Good Morning Longhorn Fans!
No. 2 Texas Longhorns 56, UTSA Roadrunners 7
Saturday night was a fun one at Darrell K Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium. Mostly highs, but Quinn Ewers’ injury was definitely scary. As was Banks going down early and Malik Muhammed getting hurt. Texas easily overcame all those hurdles.
© Texas Football
The full video:
Texas Longhorns on X: “Helm Hurdle™
Highlights in Español. ¡Simplemente significa más!
https://x.com/TexasFootball/status/1836579579793752469
Quinn Ewers was exceptional before his injury. Arch Manning was exceptional from his first play.
The Monday Morning Highlights on Instagram:
My favorite moment of the game I didn’t see: Sark’s son Brady went into the game in the fourth quarter (he plays linebacker). Coach Sarkisian: “When he got in tonight, I took my headset off and I played dad for about three plays. I just watched my son play football at the University of Texas. That was really awesome.”
Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks vs. No. 1 Texas Longhorns
Just in case you have not heard, Arch Manning is starting Saturday night.
The Warhawks and Longhorns kick-off at Darrell K Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium Saturday night a little after 7:00 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ and SECN+. Our first streaming only game in a long time, actually I don’t remember the last one. More info on that below. The good news is, the LHN team will be somewhat back together. Lowell Galindo on the play-by-play, Fozzy Whittaker with analysis, and Alex Chappell on the sidelines.
The line opened with Texas minus 45 with an over/under of 52.5. Early, early Friday morning, Texas by 44.5, total of 52.5. Not much movement at all. Texas money line -50000, ULM +4000. I think the odds are in our favor.
Longhorns around the world can listen to the game on the Longhorn Radio Network with the Voice of the Longhorns, Craig Way, Roger Wallace with analysis and color, and Lifetime Longhorn and Good Guy Will Matthews reporting from the sidelines. Also in Spanish with the incomparable Dr. Rubén Pizarro-Silva (and Jesus Mendoza). You can listen in Corpus Christi on KEYS 1440 AM. In Tyler on KTBB 600 AM and KTBB 92.1 FM (special shout-out to anyone who remembers Dr. Bob Peters and why he was so remarkable). In San Angelo on KKSA, 1260 AM (enjoy Mr. McLaughlin!). On SiriusXM channel 82 for anyone in South Texas who can’t pick up clear channel WOAI 1200.
I am guessing – at least hoping – that most of you already have the “plus thing” figured out – ESPN+ and SEC Network+. If you have an ESPN subscription, you should be set. Stream through the ESPN app on your phone or tablet, but better, if you have what I call a “smart TV”, you can download the ESPN app to the TV and then login and watch just like if this was on Longhorn Network. If you want to go this route and don’t have a subscription, read the SEC Network+ info below first, but then you can go subscribe to ESPN+. Price is going to $11.00 a month until right after we beat the Land Thieves.
The best bet is if you have the SEC Network in your “cable” package. I am a longtime (but possibly soon not to be) Grande subscriber, and I have a premium sports package which includes the SEC Network. If you get the SEC Network through your television provider, then you should have SEC Network+.
Please note I am just a simple dirt lawyer, but I do watch a lot of sports. So I think I have that right. Suggest you run a test drive Friday afternoon while customer service lines are still open!
Archie Manning & Some Southeastern Conference History
I used to do a “cool video of the week” or maybe a couple or three good ones. Before social media reached the absurd levels of ubiquity of today, and my hours of searching for cool stuff often unearthed something unique. These days, by Monday night, all the cool videos have circulated on Instagram and X/Twitter and in text threads. I still include a bunch, just because I tend to curate my favorites of the week and provide an aggregation of clips I like.
This week, I got a clip that I had not seen anywhere, courtesy of longtime friend and loyal AHFD reader Don Cox. From an SEC Network Saturdays in the South documentary, the excerpt about the October 4, 1969 game between No. 20 Ole Miss and No. 15 Alabama.
This was just the second college football game broadcast live, at night, in prime time. No. 18 for the Rebels, Archie Manning, accounted for 540 yards and 5 touchdowns (33/52 passing, 436 yards, 2 touchdowns; No. 18 gained 104 yards on 15 carries and had 3 rushing touchdowns) in a losing but valiant effort against Bear Bryant’s Crimson Tide at Legion Field in Birmingham.
Alabama vs. Ole Miss, 1969: The night college football went prime time – al.com
The Texas Longhorns were of course the National Champions that year, and despite Manning’s great season, Johnny Vaught’s Rebels finished fifth in the SEC behind Tennessee, Louisiana State, Auburn, and Florida. However, Ole Miss and Manning would finish the season with a 27-22 upset of No. 3 Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl (at old Tulane Stadium). 26 days before that, the Razorbacks had fallen in Fayetteville to the Longhorns, 15-14, as the Texas Longhorns and Darrell K Royal secured The University’s second national championship.
University of Louisiana Monroe Warhawks
The Warhawks come to Austin sporting a 2-0 record and an attitude. The Northeast Louisiana Indians moved up to FBS in 1994. They actually won the 1987 NCAA Division 1-AA championship, as Stan Humphries led the Indians to a 43-42 victory over the Thundering Herd of Marshall University. In the intervening 37 years, they have 4 Southland Conference titles and one Sun Belt Conference title (2005, when they were 5-6 overall, 5-2 in SBC). Last time ULM beat a Top 25 team was in 2012.
This year, the Warhawks have wins over Jackson State, 30-14 (attendance 11,145), and UAB, 32-6 (attendance 12,327).
