No. 12 Arizona State Sun Devils 31, No. 3 Texas Longhorns 39
An instant classic, cardiac arrest-inducing, New Year’s resolution-busting glorious double-overtime win in Atlanta for Quinn Ewers and the Texas Longhorns. What a football game. Ewers saved the season when he audibled and sent Matthew Golden right down the middle, and the ball soon followed for a sensational throw and catch on fourth and 13 in the first overtime. On the very next play, he again read the defense and audibled to one of the best, if not the best, tight ends to ever play at Texas, and made another perfect throw to Mr. Helm for the first score in the second overtime. Ewers completed the pass to Golden in the back right corner of the endzone for the two point conversion (to think how different our world would be if he had completed a similar pass 365 days before). 14 points on 3 offensive plays that spanned a matter of seconds. Austin LBJ’s Andrew Mukuba, Sr., sealed the game with the interception, sending Texas to the Cotton Bowl and the football final four for the second year in a row. All of that despite the heroics of Cam Skattebo, who gave one of the greatest efforts you will ever see on the gridiron. Between the early 14 to 3 lead and those final moments in overtime, it was a roller coaster. More on the Peach Bowl below, but enjoy some of the memories.
Friday’s Monday Morning Highlights:
Texas vs. Arizona State: The Mini-Movie:
The big plays in overtime, with Craig Way’s calls, from Justin Nash:
https://x.com/NashTalksTexas/status/1875393946773549499
Cool Stuff
A couple of really good things, just in case you didn’t see them.
Arizona State Coach Kenny Dillingham in the post-game presser. Class act. This man may be the next Great American College Football Coach.
The aerial view of the B-2 bomber flyover The Rose Bowl.
Texas cheerleader, Julia Foegelle (Senior, El Campo), with the Horns Down grading. Love the Sun Devil who bought a Texas Longhorns flag just to hold it upside down.
No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes vs. No. 3 Texas Longhorns
The Texas Longhorns and The Ohio State University Buckeyes meet for just the fourth time in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium Friday night. 6:30 p.m. on ESPN. Texas leads the series 2-1. Last time we played was the 2009 Fiesta Bowl. Colt & Quan. Good times.
https://x.com/LONGHORNSESP/status/1877046480508199043
The Buckeyes (right now) are, by a large margin, the best team Texas that will play this season. They are loaded with talent, and Coach Ryan Day has his guys playing great football. Texas will have to play 60 minutes of near-perfect football in all phases of the game to win. But they are definitely not invincible. Of particular note below, they had several games that were stinkers, and a couple of games where opposing defenses pretty much shut the Buckeyes, or at least the run game, down (e.g., Nebraska).
The game will be on ESPN with the best team in college football. Chris Fowler with the play-by-play, Kirk Herbstreit with analysis, and Holly Rowe and Laura Rutledge on the sidelines. Listen around the world on the Longhorn Radio Network with the Voice of the Longhorns, Craig Way, Roger Wallace with analysis, and Lifetime Longhorn Will Matthews reporting on the sidelines. Listen in Austin on the flagship, KVET, 1300 AM and 98.1 FM. In Del Rio, KWMC 1490 AM. In Tyler on KTBB 600 AM and 92.1 FM, and in San Angelo with Mr. McLaughlin on KKSA 1260 (or maybe KCLL 100.1 FM).
Ohio State opened as a 6.5 point favorite. Line early Thursday morning, Texas is a 5 point underdog. The over/under is 53.5, and the money lines are Texas plus 190, Ohio State minus 225. The first time this season that Texas isn’t favored. A sportsman told me it is the first time Texas hasn’t been favored since the Alabama game in Tuscaloosa in 2023. I am good with that. Let’s play.
A very under-reported story line is that Quinn Ewers skipped his senior year of high school to enroll at Ohio State, where he was a Buckeye for a year, before transferring to Texas. Also, Colt McCoy’s and Jordan Shipley’s fathers were roommates in college?
Opponents & Records
| Texas Longhorns | Ohio State Buckeyes |
| W – Colorado State, 52-0. 8-5 | W – Akron, 52-6. 4-8 |
| W– @ No. 10 Michigan, 31-12. 8-5 | W – Western Michigan, 56-0. 6-7 |
| W – UTSA, 56-7. 7-6 | W – Marshall, 49-14. 10-3 |
| W – Louisiana Monroe, 51-3. 5-7 | W – @ Michigan State, 38-7. 5-7 |
| W – Mississippi State, 35-13. 2-10 | W – Iowa, 35-7. 8-5 |
| W – No. 18 Oklahoma, 34-3. 6-7 | L – @ No. 3 Oregon, 32-31. 13-1 |
| L – No. 5 Georgia, 30-15. 11-3 | W – Nebraska, 21-17. 7-6 |
| W – @ No. 25 Vanderbilt, 27-24. 7-6 | W – @ No. 3 Penn State, 20-13. 13-2 |
| W- Florida, 49-17. 8-5 | W – Purdue, 45-0. 1-11 |
| W – @ Arkansas, 20-10. 7-6 | W – @ Northwestern, 31-7. 4-8 |
| W – Kentucky, 31-14: 4-8 | W – No. 5 Indiana, 38-15. 11-2 |
| W – @ No. 20 Texas A. and M., 17-7. 8-5 | L – Michigan, 13-10. 8-5 |
| L – No. 5 Georgia, 22-19. 11-3 | W – No. 9 Tennessee, 42-17. 10-3 |
| W – No. 16 Clemson, 38-24. 10-4 | W – No. 1 Oregon, 41-21. 13-1 |
| W – No. 12 Arizona State, 39-31. 11-3 |
- Texas has six wins over ranked teams, and nine wins over teams with winning records.
- Ohio State has five wins over ranked teams, and eight wins over teams with winning records.
Will Howard (No. 18, 6-4, 235 lbs, senior) is the Buckeye quarterback, and he has a long history with Texas (below). 24th in the nation with 249.3 yards per game. He has thrown for 3,490 yards and 32 touchdowns, with just 9 interceptions. His 32 TD passes puts him at No. 4 nationally. 72.6% completion rate. 9.5 yards per attempt. 175.82 rating (No. 3 in the country). His QBR on the season is 87.3 (No. 2 in the country), and his QBR in the playoffs is 98.3. He is the fourth leading rusher on the Ohio State team, with 165 yards on 82 attempts, 7 touchdowns.
