. 14-0 Horns. Kansas answered (no surprise their scoring drive included a huge third down pass interference call on Texas; we have to fix those penalties). Texas benefited from a 35 yard return from Kris Boyd on the ensuing kick, and Texas ran the ball 60 yards in 5 plays (4 carries from Daniel Young and then a 23 yard TD run by Toneil Carter). 21-7 Texas. Another interception, this one by Jason Hall, and he returned it to the KU 9. Ehlinger came in at QB and on the second play completed a nice 8 yard pass to Cade Brewer for the score. 28-7 Texas after the first quarter, and I certainly thought the rout was on. But KU opened on the second quarter with a 75 yard scoring drive, and then Boyd fumbled the kick. KU got the ball on the Texas 24, and all of sudden it was only 28-17. A few possessions later, Davis recovered a muffed punt, setting the Horns up at the Kansas 22. After some frustrating plays, L’il Jordan Humphrey came in and lined up in the wildcat and in two tries punched it in.
The third quarter was one of the worst quarters of football I’ve sat through. Lots of stoppage of play for Official Reviews, and the only scoring was a KU field goal. The final frame started with an Official Review on the first play, where Texas was flagged for offensive pass interference. Next Texas possession ended on a Buechele interception that was crowned with 2 penalties, one on KU and a personal foul call on Texas. So sloppy.
Credit Buechele with keeping his head in the game. Next possession was a 68 yard, 12 play scoring drive that ate up 5 minutes, putting the Horns up 42-20. I was thinking it would be nice to force a quick 3 and out and try for another score with 5 minutes left. Three and out yes, but despite getting the ball at the Kansas 45, we ran Young 3 times for a total of 6 yards and punted. Kansas drove it 80 yards in 1:19 to make the final score 42-27.
I re-read that and it sounds a bit negative. I guess I am disappointed that the defense allowed the worst team in the Big 12 and one of the worst in the country to get 364 yards of offense (to our 371), that we could only rush for 113 and average 2.8 yards per carry against the No. 88 rush defense. Texas passed for 258 against one of the very worst defenses in FBS, No. 120, allowing 277 yards per game. We were 5 for 17 on third down, but 4 for 6 on fourth down. 8 penalties for 68 yards. Have to play better football Horns.
On bright notes: Carter and Young are good running backs and developing well, despite the offensive line (combined for 101 yards). Antwuan Davis had a career game, and he was the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week. Glad to see Ehlinger back. We are going to need him in Morgantown. Lorenzo Joe had 5 for 98 yards and the score, and Collin Johnson had 6 catches for 63. Solid nights. Eight other Longhorns caught passes.
DeShon Elliott led the team with 7 tackles, all solo, and 2 TFL. Davante Davis also had 7, 6 solo, and Malik had 7 (4 solo). Kris Boyd and Jason Hall both with 6 tackles, and Hall had an 8 yard sack. Antwuan Davis with the 2 picks.
It was a B minus performance against a really poor opponent. A- on defense, and a solid C on offense, but most of that average grade is due to play calling plus personnel decisions and of course, our porous offensive line. But I don’t think the game was ever in doubt. Texas was in control. An ugly win. I sure will take it. Revenge!
Reviews of Kansas
nobis60 Shooting from the Hip:
https://www.barkingcarnival.com/2017/11/11/16638840/shooting-from-the-hip-texas-42-kansas-27
Not about the game, but our schedule. The second hardest in the country.
https://www.burntorangenation.com/2017/11/16/16667204/texas-longhorns-schedule-difficulty
Longhorns vs. Mountaineers
The Texas defense will face another huge Big 12 test this week. West Virginia quarterback Will Grier is really good. Second in the country in touchdown passes (34), #4 in yards per game (344), and #8 in yards per attempt (9.1). He has thrown 12 interceptions, and that might be the key to the game for Texas. Orlando should have a good defensive game plan in place, and if DBU executes and forces turnovers, and the rest of the defense plays like we know they can, Texas can hold West Virginia under 30 in regulation. Of course, there is the Holgorsen wild card factor, and he might pull out some stuff that isn’t on any film. Dude is good.
