The Austin Horns Fan Dispatch
Texas Longhorns vs. Kansas Jayhawks
The Texas Longhorns head north to Kansas to avenge last year’s loss to the Jayhawks. Josey Wales time. No mercy.
2:30 p.m. on FS1 from David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Longhorns are 6-4 and 4-3, Jayhawks are 6-4, 3-4. Another must win game for Steve Sarkisian and the Horns. All the usual great stuff below.
As of very early Friday morning:
Texas favored by 9.
Money line: Texas -335, KU +260.
Over/under at 63.5.
No. 11 Texas Longhorns 93, No. 2 Gonzaga Bulldogs 74
The No. 2 Gonzaga Bulldogs came to Austin Wednesday for the first really big basketball game in the Moody Center. I am assuming most of y’all know are familiar with Gonzaga and the extraordinary program that Mark Few has built at the small (7,295 students, 4,852 undergraduate) Jesuit school in Spokane. Coach Few is in his 23rd season at Gonzaga. Few’s Zags have never missed the Big Dance, 7 Sweet Sixteens, 2 Elite Eights, 2 Final Fours, and 2 championship games. They went undefeated in 20-21 until meeting the team from Waco in the championship game. Absolutely extraordinary. 658-129 overall (that’s .836). Maybe not one of the college bluebloods going back 50 years, but one of the best for the last quarter century.
The Moody Center was sold-out and standing room only. 11,313 in a stadium that, for basketball, is officially a 10,000 seat arena. But Coach Chris Beard has the students inspired, and again Moody was filled up with loud Longhorns. Loud.
The game started as a typical back and forth affair, but Texas took a 21-20 lead halfway through the first half, and the next thirty minutes were glorious. Texas and the Zags traded punches, but the Longhorns had a 47-37 lead at halftime. In an atmosphere and with a crowd that still has me blown away. Drew Timme, one of the best if not the best players in college basketball, had, I think 6 points in the first half, thanks to tenacious Texas defense, especially by Brock Cunningham.
Texas came out for the second half with even more fire and energy and great defense, and Gonzaga got it down to 9 points a little over a minute into the second half, but that would be the closest they would come. Texas pounded the Zags on both ends of the court, at one point leading by 23. Dunks and alley-oops and hustle and great shooting. And in the end a phenomenal statement win over the No. 2 team in America.
Who did all this? Transfer Tyrese Hunter, who despite second half cramps led the Horns with 26 points. Marcus Carr, 16 points and 7 assists, but Texas was +22 with Carr. Dylan Disu, 12 points despite early foul trouble. Sir’Jabari Rice with 11 points. Dillon Mitchell, just 8 points, but + 15 with his team leading 9 rebounds.
And Drew Timme, one of the best of his generation? Got his 18 points and nearly a double-double with 9 boards. Texas really beat the best.
Some great stuff from Scott McConnell and the Communications team at The University:
- This marked the fourth time in school history that the Longhorns have topped the No. 2 team in The AP poll. The Longhorns previously defeated No. 2 Louisville (74-70) on Nov. 30, 1986 in the seventh-place game at the Great Alaska Shootout (Anchorage, Alaska); No. 2 UCLA (63-61) on Dec. 2, 2007 at Pauley Pavilion; and No. 2 Oklahoma (73-68) on Feb. 21, 2009 in Austin.
- The Longhorns played before a sellout crowd at Moody Center for the third-straight game.
- UT posted a 29-16 advantage in bench scoring.
- The Longhorns registered a 12-2 margin in fast-break points. Texas has recorded a 55-3 advantage in fast-break points through the opening three games.
Coach Beard and Managing Director Chris Ogden and Rodney Terry and the rest of this staff have the Longhorns ascendant. I needed this. And the post-game party at Donn’s Depot was pretty awesome too. Nice work Wheels. One of the reasons this Dispatch is out so darn late!
Texas Longhorns 10, Texas Christian Horned Frogs 17
With almost everything that could possibly be done to set the table for a season and program defining win, from College Gameday on The Forty Acres with Jordan Spieth as the guest picker to the prime time national game on ABC to 23 important football recruits in town (including Arch Manning) to all the wonderful Veterans Day activities and events to recognizing this year’s Distinguished Alumni and more, the Texas offense went out and laid an egg. Big congratulations to the Texas Longhorns Defense for playing a great game, rising to the occasion, scoring our only touchdown, and giving Sark and his offense every opportunity to get this most important of wins. A very disappointing time for the Texas offense to hit the skids.
