Red River Shootout No. 121
Let’s beat the hell out of the Land Thieves!
Texas Longhorns vs. No. 6 Oklahoma Land Thieves
The Longhorns and Sooners meet for the 121st time on Saturday in the Cotton Bowl. The best day in college football, one of my favorite days of the year, and a football game which has enormous implications for both teams. Sark and his Longhorns have to get back on track. Venables and the Sooners looking to stay undefeated and in the college football playoff – and national championship – discussions. The latter makes my stomach turn. With the 2:30 p.m. start again this year (thank you Chris Del Conte), the State Fair of Texas will be packed for hours with a couple of hundred thousand people enjoying wax paper cup beers and corny dogs and patty melts and all kinds of fried foods.
The great Red River Rivalry – 8:19 and worth your time (if you are patient with the ads). Some excellent highlights.
https://watch.longhornnetwork.com/video/867351
Last year’s highlights, just for fun:
The RRS will be broadcast on ABC with the best team in college sports, Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, and Holly Rowe. The game can be heard around the world on the Longhorn Radio Network with the Voice of the Longhorns Craig Way, joined by Roger Wallace in the booth and by Will Matthews on the sidelines. Listen in Austin on the Flagship, KVET 1300 AM and 98.1 FM, in Tyler on KTBB 600 AM and 92.1 FM, and in Midland on KBAT 99.9 FM. Listen in San Angelo and the Concho Valley with Mr. McLaughlin on KKSA 1260 AM. SiriusXM Channel 82. Dr. Rubén Pizarro-Silva and Jesus Mendoza with the call in Spanish on certain Longhorn Radio Network affiliates and streaming on the Texas Longhorn App and online.
The photo above is Calvin Anderson, one of my favorite Longhorns, after the No. 19 Longhorns upset the No. 7 Land Thieves 48-45 in 2018. Sam Ehlinger was 24/35, 314 yards, 2 TDs, and ran for 72 yards and three scores. Lil’ Jordan Humphrey caught 9 passes for 133 yards and a score and passed for a touchdown (to Collin Johnson). And Cameron Dicker got a nickname and became a legend. Hoping for another epic upset on Saturday.
The betting odds on this game have been interesting to watch. One of the sportsbooks set a line a few weeks ago, and it was Texas minus 11.5.
This is from Saturday:
Sunday, it was Texas favored by 3.5. It has trended toward the Land Thieves:
Monday:
Tuesday night:
Wednesday afternoon:
Thursday night, it was back to Texas:
Texas Longhorns 21, Florida Gators 29
I am still reeling from that game. Manning was sacked 6 times by a defense that had 3 sacks in its previous 4 games. Florida had 457 yards of offense against what was the No. 4 defense, allowing 211 yards per game. Texas was allowing 59.8 yards per game rushing, and Florida put up that plus a hundred. Arch Manning played his heart out, accounting for 300 of Texas’ 341 yards of offense. The Longhorns had 10 penalties for 70 yards – more yards than Texas had rushing. Recap below. It was not fun to write.
College Football Last Weekend
To be honest, when Texas loses, my interest in the rest of the games diminishes quite a bit. However, an upset like winless UCLA 42-37 over No. 7 Penn State was epic. No. 16 Vanderbilt gave No. 17 Alabama a game in Tuscaloosa before the Tide shut the door in the fourth quarter in route to 30-17 win. No. 11 Texas Tech remains unbeaten after throttling Houston 35-11 (and, like Alabama, shutting out the other team in the second half). No. 3 Miami at No. 18 Florida State was not much of a game until the fourth quarter, when the Seminoles, down 28-3, mounted a furious 19 point comeback but too little too late. No. 24 Virginia got a big overtime road win in Louisville, 30-27. Go Hoos!
College Football This Weekend
The Red River Shootout will still be one of the biggest games of the day, but some other huge matches. No. 1 Ohio State at No. 17 Illinois, 11:00 a.m. on FOX, while ABC will have No. 8 Alabama at No. 14 Missouri. No. 7 Indiana at No. 3 Oregon at 2:30 p.m. on FOX – College Gameday in Eugene is a very early morning. The No. 16 Notre Dame Fighting Irish host NC State, 2:30 on Peacock. Florida at No. 5 Texas Agricultural & Mechanical at 6:00 on ESPN. No. 15 Michigan at Southern Cal, 6:30 p.m. on NBC.
2025 Oklahoma Sooners
The Land Thieves come into the Red River Shootout undefeated and riding high. Ranked 6th in both polls, Thomas Brent Venables has what looks to be his best team ever in Norman, with two 6-7 seasons on either side of 2023’s OU team that went 10-3 (and lost in the Alamo Bowl to Arizona).
The Roster
OU Offense
John Mateer (No. 10, 6-1, 224 pounds, Junior) transferred to Oklahoma from Washington State during the last off-season. It was good transaction for the Sooner NIL machine. Mateer is from Little Elm, in Denton County on Lewisville Lake. Denton County is separated from the Red River and Oklahoma by Cook County (and a bit of Grayson). Little Elm is about 85 miles from Indian Territory. This season in Norman, Mateer is 95/141 for 1,215 yards and 6 touchdowns in 4 games. He has thrown 3 interceptions. He has also rushed for 190 yards on 43 attempts, with 5 touchdowns (second leading rusher for the Sooners). He broke a bone in his right hand in the Auburn game and had surgery on September 24. I am not so good at math (despite a pre-med Chemistry degree), but as a dirt lawyer I can count days. Saturday will be 17 days post-op for Mateer, but at 21 years old, he still heals quickly. I guess. He is probable for the game.
If Mateer can’t go, Michael Hawkins, Jr. (No. 3, 6-1, 205 pounds, Sophomore from Emerson HS in McKinney) will quarterback the Land Thieves. Last year, Hawkins was 76/120, 783 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT, and 15 sacks; rushed 69 times for 204 yards and a score. Against the Horns last year, he was 19/30, 148 yards, and sacked 6 times, rushed for 61 (net of 37). In 2025, he is 15/27, 165 yards, 3 TDs, 3 sacks, and 15 carries for 58 yards and 1 touchdown. He’s actually the fourth leading rusher on the team.
Tory Blaylock (No. 6, 5-11, 203 pounds, Freshman from Atascocita High School in Humble [I swear I can hear Craig Way saying that]) is the leading Land Thief running back, with 57 carries for 257 yards (long of 25) and 3 touchdowns. 5 catches for 32 yards. Jaydn Ott (No. 0, 5-11, 208 pounds, Senior transfer from Cal) has 20 rushes for 66 yards. Jovantae Barnes (No. 2, 6 foot, 221 pounds Senior RB) has 19 rushes for 45 yards and a score.