A former Kansas State Wildcat, Howard is 0-3 against the Longhorns (he didn’t play in 2022, when the Horns beat K State 34-27). In 2023, Howard and the Horns went to overtime. Bert Auburn kicked a field goal to put Texas up 33-30; Howard got the Wildcats to the Texas 6 yard line before the defense made a stand, and Texas escaped with a win. If Howard had gotten those 6 yards, Texas would not have made the playoffs last year. Howard was 26/41 for 327 yards and 4 touchdowns (1 interception, by Michael Taaffe), 4 sacks. In 2021, Texas beat K State 22-17. Howard was 9/13 for 65 yards, and he had 8 rushes for 82 yards and a TD. In 2020, Texas pounded K State 69-31. Howard was 16/27 for 74 yards and 2 TDs, 2 picks. He also ran for 79 yards (99 gross). [One of Texas’ great rushing games that year – Bijan with 9 carries for 172 yards and 3 TDs, Roschon 14 carries for 139 yards and 3 TDs; we could use one of those Friday night in Arlington.]
TreVeyon Henderson (No. 32, 5-10, 208 lbs, Senior) is 79th in the nation in rushing with 66.07 yards per game. 925 yards, averaging 7.34 yards per attempt, with 10 rushing touchdowns. He carries the ball about 10 times per game. He has 26 catches for 209 yards. He is 41st in the nation in long rushing plays – 30 over 10 yards, 9 over 20 yards, 5 over 30 yards, 3 over 40 yards, 2 over 50 yards, and 1 over 60.
Quinshon Judkins (No. 1, 6 foot, 219 lbs) is 80th in the nation in rushing with 66.0 yards per game. 924 yards, averaging 5.31 yards per attempt, with 10 rushing touchdowns. He carries the ball about 14 times per game. He has 17 catches for 118 yards and 1 TD. He is 55th in the nation in long rushing plays – 27 over 10 yards, 6 over 20 yards, 1 over 30 yards, 1 each over 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 yards.
It is truly a double-headed monster rushing attack. Henderson and Judkins combined would be 4th in the nation (just ahead of Skattebo) at about 132 yards per game, second in total yards, and tied with Milroe with the 20 touchdowns.
Jeremiah Smith (No. 4, 6-3, 215 lbs, freshman WR) is their leading receiver, and 16th in the nation with 87.4 yards per game. 70 catches, 1224 yards, 17.5 yards per catch, 14 touchdowns (3rd in the nation). He has been on fire in the playoffs. He also has 5 rushes for 52 yards and a score.
Emeka Egbuka (No. 2, 6-1, 205 lbs, senior WR), has 70 catches for 896 yards and 1 TDs. 12.8 yards per catch.
Carnell Tate (No. 17, 6-3, 191 lbs, sophomore WR) has 43 catches for 611 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Gee Scott Jr. (No. 88, 6-3, 243 lbs Senior) is the OSU tight end. 21 catches for 219 yards and 1 touchdown.
| Ohio State Buckeyes | Key Stats |
| W – Akron Zips, 52-6. | Howard – 17/28, 228 yards, 3 TDs, 66.0 QBR
Henderson – 8 runs, 65 yards Judkins – 13 runs, 55 yards, 1 TD Smith – 6 catches, 92 yards, 2 TDs, long of 45 Tate – 4 catches, 58 yards. 1 TD Egbuka – 4 catches, 51 yards |
| W – Western Michigan, 56-0. | Howard – 18/26, 292 yards, 1 TD, 1 rush TD, 89.0 QBR
Judkins – 9 runs, 108 yards, 2 TDs Henderson – 10 runs, 66 yards, 2 TDs Smith – 5 catches, 119 yards, 1 TD, long of 70 Egbuka – 5 catches, 98 yards |
| W – Marshall, 49-14. | Howard – 16/20, 275 yds, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 1 rush TD, 98.3 QBR
Judkins – 14 runs, 173 yds, 2 TDs, long of 86; 2 rec, 14 yds Henderson – 6 runs, 76 yards, 2 TDs, long of 40 Egbuka – 5 catches, 117 yds, 1 TD, long of 68 Smith – 3 catches, 70 yards, 1 TD, long of 53 |
| W – @ Michigan State, 38-7. | Howard – 21/31, 244 yds, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 1 rush TD, 74.3 QBR
Henderson – 7 runs, 69 yards, long of 37 Judkins – 11 runs, 54 yds; 2 rec, 17 yds Egbuka – 7 catches, 96 yds, 1 TD, long of 33 Smith – 5 catches, 83 yards, 1 TD, long of 27 (+ rush TD) Michigan State: 199 yards passing, 47 yards rushing
|
| W – Iowa, 35-7. | Howard – 21/25, 209 yds, 4 TDs, 1 INT, 1 rush TD, 82.8 QBR
Judkins – 13 runs, 78 yards Henderson – 11 runs, 61 yards Smith – 4 catches, 89 yards, 1 TD, long of 53 Egbuka – 9 catches, 71 yards, 3 TDs |
| L – No. 3 Oregon, 32-31. | Howard – 28/35, 326 yds, 2 TDs, 1 rush TD, 94.9 QBR
Henderson – 10 runs, 87 yards Judkins – 11 runs, 23 yards, 1 TD Smith – 9 catches, 100 yards, 1 TD, long of 38 Egbuka – 10 catches, 93 yards, 1 TD Oregon: 341 yards passing, 155 yards rushing |
| W – Nebraska, 21-17. | Howard – 13/16, 221 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, 71.4 QBR
Judkins – 10 runs, 29 yards Henderson – 10 runs, 25 yards Tate – 4 catches, 102 yards, 1 TD, long of 40 Smith – 3 catches, 70 yards, 1 TD, long of 60 Egbuka – 3 catches, 20 yards Nebraska: 152 yards passing, 121 yards rushing TCT Notes: Nebraska had the ball with under 2 minutes and seemed to have a chance, but Jordan Hancock intercepted Raiola. The Cornhusker defense held Ohio State to 64 yards rushing. |
| W – @ No. 3 Penn State, 20-13 | Howard – 16/24, 182 yds, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 70.6 QBR
Judkins – 14 runs, 95 yards Henderson – 10 runs, 54 yards Smith – 4 catches, 55 yards Brandon Innis, 2 catches, 33 yards, 1 TD Egbuka – 3 catches, 31 yards, 1 TD Penn State: 150 yards passing, 120 yards rushing TCT Notes: A Nittany Lion pick-6 and a Howard fumble had this game close at one point. Ohio State very lucky to have won this game. |
| W – Purdue, 45-0. | Howard – 21/26, 260 yds, 3 TDs, 1 rush TD, 76.7 QBR