Jackson State (SWAC) beat Lane College (Division II, never heard of it) 58-7, and beat Southern 33-15.
UAB beat Alcorn State 41-3 to open the season, and lost to Arkansas Pig Sooey 27-37.
The ULM quarterback is General Maximus Axel Booty (#14, 6-2, 195). At one point earlier in the week, I thought I might have to write tonight about General Maximus Axel Booty, but the media has kicked that story hard and I leave it to you to go read all about it. Not surprisingly, Bruce Feldman’s piece in The Athletic is very good. Suffice to say General Booty was in Norman for a couple of years riding the pine behind some very good quarterbacks. Of note, before he went to Norman, he was in Tyler, Texas, playing for the TJC Apaches. Led the NJCAA in completions (266), attempts (436), and passing yards (3,410); 27 TDs and 11 picks, and 284.2 ypg (2nd in NJCAA). Against Jackson State, General Maximus Axel Booty was 10/14, 104 yards, 1 TD; 8 carries for 22 yards (a long of 31, so that should tell you something). Against UAB, 9-15 for 87 yards, 1 rush for 2 yards.
I have not had time to inquire on this, but I find this information about General Maximus Axel Booty interesting (from the ULM Warhawks website).
- Played senior season at Allen (Texas) High School where he passed for 2,235 yards and 26 touchdowns and rushed for 401 yards and nine TDs in 2020
- Played at JSerra Catholic High School in San Juan Capistrano, Calif., as a junior in 2019
- Played at Cornerstone Christian Schools in San Antonio, Texas, as a sophomore in 2018
- Played at Corona del Mar High School in Newport Beach, Calif., as a freshman in 2017
Ahmad Hardy (#22, 5-10, 205, freshman from Monticello, Mississippi) had 19 carries and gained 103 yards against Jackson State, 1 TD. 14 rushes for 58 yards and a score against UAB.
James Jones (#4, 6-2, 205, Junior, transfer from Garden City CC) had 9 carries for 54 yards and a score against Jackson State. 11 carries and 56 yards against UAB.
Taven Curry (#18, 6 foot, 210, Loxley, AL, transfer from UAB) had 13 carries and gained 64 yards against UAB.
Javon Campbell (#12, 6-3, 210 WR from King George, VA), had 4 catches for 83 yards and a score against Jackson State. He caught 1 ball for 6 yards.
Davon Wells (#3, 5-10, 180, Senor WR from Kissimmee, FL) had 4 catches for 26 yards and a TD against Jackson State and 3 for 20 against UAB.
Nate Sullivan, Jr. (#80, 6-3, 225, Junior Tight End) had 1 catch for 7 yards against Jackson State and 2 catches for 22 yards against UAB.
As you will see in the stats below, the Warhawks have some very respectable rankings in defense. That defense is led by Wydett Williams, Jr. (No. 12, 6-2, 205 Junior DB from General Trass HS in Lake Providence, Louisiana). 19 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception.
Carl Glass Jr. (#35, 5-11, 220 Senior LB from Monroe) has 21 tackles. Car’lin Vigers (#1, 6-2, 200, Senior from Eunice, LA) has 10 tackles. Billy Pullen (#5, 6-3, 245 Junior OLB from Kaufman) has 12 tackles (3 sacks, 1 FF).
The Warhawk kicker is 4 for 4, with 1 over 40 yards.
Louisiana-Monroe is coached by Bryant Vincent. This is his official photo. You may not be able to tell, but that is a button-down shirt. I get the scruffy look is popular, but come on. Of course, I miss seeing Tom Landry on the sideline in a coat & tie and his fedora.
I didn’t do a deep dive, but this: 23 players on the roster transferred in from community colleges; 17 players transferred in from other schools.
University of Louisiana Monroe Warhawks vs. No. 1 Texas Longhorns
Quite a comparison and history.
Bowl wins. https://youtu.be/vgn0O0yuEls
This is going to be a very solid Texas win. Here are all the stats and information I use to preview the game.
The Statistics
Offense
Statistic |
Texas |
ULM |
| Rushing Offense | #51 – 173.3 ypg | #31 – 206.5 ypg |
| Passing Offense | #6 – 342.7 ypg | #130 – 109.5 ypg |
| Total Offense | #10 – 516.0 ypg | #113 – 316.0 ypg |
| Scoring Offense | #10 – 46.3 ppg | #64 – 31.0 ppg |
| First Downs | #32 – 23.0/game | #101 – 17.5/game |
| Sacks Allowed | #19 – 2, 16 yards | #19 – 2, 21 yards |
| Tackles for Loss Allowed | #65 – 15, 56 yards | #10 – 6, 27 yards |
| Third Down Conversions | #23 – 50.0% | #89 – 37.0% |
| Fourth Down Conversions | #47 – 60% | #65 – 50.0% |
| Red Zone Attempts | #11 – 16 | #95 – 8 |
| Red Zone Offense | #31 – 94% / 88% | #1 – 100% / 50% |
| Long Run Plays | #52 – 15/10, 5/20, 2/30, 2/40 | #78 – 12/10, 3/20, 2/30, 0/40 |
| Long Pass Plays | #14 – 39/10, 16/20, 9/30, 4/40 | #131 – 10/10, 3/20, 1/30, 0/40 |
Defense
Statistic |
Texas |
ULM |
| Rushing Defense | #44 – 108.7 ypg | #21 – 75.5 ypg |
| Passing Defense | #23 – 136.7 ypg | #63 – 197.0 ypg |
| Total Defense | #16 – 245.4 ypg | #32 – 272.5 ypg |
| Scoring Defense | #5 – 6.3 ppg | #18 – 10.0 ppg |
| First Downs Allowed | #11 – 12.7/game | #53 – 17/game |
| Sacks | #91 – 4, 28 yards | #35 – 7, 59 yards |
| Tackles for Loss | #36 – 20, 65 yards | #66 – 16, 83 yards |
| Third Down Conversions | #10 – 23.3% | #113 – 44.0% |
| Fourth Down Conversions | #52 – 44.4% (4/9) | #1 – 0% (0/3) |
| Long Run Plays Allowed | #15 – 6/10, 1/20, 1/30, 1/40 | #15 – 6/10, 0/20, 0/30, 0/40 |
| Long Pass Plays Allowed | #14 – 13/10, 5/20, 1/30, 0/40 | #14 – 13/10, 4/20, 1/30, 1/40 |
Other
Statistic |
Texas |
ULM |
| Turnovers | #54 – 3 IF, 2I | #1 – 0 |
| Turnover Margin | #17 – 6:3 +3 | #13 – 4:0 +4 |
| Penalties | #60 – 17, 129 yards | #43 – 15, 91 yards |
*Based on total number of penalties.