Isaiah Sategna III (No. 5, 5-10, 182 pounds, Junior transfer from Arkansas, wide receiver, born in Austin but went to Fayetteville HS in FayetteNam) leads the Thieves with 26 catches for 359 yards and 3 touchdowns, long of 36 (14 catches for first downs, 3 on third down). Third for OU is Deion Burks (No. 4, 5-9, 188 pounds, R-Senior wide receiver) with 25 catches for 275 yards and 2 touchdowns, long of 34. Keontez Lewis (No. 9, 6-2, 197 pounds senior) has 17 catches for 210 yards and 2 touchdowns, long of 28.
Tight end Jaren Kanak (No. 12, 6-2, 233 pounds senior) is second on the squad with 20 catches for 328 yards, long of 48. 12 of those catches have been for first downs, 5 were third down conversions.
Sooner Defense
A very good linebacking corps. Kip Lewis (No. 10, 6-1, 227 pounds, Junior from Carthage) leads OU with 25 tackles (9 solo). Sammy Omosigho (No. 7, 6-1, 235 pounds Junior from Crandall HS in ) has 21 tackles (12 solo) and 3 passes defended. Owen Heinecke (No. 38, 6-1, 227 pounds, Junior transfer from Okie State) has 18 tackles (9 solo) and 2 passes defended. Kobie McKinzie (No. 11. 6-2, 238 pounds, Junior from Lubbock Cooper) has 15 tackles (5 solo), and Kendal Daniels (No. 5, 6-5. 242 pounds, R Senior transfer from Okie State) has 14 tackles (7 solo). He had 8 tackles against Texas in the 2023 Big 12 Championship Game.
A solid line. David Stone (No. 0, 6-3, 310 pounds sophomore) is second on the team with 19 tackles (7 solo) and 1.5 sacks for 10 yards. He is really good. Going to be handful for the Texas offensive line. Taylor Wein (No. 6-4, 276 pounds Sophomore) has 15 tackles (5 solo) and 3.5 sacks for 24 yards. R. Mason Thomas (No. 32, 6-2, 249 pounds Senior) has 13 tackles (8 solo) and 3 sacks for 23 yards. Gracen Halton (No. 56, 6-2, 292 pounds, senior) has 10 tackles and 1.5 sacks.
Peyton Bowen (No. 22, 6 foot, 201 pounds Junior from Guyer HS) has 14 tackles (4 solo). Robert Spears Jennings (No. 3, 6 foot, 213 pounds Senior) has 12 tackles (6 solo). Reggie Powers (No. 13, 5-11, 214 pounds sophomore) has 12 tackles (7 solo) and a sack for 10 yards.
Coaches
Brent Venables is in his fourth season in Norman as head coach. He was an assistant coach for Stoops on the 2000 National Championship team. Coming into this season, Venables was 22-17 as the chief Land Thief. It was a hot seat, but Ben Arbuckle.
Ben Arbuckle came to Norman from Pullman with Mateer. He is the OU OC and QB coach, and so far, so good. If Arbuckle and Mateer keep the covered wagon rolling, Oklahoma is going to have a good season, regardless of the loss this Saturday.
DeMarco Murray, one of the all-time greats to wear the Crimson and Cream, is the running backs coach. Joe Jon Finley is the tight end coach and played for Stoops. Not much to say other than maybe after he turns 40 he can drop one of the first names. At least if he moves out of Oklahoma.
The LT 2025 Season:
Game 1: OU opened at home with Illinois State, beating the Redbirds 35-3. Two Redbird quarterbacks combined for 34 yards on 10/20 passing, no scores. They didn’t even register a QBR. Sooners allowed 117 yards rushing on 26 carries. John Mateer shined in his first game as a Land Thief, 30/37, 392 yards, 3 TDs, 1 pick, plus 24 yards rushing and a score – QBR of 77.1. But Mateer accounted for a quarter of the OU rushing yards (103). Keontez Lewis had 9 catches for 119 yards and 2 touchdowns. Jaren Kanak had 5 catches for 90 yards (and a fumble). Deion Burks 7 catches for 88 yards and 1 touchdown. Sammy Omosgho had 8 tackles and a sack. The rest of the Land Thieves had 41 tackles among 20 players.
Game 2: No. 15 Michigan went to Norman in a highly anticipated game, but the Thieves beat the Wolverines 24-13. A much more meaningful game, for sure, and Mateer was the star. 21/34 passing, 270 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, plus 19 rushes for 74 yards and 2 touchdowns – QBR of 80.8. Jovantae Barnes and Tory Blaylock each rushed for 24 yards. Burks – 7 catches for 101 yards and 1 TD. Kanak 5 catches for 69 yards. Owen Heinecke led OU with 7 tackles, including 1 TFL. Kip Lewis and Peyton Bowen were next with 6 tackles each. Kendal Daniels had 2.5 TFL.
Game 3: OU traveled to Philly to play Temple, and no one was surprised with the 42-3 beating of the Owls. Mateer 20/34, 282 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 7 rushes for 63 yards and a score – 51 yards on one run; QBR of 73.7. Blaylock rushed 14 times for 100 yards and 2 scores. Reggie Powers III, Kendel Doby, and Taylor Heim each had 4 tackles and combined for 1.5 sacks and 2.5 TFL. Land Thieves with 11 sacks in the game. Temple’s starting QB, Evan Simon was 13/25 for 75 yards and lost 10 yards on the ground, a QBR of 18.4.
Game 4: The Land Thieves opened SEC play at home with then No. 22 Auburn, a relatively close 24-17 win for OU. The return of Jackson Arnold to Norman. Mateer wasn’t quite as good against a decent SEC defense – 24/36 for 271 yards and a TD, 10 carries for 29 yards and a touchdown – QBR of 69.6. Blaylock had 11 carries for 13 yards. Land Thieves rushed for a net 32 yards. Hope PK and Akina watched that tape. Sategna had 9 catches for 127 yards and 1 score (long of 31), and Kanak had 4 catches for 62 yards (long of 23). Mateer had a fumble. Kip Lewis led with 10 tackles, half a sack, and a TFL. Omosigho had 6 tackles. David Stone, Jayden Jackson, Kendal Daniels, and Peyton Bowen each had 5 tackles and combined for 3.5 sacks and 4 TFL. Arnold was 21/32 for 220 yards and a score, but 9 sacks for minus 11.
Game 5: Last weekend, the Sooners tuned up for Texas with a 44-0 shutout of Kent State. Mateer was out. Michael Hawkins Jr. was 14/24 for 162 yards and 3 touchdowns. Blaylock had 15 carries for 78 yards. Sategna 4 catches for 75 yards and 2 touchdowns. Land Thieves had 5 sacks.
Texas Longhorns vs. Oklahoma Land Thieves
The Statistics
This week I have started including the SEC ranking. The national ranking is first, SEC second.