West Virginia is 7-3 and 5-2 in conference. WVU had a tough loss to Virginia Tech opening weekend, 24-31. Then beat the crap out of East Carolina (56-20), Delaware State (59-16), and Kansas (56-34). A really tough loss at Texas Christian (31-24), and then a 46-35 home win over the Sand Aggies. Odd game in Waco which the Mountaineers pulled out 38-36, then a 39-50 loss to Oklahoma State. They beat Iowa State 20-16, then beat K State in Manhattan 28-23.
This will be our seventh meeting with West Virginia. Mountaineers lead the series 4-2, but we are 1-1 in Morgantown.
Grier’s numbers are above. Their receivers are good. #12 Gary Jennings (6’1”, 210) has 82 catches for 938 yards, averaging 11.44 yards; only 1 touchdown. #13 David Sills (6’4”, 203) has 856 yards on 55 catches, and 18 touchdowns; averages 45.56 yards per catch. #2 Ka’raun White (#2, 6’1”, 199) has 51 catches for 907 yards (17.78 average) and 10 touchdowns. #8 Marcus Simms (6’, 196) has 29 catches for 544 (18.76 average), and 5 touchdowns. A heck of a receiving corps.
Leading rusher is #25 Justin Crawford. Averaging 89.9 yards per game, he has 899 yards on 159 carries, averaging 5.7 with 7 touchdowns.
Their offensive line (if I have the starters right) go from left tackle to right tackle: 6-5 308, 6-6 315, 6-3 318, 6-5 298, and 6-7 306. They big.
Defensively, #3 Mike linebacker Al-Rasheed Benton has 84 tackles, 58 solo. 12.5 TFL for 43 yards, 3 sacks for 29 yards, 2 interceptions, and 5 QBH. #8 safety Kyzir White has 61 tackles (6 TFL) and 3 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles. #11 Will linebacker David Long has 52 tackles (39 solo), and 11 TFL for 24 yards. #6 safety Dravon Askew-Henry has 45 tackles, and #19 corner Elijah Battle has 39 tackles. #88 DE Adam Shuler has 6 TFL for 35 yards and 3 sacks. #91 DE Ezekiel Rose has 4.5 sacks for 31 yards.
Amazing: only 2 Texans on their 2 deep.
The Statistics
Offense
| Statistic | Texas | West Virginia |
| Rushing Offense | #96 – 135.3 ypg | #66 – 161.8 ypg |
| Passing Offense | #31 – 273.9 ypg | #5 – 352.1 ypg |
| Total Offense | #57 – 409.2 ypg | #7 – 513.9 ypg |
| Scoring Offense | #57 – 29.9 ppg | #12 – 39 ppg |
| First Downs | #55 – 21.3/game | #8 – 25.4/game |
| Sacks Allowed | #117 – 31, 206 yards | #31 – 15, 97 yards |
| Tackles for Loss Allowed | #110 – 70, 295 yards | #14 – 42, 161 yards |
| Third Down Conversions | #72 – 39.2% | #101 – 35.2% |
| Red Zone Offense | #112 – 76% / 59% | #35 – 88% / 71% |
| Long Scrimmage Plays | #42 – 148/10+; 48/20+; 10/30+; 7/40+ | #13 – 171/10+; 61/20+; 34/30+; 22/40+ |
West Virginia is #4 in plays over 40 yards.
