Red River Shootout Victory!
Dallas Morning News
Texas Longhorns 23, Oklahoma Sooners 6
What a day at the Cotton Bowl! One of the best Texas-OU games I have attended, and I have seen some great ones. The Longhorn Fans were fantastic. It was impressive. After a bumpy first half, the Longhorns came out with fire and fury in the second half and slammed the door shut on Oklahoma as they slammed Mateer and other Land Thieves into the turf of the Cotton Bowl. Malik Muhammad with two interceptions, Arch Manning with an incredibly solid day, Quintrevion Wisner with 94 yards on 22 hard-nosed physical runs, good push by both the offensive and defensive lines. Texas with 3 interceptions and 5 sacks, Land Thieves with just one sack. The second year in a row where the Land Thieves didn’t get in the endzone. Full recap below. It was a great day to be a Texas Longhorn! It is always a great day to be a Texas Longhorn!
The Mini-Movie:
https://x.com/TexasFootball/status/1978266191274606887
Monday Morning Highlights:
On X:
https://x.com/TexasFootball/status/1977720606620615102
On Instagram:
Y, Los Longhorns en Español. Seriously, where else in the world do you get to hear “¡Interceptado . . . Malik Muhammad!”
On Instagram:
On X:
https://x.com/TexasFootball/status/1978508172840051169
Colin Simmons
If you have not watched this, take the time. It will be one of the best things you see and hear today.
https://x.com/BNKonFOX/status/1977039846414991682
No. 21/17 Texas Longhorns vs. Kentucky Wildcats
The Longhorns head to the Bluegrass State for another SEC road game. Kickoff is at 6:00 p.m. on ESPN from Kroger Field in Lexington. Dave Flemming will handle the play-by-play and Brock Osweiler the analysis. Stormy Buonantony is the sideline reporter. 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 early betting odds:
The odds early Friday morning:
Texas by 17. Book it Danno.
College Football Last Weekend
What a wild and fun day in the greatest sport on earth. Big upset in Eugene as No. 7 Indiana beat the No. 3 Oregon Ducks 30-20. No. 1 Ohio State took care of business 34-16 over No. 17 Illinois. No. 8 Alabama 27-24 in a close one over No. 14 Missouri. No. 16 Notre Dame Fighting Irish hammered North Carolina State 36-7. No. 5 Texas Agricultural & Mechanical doubled Florida 34-17. Aggies are really for real! Sure I hope I don’t jinx them. Southern Cal beat No. 15 Michigan soundly, 31-13.
College Football This Weekend
The biggest game for our family will be in Indiana, as No. 13 Notre Dame has No. 20 Southern Cal. Peter Dean and Micah Dean are going to their first game in South Bend, and I am hoping they get to see the Fighting Irish victorious over the Trojans. 6:30 p.m. on NBC. A special look at the game for all the Deans traveling to St. Joseph County for the game. No. 5 Ole Miss at No. 9 Georgia, 2:30 p.m. on ABC, will be either a really good game or a tough loss for the Rebels; I think a good game. No. 11 Tennessee at No. 6 Alabama, 6:30 p.m. on ABC. Washington State at No. 18 Virginia (5-1), 5:30 p.m. on The CW Network.
2025 Kentucky Wildcats
The Wildcats are 2-3 and 0-3 in SEC play, tied for last with Auburn.
The Roster
UK Offense
Cutter Boley (No. 8, 6-5, 220 pounds, RS freshman) 48/84 on the year (57.1%) for 627 yards. 4 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, and 9 sacks for 51 yards. Officially 21 carries for 2 yards. Not a big running threat. His RTG is 128.4, and his QBR is 39.5 (113 in the nation). Zach Calzada was the starter to begin the season but was injured in the Ole Miss game.
Kendrick Law (No. 1, 6 foot, 205 pounds Senior wide receiver out of Captain Shreve HS in Shreveport) has 19 catches for 174 yards and 1 touchdown, long of 38. He is the highest graded Wildcat on offense with a PFF of 74.0. Ja’Mori Maclin (No. 9, 5-11, 191 pounds, Senior wide receiver from Kirkwood, Missouri, transfer [UNT and Mizzou]) had 8 catches for 135 yards. Hardley Gilmore IV (No. 17, 6-1, 183 pounds, Sophomore wide receiver) has 9 catches for 121 yards.
The two top tight ends each have 9 catches for 141 yards. Josh Kattus (No. 84, 6-4, 247 pounds, Senior TE) has 2 touchdowns, Willie Rodriguez (No. 81, 6-4, 252 pounds, sophomore) has 1 score. Kattus is the second highest graded Wildcat on offense with PFF of 72.7.
Seth McGowan (No. 3, 6-1, 215 pounds Senior from Poteet in Mesquite [transfer from NM State, prior stops at Butler CC and Oklahoma) is a very solid running back, PFF grade of 71.7. 79 carries for 431 yards and 7 touchdowns, he averages 5.5 yards per carry. The 7 scores puts him 3rd in the SEC among running backs. He got banged up in the Georgia game but will be playing Saturday night. Dante Dowdell (No. 2, 6-2, 227 pounds Junior RB [transfer from Nebraska, prior stop in Oregon]) has 56 rushes for 247 yards and a touchdown, PFF grade of 70.8.
Two offensive lineman to watch. Jalen Farmer (No. 52, 6-5, 318 pounds junior), with a 68.2 PFF grade and 65.4 in run blocking. Center Jager Burton (No. 62, 6-4, 323 pounds senior) is excellent in pass protection, PFF of 80.5, overall grade of 67.2.
Alex Afari, Jr. (No. 3, 6-2, 227 pounds inside linebacker) has 37 tackles (22 solo) and 1 sack. Jonquis “JQ” Hardaway (No. 6, 6-3 193 pounds, Senior DB) has 31 tackles (22 solo) and an interception. Ty Bryant (No. 14, 6 foot 198 pounds, Junior DB) has 31 tackles (15 solo) and 2 interceptions. Jordan Lovett (No. 25, 6-2, 208 pounds Senior DB), 30 tackles (20 solo) and a pick. Daveren Rayner 28 tackles (11 solo) and an interception. Mi’Quise Humphrey-Grace (No. 90, 6-4, 270 pounds, junior defensive lineman) has 15 tackles and 2 sacks, PFF grade of 73.5.
The two good EDGE men, Steven Soles Jr. (No. 35, 6-2, 235 pounds, junior) is the highest graded Kentucky defender at 82.4 and a pass rush grade of 91.7 (very good), and Kam Olds (No. 1, 6-4, 252 pounds Senior) has a PFF overall grade of 77.6.
Jacob Kauwe is the kicker, and he is 8/9 on field goals, with a long of 51.
Mark Stoops is in his 13th season Lexington. He has school records for wins (79) and SEC wins (36). Very nice. Stoops is 79-76 overall and 36-65 in the Southeastern Conference.
Mike Stoops is the inside linebackers coach. Jay Boulware coaches the running backs.
The Kentucky 2025 Season:
Game 1: Kentucky opened with a 24-16 win over Toledo. Zach Calzada quarterbacked the Cats and was 10/23 for 84 yards and an interception; 10 rushes for 14 yards and a TD, had a QBR of 32.1. Josh Kattus caught 3 passes for 43 yards. The bright side was the run game. Dante Dowdell had 14 carries for 129 yards and a score, including a 79-yard touchdown run. Seth McGowan rushed 18 times for 78 yards and a score.