Offense
Statistic |
Texas |
Land Thieves |
| Rushing Offense | #55, #9 – 172.6 ypg | #97, #12 – 137.2 ypg |
| Passing Offense | #58, #10 – 246.6 ypg | #31, #5 – 278.0 ypg |
| Total Offense | #52, #9 – 419.2 ypg | #55, #10 – 415.2 ypg |
| Scoring Offense | #63, #11 – 29.6 ppg | #45, #9 – 33.8 ppg |
| First Downs | #87, #13 – 19.8/game | #41, #9 – 22.6/game |
| Sacks Allowed | #65, #9 – 9, 46 yards | #53, #8 – 8, 55 yards |
| Tackles for Loss Allowed | #30, #6 – 22, 84 yards | #95, #13 – 31, 111 yards |
| Third Down Conversions | #116, #15 – 34.4% | #44, #8 – 44.6% |
| Fourth Down Conversions | #109, #14 – 41.7% (5/12) | #10, #5 – 80% (4/5) |
| Red Zone Attempts* | #43, #7 – 22 | #64, #9 – 20 |
| Red Zone Offense | #109, #15 – 77% / 59% | #1, #1 – 100% / 75% |
| Long Run Plays | #63, #8 – 27/10, 4/20, 3/30, 1/40 | #87, #11 – 23/10, 3/20, 1/30, 1/40 |
| Long Pass Plays | #71, #10 – 45/10, 21/20, 13/30, 4/40 | #38, #8 – 54/10, 25/20, 8/30, 1/40 |
*Virginia (33) and Vanderbilt (32) are #1 and #2 in red zone attempts
Defense
Statistic |
Texas |
Land Thieves |
| Rushing Defense | #11, #3 – 79.6 ypg | #5, #2 – 74.6 ypg |
| Passing Defense | #33, #8 – 180.6 ypg | #2, #1 – 118.4 ypg |
| Total Defense | #13, #3 – 260.2 ypg | #1, #1 – 193.0 ypg |
| Scoring Defense | #5, #2 – 12.0 ppg | ##2, #1 – 7.2 ppg |
| First Downs Allowed | #10, #3 – 13.8/game | #2, #1 – 10.4/game |
| Sacks | #56, #8 – 11, 55 yards | #2, #1 – 21, 113 yards |
| Tackles for Loss | #99, #12 – 25, 90 yards | #2, #1 – 50, 191 yards |
| Third Down Conversions | #17, #5 – 29.0% | #1, #1 – 17.4% |
| Fourth Down Conversions | #2, #1 – 11.1% (1/9) | #12, #3 – 28.6% (2/7) |
| Red Zone Attempts | #5, #2 – 8 | #4, #1 – 7 |
| Red Zone Defense | #82, #11 – 87% / 63% | #75, #9 – 86% / 29% |
| Long Run Plays Allowed | #6, #3 – 42/10, 11/20, 6/30, 4/40 | #12, #1 – 31/10, 12/20, 7/30, 5/40 |
| Long Pass Plays Allowed | #23, #4 – 32/10, 10,20, 5/30, 4/40 | #1, #1 – 20/10, 7/20, 5/30, 3/40 |
Other
Statistic |
Texas |
Land Thieves |
| Turnovers | #58, #7 – 6 (1F, 5I) | #58, #7 – 6 (3F, 3I) |
| Turnover Margin | #38, #5 – 9:6 +3 | #113, #16 – 2:6 -4 |
| Penalties | #127, #12 – 44, 383 yards | #47, #5 – 29, 279 yards |
*Based on total number of penalties.
Match-up Comparison
Texas Offense |
Land Thieves Defense |
| Rushing Offense – 172.6 ypg | 74.6 ypg – Rushing Defense |
| Passing Offense – 246.6 ypg | 118.4 ypg – Passing Defense |
| Total Offense – 419.2 ypg | 193.0 ypg – Total Defense |
| Scoring Offense – 29.6 ppg | 7.2 ppg – Scoring Defense |
| First Downs – 19.8/game | 10.4/game – First Downs Allowed |
| 3rd Down Offense – 34.4% | 17.4% – 3rd Down Defense |
| 4th Down Offense – 41.7% | 28.6% – 4th Down Defense |
| Red Zone Offense – 77%/59% | 86%/29% – Red Zone Defense |
| LRP – 27/10, 4/20, 3/30, 1/40 | 31/10, 12/20, 7/30, 5/40 – LRP Allowed |
| LPP – 45/10, 21/20, 13/30, 4/30 | 20/10, 7/20, 5/30, 3/40 – LPP Allowed |
Texas Defense |
Land Thieves Offense |
| Rushing Defense – 79.6 ypg | 137.2 ypg – Rushing Offense |
| Passing Defense – 180.6 ypg | 278.0 ypg – Passing Offense |
| Total Defense – 260.2 ypg | 415.2 ypg – Total Offense |
| Scoring Defense – 12.0 ppg | 33.8 ppg – Scoring Offense |
| First Downs Allowed – 13.8/game | 22.6/game – First Downs |
| 3rd Down Defense – 29.0% | 44.6% – 3rd Down Offense |
| 4th Down Defense – 11.1% | 80% – 4th Down Offense |
| Red Zone Defense – 87%/63% | 100%/75% – Red Zone Offense |
| LRP Allowed – 42/10, 11/20, 6/30, 4/40 | 23/10, 3/20, 1/30, 1/40 – LRP |
| LPP Allowed – 32/10, 10/20, 5/30, 4/40 | 54/10, 25/20, 8/30, 1/40 – LPP |
BCF Toys
| FEI | OFEI | DFEI | SFEI – Adj | |
| Texas | No. 11: 0.86 | No. 25: 0.22 | No. 4: 0.59 | No. 22: 0.06 |
| Land Thieves | No. 10: 0.87 | No. 38: 0.16 | No. 2: 0.60 | No. 6: 0.10 |
| NAY | OAY | DAY | |
| Texas | No. 23: 0.174 | No. 64: 0.480 | No. 10: 0.306 |
| Land Thieves | No. 7: 0.277 | No. 48: 0.517 | No. 2: 0.241 |
| NPD | OPD | DPD | |
| Texas | No. 15: 1.60 | No. 48: 2.57 | No. 6: 0.96 |
| Land Thieves | No. 6: 2.19 | No. 31: 2.95 | No. 3: 0.76 |
| NPP | OPP | DPP | |
| Texas | No. 32: 1.03 | No. 65: 5.64 | No. 17: 4.61 |
| Land Thieves | No. 16: 2.07 | No. 47: 6.01 | No. 3: 3.94 |
| PVE | OVE | DVE | SVE | |
| Texas | No. 15: 0.80 | No. 55: -0.01 | No. 5: 0.71 | No. 17: 0.10 |
| Land Thieves | No. 4: 1.13 | No. 36: 0.36 | No. 4: 0.75 | No. 4: 0.17 |
In BCF’s F+ ratings (Brian Fremeau’s FEI ratings combined with Bill Connelly’s SP+ ratings), Texas dropped to No. 17 from is No. 9.