Defense
| Statistic | Texas | West Virginia |
| Rushing Defense | #12 – 115 ypg | #94 – 191.1 ypg |
| Passing Defense | #102 – 252.3 ypg | #92 – 245.3 ypg |
| Total Defense | #40 – 367.3 ypg | #102 – 436.4 ypg |
| Scoring Defense | #32 – 21.9 ppg | #81 – 29.2 ppg |
| Sacks | #32 – 25, 174 yards | #80 – 18, 138 yards |
| Tackles for Loss | #47 – 65, 271 yards | #30 – 69.5, 238 yards |
| First Downs Allowed | #26 – 17.9/game | #87 – 21.5/game |
| Third Down Conversions | #7 – 27.8% | #25 – 32.5% |
| Red Zone Defense | #37 – 79% / 47% | #62 – 83% / 57% |
| Long Scrim. Plays allowed | #51 – 131/10+; 52/20+; 18/30+ | #100 – 155/10+; 52/20+; 22/30+ |
Match-up Comparison
| Texas Offense | West Virginia Defense |
| Rushing Offense – 135.3 ypg | 191.1 ypg – Rushing Defense |
| Passing Offense – 273.9 ypg | 245.3 ypg – Passing Defense |
| Total Offense – 409.2 ypg | 436.4 ypg – Total Defense |
| Scoring Offense – 29.9 ppg | 29.2 ppg – Scoring Defense |
| First Downs – 21.3/game | 21.5/game – First Downs Allowed |
| 3rd Down Offense – 39.2% | 32.5% – 3rd Down Defense |
| Red Zone Offense – 76% / 59% | 83% / 57% – Red Zone Defense |
| LSP – 148/10+; 48/20+; 10/30+; 7/40+ | 155/10+; 52/20+; 22/30+ – LSP Allowed |
| Texas Defense | West Virginia Offense |
| Rushing Defense – 115 ypg | 161.8 ypg – Rushing Offense |
| Passing Defense – 252.3 ypg | 352.1 ypg – Passing Offense |
| Total Defense – 367.3 ypg | 513.9 ypg – Total Offense |
| Scoring Defense – 21.9 ppg | 39 ppg – Scoring Offense |
| First Downs Allowed – 17.9/game | 25.4/game – First Downs |
| 3rd Down Defense – 27.8% | 35.2% – 3rd Down Offense |
| Red Zone Defense – 79% / 47% | 88% / 71% – Red Zone Offense |
| LSP Allowed – 131/10+; 52/20+; 18/30+ | 171/10+; 61/20+; 34/30+; 22/40+ – LSP |
Texas Game Notes:
http://texassports.com/documents/2017/11/13/11_Texas_Football_Notes_2017_WVU.pdf
Texas preview:
I think Sam plays well, Shane does too, LJH gets a touchdown out of the wildcat, and the defense is solid and delivers another score.
Texas 35, West Virginia 31. In overtime.
The smart folks at Horns 247. Thanks Chip Brown. I came to the same conclusion.
Wescott Eberts
West Virginia University
Another Cow College. Founded in 1867 as the Agricultural College of West Virginia. But they didn’t screw around too long, as they changed to West Virginia University in 1868. WVU has a nice history on their website: http://about.wvu.edu/history. I think they have been really busy in Morgantown, because the history summary ends in 2003.
Just the facts, ma’am. https://about.wvu.edu/wvu-facts My favorite: Population of Morgantown is 31,073. Enrollment at WVU in Morgantown is 28,488.
West Virginia is a Land Grant School. I borrowed this from the WVU website a couple of years ago. In 1862, the U.S. Congress passed and President Lincoln signed the first Land-Grant Act (also known as the Morrill Act for its sponsor, Rep. Justin Morrill of Vermont). The purpose of the Land-Grant Act was “the endowment, support, and maintenance of at least one college where the leading object shall be, without excluding other scientific and classical studies and including military tactics, to teach such branches of learning as are related to agriculture and the mechanic arts, in such manner as the legislatures of the States may respectively prescribe, in order to promote the liberal and practical education of the industrial classes in the several pursuits and professions in life”. In 1890, the second Morrill Land-Grant Act led to the creation of many of America’s historically black colleges and universities. Today, there are 76 land-grant universities that trace their beginnings back to the 1862 or 1890 Land-Grant Acts.