Henderson – 6 runs, 85 yards, 1 TD Judkins – 11 runs, 32 yards Smith – 6 catches, 87 yards, 1 TD Tate – 6 catches, 56 yards |
| W – @ Northwestern, 31-7. | Howard – 15/24, 247 yds, 2 TDs, 96.1 QBR
Judkins – 15 runs, 76 yards, 2 TDs Henderson – 11 runs, 74 yards Smith – 4 catches, 100 yards, long of 68 Tate – 4 catches, 52 yards, 2 TDs |
| W – No. 5 Indiana, 38-15. | Howard – 22/26, 201 yds, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 1 rush TD, 88.2 QBR
Henderson – 9 runs, 68 yards, 1 TD Judkins – 14 runs, 36 yards Egbuka – 7 catches, 80 yards, 1 TD Tate – 4 catches, 68 yards Smith – 3 catches, 34 yards Indiana: 68 yards passing, 85 yards rushing TCT Notes: Recall the Hoosiers were the 2024 Cinderella story, until the Buckeyes crushed the glass slipper. A dominant defensive game for Ohio State. 5 sacks |
| L – Michigan, 13-10. | Howard – 19/33, 175 yds, 1 TD, 2 INT, 62.9 QBR
Judkins – 12 runs, 46 yards Henderson – 10 runs, 21 yards Tate – 6 catches, 58 yards Egbuka – 4 catches, 51 yards Smith – 5 catches, 35 yards, 1 TD Michigan: 62 yards passing, 172 yards rushing. TCT Notes: A crushing loss for Ohio State, and presumably a much-watched tape. Howard’s only multi-interception game. Michigan only allowed 77 yards rushing, and they shut down Smith. The Michigan D did that without sacking Howard. |
| W – No. 7 Tennessee, 42-17. | Howard – 24/29, 311 yds, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 37 rush yds, 98.7 QBR
Henderson – 10 runs, 80 yards; 2 TDs; 4 catches, 54 yards Judkins – 10 runs, 34 yards Smith – 6 catches, 103 yards, 2 TDs, long of 37 Egbuka – 5 catches, 81 yards Tennessee: 104 yards passing, 152 yards rushing TCT Notes: Day and the Buckeyes flipped a switch after the Michigan loss. One of Howard’s best games of the season, against a very good Tennessee defense (top 10 rushing, top 30 pass D) |
| W – No. 1 Oregon, 41-21 | Howard – 17/26, 319 yds, 3 TDs, 97.7 QBR
Henderson – 8 runs, 94 yards; 2 TDs; 3 catches, 20 yards Judkins – 17 runs, 85 yards Smith – 7 catches, 187 yards, 2 TDs, long of 45 Egbuka – 5 catches, 72 yards, 1 TD, long of 42 Oregon: 299 yards passing, minus 23 yards rushing TCT Notes: Oregon was averaging about 155 yards rushing per game. Dillon Gabriel was minus 43 on the day. He did throw for 299 and 2 TDs, but this game was over early. |
Cody Simons (No. 0, 6-2, 235 lb Senior linebacker from Jersey City) leads the best-in-the-nation Buckeye defense. Simons has 97 tackles (43 solo), 7 sacks, 7 PD, and a forced fumble.
Sonny Styles (No. 6, 6-4 foot, 235 lbs Junior safety) has 85 tackles (40 solo), 4 PD, and 4 sacks.
Caleb Downs (No. 2, 6 foot, 205 lbs sophomore safety) has 71 tackles (39 solo), 6 PD, and 1 interception.
Lathan Ransom (No. 8, 6-1, 210 lbs Senior safety) has 68 tackles (40 solo), 2 PD, 1 interception, and 3 forced fumbles.
Jack Sawyer (No. 33, 6-5, 260 lb Senior defensive end) has 53 tackles, 8 sacks for 59 yards, 5 PD, 1 interception, and 2 forced fumbles (and a fumble returned for a touchdown).
JT Tuimoloau (No. 44, 6-5, 269 lbs Senior defensive end) has 49 tackles, 10 sacks for 72 yards, 3 PD, and 2 forced fumbles.
Jordan Hancock (No. 15, 6-1, 195 lbs Senior cornerback) has 39 tackles, 6 PD, an interception, and 2 forced fumbles.
Davison Igbinosun (No. 1, 6-2, 193 lbs junior cornerback) has 36 tackles, 9 PD, and 2 interceptions.
The Longhorns
Since we are playing our next to last game of the season, here is where some of the Texas Longhorns are in terms of stats and performance.
Offense
Quinn Ewers. 13 games. 270/406, 3,189 yards, 29 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, long of 54. Averages 245.31 yards per game. Rating of 150.63 (No. 23), and QBR of 76.1 (No. 20). Long pass plays – No. 16 (tied with Howard) with 130 over 10 yards; and No. 6 with 58 over 20 yards (Howard is 15th with 51). Quinn is 9th in the country with 29 touchdowns.
Arch Manning. 9 games. 61/90, 939 yards, 9 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, long of 75. His per game average is low, 104.33 ypg, since he’s played in 9 games but only 2 or so with any significant playing time. His rating is 183.97, QBR is 85.8. Arch has also rushed for 4 touchdowns.
Quintrevion Wisner. 209 rushing attempts, 1,018 yards, 4.9 average, 5 TDs, long of 43, averaging 72.7 yards per game. Quintrevion has 38 catches for 269 yards and a score.
Jaydon Blue. 130 rushes, 714 yards, 5.5 average, 8 TDs, long of 77, averaging 51 yards per game. Blue also has 37 catches for 309 yards and 4 TDs.
Matthew Golden. Golden leads the Longhorns with 936 yards receiving and 9 touchdowns on 56 receptions. A very healthy 16.71 yards per catch average. 62.4 yards per game.
Gunnar Helm. Leads the Horns with 58 receptions. 744 yards, 7 touchdowns, a long of 49, and averaging 12.83 yards per catch. I don’t have the stats, but my gut says a bunch of Helm’s receptions are big catches on first down (especially lately), third down conversions, and touchdowns.
Isaiah Bond. 33 catches, 532 yards, 16.12 yards per catch, long of 56, 7 touchdowns. Bond has 4 rushing attempts for 98 yards (long of 44 yards) and a score, a healthy 24.5 yards per attempt.
Ryan Wingo. 28 catches for 450 yards and 2 touchdowns, including a long of 75 yards. Wingo has 4 rushes for 94 yards.
DeAndre Moore, Jr. 35 catches for 309 yards and 7 touchdowns. 20% of his receptions are for scores. We need a couple from him Friday night.