| F+ | OF+ | DF+ | SF+ | |
| Texas | No. 17: 1.31 | No. 40: 0.62 | No. 3: 1.83 | No. 62: 0.15 |
| Land Thieves | No. 8: 1.59 | No. 28: 0.88 | No. 2: 1.97 | No. 8: 1.47 |
PFF
Texas’ overall rating is 93.0, placing it at No. 16. OU’s overall rating is 93.3, placing it at No. 11. The numbers below are just the PFF grades. I haven’t figured out how to effectively and efficiently pull all the rankings.
| Offense | Passing | Pass Blocking | Receiving | Run | Run Blocking | |
| UT | 75.9 | 74.7 | 71.9 | 74.4 | 78.4 | 65.1 |
| OU | 77.3 | 82.6 | 75.6 | 73.1 | 80.0 | 56.2 |
| Defense | Run D | Tackling | Pass Rush | Coverage | |
| UT | 92.1 | 91.5 | 80.4 | 84.3 | 90.6 |
| OU | 91.2 | 90.4 | 68.4 | 84.1 | 89.2 |
Texas Special Teams: No. 64 – 75.4 rating. Florida is ranked No. 103 with a ST rating of 67.5.
BCF Game Projection:
| Projected Winner | Projected Loser | PW | PM | PF | PA | PT |
| Land Thieves | Texas Longhorns | 0.506 | 0.2 | 22.5 | 22.3 | 44.6 |
Official Game Notes from The University:
https://texaslonghorns.com/documents/2025/10/6/Week_7_-_OU.pdf
Game Notes from Norman:
https://soonersports.com/documents/2025/10/6/06_OUvsTexas.pdf
Week 7 Game Notes from the SEC:
SEC Football Weekly Release – Southeastern Conference
Previews:
CBS Sports (including our Brian Jones):
Josh Pate – he’s pretty good.
SEC Thursday Injury Report:
TCT Thoughts
Penalties, turnovers, and special teams. I really think whoever wins those battles wins the war on Saturday. This is going to be a very close game, and it may very well be a game where a big play from a guy named Shipley wins the game and saves the Longhorns.
Starting with the Land Thieves offense versus the Texas defense, the Longhorns are going to have to play a lot better in the Cotton Bowl than they did in the Swamp. I think they will – maybe that’s just my burnt orange heart being aspirational – but I think Texas will have a better defensive game plan and execute that plan better. What makes this even more interesting is that Pete Kwiatkowski and the Texas defensive brain trust probably have two different game plans – or at least a plan 1A (Mateer plays) and plan 1B (no Mateer, Hawkins is the QB). Without Mateer, the Sooner rushing attack will have to rely much more on the running backs, who have not yet proven they can do much. Against Michigan, they had 57 yards (Mateer had 74). Against Auburn, they had 10 yards; Blaylock ran 11 times for 13 yards – a 1.2 ypc. (Texas has similar issues, of course, discussed below). I think figuring out how to defend the Sooner rush offense will be the easier of the two pieces of the puzzle.
The OU passing game is much better, and while Mateer is the better passer, the injury was to – and the surgery was on – his throwing hand. I assume that will limit him somewhat, and if it is Hawkins, then we know what we are dealing with. If Malik Muhammad is back and mostly healthy, I am not real worried. He and Taaffe and Guilbeau and others have been in this game, and they will handle it. If Malik is not back, then I am a little more worried, only because we saw how much we missed him last week.
The Texas linebackers should match up well against the Land Thieves offense. All the starters and more have played in this game, they have tons of experience, and they just need to bring their A Game. One of them will need to be on Mateer, and someone is going to have to watch out for Kanak.
My biggest concerns is the defensive line. They got whipped last week in Gainesville. Going into that game, Florida was #84 in sacks allowed (9, 45 yards) and #115 in TFL (30, 85 yards). Texas got no sacks and 3 tackles for loss, and a team that #107 in rushing (123 ypg) got 159 yards (against a defense that had been allowing 59.8 yards per game). So something went wrong, and that has got to be fixed. I will boldly assume that it will be.
The Texas offense against arguably the No. 1 defense in the country is a different story. You can see the rankings and statistics above, and it isn’t pretty. Without CJ Baxter, the Texas running game (at least from the running backs), is anemic at best. And that anemic running game versus the No. 2 rush defense is not a favorable match-up for Texas. Against Ohio State (a pretty good defense), Wisner rushed for 80 and Baxter rushed for 40. They are not our top RBs at this point. That would be Gibson (36 for 155, 4.3 ypc), Simon (26 for 117, 4.5 ypc), and Clark (28 for 115, 4.1 ypc). So, I am going to roll the dice with my usual Texas-OU hope-and-a-prayer – one of the Texas running backs has a breakout, career game. I hope one can do it, and I pray that Texas offensive line can find some way to give our guys a fighting chance of getting past the line of scrimmage before first contact occasionally. I don’t know what’s going on in practice or who might not be 100%, but I would give the ball to Wisner, and if he can’t do it, give it Baxter. If Baxter can’t do it, give the ball to Gibson. If he can’t, give it to Simon. If he can’t run the ball, give Clark a chance. Give Niblett a chance again too. Oh, and let’s use Wingo and his speed. A weapon that needs to be unleashed.
I feel a lot better about the passing game. Arch Manning looked so much better last week, and he really seems to be getting his footing (and footwork). I feel pretty good about the passing game – especially if Livingstone is mostly healthy. But, sacks. OU is #2 with 21 sacks this season. Last week, Arch Manning was sacked 6 times (and the pressures – unbelievable, discussed in the Florida recap below). If the offensive line can’t give Arch another half second, then Texas is going to struggle in the passing game. Regardless, Arch is a scoring machine, accounting for 16 touchdowns in his 5 games. Baylor’s Sawyer Robertson leads the nation with 20 in 6 games. Some of the guys behind Arch Manning: Alabama’s Ty Simpson, Oregon Duck Dante Moore, and Marcel Reed of Texas Agricultural & Mechanical.
Manning will probably get a big play or two, but what the Texas offense needs to do is make some first downs and, more specifically, convert third downs. This week will be harder than any other this season against the best third down defense in the nation, allowing just 17.4%. That means better production on first down, quit jumping offsides, and utilize the tight ends.
The obvious and consistent theme is the offensive line, which also brings me to one my keys to the game, penalties. Texas is 131st (out of 136) in penalties per game. Per Justin Nash, 47.7% of those penalties are on Longhorn offensive lineman. Those O Line penalties – almost all illegal motion or holding – have consistently been impactful. Whether putting Texas behind the chains and creating down & distance issues, or flat-out killing a drive. I steer clear from player criticism, but 21 penalties (if Justin’s math and my math is correct) against our lineman in 5 games is not acceptable. Kyle Flood and his men need to step it up on Saturday, because this game is the most important of the 2025 season – above and beyond the inherent utmost importance of the Red River Shootout.