All schools have traditions, some of them great. West Virginia has a great one, with the singing of Take Me Home Country Roads after home games. Here is a video from 2012, after the Baylor-WVU game. https://youtu.be/Cs-lrLfPqWU
Juan Heisman Tailgate
What a tailgate! Ben Bennitt reported in at 6:54 a.m. that the site was secured and initial set-up complete. Jack Nash had the pit there, and he and Bennitt, Whiteley, Stone, Hagman, and Terkel completed the Early Crew. Some were earlier than others. Tony Dewar was there when I arrived a little after 9:00, and he had the satellite connection established. He and I started on prep of the lamb chops. Carsey arrived with the beer. Marcus and Otis took care of the rest, and by 2:30 we had the tailgate going well. J.D. Gins and Megan Klein arrived with a most excellent selection of Texas Beer Co. beer, including the Pecos Lager, plus the IPA and amber and blonde. So good. Then Scooter rolled in with two methuselahs of 2011 Chianti. Game on. Turned out to be a really great tailgate, as I had suspect it might. The lamb was great, Tony’s pork tenderloin was delicious, and the Italian sausage (also contributed by Scooter) was the perfect add on. Rose Marie’s salsa was very tasty and spicy. Rob Dunn was back, and when you added it all up, it was the perfect Saturday afternoon. Thanks to everyone who helped set-up and breakdown, contributed in so many different ways, came to the party, and donated funds.
The last Juan Heisman Tailgate Party of the year is next Friday for the Texas Tech game. We will have Rose Marie Hagman’s family tamales, salsa, and queso, lots of venison sausage, and Frito Pie (but get there on time!). We look forward to welcoming all the Red Raider families and friends.
Polls
CFP Poll: Alabama, Clemson, Miami (FL), Oklahoma. Then Wisconsin, Auburn, and Georgia. Notre Dame at 8. Texas Christian at 12, Okie State at 13. A wise observation I heard today on sports talk: Whoever in the top 7 wins out will be in the college football playoffs. True. Go look at the remaining games and likely conference championship game match ups. I am going to guess that we will finish with Alabama, Clemson, Wisconsin, and the Land Thieves.
AP Poll: Alabama, Miami (FL), Land Thieves, Clemson, Wisconsin, Auburn, Georgia, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Okie A&M. Texas Christian at 11, West Virginia at 24.
Coaches Poll: Roll Tide, Canes, Clemson, Wiscy, Land Thieves, War Eagle, UGA, TOSU, L’Université de Notre Dame du Lac, Southern Cal. Okie Aggies at 13 and Texas Christians at 14. West Virginny at 25.
This Week in College Football
Another big weekend with some great games.
Big 12 – Week 12
No. 12 Texas Christian (8-2, 5-2) in Lubbock. 11:00 a.m. on FS1. Frogs only favored by 7. Over/under is 57. Don’t see the Sand Aggies (5-5, 2-5) winning this, but you never know in Lubbock.
Iowa State (6-4, 4-3) and the Brazos Baptists (1-9, 1-6) play in Waco. 1:30 p.m. on FSN. Cyclones a 9.5 point favorite over Baylor, and I think they cover. (Scott Van Pelt disagrees.) Over/under is 53.
Baker Mayfield and No. 4 Oklahoma (9-1, 6-1) in Lawrence for a scrimmage with the Jayhawks (1-9, 0-7). 2:30 p.m. on ESPN. Land Thieves favored by 37, and the over/under is 70.5. Baker should put the finishing touches on his Heisman campaign.
K State (5-5, 3-4) at No. 13 Oklahoma State (8-2, 5-2). 2:30 p.m. on ESPN2 from Boone Pickens Stadium. Cowboys favored by 20, and the over under is 65.
This Week in College Football – Top 25
No. 1 Alabama with an 11:00 home game with Mercer. SEC Network. No line.
Virginia (6-4, 3-3) at No. 3 Miami (FL). Hurricanes still undefeated. 11:00 a.m. on ABC. This is my upset pick of the week! Go Hoos! No, there is no basis in reality for that, but sometimes you just got dream big. Miami (FL) favored by 19.5, and the over/under is 50.5.
Huge game at Camp Randall. Undefeated and No. 5 Wisconsin hosts No. 24 Michigan (8-2, 5-2). 11:00 a.m. on FOX. Will have to flip over to this during commercials too. Badgers favored by 7.5, and the over/under is 39.
No. 6 Auburn at home with Louisiana Monroe. 11:00 a.m. on ESPN2. War Eagle favored by 36.5, and the over/under is 68. Coming off a pretty emotional win, so not sure Auburn covers. Probably only win by 35.