Match-up Comparison
Texas Offense |
ULM Defense |
| Rushing Offense – 173.3 ypg | 75.5 ypg – Rushing Defense |
| Passing Offense – 342.7 ypg | 197.0 ypg – Passing Defense |
| Total Offense – 516 ypg | 272.5 ypg – Total Defense |
| Scoring Offense – 46.3 ppg | 10.0 ppg – Scoring Defense |
| First Downs – 23.0/game | 17/game – First Downs Allowed |
| 3rd Down Offense – 50.0% | 44.0% – 3rd Down Defense |
| 4th Down Offense – 60.0% | 0% – 4th Down Defense |
| Red Zone Offense – 94%/88% | 100%/50% – Red Zone Defense |
| LRP – 15/10, 5/20, 2/30, 2/40 | 6/10, 0/20, 0/30, 0/40- LRP Allowed |
| LPP – 39/10, 16/20, 9/30, 4/40 | 13/10, 4/20, 1/30, 1/40 – LPP Allowed |
Texas Defense |
ULM Offense |
| Rushing Defense – 108.7 ypg | 206.5 ypg – Rushing Offense |
| Passing Defense – 136.7 ypg | 109.5 ypg – Passing Offense |
| Total Defense – 245.4 ypg | 316.0 ypg – Total Offense |
| Scoring Defense – 6.3 ppg | 31.0 ppg – Scoring Offense |
| First Downs Allowed – 12.7/game | 17.5/game – First Downs |
| 3rd Down Defense – 23.3% | 37.0% – 3rd Down Offense |
| 4th Down Defense – 44.4% | 50.0% – 4th Down Offense |
| LRP Allowed – 6/10, 1/20, 1/30, 1/40 | 12/10, 3/20, 2/30, 0/40 – LRP |
| LPP Allowed – 13/10, 5/20, 1/30, 0/40 | 10/10, 3/20, 1/30, 0/40 – LPP |
Texas Homer:
Advanced Stats Preview from Nik Patel on Burnt Orange Nation:
The College Football Insiders analytics
BCF Toys
Excellent advanced analytics. If you want the explanation of one of these statistical categories, the link is embedded.
| FEI | OFEI | DFEI | SFEI – Adj | SFEI-Unadj | |
| Texas | No. 3: 1.26 | No. 5: 0.57 | No. 6: 0.62 | No. 12: 0.08 | No. 17: .02 |
| ULM | No. 110: -.60 | No. 122: -.50 | No. 89: -.05 | No. 119: -.07 | No. 11: .19 |
| NAY | OAY | DAY | |
| Texas | No. 5: 0.477 | No. 9: 0.717 | No. 8: 0.241 |
| ULM | No. 19: 1.90 | No. 61: 2.30 | No. : 0.40 |
| NPD | OPD | DPD | |
| Texas | No. 6: 3.89 | No. 7: 4.37 | No. 6: 0.48 |
| ULM | No. 97: -1.06 | No. 84: 1.65 | No. 93: 2.71 |
| NPP | OPP | DPP | |
| Texas | No. 6: 4.29 | No. 11: 8.06 | No. 12: 3.77 |
| ULM | No. 36: 1.37 | No. 116: 4.35 | No. 4: 2.98 |
BCF’s Game Projection. “Game Projections are calculated from current FEI ratings and include the projected win likelihood (PW), projected margin of victory (PM), projected points scored (PF) and allowed (PA), and projected total points scored (PT) for each FBS game.”
| Projected Winner | Projected Loser | PW | PM | PF | PA | PT |
| Texas | ULM | .990 | 42.8 | 46.9 | 4.1 | 50.9 |
ESPN Analytics
The official Game Notes from The University of Texas
Week 4 – ULM (PDF) – University of Texas Athletics
Louisiana-Monroe’s Game Notes:
2024 Game 3 ULM at Texas – University of Louisiana Monroe Athletics
TCT Thoughts
This game is the last tune-up for Texas before we start Southeastern Conference play. The Warhawks are a fine choice for this role.
The Warhawks are really good on paper in some defensive categories, both standard stats and in advanced analytics. But, I think this has a lot to do with who they played, or, to foreshadow some thoughts below, who they have not played. Not saying that Texas has played a bunch of top 40 teams, but there is a qualitative difference. Against Jackson State, ULM had 336 yards of offense (credit for 204 on the ground). Against UAB, 296 yards of offense, 87 passing, 209 on the ground.