Defense
Anthony Hill, Jr. Leads the Longhorns with 107 tackles (55 solo). 7.5 sacks for 40 yards, 46 TFL, 1 interception, 4 QBH, and 4 forced fumbles.
Michael Taaffe. 73 tackles (38 solo), 2 sacks, 2 interceptions. 10 BU’s.
Andrew Mukuba, Sr. 63 tackles (38 solo), 5 interceptions (tied with several for 5th in the nation).
Jahdae Barron. 61 tackles (42 solo), 5 interceptions (tied with several for 5th in the nation), 11 Bus, 2 QBH.
Alfred Collins. 53 tackles (27 solo), 7 BU, 1 QBH, and a forced fumble.
Colin Simmons. 44 tackles (29 solo), 9 sacks (tied for 20th) for 64 yards, 1 interception, 9 QBH. Simmons is now third all-time in sacks for a freshman, behind Tony Brackens (10) and Tim Campbell (13). How about getting 2 Friday night, then 2 more in the natty?
Barryn Sorrell. 43 tackles (16 solo), 5.5 sacks for 34 yards. 12 QBH
Vernon Broughton and Trey Moore each have 5 quarterback hurries.
Our punter, Michael Kern, has improved.
Our place-kicking game must improve, radically and rapidly. Auburn is now 50% over 40 yards and 0 for 2 over 50. I miss the 2023 Bert Auburn. Coming into the season, he was first and fifth on the Texas Most Field Goals Made in a single season list. Accuracy, he was 7th (.829), on a list of Jeff Ward (.938), Anthony Fera (.909), Hunter Lawrence (.889), Cameron Dicker (.867), Justin Tucker (.852), and Kris Stockton (.846).
The Statistics
Offense
Statistic |
Texas Longhorns |
Ohio State Buckeyes |
| Rushing Offense | #63 – 165.5 ypg | #53 – 169.1 ypg |
| Passing Offense | #14 – 278.5 ypg | #29 – 263.4 ypg |
| Total Offense | #17 – 444.0 ypg | #26 – 432.5 ypg |
| Scoring Offense | #21 – 34.3 ppg | #11 – 36.4 ppg |
| First Downs | #32 – 22.3/game | #59 – 20.9/game |
| Sacks Allowed | #104 – 33, 198 yards | #8 – 12, 75 yards |
| Tackles for Loss Allowed | #132 – 105, 392 yards | #10 – 51, 162 yards |
| Third Down Conversions | #33 – 43.7% | #50 – 42.3% |
| Fourth Down Conversions | #54 – 56.7%, 17/30 | #11 – 70.4%, 19/27 |
| Red Zone Attempts | #3 – 67 | #28 – 54 |
| Red Zone Offense | #95 – 81% / 64% | #45 – 87% / 76% |
| Long Run Plays | #55 – 67/10, 28/20, 9/30, 6/40 | #25 – 77/10, 16/20, 7/30, 4/40 |
| Long Pass Plays | #6 – 164/10, 74/20, 29/30, 15/40 | #23 – 138/10, 53/20, 26/30, 13/40 |
| Long Punt Returns | #6 – 6/20, 3/30, 2/40, 2/50 | #19 – 4/20, 2/30, 4/40, 1/50 |
Defense
Statistic |
Texas Longhorns |
Ohio State Buckeyes |
| Rushing Defense | #14 – 111.5 ypg | #5 – 92.2 ypg |
| Passing Defense | #3 – 166.1 ypg | #1 – 152.4 ypg |
| Total Defense | #3 – 277.6 ypg | #1 – 244.6 ypg |
| Scoring Defense | #4 – 14.5 ppg | #1 – 12.1 ppg |
| First Downs Allowed | #5 – 16.3/game | #1 – 14.4/game |
| Sacks | #4 – 44, 302 yards | #3 – 47, 322 yards |
| Tackles for Loss | #6 – 108, 453 yards | #12 – 97, 442 yards |
| Third Down Conversions | #9 – 31.5% | #30 – 34.8% |
| Fourth Down Conversions | #34 – 47.2% 17/36 | #20 – 42.3%, 11/26 |
| Red Zone Attempts | #19 – 37 | #7 – 34 |
| Red Zone Defense | #3 – 68% / 43% | #2 – 62% / 41% |
| Long Run Plays Allowed | #2 – 118/10, 32/20, 14/30, 5/40 | #7 – 138/10, 38/20, 14/30, 9/40 |
| Long Pass Plays Allowed | #18 – 91/10, 32/20, 10/30, 6/40 | #8 – 84/10, 28/20, 7/30, 3/40 |
Other
Statistic |
Texas Longhorns |
Ohio State Buckeyes |
| Turnovers | #126 – 24 11F, 13I | #29 – 14 5F, 9I |
| Turnover Margin | #35 – 30:24 +6 | #46 – 17:14 +3 |
| Penalties | #120 – 97, 775 yards | #10 – 57, 520 yards |
*Based on total number of penalties.
Match-up Comparison
Texas Offense |
Ohio State Defense |
| Rushing Offense – 165.5 ypg | 92.2 ypg – Rushing Defense |
| Passing Offense – 278.5 ypg | 152.4 ypg – Passing Defense |
| Total Offense – 444.0 ypg | 244.6 ypg – Total Defense |
| Scoring Offense – 34.3 ppg | 12.1 ppg – Scoring Defense |
| First Downs – 22.3/game | 14.4/game – First Downs Allowed |
| 3rd Down Offense – 43.7% | 34.8% – 3rd Down Defense |
| 4th Down Offense – 56.7% | 42.3% – 4th Down Defense |
| Red Zone Offense – 81%/64% | 62%/41% – Red Zone Defense |
| LRP – 67/10, 28/20, 9/30, 6/40 | 138/10, 38/20, 14/30, 9/40- LRP Allowed |
| LPP – 164/10, 74/20, 29/30, 15/40 | 84/10, 28/20, 7/30, 3/40 – LPP Allowed |
Texas Defense |
Ohio State Offense |
| Rushing Defense – 111.5 ypg | 169.1 ypg – Rushing Offense |
| Passing Defense – 166.1 ypg | 263.4 ypg – Passing Offense |
| Total Defense – 277.6 ypg | 432.5 ypg – Total Offense |
| Scoring Defense – 14.5 ppg | 36.4 ppg – Scoring Offense |
| First Downs Allowed – 16.3/game | 20.9/game – First Downs |
| 3rd Down Defense – 31.5% | 42.3% – 3rd Down Offense |
| 4th Down Defense – 47.2% | 70.4% – 4th Down Offense |
| Red Zone Defense – 68%/43% | 87%/76% – Red Zone Offense |
| LRP Allowed – 118/10, 32/20, 14/30, 5/40 | 77/10, 16/20, 7/30, 4/40 – LRP |
| LPP Allowed – 91/10, 32/20, 10/30, 6/40 | 4/20, 2/30, 4/40, 1/50 – LPP |
Explosive Plays
For my analysis, I am classifying any play over 20 yards as explosive. Many use any running play over 10 yards, which would change this quite a bit. But I like the 20+ methodology.