On defense, the Wildcats gave up 270 yards passing and 50 yards rushing. Alex Afari Jr. led the Wildcats with 13 tackles (9 solo), a sack, and 2 TFL. Daveren Rayner and Ty Bryant each had 6 tackles. JQ Hardaway had a pick. Of note, the Kentucky punter Aidan Laros had 5 punts, 4 of which were inside the 20.
Game 2: No. 20 Ole Miss beat Kentucky in Lexington 30-23. Calzada was 15/30 for 179 yards; QBR of 27.2. Cutter Boley came in and was 1 of 3 for 38 yards, rushed for 14. Ja’Mori Maclin had 2 catches for 56 yards, Hardley Gilmore IV had 2 for 54 yards, and Kendrick Law had 6 for 44. McGowan rushed for 93 yards and 2 touchdowns, Dowdell 14 for 56. 172 yards total rushing.
Ole Miss rushed for 220 yards and 3 touchdowns and Austin Simmons passed for 235 yards, but was picked off twice. Afari had 10 tackles (7 solo) and a TFL. Ty Bryant had 10 tackles and both Kentucky interceptions.
Game 3: The Wildcats generated some offense in their 48-23 win over the Eastern Michigan Eagles. Cutter Boley got the start at QB. 12/21, 240 yards, and 2 touchdowns; rushed 5 times for 24 yards. Kattus 3 catches for 61 yards and a touchdown. Gilmore 2 for 48. Seth McGowan had 18 carries for 104 yards and 3 touchdowns. Jason Patterson 13 for 80 yards and a touchdown.
Eastern Michigan’s Noah Kim passed for 330 yards and a score with 1 pick. Eagles rushed for 131. Jordan Lovett had 8 tackles to lead the Cats. Mi’Quise Humphrey-Grace had 4 tackles. Deveren Raynor had the interception.
Game 4: Kentucky’s trip to South Carolina was unsuccessful. Gamecocks beat the Wildcats handily, 35-13. Boley was a miserable 10/19 for 124 yards and 2 interceptions (including a pick 6) and minus 39 yards after 6 sacks; a QBR of 10.8. McGowan did run well – 17 carries for 112 yards and a touchdown.
SC’s offense was mostly LaNorris Sellers, who was 11/14 passing for 153 yards and ran for 81 yards on 14 carries. Rayner had 7 tackles, Jordan Lovett had 6, and Hardaway and Afari each had 5.
Game 5: No. 12 Georgia beat Kentucky 35-14. Boley was 25/41 for 225 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 pick. Law had 6 receptions for 64 yards and a score, Kattus had a 29 yard touchdown catch. McGowan 11 carries for 44 yards. Dowdell was 7 rushes for 9 yards.
Gunner Stockton was 15/23 for 196 yards, 1 TD, 1 Pick, rushed for 48 yards and 2 touchdowns. Bulldogs ran for 180 yards and 4 scores. Hardaway 11 tackles, Bryant 7. Kahlil Saunders and Alex Afari Jr. each had 6 tackles.
Texas Longhorns vs. Kentucky Wildcats
The Statistics
Offense
Statistic |
Texas |
Kentucky |
| Rushing Offense | #56, #9 – 166.5 ypg | #66, #11 – 159.4 ypg |
| Passing Offense | #66, #10 – 233.2 ypg | #116, #15 – 172.2 ypg |
| Total Offense | #64, #9 – 399.7 ypg | #111, #14 – 331.6 ypg |
| Scoring Offense | #71, #11 – 28.5 ppg | #94, #14 – 24.4 ppg |
| First Downs | #99, #14 – 19.0/game | #104, #15 – 18.6/game |
| Sacks Allowed | #51, #7 – 10, 52 yards | #61, #8 – 11, 66 yards |
| Tackles for Loss Allowed | #86, #10 – 34, 124 yards | #25, #6 – 26, 103 yards |
| Third Down Conversions | #75, #12 – 39.5% | #69, #11 – 40.0% |
| Fourth Down Conversions | #108, #14 – 41.7% (5/12) | #116, #16 – 37.5% (3/8) |
| Touchdowns | #67, #10 – 21 total, 14 RZ | #115, #16 – 14 total, 12 RZ |
| Red Zone Attempts | #53, #7 – 24 | #94, #13 – 19 |
| Red Zone Offense | #100, #14 – 79% / 58% | #74, #13 – 84% / 63% |
| Long Run Plays | #70, #9 – 29/10, 6/20, 4/30, 1/40 | #113, #14 – 19/10, 4/20, 1/30, 1/40 |
| Long Pass Plays | #64, #10 – 54/10, 23/20, 13/30, 4/40 | #130, #16 – 31/10, 13/20, 8/30, 2/40 |
Defense
Statistic |
Texas |
Kentucky |
| Rushing Defense | #4, #2 – 74.3 ypg | #86, #12 – 153.6 ypg |
| Passing Defense | #32, #6 – 185.5 ypg | #112, #14 – 248.6 ypg |
| Total Defense | #11, #3 – 259.8 ypg | #109, #15 – 402.2 ypg |
| Scoring Defense | #3, #2 – 11.0 ppg | #96, #14 – 27.8 ppg |
| First Downs Allowed | #8, #3 – 14.2/game | #93, #14 – 20.6/game |
| Sacks | #24, #6 – 16, 87 yards | #123, #16 – 7, 60 yards |
| Tackles for Loss | #81, #9 – 32, 125 yards | #128, #16 – 23, 99 yards |
| Third Down Conversions | #18, #5 – 30.2% | #103, #14 – 42.9% |
| Fourth Down Conversions | #5, #2 – 23.1% (3/13) | #17, #4 – 35.7% (5/14) |
| Red Zone Attempts | #2, #1 – 8 | #70, #13 – 21 |
| Red Zone Defense | #86, #9 – 88% / 62% | #77, #8 – 86% / 67% |
| Long Run Plays Allowed | #11, #4 – 14/10, 1/20, 1/30, 0/40 | #50, #10 – 24/10, 3/20, 1/30, 0/40 |
| Long Pass Plays Allowed | #28, #6 – 41/10, 13/20, 5/30, 4/40 | #53, #11 – 48/10, 19/20, 6/30, 3/40 |
Oklahoma still #1 Total Defense (211.2), #2 Scoring, #10 rushing, #2 passing
Other
Statistic |
Texas |
Kentucky |
| Turnovers | #36, #4 – 6 (1F, 5I) | #80, #10 – 8 (4F, 4I) |
| Turnover Margin | #7, #2 – 12:6 +6 | #92, #12 – 6:8 -2 |
| Penalties | #120, #12 – 48, 414 yards | #25, #2 – 29, 225 yards |
*Based on total number of penalties.