No. 15 UCF (9-0) at Temple (5-5, 3-3). 11:00 a.m. on ESPNU. UCF favored by 14.
No. 16 Mississippi State at Arkansas. 11:00 a.m. on CBS. State favored by 12.5, and the over/under is 59. Bulldogs win.
Southern Methodist at No. 21 Memphis. Mustangs are 6-4/3-3 and Tigers are 8-1/5-1. 11:00 a.m. on ESPN News. Memphis favored by 12.5, and the over/under is a big 73.5. I think Ponies cover.
Minnesota (5-5, 2-5) at No. 23 Northwestern (7-3, 5-2). 11:00 a.m., not sure the broadcast. Northwestern favored by a touchdown.
That is 9 games involving ranked teams at 11:00 a.m., plus the Horns and West Virginia.
No. 2 Clemson and The Citadel at 11:20 a.m. on the ACC Network. Undefeated against a 5-5 SoCon team? Blow out in Death Valley.
Kentucky at No. 7 Georgia for the Columbia Broadcasting System SEC Game of the Week. Georgia of course with the one loss, and the Wildcats are 7-3 and 4-3 in SEC. Georgia favored by 21.5, and the over/under is 50.5. Georgia wins big.
No. 8 Notre Dame (8-2) hosts Navy (6-3). 2:30 p.m. on NBC. Irish favored by 18, and the over/under is 59.5. Irish will rebound. This will a fun game if you like watching teams run the football.
Illinois at No. 9 Ohio State, 2:30 p.m. on ABC. Illini are 2-8 without a conference win. Buckeyes are 8-2 and 6-1. Line is Ohio State by a whopping 41 points. Over/under is 53.5. Should be a big win for the home team.
Nebraska (4-6, 3-4) at No. 10 Penn State (8-2, 5-2). 3:00 p.m. on FS1. Nittany Lions favored by 27.5, over/under is 55.5. Go Big Red.
Maryland (4-6, 3-4) at No. 17 Michigan State (7-3, 5-2). 3:00 p.m. on FOX. Spartans favored by 16, and the over/under is 43. Michigan State will take care of business.
No. 20 Louisiana State (7-3, 4-2) at Tennessee (4-6, 0-6), 6:00 p.m. on ESPN. Tigers favored by 16 against the hapless Volunteers. Should cover.
No. 19 North Carolina State at Wake Forest. Wolfpack (7-3, 5-1), Demon Deacons (6-4, 3-3) and NC State is 1.5 point underdog. Over/under is 63. Would love to have access to the stats and metrics the oddsmakers use. That is fascinating.
UC Los Angeles at No. 11 Southern Cal. One of my favorite games, as both teams wear their home colors. Bruins are 5-5 and 3-4, while the Trojans are 9-2 and 7-1. 7:00 p.m. on ABC. Will definitely be watching some of this one. Southern Cal favored by 16, and the over/under is 71.5. Don’t be surprised if the Bruins cover. Don’t know if there will be extra security at all the merchandise stores and tables. The UCLA basketball team is in town, as they have home games Friday and Sunday.
The Big Game. California-Berkley at No. 22 Stanford. 7:00 p.m. on FOX. Golden Bears are 5-5 and 2-5, Cardinal 7-3, 6-2. Stanford favored by 16, over/under is 55.5. Should be a Cardinal win.
Air Force (4-6, 3-3) at No. 15 Boise State (8-2, 6-0), 9:15 p.m. on ESPN2. Broncos favored by 17.5 on the smurf turf of Albertsons Stadium.
Utah (5-5, 2-5) at No. 18 Washington (8-2, 5-2), 9:30 p.m. on ESPN. A good late night game in the cold Pacific Northwest to close the night. Huskies favored by 18. Utes cover.
Other Games of Interest This Week
Ole Miss (5-5, 2-4) gets Texas Agricultural & Mechanical (6-4, 3-3) in Oxford. 6:00 p.m. on ESPN2. Not a great weather forecast, but a little rain doesn’t slow down the party in the Grove. Rebels favored by 2, and the over/under is 68. Hotty Toddy!