| Texas | Ohio State | |
| EP Rushing | #11 –28/20, 9/30, 6/40, 3/50, 2/60, 1/70 | #65 – 16/20,79/30, 4/40, 3/50, 2/60, 1/70 |
| EP Passing | #3 – 74/20, 29/30, 15/40, 7/50, 1/60, 1/70 | #19 – 53/20, 26/30, 13/40, 7/50, 4/60, 1/70 |
| Explosive Plays | #1 – 102/20, 38/30, 21/40, 10/50, 3/60, 2/70 | #28 – 69/20, 33/30, 17/40, 10/50. 6/60, 2/70 |
| Texas | Ohio State | |
| EP Rushes Allowed | #5 –6/20, 4/30, 3/40, 1/50, 0 | #28 – 12/20, 3/30, 0 |
| EP Passes Allowed | #22 – 32/20, 10/30, 6/40, 1/50, 1/60 | #9 – 28/20, 7/30, 3/40, 1/50, 1/60 |
| EP Allowed | #7 –38 /20, 17/30, 9/40, 2/50, 1/60 | #9 – 40/20, 10/30, 3/40, 2/50, 1/60 |
Ohio State is good. ASU lit us up pretty good. As did Clemson. Cedric Golden observed this week:
The 13-2 Horns have given up 12 plays of at least 20 yards over their last eight quarters. Want to know how many they allowed in the previous five game before the CFP? Twelve, including just one against Georgia in the SEC championship game loss on running back Trevor Etienne’s 48-yard run in the third quarter.
BCF Toys
| FEI | OFEI | DFEI | SFEI – Adj | |
| Texas | No. 5: 1.25 | No. 13: 0.39 | No. 3: 0.82 | No. 48: 0.03 |
| Ohio State | No. 1: 1.67 | No. 2: 0.75 | No. 2: 0.86 | No. 16: 0.09 |
| NAY | OAY | DAY | |
| Texas | No. 3: 0.230 | No. 18: 0.557 | No. 1: 0.327 |
| Ohio State | No. 1: 0.295 | No. 2: 0.627 | No. 2: 0.332 |
While Texas is No. 1 in DAY, Ohio State is No. 1 in DAS, DAV, and DAM.
| NPD | OPD | DPD | |
| Texas | No. 5: 1.78 | No. 21: 2.85 | No. 1: 1.07 |
| Ohio State | No. 1: 2.48 | No. 2: 3.62 | No. 3: 1.15 |
| NPP | OPP | DPP | |
| Texas | No. 3: 2.21 | No. 18: 6.49 | No. 2: 4.28 |
| Ohio State | No. 1: 3.19 | No. 1: 7.37 | No. 1: 4.18 |
Possession Efficiency. Possession Efficiency (PVE) is unadjusted scoring value calculated from the results of non-garbage possessions (NP) in FBS vs. FBS games.
| PVE | OVE | DVE | SVE | |
| Texas | No. 6: 0.86 | No. 23: 0.20 | No. 2: 0.67 | No. 76: -0.01 |
| Ohio State | No. 1: 1.23 | No. 3: 0.56 | No. 3: 0.65 | No. 39: 0.04 |
In BCF’s F+ ratings (Brian Fremeau’s FEI ratings combined with Bill Connelly’s SP+ ratings), Ohio State is No. 1 and Texas is No. 3. Offensively, Texas is No. 8; defensively, Texas is No. 2. Ohio State is No. 3 on offense, No. 1 on defense.
| Projected Winner | Projected Loser | PW | PM | PF | PA | PT |
| Ohio State | Texas | .725 | 8.8 | 29.0 | 20.2 | 49.2 |
ESPN Analytics:
This was as of about midnight Wednesday night. It moves. I am not sure why.
College Football Insiders:
PFF
Team grading:
- Offense: Ohio State 1st at 89.3, Texas 3rd at 84.8.
- Defense: Ohio State 1st at 93.9, Texas 2nd at 93.4
- Special Teams: Ohio state 2nd at 85.3, Texas 3rd at 80.1
The official Game Notes from The University of Texas:
FB – Cotton Bowl vs. Ohio State (PDF) – University of Texas Athletics
TCT Thoughts
Turnovers, penalties, and the third quarter.
When I first started the Work on this week’s edition, I was a bit pessimistic. That was partly due to the raw stats (which I do first) and them Brian Fremeau’s ratings and analytics (that’s BCF Toys). Monday and Tuesday nights, I worked on reviewing the Ohio State season, looking at individual games and stats, and I decided there is cause for concern, because the Buckeyes are a good team playing excellent football, but not justification for pessimism. This Texas team is just as good as Ohio State, and Texas can win – if… If we win the turnover battle (which will mean flipping the script on the season, see above), and if Texas can limit the penalties (like the Longhorns did against Clemson, and a couple of other games). Especially three classes of penalties (let’s call them felonies): critical drive-killing, drive-extending penalties, and first down penalties and red zone penalties. The Buckeyes have been penalized 57 times, and the Longhorns 97. A big problem for Texas has been that far too many of our flags are felonies.
Another big match-up: Texas is bottom quartile in sacks allowed, and bottom quintile in tackles for loss allowed (actually 2 from last place), while Ohio State excels at sacks (third in the nation) and TFL (12th). Good news is the Texas defense is right there with sacks and TFL; the bad news is that Ohio State is orders of magnitude better at protecting the quarterback and at getting push (limiting TFL).
I emphasized quarterback hurries in the Texas stats above, because getting pressure on Will Howard is going to be a key to limiting his effectiveness, assuming that once he is forced out of the pocket or to scramble, Texas contains him. Part of the solution to stopping the Buckeyes passing game will be, of course, defending Smith, Egbuka, and Tate. The Texas secondary and pass defense still ranks and grades high, but in the last couple of games have given up some big plays – at which Ohio State, and Smith in particular, excel. Per Cedric Golden’s recent excellent article, the Horns have given up 5 pass plays longer than 25 yards in the fourth quarters of our 2 CFP games. Can’t abide that. I agree with Ced on another point he made – if there is any defense in America that can slow down the Buckeyes, it is the Longhorns. Max Chadwick on the PFF College Football Show agreed – “Texas might have the only secondary in the country that can handle Ohio State’s wide receivers.” Might? Can. Will.