The Texas offense is humming on all cylinders, and I don’t think we will miss a beat with Arch Manning at quarterback.
The starters on the ULM defense line go 285 and 275 at the tackles, 265 pound defensive end, and the edge (Billy Pullen) is 245. I suspect the Texas offensive line is going to get some push.
The Warhawks run the ball. A bunch. They average 44.5 rushing attempts per game, 12th in the country. By contrast, ULM ranks 131st with 15.5 passing attempts per game. Unless Coach Vincent has been sandbagging to get to his game in Austin, this team is going to really struggle to gain yards and score points. While we rank #44 in run defense, I think our numbers are much better in run situations. That is, if PK thinks the opponent is likely to run the ball, our defense is adept at stopping them. Note we rank #10 in third down conversions defense and ULM is #89 in third down offense.
Texas has allowed just 19 points through 3 games. This is the lowest points surrendered since 1982 & 1983. Here are some names I remember from those Texas defenses: Kiki DeAyala, Mossy Cade, Jeff Leiding, June James, Craig Curry (don’t send me that story – He’s a good guy).
Assuming that the first two games is who the Warhawks are (they run the ball), and unless General Maximus Axel Booty reverts to his glory days as a Tyler Junior College Apache, the formerly Northeast Louisiana Indians are in for a long night when they have the ball. Or, more accurately, a short night.
I think the numbers for the ULM defense are grossly skewed by their opponents. They have a couple of good players, and they may play pretty well early and limit the damage in the first 12-18 minutes, but that isn’t going to last. This Texas offense is built different. Eight guys in the wide receiver room who could start at most good D1 programs. Good running backs. A fantastic offensive line.
I had a defensive score last week. I am not so sure we don’t see two this week. Pick 6, and I am hoping for a Big Man Rumblin’ Bumblin’ scoop and score.
And we got Arch Manning. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
TCT Prediction: No. 1 Texas Longhorns 59, ULM Warhawks 9
Horns by fiddy!
No. 2 Texas Longhorns 56, UTSA Roadrunners 7
Quinn Ewers was injured in the game. NGL, I was excited to see Arch, but I am all in on Quinn in 2024. Praying he is fully recovered by October 12. Until then, rest easy Mr. Ewers. Arch has the conn.
We all have known that since young Archibald Charles Manning committed to The University from Isadore Newman School in New Orleans, we had some something really special. It has been a story. Dozens, hundreds of stories. The respected national media (and lesser journalist) have used Arch and Quinn and a quarterback controversy that has never existed like a forex trader or crypto huckster plants clickbait in social media post comments. It was and is bullshit. The Manning family is a class act, top to bottom. Arch came to Austin to attend The University of Texas and to play football. Not solely the latter. But, Arch sure as hell looked AWESOME last Saturday night.
Starting from the start:
On the first Texas series, Quinn: 11 yards to Golden, 11 yards to Bond, I, 16 yards to Wingo, 16 yards to Bond, 1 yard to Moore, 15 yards to Niblett, and a beautiful 7 yard touchdown pass to Bond.
Texas forced a 3 and out, and on the first play of the next possession, Ewers threw a terrible, telegraphed pass that was picked off and returned to the Texas 38. Texas defense held, including a big stop on fourth and 1.
The next possession was a 69 yard drive that included (besides 2 false start penalties) an 18 yard completion to Bond, some hard runs by Quintrevion Wisner, and a surgical strike to Johntay Cook II to put the Horns up 14 to nothing as the 1st quarter wound down.
Another 3 and out by the defense. Second play of the next Horns possession was the pass and run to Gunnar Helm who hurdled his way for a 49 yard gain to the UTSA 20. One play later, Ewers is on the ground. It was pretty quiet in the stadium.
Arch Manning came in with the ball on the UTSA 19, second down. A few seconds later, Manning to Moore for a 19 yard touchdown. 21-0 Horns.
On the next UTSA possession, somehow Robert Henry found a hole and ran 53 yards for a touchdown. Not a good one.
Arch Manning looked at Mr. Henry and said “I call your 53 yards, and raise 14”, and we looked at Arch Manning run through and past the Roadrunner defense for his second Longhorn touchdown. 35-7 Texas.
UTSA had a 56 yard drive that ate about 6 minutes of clock and ended with a missed field goal. I bet Jeff Traylor was pretty frustrated.
Bad sack on the next Texas possession resulted in a Longhorn 3 and out. Texas D responded, but a good UTSA punt and a bad Texas penalty (unnecessary and questionable block in the back) pinned Texas back on its own 4 yard line. Jerrick Gibson picked up 10 to get us breathing room, but nothing doing after that, and Texas punted again. The clock hit zeroes as UTSA made some progress. 28-7 at halftime.
Second half was good. Arch made short work of a 75 yard field by hitting Isaiah Bond on a short pass, and Bond did the rest, running 51 yards for the Texas TD.
Next Texas series. First and 10 at the Texas 25. Manning to Wingo, 75 yard touchdown, 42-7 Texas.
The teams traded the ball the rest of the third quarter.
Texas had the ball as we entered the final frame. At midfield, Manning hit Wingo again, 36 yards. 2 plays later, Johntay Cook had his second score of the game, 12 yards from Manning. 49-7.
Teams traded the ball. But on the next following UTSA possession, Ethan Burke snatched the ball on a muffed pass and rumbled 30 yards for a Texas touchdown. 56-7 Texas.
“Texas should score between 45 and 52 points on offense. I am going pencil in a defensive score this week. The UTSA offense, if last week is the indicator, will struggle to score.”