Rice at Old Dominion, 1:00 p.m. on ESPN3. Owls are 8.5 underdogs.
La Tech at UTEP. 2:00 p.m. in the Sun Bowl. LT favored by 17.5.
UMass at Brigham Young, 2:00 .m. on ESPN3. Both with just 3 wins. BYU favored by 4.5.
Texas State 26.5 point underdogs at Arkansas State. 2:00 p.m. in Jonesboro.
UAB is 7-3. At Florida. Gators are 3-6. 3:00 p.m. on SEC Network. Gators favored by 10.5.
Houston at Tulane, 3:00 p.m. on ESPNN. Cougars favored by 9.5.
Army at North Texas, 5:30 p.m. UNT favored by 2.5.
Marshall at UT San Antonio. 6:00 p.m.
National Previews
The Week That Will Be: Crossroads
Weekly Viewing Schedule from A.J. Hooper on BON:
https://www.burntorangenation.com/2017/11/16/16667986/weekly-schedule
Bill Connelly.
Not sure if I have included this in a while, but SB Nation has a good odds page. Mostly online betting site odds, which makes sense for a blog.
https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/odds
I usually use VegasInsider.com, which has the Vegas lines.
Last Week
Big 12 – Week 11
A really unfortunate ending to a great football game in Ames. I really thought the Cyclone receiver made the reception which would have tied the game. But the Big 12 officials continued their stellar season, and Iowa State loses to Okie A&M, 49-42. Guess Vegas was happy (line was OSU by 6.5).
Sand Aggies with a 38-24 win over Baylor. The Brazos Baptists actually had a lot more offense, 523 total to Tech’s 337. Bears passed for 417 yards, as Cade Brewer was 43 of 63.
I will admit I am impressed that the Land Thieves scored 38 on Texas Christian. Tough loss for the Frogs, 38-20. As TCU did hold the Land Thieves scoreless in the second half. Guess the big surprise is another Big 12 game not hitting the over.
West Virginia got past Kansas State, 28-23. I didn’t think K State should be favored. Sets up an opportunity for a good win by the Horns this Saturday!
Last Week in College Football – Top 25
The Pac 12 is tough, and Stanford’s beating of Washington Friday night is good evidence. The Conference of Champions probably won’t have a shot at the National Championship. Cardinal 30, Huskies 22.
The upsets continued on Saturday.
No. 1 Georgia went down to Auburn and got their butts whipped, 40-17. The over/under was 45 (and Georgia a narrow 2.5 point favorite) to give you an idea on how bad Vegas missed on this one. I include this review because it is by the son of a friend. I know he’s a proud dad. Good job. https://scout.com/college/georgia/Article/Georgia-Isnt-Mad-They-Got-Blown-Out-and-Thats-OK-110441745
The most upsetting upset was Miami (FL) beating Notre Dame 41-8, and from what little I got to see, it wasn’t all that close. Very disappointing loss for the Irish. And the Deans.
Alabama, on the other hand, avoided the trap and beat Mississippi State 31-24. State covered.
Ohio State with a wicked beating of Michigan State, 48-3. Easily covered (16.5).
Clemson kept their playoff hopes alive with a solid 31-14 win over Florida State. The finish in the ACC is going to be interesting.
Wisconsin just keeps on winning. 38-14 over Iowa.
PSU 35-6 over Rutgers.
Louisiana State 33, Arkansas 10. This is good.
I was really surprised that NC State was only at 3 point favorite at Boston College. Wolfpack 17, Eagles 14. Dang that’s impressive work by the oddsmakers.
A lot picked Georgia Tech over Virginia Tech, and they were right. Ramblin’ Wreck with a nice 28-22 win over the Hokies.
UCF 49-24 over U Conn.
Washington State 33-25 over Utah.
Northwestern with 23-13 win over Purdue.
Southern Cal 38-24 over Colorado. Trojans were favored by 13.5.
Other Games of Interest Last Week
Ole Miss with a nice 50-22 win over the Ragin’ Cajuns of ULaLa. Hotty Toddy!
Army beats Duke 21-16, as the Black Nights run for 226 yards. They did throw a pass this week, and completed it for 42 yards.