Match-up Comparison
Texas Offense |
Kentucky Defense |
| Rushing Offense – 166.5 ypg | 153.6 ypg – Rushing Defense |
| Passing Offense – 233.2 ypg | 248.6 ypg – Passing Defense |
| Total Offense – 399.7 ypg | 402.2 ypg – Total Defense |
| Scoring Offense – 28.5 ppg | 27.8 ppg – Scoring Defense |
| First Downs – 19.0/game | 20.6/game – First Downs Allowed |
| 3rd Down Offense – 39.5% | 42.9% – 3rd Down Defense |
| 4th Down Offense – 41.7% | 35.7% – 4th Down Defense |
| Red Zone Offense – 79%/58% | 86%/67% – Red Zone Defense |
| LRP – 29/10, 6/20, 4/30, 1/10 | 24/10 3/20, 1/30, 0/40 – LRP Allowed |
| LPP – 54/10, 23/20, 13/30, 4/40 | 48/10, 19/20, 6/30, 3/40 – LPP Allowed |
Texas Defense |
Kentucky Offense |
| Rushing Defense – 74.3 ypg | 159.4 ypg – Rushing Offense |
| Passing Defense – 185.5 ypg | 172.2 ypg – Passing Offense |
| Total Defense – 259.8 ypg | 331.6 ypg – Total Offense |
| Scoring Defense – 11.0 ppg | 24.4 ppg – Scoring Offense |
| First Downs Allowed – 14.2/game | 18.6/game – First Downs |
| 3rd Down Defense – 30.2% | 40.0% – 3rd Down Offense |
| 4th Down Defense – 23.1 | 37.5% – 4th Down Offense |
| Red Zone Defense – 88%/62% | 84%/63% – Red Zone Offense |
| LRP Allowed – 14/10, 1/20, 1/30, 0/40 | 19/10, 4/20, 1/30, 1/40 – LRP |
| LPP Allowed – 41/10, 13/20, 5/30, 4/40 | 31/10, 13/20, 8/30, 2/40 – LPP |
BCF Toys
| FEI | OFEI | DFEI | SFEI – Adj | |
| Texas | No. 9: 0.93 | No. 28: 0.22 | No. 4: 0.62 | No. 8: 0.09 |
| Kentucky | No. 49: 0.18 | No. 77: -0.16 | No. 40: 0.20 | No. 7: 0.10 |
| NAY | OAY | DAY | |
| Texas | No. 19: 0.174 | No. 63: 0.483 | No. 7: 0.308 |
| Kentucky | No. 92: -0.069 | No. 97: 0.417 | No. 70: 0.486 |
| NPD | OPD | DPD | |
| Texas | No. 14: 1.57 | No. 51: 2.49 | No. 6: 0.96 |
| Kentucky | No. 86: -0.40 | No. 86: 1.96 | No. 78: 2.37 |
| NPP | OPP | DPP | |
| Texas | No. 30: 1.11 | No. 75: 5.50 | No. 8: 4.39 |
| Kentucky | No. 93: -0.67 | No. 93: 5.30 | No. 78: 5.97 |
| PVE | OVE | DVE | SVE | |
| Texas | No. 10: 0.82 | No. 62: -0.02 | No. 3: 0.75 | No. 8: 0.12 |
| Kentucky | No. 90 -0.23 | No. 112: – 0.37 | No. 73: 0.05 | No. 42: 0.04 |
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. 9: 1.53 | No. 38: 0.66 | No. 2: 2.08 | No. 53: 0.34 |
| Kentucky | No. 55: 0.29 | No. 72: -0.17 | No. 45: 0.49 | No. 7: 1.41 |
If you have some time and want to see how money translates to successful football, go look through all these categories. The Sand Aggies are at or near the top of most.
PFF
Texas’ overall rating is 93.2, placing it at No. 9. Kentucky’s overall rating is 80.5, placing it at No. 75. 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 | 78.0 | 77.3 | 67.9 | 76.3 | 80.1 | 66.4 |
| UK | 64.8 | 45.5 | 70.4 | 61.0 | 77.0 | 63.0 |
| Defense | Run D | Tackling | Pass Rush | Coverage | |
| UT | 92.8 | 91.8 | 82.6 | 82.3 | 91.8 |
| UK | 84.8 | 88.1 | 65.6 | 82.2 | 66.0 |
Texas Special Teams: No. 44 – 78.2 rating. Kentucky is ranked No. 82 with a ST rating of 72.7.
BCF Game Projection:
| Projected Winner | Projected Loser | PW | PM | PF | PA | PT |
| Texas Longhorns | Kentucky Wildcats | .804 | 12.6 | 58.8 | 16.1 | 44.9 |
Official Game Notes from The University:
https://texaslonghorns.com/documents/2025/10/13/Week_8_-_Kentucky.pdf
Week 8 Game Notes from the SEC:
https://www.secsports.com/football-weekly-release
Previews:
Eric Nahlin, Inside Texas.
Why Texas Longhorns’ mindset matters more than talent heading into Kentucky – On3
Burnt Orange Nation:
The ESPN Matchup Predictor very early Friday morning:
With Jerrick Gibson’s departure, Michael Terry has moved from the wide receiver room to the running back room. He’s an excellent all-around athlete. Should be useful.
TCT Thoughts
Texas a chance to win an SEC road game, and the Longhorns need to be focused and prepared. Kentucky is not as good a football team as the Horns, but that doesn’t mean they can’t get some breaks and make it competitive or even sniff an upset. Texas absolutely must play the kind of focused, disciplined football that they did in Dallas. All those basic keys to a win are all the more important in a night game on the road in the Southern Conference. No turnovers and limit penalties especially drive killers and drive extenders.
Two things jump out at me from the statistics. The Texas offense versus the Kentucky defense looks to be one that Texas should dominate easily, but the actual numbers (not rankings) suggest that Texas should be right around its season averages on offense. I am pretty nervous about the injuries on the offensive line, but next man up. The Kentucky defense has not shown a propensity to pressure and sack, so if Arch can just have time to make his reads, we should be fine. He has a huge arsenal of weapons as more guys are developing.
Where Texas can and will win the game is on defense. The Longhorns should be able to control this football game. The unit is playing with confidence, there are a bunch of guys contributing, and they should be ready to go. The Wildcats have a decent line and middle of the pack rush game, but the passing game is bottom quintile, and Coach PK and the Horns should dominate. I have Kentucky getting 13 points, but I can also see 10 or less.
One thing that is kind of odd that started popping up a lot this week was how much Texas opponents are not penalized. Texas is No. 114 with 4.8 opponent penalties per game. It is an odd stat; Miami (FL) is #135, 3.4 ppg against, and Michigan is #136, 3 ppg against. A subset – the opposing team has not been called for defensive holding or defensive pass interference this season against Texas. And another – Texas has only 3 first downs resulting from opponent penalties – last in the conference and 135th in the nation.
Texas Longhorns 30, Kentucky Wildcats 13
A Little History
Researching this stuff is one of my favorite parts about the Dispatch. I have spent a lot of time over the years on mythical national championships (“MNC” – see wall at Kyle Field), and I am always interested in seeing some of these good football teams who, in modern times (let’s say BCS to the present) might have been in the hunt for a real championship. That said, remember I am steadfast in my position that final No. 1 rankings in the Associated Press and United Press International polls were, before the BCS, definitive. Not going to ever agree on the other MNC’s. Too many publications and organizations handing out participation medals. AP, UPI. That’s it. But I digress.