I started above with penalties, turnovers, and special teams. So turnovers is next. Texas has a statistical advantage here, and the Longhorns need to make sure that carries through on Saturday. Texas has done a great job of not fumbling. May it be so. Arch Manning has 5 of our 6 turnovers on interceptions, the majority of which were just poor decisions to unleash the ball downfield under severe pressure. That is fixable, and I bet it doesn’t happen on Saturday. Mateer has 3 interceptions in 4 games, so he is pickable. Come on Taaffe. And maybe a tipped ball at the line? Ethan Burke, time for you buddy. Texas should win the turnover battle.
Special Teams. I don’t think special teams has to win the game for Texas (although it may very well come down to a late field goal), but I do think special teams has to not LOSE the game for Texas. No miscues, no bad decisions. Don’t rough the punter, don’t play hero ball and try to bring it out the endzone, and fercryingoutloud don’t hold or block in the back when Niblett or Wingo is about to take it to the house on a return.
Take the points. This will most likely be a low scoring game and points will be at a premium. A field goal is fine on fourth down. Just kick.
These two football teams are very evenly matched. Right now, with last week’s performance by Texas, the edge on defense has to go to Oklahoma. On offense, despite our line woes, the edge is for Texas because of Archibald Charles Manning. The game will probably turn on a big play – a penalty or turnover or big offensive burst.
It will be a great football game, but low scoring. If you must bet, bet the under.
Texas Longhorns 20, Oklahoma Land Thieves 17
The great thing about this weekend is that regardless of the outcome of the game, it is a fun time with the best of friends. Friday night at Javier’s with the Crowley’s and Young’s. Always a ton of great people there, usually the McEachern’s and the English’s. Chad Auler almost always has a good crew. I might have a few margaritas, some quail. Then, Saturday morning —
The State Fair of Texas
The Food
The link to this year’s Big Tex Choice Awards. The Crab & Mozzarella Arancini looks incredible, and I am going to have track down the Deep Fried Deli Tacos (Peppery pastrami, buttery mashed potatoes, gooey white cheese, and fresh chives all tucked into a corn tortilla and deep fried).
Big Tex Choice Awards | State Fair of Texas
A link to the Fair Park map to go find these goodies:
Big Tex Choice Awards Map | State Fair of Texas
The Game Plan
Pregame is always a meet-up near Big Tex. Getting a Fletcher’s corny dog and having a couple of wax paper cup beers before the game is of course a mandatory tradition. The only variation allowed is getting a jalapeno cheese corny dog. Depending on crowd flow, getting a Katie’s Patty Melt – but that might be a post-game celebration. Getting into the Cotton Bowl will not be any easier this year, despite the millions of dollars of renovations. So plan ahead.
My other favorite food tradition is Frito Pie and a cold beer in the food court at halftime. Frito Pie the TCT Way: Fritos, then the cheese, then the hot chili on top – it melts the cheese. Add a little Tabasco, and you are ready for the second half!
Tastes even better when shared with your daughter!
Texas Longhorns 21, Florida Gators 29
I blew that one. I was close on the Texas score (24), but I missed on the Gators by three scores (10). I was not alone. The betting lines, the models and predictors, and most of the pundits and talking heads. A very painful loss, with the pain intensified by the way we lost – penalties and getting whipped on both sides of the line. Those are bad symptoms. Not fatal, but not good.
I really didn’t have the emotional energy to go rewatch the game. I watched some highlights, looked at the boxscore, but I couldn’t rally this week to do a deep dive in the Swamp Debacle. I was ready for the game, watched it intently, and realized that the best part of my day was going to be some good margaritas and the good filet and a bottle of Darioush with Kathy and Claudia that night. I was right about that on Saturday.
My enthusiastic optimism and over confidence kept me from realizing that something was not right when Florida opened the game with an 84 yard 7 minute touchdown drive.
At halftime, the vaunted Texas defense had given up 19 points, 150 yards passing (1 TD) and 113 yards rushing 1 (TD). That was (1) more rushing yards than Texas had been allowing in a game (59.8), (2) basically the passing yards Texas had been surrendering (151.3 ypg), and (3) more than twice as many points as Texas was allowing per game (7.8).
The Texas offense had 24 yards rushing (we were averaging 202.8 ypg) and 63 yards passing (we were averaging 236 ypg). The rushing game was 2.2 yards per carry.
The first half in Florida was not just our worst half of the season, it was basically our worst game of the season.
The second half was a little better, as Arch Manning got Texas within 8 points twice, but it was not close to enough.
Texas got beat at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. Arch Manning was pressured on over 60% of the pass plays. The only Power 4 quarterback to be pressured over 60%. The Texas ball carrier was hit behind the line of scrimmage on 16 of 26 attempts – that’s bad, in case you were wondering. Dustin McComas observed “Texas offensive line… looked like a 7-5 offensive line in the SEC. Florida’s DL did whatever it wanted.” I hope he’s proved wrong.
“Texas has three major statistical performance deficiencies: redzone offense, third down offense, and penalties. We may escape the Swamp underperforming in those areas, but the Red River Shootout (and Athens and some other big games) will not be as easy.” Well, we didn’t escape the swamp: 50% RZ offense (1/2), 3/11 on third down (27.3%), and 10 penalties for 70 yards.
The crazy thing is, if a couple of plays had gone our way, Texas wins. This pass that Arch was not able to complete to Mosley was one of them.
https://x.com/SBN_Wescott/status/1976028156114117080
Dallas Wilson owned the Texas secondary. 6 catches for 111 yards and 2 touchdowns.
NashTalksTexas- Arch’s game
https://x.com/NashTalksTexas/status/1974669068096643505
Another good post here – Arch is the man.
https://x.com/maxtoscano1/status/1975551181247422752
Every play of the Florida game, if you are that type.
https://x.com/NashTalksTexas/status/1974623829470429538
A tough loss. Just one of those days. Some games, everything comes together, the team plays complementary football, and you win big. Some games, you struggle. I am over it, but I really hope the team turns this into a building moment. Win on Saturday, and the rest of the season still looks promising.
The Longhorn Alphabet: Texas Football A to Z
My friend Taylor Young has written a great children’s book for Longhorn families. 10% discount and free shipping for the Red River Shootout!
https://longhornalphabet.com/products/the-longhorn-alphabet-texas-football-a-z
The Moody Foundation
Not quite six years ago, The University of Texas celebrated an incredible $130 million grant from the Moody Foundation for what is now our much loved Moody Center (the largest single gift to the University from a foundation). That was on top of $50 million for the Moody College of Communication and other grants around $20 million.