Virginia loses to Louisvile 21-38.
Michigan beat Maryland 35-10.
Southern Methodist gave Navy their best shot, but fell 43-40. Ponies did cover.
Rice covered! Southern Mississippi 43, Owls 34.
Bobcats covered too. Georgia State 33, Texas State 30.
North Texas with a 45-10 win over UTEP. Down year for the Miners.
UAB beat UT San Antonio 24-19.
Texas Agricultural & Mechanical drummed New Mexico 55-14. Covered the line and the over on their own.
Arizona hammered Oregon State 49-28. Khalil Tate with a very quiet night passing (5 of 7 for 68 yards), but he ran for 206 yards on 16 carries with 2 touchdowns. Pretty good.
Wyoming guns down Air Force, 28-14.
Washington & Lee Generals: 2017 ODAC Champions!
W&L wiped out Shenandoah 48-21 to clinch with another ODAC Championship. Another huge game on the ground, with 466 yards. This week, the Generals went to the air too, with 7 pass attempts, completing 5. Drew Richardson was 4 for 4 for 123 yards and 2 touchdowns (includes a 70 yard TD pass). Josh Breece had 21 carries for 280 yards, averaging 13.3 ypc and with 3 touchdowns. One of those scores was a 42 yard run for W&L’s first score, and another was a 95 yards run for the last General touchdown. Collin Sherman had 2 touchdowns, 122 yards on 25 carries.
So the good news is the Generals are conference champions and in the playoffs. The challenge is we open with a game against No. 2 Mount Union. At Mount Union (11:00 a.m. Saturday). Since the turn of the century, the Purple Raiders have won 8 national championships and were national runner-up every other year except 2004 and 2016. (Mary Hardin-Baylor is ranked No. 1 and is the defending national champion.) To put it in perspective, Alabama is the Mount Union of FBS. Kind of, but not nearly the dynasty which is Mount Union football. 26 undefeated seasons. Their coach is Vince Kehres. His record is 65-4. A tough game for the Generals.
Mount Union is 10-0. Their offense is No. 6 in the country, average 507.1 yards per game. A balanced attack, averaging 248 yards rushing and 259 passing. W&L is No. 2 in rushing offense, with 421.5 yards per game, and No. 17 overall with 480.8 yards per game. The Purple Raiders defense is No. 3 in the country, allowing only 210.8 yards per game; No. 5 in rush defense, giving up just 60.3 yards per game. No. 6 in scoring defense, 10 ppg. The Generals defense is not quite as stout. No. 132 in total D, allowing 382.7 ypg; No. 62 rushing defense, 118.3 ypg, and No. 212 passing, 264.4 ypg.
Game Notes: http://www.generalssports.com/sports/fball/2017-18/releases/Mt_Union_Notes
Longhorns in the NFL
For those who are still paying attention to the NFL:
http://www.texassports.com/news/2017/11/14/football-longhorns-in-the-nfl-week-10.aspx?path=football
Texas Tech Game
My plan is to get an email out next Tuesday, but Thanksgiving week is always hard. Just in case I don’t: We will have a great tailgate. Rose Marie Hagman’s family tamales, lots of venison sausage, some Frito Pie, and lots of beer. A great way to put turkey behind you.
Music and Entertainment
I enjoy Jimmy Kimmel’s show. His birthday was this week, and the birthday show was pretty epic. Check out the film they made for him. https://youtu.be/t8Jq6NqCQ1o
Will be curious if the guy who was the inspiration for including this catches it. Learning to Fly – Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors https://youtu.be/kkZb6k2yTJY
Sturgill Simpson “You Can Have the Crown/Some Days”
Sturgill Simpson “Turtles All the Way Down”
Ivy League
IVY LEAGUE REPORT FOR NOVEMBER 17-18, 2017
By Lonnie Schooler
And now the denouement!
The final weekend of the season is upon us and the prospect looms for there to be only one champion this year (in contrast to the co-champions of recent years). More on this below.