I really had no idea that Kentucky had a “national championship” in football and I had forgotten that Paul “Bear” Bryant was in Lexington for 8 years (1946-1953). The “national championship” was proclaimed in 2004, when Jeff Sagarin plugged the 1950 college football season into his program and his computer said the Kentucky Wildcats were the national champs. Why? As Longhorns know, the AP and UPI did their final polls before the bowl games. At the end of the 1950 regular season, the Land Thieves were No. 1 in the AP and UPI and thus the national champions which most sane people recognize (the first for the Land Thieves). But Bear Bryant and the Wildcats beat Bud Wilkinson and the undefeated Sooners in the 1951 Sugar Bowl, 13-7. That was the end of a 31 game winning streak for Bud and the Boys from Oklahoma…
Coach Bryant coached the Wildcats in their Golden Age of football, as the Wildcats would finish in final AP polls ranked No. 11 in 1949, No. 7 in 1950, No. 15 in 1951, No. 20 in 1952, and No. 16 in 1953. Paul Bryant, after the 1953 season and relative success in beautiful Lexington, Kentucky, decided to go to College Station. Like the building of the pyramids and the Nazca lines, the mystery remains unsolved. [Actually, that’s not true. It just made me laugh. He left because he knew UK football was second fiddle to Adolph Rupp and Wildcat basketball, and I am sure Bear Bryant knew he was destined for greatness. Which is why a few years later he was in Tuscaloosa.]
The other great Kentucky team was the famous 1892 squad, the Kentuckians, because they weren’t wildcats yet. Also known as the “Immortals”, because they were the only Kentucky team that was undefeated, untied, and unscored upon in UK history. And they are more likely to retain that immortality than the 1972 Miami Dolphins.
The University of Kentucky
Ah, Bluegrass Aggies. Founded in 1865 (the same year as Kappa Alpha Order) the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Kentucky, a department (or one might say branch) of the more learned Kentucky University (which had been Transylvania University, where the genteel gentlemen of the Commonwealth were educated to become lawyers and doctors and so on). With Morrill Land-Grant Act funds, the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Kentucky opened in 1866 at Ashland (Henry Clay’s estate). A decade later, the original Kentucky University and the little brother bluegrass aggies separated, with the original Kentucky University going back to being with Transylvania. The school would, like most agricultural and mechanical colleges, work their way through several names (e.g., State University of Kentucky) before settling on the University of Kentucky in the 1920’s. Some agricultural schools didn’t have that as an option.
UK is a basketball school. Eight national championships, most wins, best winning percentage. Rupp, Joe B. Hall, Rick Pitino, Tubby Smith, and John Calipari all with natties in Lexington.
Academic Rankings |
||
National |
||
| Texas | Kentucky | |
| Forbes | 46 | 200 |
| U.S. News & World Report | 30 | 152 |
| Washington Monthly | 98 | 159 |
| WSJ/College Pulse | 41 | 302 |
Global |
||
| ARWU | 45 | 301-400 |
| QS | 68 (#4 U.S. Publics) | 781-790 |
| THE | 50 | 401-500 |
| U.S. News & World Report | 65 | 407 |
UK also won the NC in volleyball in 2021 and in women’s cross country in 1988. In 2015 the UK Dance team was 5th in the nation in Hip Hop and 7th in Pom.
Famous alumni include Albert “Happy” Chandler, 44th and 49th Governor of Kentucky and Commissioner of Major League Baseball from 1945 to 1951 (the only job I covet). Plus Mitch McConnell, Kelly Craft, Ashley Judd, and a lot of great basketball players.
Texas Longhorns 23, Oklahoma Sooners 6
The most watched college game last weekend, with 8.7 million viewers.
“Penalties, turnovers, and special teams. I really think whoever wins those battles wins the war on Saturday.” I was right about that. The Red River War was won by Texas, and here is the comparison in those battles
| Texas | Land Thieves | |
| Turnovers | 0 | 3 |
| Penalties | 4-31 | 5-35 |
| Special Teams | Punt Return for TD | Nada |
Special teams isn’t really one stat, but the Niblett punt return for the huge touchdown further ignited the already lit Texas crowd and started the Crimson Exodus to the Midway for neon green margaritas. Shipley was only 3/5 on field goals (OU was 2/2); he missed two long ones – 55 and 56 yards. Bouwmeester only punted twice – 98 yards for 49 yard per punt average.
On Oklahoma’s first possession, they moved ball well, aided in part by a boneheaded too-many men on the field situation (penalty, free play) and a very disorganized Texas defense on third down allowed a 23 yard Mateer to Setegna completion. That would be the longest pass play of the day for OU. Another big completion to Burks (I think it was also his long of the day – 21 yards). It was a bit unnerving, but the Texas defense stiffened and held OU to a field goal.
Texas went backwards on their first possession, losing a yard. The Longhorn defense held and forced a punt, and on the next UT possession we at least didn’t have negative yardage. But we had zero.
Malik Muhammad got his first interception on the next Sooner series, and Manning moved the ball a little, including a very good 24 yard pass to Moore that got Texas to the OU 22. But a holding penalty on the next play backed the Horns up to the 32, Wisner lost 5 yards, a pass to Endries lost 5 yards. Shipley missed the 55 yard field goal.
Texas only trailed 3-0 as the first quarter ended, but it was an ugly one offensively. I was a bit nervous.
The Land Thieves drove the ball 40 yards to the Texas 23, and OU tacked on another field goal. 6 to nothing Sooners. It wasn’t good, but of course none of us knew that would be Oklahoma’s last score of the game, with 9 minutes left in the second half. The next 39 minutes would be a shutout.
Texas made the most of the next opportunity. A great, sustained drive, keyed by a 37 yard Wisner run into Land Thief Territory after breaking through middle of the line. Manning with a great completion to Moore for 14 yards. A couple more, one to Endries and one to Livingstone which was a heck of a catch, but Texas stalled at the OU 3. With fourth and goal, I was really happy to see Coach Sarkisian take the points. 6-3 OU.
Oklahoma was driving the ball after the kickoff, and it looked like they would have a shot at least 3 more points. But with 10 seconds left, Malik picked off Mateer again, this time in the endzone. Glad Venables decided to forgo the field goal.
Second Half
Texas got the ball to start the half, and Arch Manning led the Horns on a 75 yard drive that chewed up half the third quarter. A lot of Quintrevion: 2 yard pass, 7 yard run, 2 yard run, 13 yard pass, 9 yard run, 3 yard run. [A big play was Arch not fumbling when he was sacked from behind and the defender was attacking the ball.] Third and 8 at the Oklahoma 12, and Manning made a beautiful read to find Deandre Moore, Jr. all alone in the back of the endzone for what would turn out to be the only offensive touchdown in the game. Texas leads 10-6. A hugely important drive.
DeAndre Moore said postgame on the radio that that it was an adlib play. “The play was designed for Wingo, but they weren’t guarding me so I found green grass, stuck my hand up and Arch found me.” Yes he did.
Texas forced a 3 and out and got the ball back. Manning with another good drive. A great pass to Livingstone on the sideline in what could have easily been a disastrous sack in the endzone. A couple of plays later, a short dump pass to Wisner was turned into big yards after the catch – a 19 yard catch and run that got Texas into OU territory. Some small runs and negative plays, but on third and 19 Arch hit Wingo for 14 yards to get Texas to the 30 yard line. Shipley nailed the 48 yard kick to put Texas up 13-6.