After the OSU receivers vs. DBU, the next key will be Quinn Ewers. Texas rode his arm to victory in Atlanta, and I think they may have to do it again in Arlington. But Quinn will have to do that against the No. 1 passing defense in the nation. I am okay with that. Strength on strength, and outside of Oregon (who had 341 passing yards in the first game which the Ducks won), I am not really sure that the Buckeyes have faced a receiving corps with this kind of diversity and depth of talent. Golden playing at the top of his game, Helm the best tight end in Texas history (and one of the best in the country), Bond healthy (or at least healthier). Lots of targets (Moore, Wingo, Bolden), especially when you add Blue and Wisner to the mix. A key will be some great first down pass completions like we have seen of late. If the Texas rushing attack finds its legs again (a tall task against the No. 5 rush defense), then that will also help Ewers. What Ewers really needs is pass protection. That No. 1 vs. No. 104 matchup is not exciting. The line has to play better. We need the running backs to get 120 yards.
As with most of you, one of the biggest worries is the kicking game. Two chances to win a playoff game, and both missed. Just unacceptable. One of the big problems that also creates is the “Take the points” issue for Sark. He is quite prone to going for it on fourth down, and that is basically a 50/50 proposition (okay, 56.7/43.3). If Sark isn’t confident with Bert, he will be even more likely to go for it (I am okay if it is 4th and 13!). The problem is that those seem to be his only two options – without including the third option of a field position punt. With this Texas defense, I would sure like to see that Option 3 in the binder under the “Fourth and Short, Plus Territory” tab.
This will be a game where either Texas overcomes its biggest weaknesses – penalties, turnovers, inconsistent running game, and brain-dead third quarters – and plays four quarters of complementary football, or Texas hands this game to Ryan Day and the Buckeyes on a silver platter. Several weeks ago, I described the Texas third quarters as “somnambulant”. The Third Quarter Offensive Doldrums go back to the Vanderbilt game, when Texas scored just 3 points (the Dores got a touchdown). Texas got a third quarter touchdown against Florida (Gators scored 10), a field goal against Arkansas (Hogs got a touchdown), 0 against Kentucky (Cats got a touchdown), 0 against Texas Agricultural & Mechanical (aggies got a touchdown), 0 against Georgia in the SEC GG (Dawgs got 10), and 3 against Clemson (Clemson got a touchdown). Then the Peach Bowl, where (0 points, ASU got 5). 16 third quarter points in 7 games, gave up 63 (if my math is correct). Texas still has not awakened. Somone on the coaching staff, one of the players, someone, has to stand up at halftime, regardless of the score, and say “We are going to win the third quarter!” Many of you know how much I love Texas baseball, and I loved and I miss Augie Garrido. He had an amazing approach to the game. Segmentation. Win each inning. Texas football needs to take a page out of the Garrido bible, and get the Longhorns motivated to dominate the third quarter – and win all four quarters. If Texas is sleepwalking in the third quarter, someone needs to channel Augie Garrido with a sideline speech. If you know, you know.
Texas has the athletes with the talent and skill to win this football game. So does Ohio State. Texas beat Michigan, and Michigan beat Ohio State. I believe.
Texas 28, Ohio State 27
Texas Longhorns and Ohio State Buckeyes
Two of college football’s greatest programs, blue bloods.
No. 12 Arizona State Sun Devils 31, No. 3 Texas Longhorns 39
I started my review twice, and I didn’t particularly like either draft. The first was boring, and second too negative. The result is an abbreviated look at the game in 4 chapters.
Chapter 1
The first chapter spans just 7 minutes and 52 seconds, and 6 minutes of that was Arizona State’s first drive. Texas won the toss and deferred, and in accordance with the script, Texas stopped the Sun Devils after one first down, forcing a punt. The first plot twist – Texas commits a major miscue, roughing the kicker on the ASU punt, and effectively a twofer – a penalty and a turnover. ASU takes advantage, but the Texas defense holds the Sun Devils to 3 points.
First Texas possession was Sarkisian, Ewers, & Company at their best: Big throw on first down to Golden for 54 yards, then a 23 yard strike to Moore. Both passes were magnificent, both with Quinn’s reads and deliveries. 2 plays, 45 seconds, Texas leads 7-3. Defense forces a three and out, Bolden returns the punt 75 yards for a touchdown (anyone else hold their breath for “no flags”?). 14-3 Texas.
Chapter 2
Chapter 2 spans the rest of the first quarter through the third quarter. An almost 38 minute span in which Texas scored 3 points, and that came with about 9 minutes to play in the second quarter. The good news for Texas was that the defense was solid in the second, shutting out the Sun Devils. The safety mid-way through the third quarter was because Texas stopped Skattebo on fourth and goal from the 2 yard line, and Texas just didn’t execute (but Shamari Simmons did). 17-5 Texas.
On the Sun Devils’ ensuing possession, Skattebo busted a 33 yard run, to the Texas 22. Again the defense rose to the occasion, and a big sack by Colin Simmons on third and 13 forced a field goal. 17-8 Texas. The lead, but it was continuation of Texas’ third quarter woes.
Chapter 3
The fourth quarter. What a crazy 15 minutes of football. Texas had the ball as the frame began, and Wisner was getting some tough yards, including a big 4 yard run on third and 2 at the ASU 42. Facing third and 10, Ewers connected with Golden for 29 yards and a first and goal. 2 plays later, Ewers ran it in. 24-8 Texas with 10:17 to play. What felt like a comfortable 16 point lead.
Dillingham, Leavitt, and Skattebo had other ideas. After mostly Skattebo pounding the rock, and what looked like a stop at midfield, ASU went for it on fourth and 2. Skattebo threw the ball this time – to Malik McClain for a 42 yard touchdown, and Leavitt got the 2-point conversion. 24-16, but just 6 and a half minutes. A decent long Texas drive, even without a score, probably wins the game. Instead, on second down a deep pass is picked off. No problem. ASU at their own 21. 79 yards against the Texas defense? No way. Well, easy when the first play is a 62 yard pass to Skattebo, who beat Taaffe, who ripped off Skattebo’s helmet. First and goal at the 8, a DPI, and a 2 yard Skattebo touchdown, another 2-point conversion. 24-24.
But plenty of time on the clock – 5 minutes! Ewers will lead Texas to the win. A 16 yard pass to Helm on third and 3. A 14 yard pass to Golden for 14 to the ASU 30 and field goal range, but a false start on the next play. Ewers managed to get the 5 yards back, but it was still a 48 yard try for Bert Auburn. Miss. Footnote to this: Two false starts on the offensive line.