I had Texas 62 UTSA 13. Close enough.
Loved our offense, and will get to that, but how about that defense. Hill with 11 tackles, including a tackle for loss. We saw Colin Simmons flash the mad skills with 6 tackles, including a sack and a TFL.
Vasek and Lefau each added sacks. 12 total tackles for loss.
No Question that Arch Manning was the star of the night and the talk of college football. 9 of 12 for 224 yards and 4 scores. Before he left the game, Quinn was 14 of 16 for 185 and 2 scores. Texas finished with 427 passing yards and 6 touchdowns.
Wingo’s stats are bonkers. 3 catches, 127 yards, 1 TD.
Bond, Isaiah Bond. 5 catches, 103 yards, 2 TDs.
Nine (9) other Longhorns caught a pass, bringing the game total to 11.
Gibson was the leading rusher with 75 yards on 13 carries; Texas finished with 187 yards rushing.
Manning’s quarterback rating was 317.8. To give you an idea of how ridiculous that is, the No. 1 in the country is Ethan Hampton with a 235.86 RTG; Jaxson Dart from Ole Miss right behind at 222.56. Manning’s QBR for the game was 99.9. Dart leads the nation at 91.6. Ewers is second with 84.9.
Highlights of the Texas Win
From @TexasClips, the condensed game.
Highlights from ESPN College Football (a little under 12 minutes):
University of Louisiana Monroe
ULM began as Quachita Parish Junior College in 1931. In 1934, it became Northeast Center of Louisiana State University. In 1949, Northeast Junior College of Louisiana State University. In 1950 they became a 4 year school and Northeast Louisiana State College. In 1969, it became a university and another name change, to Northeast Louisiana University, a name it held for 30 years. And a name that most of us older folk know and remember, as part of the many “directional colleges from Louisiana”. (There are still 2 – Northwestern State University and Southeastern Louisiana University).
ULM is part of the University of Louisiana System, which includes Grambling State, Louisiana-Lafayette, La Tech, Nicholls State, McNeese State, Northwestern State, Southeastern State, and The University of New Orleans.
ULM boasts the only 4 year Meteorology program in the state of Louisiana. I am not making fun of this – if any state needs good meteorologists, it is Louisiana. Their Atmospheric Science program is the only undergraduate program with its own Polarimetric Doppler Weather Radar.
ULM has won 29 National Collegiate Water Skiing Association championships since 1979. The most in the sport. ULM is the Oklahoma State wrestling of water skiing!
Famous alumni: Tim Brando, Tim McGraw, Ben Sheets, Stan Humphries, and Doug Pederson.
| Academic Rankings | ||
| National | ||
| Texas | Louisiana Monroe | |
| Forbes | 31 | NL |
| U.S. News & World Report | 32 | 293-381 |
| ARWU | 25 | NL |
| Washington Monthly | 87 | NL |
| Global | ||
| ARWU | 45 | NL |
| QS | 66 | NL |
| THE | 52 | NL |
| U.S. News & World Report | 56 | NL |
“NL” means not listed in my sources. For what it’s worth. As we might say in a game of baccarat, a tell. I could use a Vesper martini right now.
AP Top 25 & Coaches Poll
Six of the top seven in the AP are SEC.
Massey Ratings
Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, Oregon, Ole Miss are the Top 6. Texas Agricultural & Mechanical at No. 24.
ESPN College Football Power Index
ESPN SP+ from Bill Connelly
Texas One
The Texas One Fund is the official NIL collective that supports The University of Texas athletics. Texas One provides opportunities to Longhorns use their name, image, and likeness to promote charitable causes. Contributions to Texas One now count toward your Longhorn Foundation loyalty points. It is critically important to support Texas One and NIL for Longhorns. We didn’t get Jonah Williams because he is excited about living in Jester.
Week Four in the Southeastern Conference
Florida (1-2, 0-1) at Mississippi State (1-2, 0-0), 11:00 a.m. on ESPN. Looking like a tough season for both programs. Gators favored by 6, over/under is 58.5.
Ohio (2-1) at Kentucky (1-2), 11:45 a.m. on the SEC Network. Wildcats played a heck of a game against Georgia. Kentucky favored by 20, total is 41.5.
Arkansas at Auburn, 2:30 p.m. on ESPN. Both teams 2-1, and this is their first SEC game of the season. Sunday night, “tickets as low as $17”. Tigers favored by 2.5, total is 56.5. War Eagle!
UCLA (1-1) at No. 16 Louisiana State (2-1), 2:40 p.m. on ABC/ESPN+. Tigers favored by 22.5 over the Bruins Didn’t realize they were that bad. Total is 56.5.
Vanderbilt (2-1) at No. 7 Missouri (3-0), 3:15 p.m. The first conference game for both teams. Mizzou favored by 20, over/under is 52.5. I like the Tigers to cover that.
No. 6 Tennessee at No. 15 Land Thieves, 6:30 p.m. Both 3-0 and their first SEC game. Actually was surprised to see the line at Tennessee -7.5 Sunday night. The line late Thursday was Tennessee by 6.5, and the over/under is 56.5.
Bowling Green at No. 25 Texas Agricultural & Mechanical. Texas Agricultural & Mechanical favored by 22.5, over/under is 51.5.
Akron at South Carolina, 6:30 p.m. on ESPNU. Gamecocks favored by 27.5, total is 42.5. I would take the over on that.
Georgia Southern at No. 5 Ole Miss, 6:45 p.m. on the SEC Network. Should be a great day in the Grove. Rebels favored by 36.5, the over/under is 66.5. Hotty Toddy!