Last month, the Moody Foundation announced a $150 million grant to Huston-Tillotson University. It is the largest gift ever to an HBCU, and a continuation of the amazing legacy of Ross Moody and the Moody Foundation’s great support for higher education in Texas. This gift was part of a $1 billion commitment the Moody Foundation has made to improve education in Texas over the next twenty years. Philanthropy like this, and leaders like Ross Moody, are going to help keep Texas going and growing. Thanks Ross!
The University of Oklahoma
Founded in 1890 as Norman Territorial University in the area of Indian Territory that was “claimed” by boomers and sooners. They do a lot of weather research at OU. More meteorologists graduate from Oklahoma than any other university.
Academic Rankings |
||
National |
||
Texas |
Oklahoma |
|
| Forbes | 46 | 113 |
| U.S. News & World Report | 30 | 132 |
| Washington Monthly | 98 | 205 |
| WSJ/College Pulse | 41 | 142 |
Global |
||
| ARWU | 45 | 401-500 |
| QS | 68 (#4 U.S. Publics) | 664 |
| THE | 50 | – – – |
| U.S. News & World Report | 65 | 528 |
I have been writing and re-writing this piece on the University of Oklahoma and the Land Thieves for many years. Not as good as Casey Dobson’s Lubbock Road Trip masterpiece, but not bad for a dirt lawyer.
My favorite Land Thieves football quote is from OU president George Lynn Cross (a very bright guy – Ph.D. in Botany from the University of Chicago). Cross, who was in a budget meeting with Oklahoma legislators (I am guessing around the Wilkerson Era), was asked why OU needed more money. Cross replied: “I would like to build a University of which the football team could be proud.” Aspirational thoughts are so important. Keep wishing.
The etymology of Boomer Sooner: “Boomers were those who by constant agitation tried to bring about the opening of Oklahoma to settlers before 1889, and Sooners were the settlers who slipped in to stay before the gun was fired. In 1905, Arthur M. Alden, a history and physiology student, wrote the lyrics to the university’s “Boomer Sooner”, borrowing the tune from Yale’s “Boola-Boola” but improvising on the words. A year later an addition was made to it from North Carolina’s “I’m a Tarheel Born” and the two combined form the university’s battle song of today.” Yale, the University of North Carolina, and OU. “One of these things is not like the other things”.
The book: BOOM TOWN: The Fantastical Saga of Oklahoma City, Its Chaotic Founding, Its Apocalyptic Weather, Its Purloined Basketball Team, and the Dream of Becoming a World-Class Metropolis.
http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2018/08/how-oklahoma-city-was-born-in-a-day.html
From the article:
Consider, for instance, OKC’s bizarre origin story. It reads less like an episode of actual history than a spaghetti western written by a faulty algorithm. The place was founded on a single afternoon, in an event called the Land Run, during which a formerly empty patch of prairie became a city of 10,000. The chaos that ensued was so alarming that the U.S. government never allowed anything quite like it to happen again. This formative absurdity set the tone for everything that followed: the shootouts and power grabs and even – eventually – NBA basketball.
Oklahoma City was born in an event called, with extreme dramatic understatement, the Land Run. The Land Run should be called something like “Chaos Explosion Apocalypse Town” or “Reckoning of the DoomSettlers: Clusterfµ€k on the Prairie.”
The bugle notes had yet to fade when, like some kind of ancient creation myth, the empty landscape sprouted people. It was an ambush of settlers. … These were, in the lingo of the times, Sooners, or Moonlighters. We would call them cheaters. … At the sound of the bugle, all of the cheaters came running. The land was free, they knew, only for those who got there first.
“I’m a Sooner born and Sooner bred and when I die, I’ll be Sooner dead.” Poetic.
Texas Volleyball
The No. 2 Longhorns are no 12-0, with 9 wins over ranked opponents. Last Sunday, the Horns swept Mississippi State in Starkville. Wednesday night, Texas beat No. 17 Tennessee 3-2 in a hard fought match at Gregory Gym. Before losing the second set, the Horns had won 24 straight. This Sunday, the Longhorns will be in Tuscaloosa for a match with the Crimson Tide, 2:00 p.m. on SEC Network +. Alabama is 8-6 and 0-4 in the SEC.
Week Seven in the Southeastern Conference
No. 8 Alabama (4-1, 2-0) at No. 14 Missouri (5-0, 1-0), 11:00 a.m. on ABC from Columbia. The Crimson Tide are favored by 2.5, over/under is 51.5. Lots of folks have this as an upset alert. Not me. Alabama to win and cover.
Washington State (3-2) at No. 4 Ole Miss (5-0), 11:45 a.m. on the SEC Network from Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford. Should be a beautiful morning in the Grove. Cougars are not very good. Rebels are. Ole Miss favored by 31.5, over/under is 57.5. Ole Miss to win! Hotty Toddy!
Arkansas (2-3, 0-1) at No. 12 Tennessee (4-1, 1-1), 3:15 p.m. on the SEC Network from Neyland Stadium. Bobby Petrino makes his second debut as head coach of the Razorbacks. We can only hope that it will be just as entertaining this time. Volunteers favored by 11.5, over/under is 67.5. Tennessee is going to win, but not sure where I am on the line. Bobby probably isn’t either.
Florida Gators (2-3, 1-1) at No. 5 Texas Agricultural & Mechanical (5-0, 2-0), 6:00 p.m. on ESPN from Kyle Field. Hope the same Florida team is in College Station. Texas Agricultural & Mechanical favored by 7.5, over/under is 47.5. Aggies by 3.
BCF Projection:
| Projected Winner | Projected Loser | PW | PM | PF | PA | PT |
| Texas A. and M. | Florida | .785 | 11.7 | 28.9 | 17.2 | 46.1 |
No. 10 Georgia (4-1, 2-1) at Auburn (3-2, 0-2), 6:30 p.m. on ABC from Jordan-Hare Stadium. Georgia favored by just 3.5, over/under is 46.5. Bulldogs to win, Tigers to cover.
South Carolina (3-2, 1-2) at No. 11 Louisiana State, 6:45 p.m. on the SEC Network from Death Valley. LSU favored by 9.5, over/under is 44.5. Bayou Bengals to win and to cover!
Week Seven: Service Academies
Navy (5-0) at Temple (3-2), 3:00 p.m. on ESPN2 from the Linc in Philly. Middies are steaming right along, and they should be 6-0 by Saturday night. Navy favored by 10.5 over the Owls, and the over/under is 52.5. Navy to win and cover.
Charlotte (1-4) at Army (2-3), 11:00 a.m. on CBSSN from Michie Stadium in West Point. A good game for the Black Knights to get back to .500 overall and in conference. Army favored by 18.5, over/under is 45.5. Army to win
Air Force (1-4) at UNLV (5-0), 2:30 p.m. on CBSSN. Falcons having some tough flying weather this season. Rebels favored by 6.5, over/under is 63.5. Hoping Air Force gets the upset and changes the altitude of their season.