Results of Games on the weekend of November 10-11:
Brown hosted the Big Green of Dartmouth on November 10, a game televised nationally by NBC Sports. Alas, the Bruins were no match for Dartmouth, falling 33-10.
Columbia traveled to upstate New York to face the Big Red of Cornell, and the Lions rebounded from their two-game losing streak, besting Cornell 18-8, to keep their slim hopes of a co-championship alive.
The Yale Bulldogs traveled to Princeton, and eked out a 35-31 victory, scoring the winning points in the last minutes of the game, and preserving its slim one-game lead in Ivy standings.
Finally, the Fighting Quakers of Penn traveled to Cambridge for a showdown with the Crimson of Harvard, where Penn has had a lot of difficulty winning over the past several years. Thanks to the opening play by Tre Solomon, a 77-yard scoring run from scrimmage, the Quakers jumped out to an early lead which they never relinquished, prevailing 23-6.
SCHEDULE FOR WEEKEND OF NOVEMBER 18:
The schedule for this weekend’s games is as follows (all times CDT):
Princeton travels to the White Mountains of New Hampshire to take on Dartmouth at 12:30. Brown journeys to Upper Manhattan to play the Columbia Lions at Noon. Penn concludes its season at home in Franklin Field against the Big Red of Cornell with kickoff at 12:30.
And the premier game of the day will be played in New Haven, where the Yale Bulldogs will host the Harvard Crimson in their annual season-ending rivalry in a game starting at 11:30. This year, Yale has something on the line for which to play beyond pride. A Yale victory will clinch the title for Yale as the only team in the League with one loss.
By the way, as I have mentioned in past years, all true football fans will enjoy visiting (or re-visiting, as the case may be) the splendid documentary about the most storied game of this rivalry, the 1968 clash at Cambridge that resulted in a 29-29 tie, with Harvard scoring two touchdowns and two 2-point conversions in the last 1:45 of the game to achieve the tie. The name of the documentary is “Harvard Beats Yale 29-29” and is worth a viewing. The game featured Calvin Hill, Yale’s All-America running back (later of Dallas Cowboy fame and, later still, of recognition as the father of Grant Hill) and Tommy Lee Jones, among others. You will want to find that part of the documentary that discusses the girlfriend of one of the Yale players. I think you will recognize this girl (just saying).
Enjoy your football this weekend and thanks again to Tim Taylor for allowing me to append this important weekly update to his wonderful columns about UT football. [Thanks Lonnie!]
Longhorns Basketball
Ay caramba. I got off my game last week. Texas with a big win last Friday over Northwestern Date, 105-59. Texas played New Hampshire Tuesday night, and I made the second half after a great HAAM Development Council event with the wonderful Suzanna Choffel. Mo Bamba was out with concussion protocol, but the rest of the team looked great. New Hampshire is no pushover. They are a good basketball school. Texas with solid 78-60 win. Highlights of the game: https://youtu.be/GF-ad0zgovY
One more home game before heading west. Lipscomb at 4:00 Saturday at the Erwin Center. Game will be on the Longhorn Network.
The Horns are in the PK80 tournament in Portland, Oregon for the Thanksgiving holiday. On Thursday they play Butler at 6:00 p.m., and the game will be on ESPN2. Friday we play either Duke or Portland State. We will have that game on at the tailgate.
The women are No. 2 in the country! 2-0, with a 95-59 win over Stetson and a 100-34 thrashing of McNeese State. The Horns play UTSA Friday night at the Drum, the other hand, we did have a big time at 7:00 p.m.
Longhorns Volleyball
They just win. No. 2 Texas swept Kansas this week to move 22-2 and 14-0 in the Big 12. They have clinched a share of the Big 12 title with two matches to play.
Happy Thanksgiving
Just in case I don’t an email out next week, Happy Thanksgiving. I am grateful for my faith, my family, my friends, and my profession. And The University of Texas. I am very blessed.
God Bless Texas.
Tim Taylor
Tailgating before Home Football Games:
Lot 38, East of Sid Richardson Hall.
HOOK EM HORNS!!
© Timothy C. Taylor, Sr. 2017. All Rights Reserved (as to original material).
On Twitter: @tctayloratx
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