Texas forced a punt with a minute left. Still time for a Texas win. Ewers delivered immediately, with a 13 yard pass to Golden. Another false start on the O line cost Texas 5 yards. Ewers to: Helm, for 15; Wingo for 6; Wingo for 27; Wisner for 7. ASU 18 yard line. 2 seconds left. Walk it off. Missed. Texas walked back to the sideline to prepare for overtime.
Chapter 4
Texas won the toss again, forcing ASU to go first. Leavitt and Skattebo got the score.
In one of the most dramatic possession in Texas football history, Texas faced fourth and 13 from the ASU 28 (it was 4th and 8, but another O line false start cost the Horns 5 yards). Ewers got to the line, read the defense, audibled, and then threw as pretty a pass as you will ever see, which Golden hauled in for the touchdown. Season saved – with Auburn’s PAT.
Ewers and Texas struck like lightening on the first play of the next possession, 25 yards to Helm, on another great audible, and then the 2-point conversion pass to Golden. 39-31 Texas.
Despite all of Cam Skattebo’s heroics in the game and OT periods, including picking up 13 yards and 2 yards in the second overtime, it was the Texas defense, and Andrew Mukuba, who won the game. Mukuba defended and played the ball perfectly, making a textbook interception, and it was sundown for the Sun Devils.
Epilogue
Quinn Ewers was the star and hero, along with his receivers. In a game where an “okay” ASU defense held Texas to 53 yards rushing, Ewers struck for 322 yards. He was responsible for all of the Longhorns’ offensive points. Golden had 7 catches for 149 yards and the biggest touchdown catch of the season. A play discussed below. I said in the last edition, “We need you Quinn. We need one of those solid 65% completion, hit your deep balls, don’t turn it over games.” Other than the 1 turnover, he certainly obliged – 66.7% completion, and some good long balls, including 54 yards to Golden. It was the explosive passing attack that won the game ultimately, including 23 to Moore (the first touchdown), 24 to Wisner, 27 to Wingo, 29 yards to Golden on third down that got Texas in plus territory and the 3rd Texas touchdown, and in overtime, the 28 yard touchdown pass to Golden (on 4th and 13) and the 25 yard touchdown pass to Helm (2nd OT).
The Texas defense surrendered 510 yards and 31 points; technically 478 yards, since 32 came on the terrible fourth down fake punt pass. But they did enough to win. Barron led with 11 tackles. Taaffe was next with 10 (does he get credit for the facemask tackle of Skattebo? Never thought about that before). Trey Moore had 2 big sacks, and Simmons tacked on another.
Cam Skattebo left it all on the field – literally. Between the lines: 143 yards rushing on 30 carries with 2 scores (4.8 yard per carry, which was below his average and one of the reasons he hurt us but didn’t beat us); 8 catches for 99 yards; and a 42 yard touchdown pass. Of ASU’s 510 yards, Skattebo accounted for 284 – 55.7%. Extraordinary.
Have to look at the negatives: Texas gave up big plays, ASU rushed for 214 yards, Texas was outgained 510 to 375, and the Longhorns committed 10 penalties for 67 yards (four of those were false starts on the offensive line). More than a couple were felonies. Special teams, overall was a C- at best, and it would have been an F but for the punt return touchdown in the first quarter.
It was a glorious win.
Highlights from ESPN, 25 minutes:
Bleacher Report, under 5 minutes:
Chris Fowler’s rolling recap, which he posts after games. Long, but I thoroughly enjoy these. Take the time at some point.
One of the interesting outcomes has been all the discussion of where the 4th and 13 Ewers touchdown to Golden ranks in Texas football history. I welcome your feedback. I have my list and input from some others (especially Tommy Fibich) below. This is maybe, sort of, my ranking.
- Vince Young, Rose Bowl, 4th and 5. He’s going for the corner. National Championship.
- James Street to Randy Peschel. Right 53 veer pass. Fayetteville, Game of The Century. National Championship.
- James Street to Cotton Speyrer, Cotton Bowl, January 1, 1970, against Notre Dame. Left 89 Out. Perhaps this game will be examined more closely next week.
- James Brown to Derek Lewis, on 4th and 1, Roll Left, in the win over Nebraska in the first Big 12 Championship Game
- Ewers to Golden on 4th and 13, Peach Bowl, January 1, 2025, CFP Quarterfinals.
- Dusty Mangum, Rose Bowl, game winning field goal to beat Michigan.
- Maybe not a life-changing play, but one of the most memorable Texas photos for me. Johnny Treadwell and Pat Culpepper goal line stop of Razorback Danny Brabham. 1 Texas would use the momentum of the stop to go on to beat the No. 7 Arkansas Razorbacks, 7-3.
College Football Rankings
ESPN College Football Power Index
ESPN’s analytics have Texas with a 50.1% chance of making the championship game and a 26.9% chance of winning it all. Oddly, Ohio State has a 49.9% chance of making the championship game and 28.4 chance of winning. The ESPN metrics like Notre Dame – 59.7% chance to get to the NC, 29.1% chance of winning it all.
2024 College Football Power Index – ESPN
ESPN SP+ from Bill Connelly
College Football Playoff Semifinal
The Capital One Orange Bowl
No. 4 Penn State Nittany Lions vs. No. 5 Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Thursday night, January 9, 6:30 p.m. on ESPN.
Full disclosure: I despise Penn State. What happened there was disgusting and despicable, and the slap on the wrist for years of sexual abuse and cover-up was and is an embarrassment to the NCAA and American college football.
As a life-long Longhorn, cheering for Notre Dame is challenging. Or at least it was. My son-in-law Mark Dean is Domer, as his dad Rich, and a lot of his family. My first grandson, Peter Dean, informed us a couple of years ago (when he was about 5) that he planned to attend Notre Dame and live in Dillon Hall, just like his dad. How can I not be for the Fighting Irish, at least Thursday night?
The Irish are favored by 1.5. Over/under is 45.5. Money lines are Notre Dame minus 120, Penn State even.
Notre Dame wins 20-17. Take the under. These are two excellent defenses.
Notre Dame is No. 4 in BCF F+ ratings, and Penn State is No. 6.
A special edition of my stats.