The next OU drive ended 82 seconds into the fourth quarter, as Graceson Littleton picked off a heavily pressured Mateer and returned it to the Oklahoma 44. Texas again failed to turn turnovers into points, as Shipley doinked the long field goal, but the way our defense was playing, I was actually not too worried. Just a little bit.
The Land Thieves’ next possession was disastrous for them. Penalties and negative plays had OU in second and 31 before Blaylock picked up 10 yards. Mateer couldn’t connect with Sategna, and on fourth and 21 from their own 21 with 10 minutes left, Grayson Miller punted to Ryan Niblett. 75 yards later, Niblett ran into the Texas end endzone to put the nail in the coffin for the Land Thieves in the 121st edition of the Red River Shootout. Joyous pandemonium.
Mateer got the Sooners into Texas territory in the next series, but the defense had worn down OU by this point, and that possession ended with sacks by Simmons and Taaffe.
Texas put an exclamation point on the game next serious with a 42 yard drive that had one of my favorite plays – Arch Manning 29 yard run that ended with him wisely sliding to stay inbounds as the clock was ticking down to 4 minutes. I think that was when the Sooners really started leaving, and it was for sure a couple of plays later when Shipley hit the 39 yard field goal. 23-6 Texas.
The Land Thieves last possession included, fittingly, 2 more sacks of Mateer.
It was physical beat down of the Land Thieves from both sides of the ball.
I want to start with the defense, especially pass D, which was very good in the first half and shut out the Sooners in the second. Some observations and factoids.
Pass Defense: Having Malik Muhammad back was huge. 2 interceptions and another pass defended. Graceson Littleton with an interception. Littleton is the first true freshman to get a pick against the Land Thieves in the RRS (thanks Danny Davis). Jelani McDonald has one go through his hands. Michael Taaffe was the highest graded safety in the SEC last week, 83.8. John Mateer completed just 52.6% of his passes, over 10 points below his average.
Pass Rush: The Texas defense got after Mateer. 5 sacks and 17 pressures on 47 dropbacks. Simmons had one his best games, 2.5 sacks and 4 pressures, Brad Spence had 6 pressures, a sack, and 2 TFL in 16 pass snaps. Even more efficient, Lance Jackson who had 4 pressures, 0.5 sack, and 2 QBH in just 8 pass snaps. Of note, Jackson was also the highest graded true freshman EDGE of the week at 87.0. All that pressure contributed to Mateer’s 20/38 and 3 interceptions.
Some of the stats:
- Mateer was 13/21 for 119 yards in the first half. He would finish 20/38 for 202. So 7/17 for 83 yards in the second.
- Oklahoma had 43 yards rushing at halftime, 23 from Blaylock and 13 from Mateer. They would finish with 48 yards rushing, and Blaylock had 33 and Mateer 5.
- Arch Manning was 10/14 for 114 yards, no score in the first half. Arch would finish 20/27 for 166 yards and a touchdown.
- Texas had 45 yards rushing at halftime; 40 from Quintrevion Wisner and 5 from Manning, no scores. Texas would end the game with 136 yards rushing – 94 from Wisner and 34 from Manning.
Arch Manning played a really great game. PFF grade of 86.5, highest on offense. He was poised, confident, and mostly accurate. He made reads and found open receivers. He took care of the ball. He looked like a leader on the field. It was cool.
Arch was great, but the outstanding game played by Quintrevion Wisner helped make that happen. 22 carries, 94 yards, 6 first downs, and 5 catches for 34 yards. Per Justin Nash, 108 yards after contact. Every Quintrevion carry:
https://x.com/NashTalksTexas/status/1978217161479930054
Love this (more Quintrevion): https://x.com/NashTalksTexas/status/1978215166471799014
Arch and Quintrevion had great games because the offensive line had a great game. Credit where credit is due – the Texas offense had success because this line pushed the Sooners around.
Improvement. There have been years when we didn’t feel like we saw improvement as the season went on. Going into Saturday, one of the Texas offense’s greatest weaknesses was third down conversions, and they were going up against the No. 1 third down defense, allowing 17.4% (12/59). That’s 12 first downs in 5 games. In the Cotton Bowl, Manning led the Horns to 10/17 third down conversions. That may be one of my favorite stats of the game.
Sunnyglenn Park. Hadn’t heard about this until this week. Pretty cool, from Cory Mose on X (Sark video clip worth the watch). “You’ll hear the players talk about Sunnyglenn Park, that’s the park that’s down the street from my house off of Redbeam Avenue in Torrance, California…When you go to scramble, yea there’s some parameters that you put around it which we do. But at the end of the day you got to play, now you’re playing the game of football.”
https://x.com/Cory_Mose/status/1978172514774683784
Malik Muhammad: Per Even Vieth, 35 SEC cornerbacks have taken 100 or more snaps in coverage this year. Malik Muhammad leads all of them in yards per reception allowed (7.4) and is the only cornerback who has been targeted 15 times or more to give up less than 75 yards. Muhammad has only given up 59.
A little look at the stats coming into the game for the Land Thieves and how Texas did on both sides of the ball.
| Statistic | Texas Defense in the RRS | Land Thieves Offense |
| Rushing | 48 yards | #97, #12 – 137.2 ypg |
| Passing | 210 yards | #31, #5 – 278.0 ypg |
| Total | 258 yards | #55, #10 – 415.2 ypg |
| Scoring | 6 | #45, #9 – 33.8 ppg |
| First Downs | 16 | #41, #9 – 22.6/game |
| Third Down Conversions | 6/17 – 35.3% | #44, #8 – 44.6% |
| Red Zone Offense | N/A | #1, #1 – 100% / 75% |
| Statistic | Texas Offense in the RRS | Land Thieves Defense |
| Rushing | 136 yards | #5, #2 – 74.6 ypg |
| Passing | 166 yards | #2, #1 – 118.4 ypg |
| Total | 302 | #1, #1 – 193.0 ypg |
| Scoring | 23 points | ##2, #1 – 7.2 ppg |
| First Downs Allowed | 15 | #2, #1 – 10.4/game |
| Third Down Conversions | 10/17 – 58.8% | #1, #1 – 17.4% |
| Red Zone Attempts | 2 | #4, #1 – 7 |
| Red Zone Defense | 100% / 50% | #75, #9 – 86% / 29% |
The Longhorns did what they needed to do. Convert third downs, minimize penalties, block, and get a running game. It was a team win, and it was sure fun seeing the team celebrating on the field, singing the Eyes, and taking pictures.
One my favorite notes looking back at last week’s Dispatch:
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.
“It will be a great football game, but low scoring. If you must bet, bet the under.” Yep, the total was 43.5.
Accolades
SEC Defensive Player of the Week – Malik Muhammad
SEC Special Teams Player of the Week – Ryan Niblett (assist to Vasek)
SEC Defensive Line Player of the Week – Colin Simmons
Mid-Season Lombardi Award Watchlist: Anthony Hill, Jr., Colin Simmons, DJ Campbell, and Jack Endries.
I had Texas Longhorns 20, Oklahoma Land Thieves 17. I again underestimated our defense, but it seems like when I do, it turns out great.