Week 4: Service Academies
Rice (1-2) at Army (2-0), 11:00 a.m. on CBSSN from Michie Stadium. Black Knights are favored by 7, the total is 42.5. Army is looking pretty good.
Memphis (3-0) at Navy (2-0). 2:30 p.m. from Navy-Marines Corps Memorial Stadium. Before this past Saturday, would have guessed this would be a close game. But Memphis looked really good against Florida State. Tigers favored by 9, over/under is 49.5.
Air Force is off this week.
Top 25 – Week 4
Friday
Big Game for Big Red. No. 24 Illinois at No. 22 Nebraska, 7:00 p.m. on FOX. Both teams 3-0. Huskers are favored by 7.5, over/under is 42.5. GBR!
College Football Insiders match-up preview.
Saturday
Marshall at No. 3 Ohio State, 11:00 a.m. on FOX. Buckeyes favored by 39.5 over the Thundering Herd. Total is 52.5.
North Carolina State at No. 21 Clemson, 11:00 a.m. on ABC/ESPN+. Wolfpack hopes have declined precipitously. Dabo and the Tigers favored by 18.5, total is 44.5.
Arkansas State at No. 20 Iowa State, 1:00 p.m. on ESPN+, from Jack Trice Stadium in Ames. Cyclones favored by 21, over/under is 51.5.
Kent State at PSU, 2:30 p.m. on BTN, Nittany Lions favored by 49.
No. 11 Southern Cal (2-0) at No. 18 Michigan (2-1), 2:30 p.m. on ABC/ESPN+. Walt, Art – y’all know I love you guys, but Big Blue winning is good for the Longhorns. Trojans favored by 5, total is 43.5.
Miami Redhawks at No. 17 Notre Dame, 2:30 p.m. on NBC/Peacock. The Game of the Day for some family and friends. Irish favored by 28, total is 43.5.
Georgia Tech (3-1) at No. 19 Louisville, 2:30 p.m. on ESPN2. Yellow Jackets are 10.5 point road dogs. Over/under is 57.5/
Buffalo at No. 23 Northern Illinois. 2:30 p.m. on ESPN2. Huskies favored by 13.5 in this early season big matchup in the MAC. Total is 43.5.
No. 12 Utah at No. 14 Oklahoma State, 3:00 p.m. on FOX. Both teams undefeated as they play their first Big 12 game of the season. Okie State favored by 2.5 at Boone Pickens Stadium. I think Utah opened as the favorite. Total is 52.5.
No. 8 Miami (Florida) at South Florida, 6:00 p.m. on ESPN. Hurricanes favored by 17, total is 65.5.
No. 12 Kansas State at Brigham Young, 9:30 p.m. on ESPN from Provo. Both teams 3-0. Wildcats favored by 7, over/under is 48.5.
Other Games of Interest – Week 4
Friday Night
The Leland Stanford Junior University at Syracuse, 6:30 p.m. on ESPN. Welcome to the new Atlantic Coast Conference, with a team which is located 12 miles from the Pacific Ocean is playing a conference game in upstate New York. Without much traffic, the 2,827 mile drive takes 41 hours. Syracuse favored by 8.5, total is 57.5. Good luck to the Cardinal.
Saturday
James Madison at North Carolina, 11:00 a.m. on the ACC Network. Mack and the Tarheels are undefeated. UNC favored by 10.5. Good luck Coach!
Virginia at Coastal Carolina, 1:00 p.m. on ESPN+. Cavaliers favored by 3.5. Go Hoos!
Arizona State (3-0) at Texas Tech (2-1), 2:30 p.m. on FS1. The Sand Aggies are favored by 3; we shall see what Cameron Skattebo has to say about that.
Duke (3-0) at Middle Tennessee, 3:00 p.m. from Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium in Murfreesboro. Blue Devils favored by 15 over the Blue Raiders.
Texas Christian at Southern Methodist, 4:00 p.m. on The CW Network. The Texas Christians favored by 2 over the Southern Methodists. The Battle for the Iron Skillet. Texas Christian leads the series 53-42-7. The Mustangs hold the longest win streak at 15 (1972-1986, CJK5H). Texas Christian has won the last two.
Juan Heisman Tailgate
A great day last Saturday at Juan Heisman, albeit a little on the warm side. Our man Griffin Shavor did a great job on sliders, sausage, and hot dogs. He and his sister Sydney are a good team. Special thanks to Brad Laughlin and Bobby Zamen, and to Hunter Wilcox and the Early Crew – they won again. Also want to thank my law partner and great friend Steve Martens for the excellent Lee County oak. It really makes a difference with the food. Good wood – good food.
We will be back at it this Saturday. Tanya Tucker will be taking the stage at Longhorn City Limits at 5:00. Come by and have a hot dog and cold beer before you listen to Tanya sing Delta Dawn.
Zoe Dobson Howden.
John Robinson
John Northington, Jr.
Adam Cahnman, a/k/a Heavy Metal David Ash.
Kate Campbell-Hein, Jenna Maria Saab, TCT
Justin Nash.
The Michigan Game
The last note on the Michigan game: Great response from the AHFD reader base. Unanimous that the experience was great, the fans were wonderful, the game was fun.
From Robert Prioleau, son of my pledge brother and life-long friend, Charles Horry Prioleau “I’ll second the comment on the Mich fans. I was staying with a Mich alum, tailgated with his crew, and obviously interacted with many at the game. They were all really cool, welcoming, passionate but humble, and maybe just a bit stunned over what happened on the field. The Texas fans in Ann Arbor and at the game were also respectful. That stadium was beautiful, loud, and wrapped in a sea of maize. Very cool experience.”