Top 25 – Week Seven
Friday
No. 24 South Florida (4-1) at North Texas (5-0), 6:30 p.m. on ESPNs from DATCU Stadium in Denton. Coach Eric Morris and the Mean Green are very good. South Florida favored by 1.5, over/under is 66.5. North Texas to win!
Saturday
No. 1 Ohio State (5-0) at No. 17 Illinois (5-1), 11:00 AM on FOX from Memorial Stadium in Champaign. I don’t give the Illini much of a chance, and neither does Vegas or the stats. Buckeyes favored by 15.5, over/under is 50.5. Ohio State to win, Illinois to cover.
Pittsburgh (3-2) at No. 25 Florida State (3-2), 11:00 a.m. on ESPN from Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee. Seminoles favored by 10.5, over/under is 57.5. FSU to win and cover.
No. 7 Indiana (5-0) at No. 3 Oregon (5-0), 2:30 p.m. on CBS from Autzen Stadium. College Gameday will be in Eugene. I suspect the Texas loss to Florida cost us a shot at having those guys in Dallas, and I assumed Herbstreit would be live from somewhere in Fair Park. But he is apparently going to do the show in Eugene and hop on a smoker to Love Field. Ducks favored by 7.5, over/under is 53.5. Would love to see Indiana get the upset, but not going to happen. They might cover.
Virginia Tech (2-4) at No. 13 Georgia Tech (5-0), 2:30 p.m. on the ACC Network, Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta. Yellow Jackets favored by 14.5 at home, over/under is 54.5. Georgia Tech to win and cover.
North Carolina State (4-2) at No. 16 Notre Dame (3-2), 2:30 p.m. on Peacock from le Université de Notre-Dame-du-Lac. A good home game for the Fighting Irish who should curb-stomp NC State. Notre Dame favored by 22.5, over/under is 58.5. Notre Dame Fighting Irish to win! 🍀
BCF Projection:
| Projected Winner | Projected Loser | PW | PM | PF | PA | PT |
| Fighting Irish | Wolfpack | .974 | 24.7 | 41.0 | 16.4 | 57.4 |
No. 22 Iowa State (5-1) at Colorado (2-4), 2:30 p.m. on ESPN from Folsom Field in Boulder. Buffalos are looking for their first Big 12 win, but I don’t think it is happening this weekend. Cyclones favored by 2.5, over/under is 52.5. Iowa State to win and cover.
Kansas (4-2) at No. 9 Texas Technical, 6:30 p.m. on FOX from Lubbock. The irony of the sand aggies and Texas Agricultural & Mechanical being undefeated and in the top 10 is, well, bitter. The Texas Tech defense is really good. No. 4 scoring, No. 3 rushing, No. 28 passing, No. 9 total defense. Jayhawks may have a long night on the South Plains. Tech favored by 14.5, over/under is 59.5.
No. 15 Michigan (4-1) at Southern Cal (4-1), 6:30 p.m. on NBC from the Coliseum in Los Angeles. This is going to be an excellent football game. Southern Cal favored by 2.5, over/under is 56.5.
BCF:
| Projected Winner | Projected Loser | PW | PM | PF | PA | PT |
| Southern Cal | Michigan | .532 | 1.1 | 31.1 | 30.0 | 61.1 |
No. 18 Brigham Young (5-0) at Arizona (4-1), 7:00 p.m. on ESPN2. Wildcats are surprisingly good this year. Cougars favored by 2.5, over/under is 46.5.
No. 21 Arizona State (4-1) at Utah (4-1), 9:15 p.m. on ESPN from Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City. Utes favored by 8.5, over/under is 45.5. Utah to win, Arizona State to cover.
Other Games of Interest – Week Seven
Wednesday night, UTEP lost in the Sun Bowl to Liberty, 8-19.
Thursday night, Tulane 26, East Carolina 19. The Green Wave was favored by 6.5. Sam Houston State 27, Jacksonville State 29. The Bearkats were 7.5 point underdogs. Sam covers!
Saturday
The Leland Sanford Junior University (2-3) at Southern Methodist University (3-2), 11:00 a.m. on the CW Network from Gerald J. Ford Stadium in University Park. Mustangs are favored by a whopping 17.5, over/under is 54.5. Mustangs to win and cover.
UCLA (1-4) at Michigan State 3-2), 11:00 a.m. on BTN. Just curious to see what the Bruins do this week after the huge upset of Penn State. Spartans favored by 7.5.
Houston (4-1, 1-1) at Oklahoma State (1-4, 0-2), 11:00 a.m. on TNT from Boone Pickens Stadium. Cougars favored by 14.5.
Miami (2-3) at Akron (2-4), 11:00 a.m. on ESPN+ from InfoCision Stadium in Akron. Redhawks favored by 11.5. Miami to win.
Nebraska (4-1) at Maryland (4-1), 2:30 p.m. on BTN. Winner of this game still has a shot of running the table and playing in the Big Ten title game. Cornhuskers favored by 6.5, over/under is 47.5. GBR.
Texas Christian (4-1) at Kansas State (2-4), 2:30 p.m. on FOX from Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan. Horned Frogs favored by 1.5, over/under is 55.5. Good luck Ed!
Rice (3-3) at UTSA (2-3), 6:30 p.m. on ESPNU from the Alamodome. Roadrunners favored by 9.5, over/under is 47.5. I normally root for Rice, but UTSA needs a win badly.
San Jose State (2-3) at Wyoming (2-3), 6:00 p.m. on CBSSN. Spartans favored by 1.5, and the over/under is 49.5.
The UTRGV Vaqueros have the weekend off.
Bill Connelly’s game projections, where he uses his SP+ analytics to predict game outcomes. He gives the Land Thieves a 68% chance of winning, score of OU 26, Texas 18. 2025 SP+ – Google Sheets That means Texas has a 32% chance of winning.
The SEC Shorts this week was pretty cold. And funny. I watch these every week. This one is well done.
Washington & Lee University
A huge road win against the rival Hampsters in Farmville, and Carl Mica is buying my lunch at Headliners! W&L beat No. 21 Hampden-Sydney 42-34. We’re back! Ty Collins completed 75% of his passes (3 for 4, but that is 75%! – and 1/3 went for touchdowns – efficient) for 111 yards. Okay, one of them was a 75 yard touchdown pass to Teddy Sparrow. The Generals pounded 351 yards on the ground with 5 touchdowns. Anthony Crawford 24 carries for 104 yards and 4 scores. Collins 10 rushes for 708 and a score. Ryan Clemens 10 for 51 yards. Glorious.
This week the Generals are back home in Rockbridge County. A 1:00 p.m. start (Shenandoah Valley time) at Wilson Field with Gallaudet University. The Bison are 1-3 with losses to Albright, Roanoke, and Guilford, but a 39-30 win over Averett. I have tremendous respect for these kids. Gallaudet fields teams in 8 men’s sports and 10 women’s sports.