Offense
| Statistic | Notre Dame Fighting Irish | Penn State Nittany Lions |
| Rushing Offense | #11 – 217.5 ypg | #18 – 202.2 ypg |
| Passing Offense | #108 – 189.1 ypg | #58 – 234.1 ypg |
| Total Offense | #49 – 406.6 ypg | #25 – 436.3 ypg |
| Scoring Offense | #4 – 37.7 ppg | #24 – 33.7 ppg |
| Third Down Conversions | #80 – 38.7% | #15 – 47% |
| Red Zone Offense | #88 – 81% / 73% | #30 – 89% / 67% |
Defense
| Statistic | Notre Dame Fighting Irish | Penn State Nittany Lions |
| Rushing Defense | #34 – 127.9 ypg | #8 – 100.9 ypg |
| Passing Defense | #5 – 167.4 ypg | #27 – 187.9 ypg |
| Total Defense | #8 – 295.3 ypg | #6 – 288.8 ypg |
| Scoring Defense | #2 – 13.6 ppg | #7 – 15.8 ppg |
| Third Down Conversions | #5 – 29.9% | #30 – 34.8% |
| Red Zone Defense | #5 – 69% / 51% | #4 – 68% / 40% |
Penn State’s redzone TD% is No. 1
Other
| Statistic | Notre Dame Fighting Irish | Penn State Nittany Lions |
| Turnovers | #25 – 13 – 7F, 6I | #29 – 14 – 5F, 9I |
| Turnover Margin | #2 – 31:13 +18 | #13 – 24:14 +10 |
| Penalties | #98 – 86, 754 yards | #80 – 80, 760 yards |
*Based on total number of penalties.
BCF:
| Projected Winner | Projected Loser | PW | PM | PF | PA | PT |
| Notre Dame | Penn State | .537 | 1.3 | 25.1 | 23.8 | 48.8 |
College Football Playoff Quarterfinals
The Vrbo Fiesta Bowl
No. 4 Penn State Nittany Lions 31, No. 9 Boise State Broncos 14
A bigger margin that I had guessed, despite a respectable game from Ashton Jeanty (104 yards on 30 carries, way below his average). He fumbled twice, lost one. Madsen, the Bronco QB, was picked twice. The Nittany Lions rushed for 216 yards. A beating.
BCF:
| Projected Winner | Projected Loser | PW | PM | PF | PA | PT |
| Penn State | Boise State | .808 | 12.8 | 34.5 | 21.6 | 56.1 |
No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes 41,. No. 1 Oregon Ducks 21
What a beating. It was 34 to nothing with 3 minutes left in the first half. No one called this one – not the bookies, not the mathematricians, not even ESPN. Wow.
No. 5 Notre Dame Fighting Irish 23. No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs 10
It certainly didn’t help that the Dawgs didn’t have Carson Beck, but not so sure it would have made a difference. Notre Dame seems to be on a mission. Georgia held to 66 yards rushing.
The Ohio State University
Ohio Aggies. Of course they are. This explains a lot. Founded in 1870 as Ohio Agricultural and Mechanical College. A Morrill Act of 1862 land grant university. Never known a school so obsessed with an article and so infatuated with the dot of an i. The also have a school song that is all about their main rival, which is a much better, state flagship university.
Academic Rankings |
||
National |
||
Texas |
The Ohio State University |
|
| Forbes | 46 | 72 |
| U.S. News & World Report | 30 | 43 |
| ARWU | 25 | |
| Washington Monthly | 98 | 68 |
| THE | 21 | |
| QS | 19 | |
| Global | ||
| ARWU | 45 | 101-150 |
| QS | 66 | 208 |
| THE | 50 | 99= |
| U.S. News & World Report | 56 | 55 |
Famous alumni include one of my favorite athletes, Jesse Owen. Jack Nicklaus, the greatest pro golfer ever in America. Bob Knight. And George Steinbrenner and JD Vance.
I didn’t realize how aggie they are until I stumbled across this post from a Michigan fan in 2015. Seems legit.
58 Things I Hate About the Ohio State Buckeyes – Maize n Brew
Other Bowl Games of Note
Tuesday December 31
The Michigan Wolverines beat No. 11 Alabama 19-13. Crimson Tide was favored by 15.5.
Louisville 35-34 over Washington.
No. 14 South Carolina lost to No. 20 Illinois 21-17. That surprised me.
Louisiana State 44-31 over Baylor.
Thursday January 2
No. 14 Ole Miss 52-20 over Duke. Hotty Toddy!
Friday January 3
Texas State held off North Texas to win 30-28.
FCS Championship
What a game. North Dakota State 35-32 over Montana State (15-0). The Bison win their 10th national championship in the last 15 years. NDS QB Cam Miller passed for 199 yards and 2 touchdowns and ran for 121 yards and 2 touchdowns. Suggestion: Cam is a good name for a boy who wants to play football.
Division II Championship
Ferris State defeated Valdosta State 49-14.
Division III Championship
North Central College 41-25 over Mount Union.
Texas Longhorns Men’s Basketball
Tough start the SEC play, as The University of Texas dropped the opener to Texas Agricultural & Mechanical, 80 to 60. Tuesday night, the gritty Horns fought back from a 21 point deficit to No. 2 Auburn and just fell short, 82-87. No quit, which is a good sign. Texas gets Rick Barnes and his (not much longer) No. 1 Volunteers at The Moody Center Saturday afternoon at 5:00 p.m. Florida destroyed Tennessee Tuesday night, 73-43. Mack Brown was at The Moody Center with Bill Duvall and Baker Montgomery for the Auburn game. Maybe a glitch in the matrix. Anyway, I hope we get to celebrate the Texas win over Ohio State with a win over Tennessee!
No. 5 Texas Longhorns Women’s Basketball
The women are cruising at 15-1. They opened SEC play in Norman with a 80-73 win over the Land Thieves, and on Sunday they spanked the pigs 90-56. Beating Oklahoma and Arkansas is like Matt’s El Rancho – Always Good!
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. Consider a monthly donation. It makes a difference.
J.B. Sauceda
I have been fortunate to get to know J.B. over the 15 or so years. Great guy, and the new Texas Country Reporter. Good article in the Alcalde.
J.B. Sauceda Takes the Wheel of Texas Country Reporter | The Alcalde
Quote of the Week
From Sir Winston Churchill:
“One always measures friendships by how they show up in bad weather.”
See you in Arlington, friends.
Jim Nicar
1900: A practice football scrimmage on U.T. Austin’s original Clark Field, where the O’Donnell Building and Gates-Dell Complex are today. That’s the east side of Old Main on top of the hill, now the site of the U.T. Tower.
From Jim’s Post on December 6, 2024.
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Picture of the Week
From Aerial Austin’s Instagram Post on January 8, 2025.
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Tim Taylor P.O. Box 5371 Austin, Texas 78763-5371