Highlights from ESPN – about 13 minutes
Condensed game, from Justin Nash (55 minutes).
Arch Manning – every play (just under 13 minutes)
https://x.com/NashTalksTexas/status/1977500815687376978
Josh Pate post-game review.
Lastly, a couple of funny RRS Day videos.
The first is from Texas Longhorn Baseball players Ethan Mendoza and Ruger Riojas .
The second is from Parker Livingstone’s brothers, Jack and Bradley, having a big day.
https://x.com/darbyjobrown/status/1977711033285247335
The Weekend
Great Friends of The University PAC Event to start the weekend and party afterwards.
Javier’s was outstanding, as usual. Tons of great friends throughout the restaurant. A great dinner with Paige and Joe “Ivan” Young, Carol and Tim Crowley, and Peyton Werra and Austin Brockman (we missed Elizabeth and Connor a lot).
Saturday morning, Tony Dewar had us inside Fair Park a few minutes after 11:00. Found my favorite Oklahoman (now Texan) and pledge brother Charlie Randolph. The Katie’s Patty Melt exceeded all expectations. I will always get a Fletcher’s Corny Dog, but that patty melt is one of the best things I’ve ever had at the Fair. Will always be on the State Fair of Texas must do list.
Getting into the stadium was much improved. Kudos on that.
Claudia and I made it over to the food court and I was in line at the Chili Parlor in record time. I explained now I wanted my Frito Pie the TCT Way: Fritos, then the cheese, then the hot chili on top to melt the cheese. It was pretty funny because the guy got excited and wanted to prep it himself, and the lady making it shooed him back to the counter and then outdid herself. Fritos, cheese, a lot of chili – and then more cheese. It was magnificent!
I borrowed this photo from Chip Rives. Thanks Chip, it is a good one!
Home
A great time in Dallas, and a great weekend capped by celebrating Talley Elizabeth Fleming’s first birthday. God is good.
The Longhorn Alphabet: Texas Football A to Z
My friend Taylor Young has written a great children’s book for Longhorn families.
https://longhornalphabet.com/products/the-longhorn-alphabet-texas-football-a-z
Texas Volleyball
The No. 2 Longhorns are now 14-0, with 9 wins over ranked opponents. Last Sunday, the Horns beat Alabama 3-1 in Tuscaloosa. Friday night, Arkansas at Gregory Gym, 6:30 p.m. on SEC Network+. The Horns have the Land Thieves at the Greg Sunday night at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN. Let’s get another Sooner scalp.
Week Eight in the Southeastern Conference
No. 10 Louisiana State (5-1, 2-1) at No. 17 Vanderbilt (5-1, 1-1), 11:00 a.m. on ABC from Nashville. The Commodores are home favorites at minus 2.5, over/under is 48.5. Tigers need this win, but I think Vandy gets this one. Very close. Wil be a good one. Of note, this is the first time since 1978 that Vanderbilt is favored in an SEC game – a span of 177 conference games.
BCF Projection:
| Projected Winner | Projected Loser | PW | PM | PF | PA | PT |
| Vanderbilt | Louisiana State | .514 | .5 | 27.3 | 26.8 | 54.1 |
No. 14 Oklahoma (5-1, 1-1) at South Carolina (3-3, 1-3), 11:45 a.m. on the SEC Network from Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia. Land Thieves by 5.5, over/under is 43.5. I am going with Jim Stone’s Gamecocks in this one. Big upset in South Carolina!
No. 4 Texas Agricultural & Mechanical (6-0, 3-0) at Arkansas (2-4, 0-2), 2:30 p.m. on ESPN from Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville. The Aggies are playing pretty good football, but Le’Veon Moss is out. Pigs are not playing good ball and they have 3 wide receivers, 2 tight ends, and a running back (Green) out for the game. Texas Agricultural & Mechanical favored by 7.5, over/under is 59.5. Texas Agricultural & Mechanical to win and cover. I am really surprised that Fremeau’s model projects the pigs scoring 23.4 points on the agriculturalists.
BCF Projection:
| Projected Winner | Projected Loser | PW | PM | PF | PA | PT |
| Texas A. and M. | Arkansas | .780 | 11.4 | 34.8 | 23.4 | 58.2 |
No. 5 Ole Miss (6-0) at No. 9 Georgia (5-1, 3-1), 2:30 p.m. on ABC from Sanford Stadium in Athens. Going to be quite the battle between the hedges. Georgia favored by 7.5, over/under is 56.5. Ole Miss with the upset! Hotty Toddy!
BCF Projection:
| Projected Winner | Projected Loser | PW | PM | PF | PA | PT |
| Georgia | Ole Miss | .762 | 10.5 | 34.1 | 23.6 | 57.7 |
Mississippi State (4-2, 0-2) at Florida (2-4, 1-1), 3:15 p.m. on the SEC Network from The Swamp in Gainesville. After the hot start, which included a win against then No. 12 Arizona State, the Bulldogs have started winless in conference play. This week we will see if they are a slightly better than mediocre team or just below average. A win in the Swamp, and they have a shot at getting bowl eligible. If not, they have to beat at least two of Texas, Arkansas, Georgia, Missouri, or Ole Miss. Gators favored by 9.5, over/under is 51.5.
No. 11 Tennessee (5-1, 2-1), at No. 6 Alabama (5-1, 3-0) 6:30 p.m. on ABC from Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa. Crimson Tide favored by 8.5, over/under is 59.5. Bama to win and cover.
BCF Projection:
| Projected Winner | Projected Loser | PW | PM | PF | PA | PT |
| Crimson Tide | Volunteers | .769 | 10.8 | 33.1 | 22.2 | 55.3 |
No. 16 Missouri (5-1, 1-1) at Auburn (3-3, 0-3), 6:45 p.m. on the SEC Network from Jordan-Hare Stadium. Missouri favored by 1.5, over/under is 43.5. Well, Auburn has not caught a break this season, especially with the referees. I hope they have a better week. War Eagle with the upset!
Week Eight: Service Academies
Army (3-3) at Tulane (5-1), 11:00 a.m. on ESPNU from Yulman Stadium in New Orleans. Going to be a tough for the Black Knights. Tulane favored by 9.5, over/under is 45.5.
Wyoming (3-3) at Air Force (1-5), 2:30 p.m. on CBSSN from Falcon Stadium in El Paso County, Colorado. Falcons favored by 3.5, over/under is 58.5.
The Midshipmen have shore leave.
Southern Cal Trojans vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Bear with a doting grandfather who gives this game a special spot in this week’s Dispatch. The Texas games that I was blessed to take Peter and Micah to are the best of memories, and I am so happy that Rich and Helen and Mark get to take Peter and Micah to South Bend to see their beloved Irish play Southern Cal in one of college football’s great rivalries.
No. 20 Southern Cal (5-1), at No. 13 Notre Dame (4-2), 6:30 p.m. on NBC from le Université de Notre-Dame-du-Lac. The 96th game between the Trojans and Irish. I really hope Notre Dame can get the win for my sweet grandsons and keep the Jeweled Shillelagh in South Bend. Sorry Art. The Irish are favored by 9.5, over/under is 60.5. Notre Dame Fighting Irish to win! 🍀 Peter & Micah – have a blast! Papa loves you!