Thanks for the responses on my piece about the Tower.
The University has undertaken a $70 million renovation of The Tower, funded in part by $44 million from the Board of Regents ($26 PUF, $18 AUF). Most of the rest is coming from us. Several great pages on the Tower website, including the link to donate:
Health Alliance for Austin Musicians
HAAM is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Three weeks ago we had a fantastic HAAM Day in Austin. We are close to our goal but are still raising funds before we close the books on HAAM Day 2025. Your support would be very much appreciated. Help HAAM keep Austin music alive and well.
Tim Taylor HAAM Day 2025 Fundraising Page.
My special thanks to the many friends who already donated generously. Big thank you to Jack Latson, John Lewis, Jeff Brown, Mike Landon, John Hagelman, Rob Dunn, Wilson Albright, Vicki Zamorski, Debbie & John Fincher, Jay Doyle, Mike Wadsworth, Karen Sonleitner, Kerry Hall, Brenda Hindsman, and Don Cox! And a most generous anonymous donor. We have raised nearly $3,000 – which is leveraged into over $20,000 in healthcare and wellness programs for our musicians.
The Polls
AP Top 25 & the Coaches:
Preseason No. 1 Texas, No. 2 Penn State, and No. 4 Clemson are a combined 8-7. And unranked in the AP.
ESPN’s FPI
2025 College Football Power Index – ESPN
Bill Connelly’s SP+
SP+ is “a tempo- and opponent-adjusted measure of college football efficiency that I originally created at Football Outsiders in 2008. SP+ is intended to be predictive and forward-facing.”
Ohio State, Indiana, Miami (FL), Ole Miss, Texas Agricultural & Mechanical, Alabama, Land Thieves, Oregon, Sand Aggies, Notre Dame. Georgia is No. 11, Louisiana State is No. 12 Vanderbilt, and Michigan. Texas is down to No. 35.
PFF
PFF has Miami (FL) at No. 1 this week, followed by The Ohio State University, Texas Agricultural & Mechanical, Oregon, Ole Miss, Alabama, Land Thieves, Sand Aggies, Hoosiers, Georgia, and Louisiana State. Texas is out of the rankings.
Florida is ranked No. 38.
Kelley Ford Ratings
PFF Grades
SEC Power Rankings. Kirk Bohls, Houston Chronicle; Cedric Golden, Austin American-Statesman; Reid Laymance, Houston Chronicle; Tony Catalina, Austin American-Statesman; Kevin Sherrington, Dallas Morning News. Pretty accurate.
Week Six in the Southeastern Conference
Kentucky 14, No. 12 Georgia 35. Georgia was favored by 20.5, over/under was 48.5. incredible. “Bulldogs to win and cover.” ✔️
Vanderbilt 14, No. 10 Alabama 30. “Tide by 10.” I missed by a score.
Kent State 0, No. 5 Oklahoma 44.
Mississippi State 9, No. 6 Texas Agricultural & Mechanical 31. Texas Agricultural & Mechanical covers. I said Aggies by 13 – missed that one. Good win Aggies.
Week Six: Service Academies
Air Force 31, Navy 34. I thought Navy would cruise to a win and cover. Falcons showed some fight.
Army 31, UAB 13.
Top 25 – Week Six
West Virginia 24, No. 23 Brigham Young 38. Mountaineers cover.
No. 14 Iowa State 30, Cincinnati 38. Cyclones were 1.5 point underdogs and I thought Iowa State would win and cover. Vegas knew something.
Wisconsin 10, No. 20 Michigan 24. Badgers cover. Missed this one too.
No. 22 Illinois 43, Purdue 27. Illinois to win and cover. ✔️
No. 7 Penn State 37, UCLA 42. Unbelievable.
Boise State 7, No. 21 Notre Dame Fighting Irish 28. Notre Dame was favored by 20.5. “Irish to win and cover.” ✔️
No. 24 Virginia Cavaliers 30, Louisville 27.
No. 11 Texas Tech 35, Houston 11.
Minnesota 3, No. 1 The Ohio State University 42.
No. 3 Miami (FL) 28, No. 18 Florida State 22. Hurricanes were favored by 4.5. “Seminoles with the upset.” Nope. Bummer.
Other Games of Interest – Week Six
While I may not watch them, I always find the games of our season opponents of interest. Sam Houston State went to Las Cruces and beat soundly by the New Mexican Aggies, 37-10.
New Mexico 38, San Jose State 35. Good win for the Spartans.
Clemson 38, North Carolina 10. Belichick thought college would be easier. Sorry Bill.
UTSA 21, Temple 27. Man, didn’t see that coming. Not sure what’s up with the Roadrunners.
Oklahoma State 13, Arizona 41. Wildcats favored by 20.5. “Arizona to win and cover.” ✔️
Syracuse 18, Southern Methodist 31. Mustangs didn’t cover, which surprises me.
Miami (Ohio) 25, Northern Illinois 14. Redhawks win and cover!
Michigan State 27, Nebraska 38. Cornhuskers favored by 11.5. “Nebraska to win and cover.” So close!
Texas State 30, Arkansas State 31. Interesting to see UTSA and Texas State struggling after some of the coach talk a couple of weeks ago.
Florida Atlantic 27, Rice 21. Bummer.
Colorado 21, Texas Christian 35. Frogs favored by 13.5. “Texas Christian to win and cover.” ✔️
Tulsa 7, Memphis 45. Tigers favored by 20.5. “Memphis wins, Tulsa covers.” Nope, this Memphis team is better than I realized.
Duke 45, California 21.
UTRGV Vaqueros 27, Houston Christian 7. 5-1. Nice start in the Vaqueros first year of existence.
Chicago Cubs
Well, I haven’t jinxed the Cubs yet. After dropping the first two games in Milwaukee, Chicago won both the games at Wrigley Field. Friendly Confines indeed. Game 5 is Saturday night at 7:08 p.m. on TBS. Tony, can we please watch?
Jim Nicar
It’s that time of year again. #BeatOU 🤘
1969: The cover of the Texas vs OU football program. “Big ol’ Lovable Bevo” and the team won 27-17 on national television, on the way to an undefeated season and UT’s second national title.
Simpler times…
From Jim’s October 7, 2025 post on X:
Music
I saw a post last week on Stevie Ray Vaughan on his birthday, October 3. Hard to believe he’s been gone for 35 years. A Texas music giant, actually worldwide. Died way too young.
With Albert King:
Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble – Pride And Joy (Live at Montreux 1982)
Stevie Ray Vaughan – Look At Little Sister
Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble – Testify (from Live at the El Mocambo)
Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble – The House Is Rockin’ (Austin City Limits, 1989)
Picture of the Week
JType. This photo is from his October 9, 2025 post on Instagram.