From Stewart Keller: “I am 100% in agreement of the Michigan fans. Had a blast. Love their colors, fight song, campus, people, downtown.”
From my law partner Jeff Frost, who is also President of the Austin Texas Exes this year (and, Sharphorn, he was next to you at dinner in Ann Arbor): “ I echo your sentiment regarding Michigan fans. Walking to dinner Friday night almost every person we saw welcomed us to Michigan and said they hope we enjoyed ourselves.”
From my friend John Robinson, who played basketball for Texas in the early 1960’s: “I agree with the comments about the Michigan fans. Welcoming and gracious is how I have been describing them.”
As I said last week, I want to get emails from my friends who come to Austin to support their team that thank us for our hospitality and say they enjoyed their time in Austin. We can be rivals, but we can also be gentlemen (and ladies). Old school? For sure. And not a damn thing wrong with it. Stay tuned!
Washington & Lee University
W&L Generals 68, Newport News Apprentice School Builders 28
The Generals dropped the hammer on the Builders, pounding Newport News Apprentice School 68-28. 446 yards rushing for W&L, while the Builders gained 15 yards on 18 rushing attempts. Michael Schoenberg gained 126 yards on 10 carries, 1 score. Jacob Romero 113 yards on 122 rushes, 1 score.
This week, the Generals are in San Antonio, Texas, to play Trinity University. There are 100s of W&L alumni in Texas, and there is a big Lex in Tex tailgate party that kicks off at 9:00 a.m. close to the stadium. Should be fun!
The Tigers have been a D3 powerhouse for several years. Ryan Beck from Vandegrift (Leander ISD) is the quarterback, and Winston Hutchison from McNeil (RRISD) is one of their best running backs. They opened with a 20-35 loss to Texas Lutheran (alma mater of the Great Verne Lundquist), and bounced back last week with a 55-10 beating of Belhaven.
Samuel Poage Dalton, at JHT before the UTSA game.
Sherlock Holmes and Shohei Ohtani
As a few of you may know, I am a devoted student of Sherlock Holmes. My favorite quote is from the short story The Silver Blaze, first published in The Strand Magazine in December, 1892. As Holmes is closing in on solving the mystery, the Master has an exchange with Scotland Yard’s Inspector Gregory (who asks the opening question):
“Is there any point to which you would wish to draw my attention?”
“To the curious incident of the dog in the night-time.”
“The dog did nothing in the night-time.”
“That was the curious incident,” remarked Sherlock Holmes.
I use this quote to train young lawyers, but I shall save the explanation of that for another time. But, the point is, sometimes the most important clue or important fact to solve a problem or to determine a result is what is not seen, heard, or read. In the case of the Silver Blaze, the dog in the stable did not bark when the horse was “stolen”.
What you have not seen in the Austin Horns Fan Dispatch this year is any writing about my beloved Chicago Cubs. It has been a tough season. Milwaukee clinched the division yesterday, and the Cubs are 7 games back in the wild card with 9 games to play. And this is despite Shota Imanaga, who is 14-3 in 28 starts, 3.03 EAR, 170 strikeouts, and a WHIP of 1.03.
Which brings me to Shohei Ohtani, the best player in baseball. On Thursday, Ohtani became the first player in Major League history to hit 50 or more homeruns and to steal 50 or more bases in a single season. An incredible accomplishment. What makes it more amazing, is that he did it in a game (against Miami) in which he went 6 for 6 and had (probably) the greatest offensive day a major league baseball player has ever had (they didn’t keep RBI stats before 1920).
My dear friend, Craig Douglas, who is also a great writer and baseball man, said this:
It was one of those rare “I’ll tell my grandchildren” days. And we surely will. About the day that Shohei Ohtani made red letter baseball history twice over. It wasn’t enough that he became the first man to eclipse 50/50. He did it with the greatest single-game offensive performance of all-time. Calling it breathtaking leaves it miles short of justice.
What Shohei did:
- Six hits
- 4 runs scored
- 10 runs batted in
- 3 homeruns
- 2 doubles
No player in major league baseball has ever played a game and had 10 or more RBI, 6 hits, 5 extra based hits, 3 homeruns, and 2 stolen bases.
If you get the chance, re-watch some of the game. If you can’t do that, try to catch a Dodgers game (they should be playing deep into October). I will admit, I am not a Dodgers fan, and I don’t watch much anymore since Vin Scully left the microphone. I could do an entire edition of the AHFD on Vin Scully. One might even say, Shohei Ohtani is the Vin Scully of MLB players. When you have the time, check out this article, and the video which includes the audio tape of Scully reading a grocery list. He was that good.
Only Vin Scully can make reading a grocery list seem exciting | MLB.com
Week Three in the Southeastern Conference
I am just going to have to include the SEC Shorts of the week in each edition. Just in case 3 of you haven’t seen it by Friday morning. This one is pretty awesome. Nice phone, Tennessee.
Georgia and Kirby Smart avoided disaster in the Bluegrass State, escaping Lexington with a 13-12 win over the Wildcats. SEC is nuts. We always knew it, now we are in it.
Not often does one see Camp Randall Stadium start emptying early. But that is the kind of stuff that the Crimson Tide does. 42-10 over Wiscy. Easily covering the 16 point line.
Hotty Toddy! Ole Miss was up 20-3 on Wake Forest after the first quarter. 40-6 final. Cover.
Missouri held off Boston College 27-21.
Tennessee was just rude to Kent State. Vols up 37 to nothing after the first quarter (they did an onside kick up 30 to 0), 65 to nothing at half. 71-0 final.