Bill Connelly’s projection is a 58% win probability for Notre Dame and a score of 33-30. Pretty close.
BCF Projection:
| Projected Winner | Projected Loser | PW | PM | PF | PA | PT |
| Fighting Irish | Trojans | .752 | 10.0 | 35.9 | 25.9 | 61.8 |
So let it be written, so let it be done.
This is one of the game’s great rivalries. Traditionally played at Notre Dame in mid October in odd years, in Los Angeles over Thanksgiving in even years. Two very good private national universities, two historically great football programs. Next year will be the 100th anniversary of the first game, played December 4, 1926, in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Irish won that one, 13-12. Notre Dame leads the 50-37-5. [Add in the vacated wins over the years, Irish lead 52-38-5.]
Thanks to Dr. Joseph P. Ferguson for sharing this excellent article on the rivalry:
Best games from the Notre Dame-USC rivalry – ESPN
Very sad that Lincoln Riley doesn’t want to keep the rivalry going. This is the last scheduled game at the moment. It is always a juicy game, which is probably why Brisket Lincoln doesn’t like it.
Two of the bluest of bluebloods, with 11 national championships each. Of course, ignore the conference championships. The Irish don’t need no stinkin’ conference. Just an amazing couple of great college football teams who remain exceptionally relevant today. Most of these rankings are elite.
TCT Prediction: Notre Dame 30, Southern Cal 17
Top 25 – Week Eight
Friday
Louisville (4-1) at No. 2 Miami (FL) (5-0), 6:00 p.m. on ESPN. I think this is one of two games left on Miami’s regular season schedule where there is a chance of an upset, however slight (the other being SMU). Hurricanes favored by 13.5, over/under is 49.5.
No. 25 Nebraska (5-1, 2-1) at Minnesota (4-2, 2-1), 7:00 p.m. on FOX from Minneapolis. Cornhuskers favored by 7.5, over/under is 47.5.
Saturday
No. 12 Georgia Tech (6-0) at Duke (4-2), 11:00 a.m. on ESPN from William Wade Stadium in Durham. Yellow Jackets are the underdogs in this one. Duke favored by 1.5, over/under is 60.5. Rambling Wreck to win!
No. 1 Ohio State (6-0) at Wisconsin (2-4), 2:30 p.m. on CBS from Camp Randall Stadium in Madison. Buckeyes huge 25.5 favorites, over/under is 41.5. Ohio State to win, Badgers to cover.
Michigan State (3-3) at No. 3 Indiana (6-0), 2:30 p.m. on Peacock from Memorial Stadium in Bloomington. The Hoosiers are the real deal. Big win over the Ducks in Eugene. Indiana favored by 27.5, over/under is 50.5. A huge line, but doesn’t surprise me.
No. 7 Texas Tech (6-0) at Arizona State (4-2), 3:00 p.m. on FOX from Tempe. Sand Aggies favored by 7.5 in the desert (the line has dropped several points), over/under is 51.5. Would love to pick an upset, but the Sand Aggies are legitimately good.
No. 22 Memphis (6-0) at UAB, 3:00 p.m. on ESPN2. Tigers favored by 21.5, over/under is 62.5. Memphis to win and cover.
No. 8 Oregon (5-1) at Rutgers (3-3), 5:30 p.m. on BTN from Piscataway. Some angry Ducks on a long trip. Oregon will rebound nicely. Ducks favored by 17.5, over/under is 61.5. Oregon to win and cover.
Washington State (3-3) at No. 18 Virginia (5-1), 5:30 p.m. on The CW Network from Scott Stadium in Charlottesville. The Cavaliers are on a heck of a ride. I think it continues this week. Hoos favored by 17.5, over/under is 55.5, Virginia to win, Cougars to cover.
Florida Atlantic (3-3) at No. 19 South Florida (5-1) 6:30 p.m. on ESPNU. Bulls favored by 21.5, over/under is 72.5.
No. 23 Utah (5-1) at No. 18 Brigham Young (6-0), 7:00 p.m. on FOX from LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo. I will be pulling for the Cougars in this one. Jim, hope they get the win!. Utes favored by 3.5, over/under is 49.5
BCF:
| Projected Winner | Projected Loser | PW | PM | PF | PA | PT |
| Utah | Brigham Young | .565 | 2.3 | 26.1 | 23.7 | 49.8 |
No. 24 Cincinnati (5-1) at Oklahoma State (1-5), 7:00 p.m. on ESPN2 from Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater. Bearcats favored by 21.5, over/under is 58.5. Hoping the Cowboys turn it around!
Other Games of Interest – Week Eight
Wednesday night, The University of Texas at El Paso Miners beat Sam Houston State 35-14, to get UTEP’s second win of the season. Okay Coach W. I got it. A pathetic note on the game: official attendance was 671 (not a typo – six hundred seventy-one).
Friday
San José State at Utah State, 8:00 p.m. on CBSSN. Utah aggies favored by 4.5. Go Spartans.
North Carolina (2-3) at California Berkeley (4-2), 9:30 p.m. on a JB Milliken Bowl Special. Golden Bears favored by 9.5, over/under is 46.5. Cal to win and cover.
Saturday
Arizona (4-2) at Houston (5-1), 11:00 a.m. on FS1 from John M. O’Quinn Field in Harris County. Wildcats favored by 1.5, over/under is 48.5.
The Revivalry! Baylor (4-2) at Texas Christian (4-2), 11:00 a.m. on ESPN2 from Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth. Game 121 in a series first played in 1899 and which Texas Christian leads 59-54-7. With AddRan Male and Female College’s history, this series has the oddity of 74 of the 120 games being played in Waco. This is game number 46 in Fort Worth. Horned Frogs favored by 2.5, over/under is 65.5. Good luck Ed!
Eastern Michigan (2-5, 1-2) vs Miami (3-3, 2-0) from Yager Stadium in Oxford, Ohio. The Redhawks heading to 3-0 in the MAC. Miami favored by 12.5, over/under is 43.5.
Southern Methodist University (4-2, 2-0) at Clemson, 2:30 p.m. on the ACC Network. Big game for the Ponies! Mustangs are 5.5 point road dogs to the Tigers, over/under is 50.5. Mustangs to cover.
UTSA (3-3) at North Texas (5-1), 2:30 p.m. on ESPN+ from Denton. The Mean Green coming off a shellacking by South Florida while UTSA waxed Rice. Two very different games for these teams last week. Will be interesting to see how Coach Eric Morris gets his guys to respond. Mean Green favored by 3.5 over the Roadrunners, over/under is 65.5. Birds Up! 🤙
Florida State (3-3, 0-3) at Stanford (2-4, 1-2), 9:30 p.m. on ESPN from the Farm. The struggling Cardinal of Leland Stanford Junior University are 18.5 underdogs at home. Ouch. Over/under is 54.5. Stanford to cover.
The UTRGV Vaqueros are back in action this week with a tough road trip to Beaumont. But aren’t they all. UTRGV (5-1, 1-1) vs. No. 18 Lamar (5-1, 2-0), 3:00 p.m. on ESPN+ from Provost Umphrey Stadium. Vaqueros favored by 1.5. ✌️
Washington & Lee University
The Generals with very successful game at Wilson Field in a 45-0 shutout of Gallaudet. The Bison were held to 82 yards passing and minus 11 yards rushing, and the W&L defense added 2 interceptions, a sack, and 7 tackles for loss. The Blue & White rushed for 419 yards and 399 net, led by Dominic Hahn with 133 yards and a touchdown. 7 Generals had runs of 13 yards or longer.
It is Parents Weekend in Lexington, and the Generals will play Bridgewater. 4:00 p.m. start (Shenandoah Valley time) at Wilson Field on Saturday. The Eagles are 1-5, with their only win a 41-14 drubbing of Averett (W&L’s next opponent). Bridgewater has losses to Stevenson, No. 4 Susquehanna, Randolph-Macon, Shenandoah, and Roanoke.
The Generals are second in the ODAC at 3-1, behind undefeated Randolph-Macon. W&L is fifth in Division III in rushing offense, averaging 283.7 yards per game. That would be second in the FBS, behind Navy at 305 ypg and just ahead of Army at 282.7 ypg.
The Polls
AP Top 25 & the Coaches:
ESPN’s FPI
Kentucky is No. 50 with an FPI of 4.6.
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.”
Kentucky is No. 62 with a rating of 3.8.
Ohio State, Indiana, Miami (FL), Texas Agricultural & Mechanical, San Aggies, Ole Miss, Alabama, Notre Dame, Georgia, and Louisiana State. Land Thieves drop to No. 18, and Texas jumps up to No. 23.
PFF
PFF The Ohio State University No. 1, followed by Miami (FL), Indiana, Texas Agricultural & Mechanical, Alabama, Sand Aggies, Ole Miss, Georgia, Oregon, and Louisiana State. Texas is back in at No. 20.
Kentucky is ranked No. 49.
Kelley Ford Ratings
PFF Grades
Week Seven in the Southeastern Conference
No. 8 Alabama survived in Columbia, 27-24 over No. 14 Missouri. “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.” ✔️
No. 4 Ole Miss struggled with Washington State but got the 24-21 win. Morning games are hard in Oxford after a big night on the Square. “Ole Miss to win!” ✔️
No. 12 Tennessee 34-31 over Arkansas. “Volunteers favored by 11.5. Tennessee is going to win, but not sure where I am on the line.” Count that one too.
Florida Gators 17, No. 5 Texas Agricultural & Mechanical 34. I missed big as the Fightin’ Texas Aggies easily covered the 7.5 line. Texas Agricultural & Mechanical I am not betting against y’all the rest of the year. 🤞 Pass it back Ags. 💪
No. 10 Georgia escapes the Plains with a 20-10 win over Auburn. Tigers hosed again by SEC refs. Remember when we were complaining about Big Guns and Kevin Mar? Georgia was favored by 3.5. “Bulldogs to win, Tigers to cover.” Half right, which is about how the conference refs are doing.
South Carolina 10, No. 11 Louisiana State 20. LSU was favored by 9.5. “Bayou Bengals to win and to cover” ✔️
A note about viewership. The Big Ten had some big games. Here were the most watched games of Week 7:
- Texas – OU (ABC): 8.7 million
- Bama – Mizzou (ABC): 7.0 million
- Georgia – Auburn (ABC): 6.7 million
- Indiana – Oregon (CBS): 5.6 million
- Ohio State – Illinois (FOX): 5.3 million
- Michigan – Southern Cal (NBC): 4.3 million
The SEC Shorts this week was clever. Kirby Smart “clapping” is good. The lack of attention to the Longhorns ass-whipping of the Land Thieves is disappointing, but I was a pledge once too.
Week Seven: Service Academies
Navy in an absolute dogfight with Temple before getting the 32-31 win. Navy was favored by 10.5 over the Owls. “Navy to win and cover.” Doesn’t count.
Charlotte 7, Army 24. “Army to win”. Thanks men.
Dang it. Air Force 48, UNLV 51. I kid you not – 42 points in the fourth quarter. Each team had three 75 yard touchdown drives in the fourth, and the game was lost when Air Force missed a 40 yard field goal as time expired. Brutal.
Top 25 – Week Seven
Friday
No. 24 South Florida 63, North Texas 36. Didn’t see that coming. Guessing the Elf didn’t either.
Saturday
No. 1 Ohio State 34, No. 17 Illinois 16.
Pittsburgh with the 34-31 of No. 25 Florida State, now 0-3 in ACC. Like so many in 2025, a promising season gone awry.
No. 7 Indiana 30, No. 3 Oregon 20. Boom.
No. 13 Georgia Tech 35-20 over Virginia Tech (2-4) at.
No. 16 Notre Dame 36-7 over Norther Carolina State. Fighting win! 🍀
No. 22 Iowa State falls to Colorado 24-17.
No. 9 Texas Technical 42-17 over Kansas
No. 15 Michigan crushed by the Southern Cal Trojans 31-13.
No. 18 Brigham Young 33, Arizona 27.
Utah just crushed No. 21 Arizona State, 42-10. The line was Utes favored by 8.5.
Other Games of Interest – Week Seven
The Leland Sanford Junior University 10, Southern Methodist University 34. “Mustangs are favored by a whopping 17.5. Mustangs to win and cover.” ✔️
UCLA 38, Michigan State 13. The Jerry Neuheisel Story continues. Fun to watch.
Houston 39, Oklahoma State 17. Bad year in Stillwater.
Miami 20-7 over Akron.
Nebraska 34, Maryland 31. Nice fourth quarter from the Cornhuskers (10 points) to get the win.
Kansas State big over Texas Christian 41-28. Kind of surprised by this one. Horny Toads were favored by 1.5.
Rice 13, UTSA 61. Ouch.
Wyoming 35-28 over San Jose State.
Chicago Cubs
A great season for the Cubbies. Can’t wait to get back to Wrigley in 2026! And hopefully dinners at Bavette’s and Asador Bastian again. Kathy is the reservation pro.
Health Alliance for Austin Musicians
Thanks to all who donated. We raised over $3,000. Many thanks my friends! You help HAAM keep Austin music alive and well.
Tim Taylor HAAM Day 2025 Fundraising Page.
Music and Fun Stuff
The wildest mashup to Earth, Wind & Fire’s 21st Night of September with TV sitcoms.
Guy Clark, LA Freeway, Austin City Limits 1983
Glen Campbell, with the Boston Pops
https://x.com/AllAmerican202/status/1947130014727557281
An AI mashup of Rodney Daingerfield’s Caddyshack dance in some other famous dance scenes.
https://x.com/Todd_Spence/status/1967616966262427785
This is cool:
Jim Nicar
October 1908: U.T. Austin’s first student gift was a stained-glass window donated by the Ashbel Smith Literary Society, named for the first chair of the Board of Regents. Created by Harry Goodhue from Cambridge, MA, it’s now in the stairwell next to the UT President’s Office.
From Jim’s October 9, 2025 post on X:
Picture of the Week
JType. This photo is from his October 14, 2025 post on Instagram.
On X: @tctayloratx
On LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tctatx
On Instagram: @tctayloratx
On Facebook: www.Facebook.com/Tim.C.Taylor
and: www.Facebook.com/Juan.Heisman
You can contact me by mail:
Tim Taylor P.O. Box 5371 Austin, Texas 78763-5371