Land Thieves 34-19 over Tulane.
Louisiana State 36-33 over South Carolina. Remarkable comeback by the Tigers, who were down 17 points. Great day in Columbia, with some exceptionally good work on the signs at College GameDay.
Texas Agricultural & Mechanical 33, Florida 20. Elko started Marcel Reed, and he did well. 11/17, 178 yards, 2 touchdowns, ran for 83 yards and a score. Aggies have a quarterback.
The UAB Blazers had the pigs tied at halftime in FayetteNam, but Arky got the 37-27 win. Too bad.
Vanderbilt was a 10+ point favorite on the road at Georgia State, and despite a 22 point fourth quarter lost 32-36. Anchor way down.
New Mexico 19, Auburn 45. Tigers somehow didn’t cover at home. New Mexico collected their $1.9 million dollar check and went home. As I said “New Mexico will take their beating and their check, and like it.”
TCT Note: Several folks asked me about Texas paying early season home opponents. Colorado State got $1.8 million; UTSA got $1.7 million. Beer money for CDC.
Holy Toledo! Rockets 41, Mississippi State 17. MACtion!
Week 3: Service Academies
Air Force lost to Baylor 3-31.
Top 25 – Week 3
Notre Dame bounced back with a vengeance, exploding on the Boilermakers 66-7. The line was just 9.5. College football is a funny sport.
Michigan did not look great against Arkansas State. Got the win 28-18, but didn’t cover.
Oregon sailed to a 49-14 win over Oregon State to win the Platypus Trophy.
Kansas State whipped up on No. 20 Arizona , 31-7. The purple Wildcats are good.
Oklahoma State 45, Tulsa 10.
Nebraska stays undefeated with a 34-3 win over Northern Iowa.
Ball State nothing, Miami (Florida) 62. Canes covered the spread and the total.
Utah 38-21 over Utah State.
Other Games of Interest – Week 3
Thursday Night
Arizona State at Texas State. Sun Devils were narrow 1.5 point favorites. Texas State gave them one helluva game. Sun Devils and Skattebo win 31-28. Kinne has a good team in San Marcos.
Saturday
Memphis Tigers 20, Florida State Seminoles 12. Memphis Tigers 3-0, Florida State Seminoles 0-3. Sorry Richard.
Cincinnati 27-16 over Miami. Redhawks need a win; and if they can’t win, they need to cover!
I am sure the Keydets fought hard, but Virginia Military Institute falls to Georgia Tech 7-59.
Washington State upsets the Huskies 24-19 to win the Apple Cup. That is a surprise.
Coach Mack Brown remains undefeated as his Tarheels win 45-10 over North Carolina Central.
Houston with a big 33-7 win over Rice.
Tough loss for the Virginia Cavaliers, 13-27 to Maryland.
HAAM
Thank you to all of my friends who have donated already to HAAM! I am really grateful. As of Thursday night about 11:00 p.m., $2,830 donated – that is $20,000 in healthcare for Austin’s musicians. Thanks to Amy, Brenda, Kara & Bob, Gordon, Jake, Don, Debbie, Jeff, Jay, Little Joe, John, Mike, Amy & Perry, Mary Ann & Ben, Karen, Kari, Bill, and several anonymous.
HAAM Day 2024 is Tuesday, September 24. It is a fun day, filled with live music from early, early in the morning until late Tuesday night (main kick-off will be at the Lake Austin HEB). So find some time that day to go listen to music, and help keep Austin music alive and well!
One special note: President Hartzell gets live music. He named Darden Smith as first “Songwriter in Residence” at The University of Texas. Darden and the great Jack Ingram are playing at the Cactus Café, 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Jack Ingram & Darden Smith at Cactus Cafe — HAAM (myhaam.org)
Full music line-up:
Enjoy some live music, and support the businesses that are supporting HAAM
Music
I was working on some much different tunes before Tanya Tucker was announced. Plans change.
When I Die
It’s a Little Too Late
What’s Your Mama’s Name
San Antonio Stroll
By The Time I Get to Phoenix. Recorded live with Glen Campbell’s son on drums.
Jim Nicar
“1947: Gate No. 7 at UT’s Texas Memorial Stadium is busy before a game at a time when fans tended to “dress up”. No shorts or orange t-shirts here. Many of the men are wearing suits and ties.”
Follow Jim on X
Picture of the Week
From her Instagram post on September 18, 2024.
Follow Erin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinnewmanmitchell
Her website: https://erinnewmanmitchell.com/
Quote of the Week
“Just imagine that the purpose of your life is your happiness only—then life becomes a cruel and senseless thing. You have to embrace what the wisdom of humanity, your intellect, and your heart tell you: that the meaning of life is to serve the force that sent you into the world. Then life becomes a constant joy.”
From the 1906 book, A Calendar of Wisdom: Daily Thoughts to Nourish the Soul, by Russian author Count Lev Nikolayevich “Leo” Tolstoy (1828-1910).
From a friend who sends out a daily motivational quote.
God Bless Texas
God Bless America
Tim Taylor
Member, Football Writers Association of America
Tailgating before Home Football Games
The Juan Heisman Tailgate
Lot 38, East of Sid Richardson Hall
HOOK EM HORNS!!
The Austin Horns Fan Dispatch
Vol. XXI, No. 5
© Timothy C. Taylor, Sr. 2024. All Rights Reserved (as to original material).
On Twitter: @tctayloratx
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You can contact me by mail:
Tim Taylor P.O. Box 5371 Austin, Texas 78763-5371