The Army paratroopers jumping out of the helicopter over DKR – Texas Memorial Stadium was pretty cool. Great video here:
Thanks for dropping in, @ArmyGK 🤘#HookEm pic.twitter.com/FmzXNcZjtG
— Texas Longhorns (@TexasLonghorns) November 13, 2022
Brief review of the game below.
Austin Horns Fan Dispatch, Thanksgiving Edition
While I plan to send the Dispatch for the Baylor game next week, I never know how Thanksgiving week will play out. But look for it in your inbox late Wednesday night or Thanksgiving morning. If not, Happy Thanksgiving!
Kansas Jayhawks Football 2022
The Jayhawks’ surprisingly hot 5-0 start for the season cooled off quickly, with Kansas losing 4 of their last 5. But they remain a formidable opponent for this challenged Texas team.
Kansas opened with a 56-10 win over Tennessee Tech on the strength of their running game, with Devin Neal leading the Jayhawks with 108 yards and 2 scores, and a team total of 297 yards and 6 touchdowns on the ground. Jalon Daniels started at quarterback and was 15/18, 189 yards, 1 TD, 1 pick. Tennessee Tech was held to 97 yards passing and 93 yards rushing. Keep that in mind when you look at Kansas’ defensive status below.
The Jayhawks went to Morgantown for their second game of the season – a conference road game at a tough place to play. But Kansas surprised everyone with a 55-42 overtime win over the Mountaineers. The Jayhawks scored first and then picked off JT Daniels when WVU had the ball for OT and ran it back 96 yards for the score. Jalon Daniels led KU in rushing with 85 and was 18/29, 219 yards and 3 TDs. Daniel Hishaw, Jr. rushed for 63 and 2 scores, Neal had 42 yards and 2 scores.
The next week a big road win for Kansas, at Houston. The Jayhawks beat the Cougars and Dana Holgorsen 48-30. Jalon Daniels again led KU, 14/23 for 158 yards and 3 TDs through the air and 123 yards on 12 carries with 2 rushing scores. Neal had 54 yards and Hishaw had 51 and a touchdown.
A respectable Duke team (3-0 at the time) went to Lawrence, and again Daniels with a huge game to lead the Jayhawks to victory. 19 of 23 for 324 yards and 4 TDs plus 83 yards on 11 carries and a score. Hishaw added 83 yards and a TD and Neal had 61 yards.
Kansas managed to get a 14-11 win over Iowa State, with Daniels only 7/14 for 93 yards passing and 9 yards rushing plus a TD. Neal ran for 75, Hishaw for 28 and a TD. Iowa State held KU scoreless in the second half.
Next for the Jayhawks was a much-hyped match with also unbeaten Texas Christian. The game lived up to its billing, at least in the second half. 10-3 TCU at half, then both teams lit it up in the third quarter with 21 each. Daniels went out with an injury in the first half and was replaced by back-up Jason Bean. Bean was up to the task, 16 of 24 for 262 yards and 4 TDs with 1 pick. Bean ran for 34, but Neal led with 88 yards. I think Hishaw was injured. The Horned Frogs kept pace and won 38-31, Duggan was 23/33 for 308 yards and 3 TDs and ran for 1. Quentin Johnston, who hurt Texas last weekend, caught 14 passes for 206 yards against Kansas.
The Kansas road trip to Waco ended in a 23-35 loss. Bean was an acceptable 16/27 for 232 but just 1 score, and the Jayhawks only managed 56 yards rushing against Aranda’s Bear defense. Baylor RB Richard Reese ran for 186 yards and 2 scores.
The Jayhawks rebounded with a big win over No. 18 Oklahoma State, 37-16. Bean was 18/23 for 203 yards and 2 TDs and ran for 93 and a score, the first time he really put up big ground numbers. The star was Devin Neal – 32 carries for 224 yards and a score. Kansas was facing back-up OSU QB Garret Rangel, who threw for 304 yards but was picked off 3 times. Cowboys rushed for only 111. Pretty good defense.
Last weekend Kansas went to the South Plains and got beat pretty good by Texas Tech, 43-28. Bean had a good day, 17/28 for 270 yards and 3 scores but a pick, added a rushing TD. Devin Neal again in a groove, rushing for 190 yards against the Red Raiders. Unfortunately for Kansas, the Tech ground game was a bit stronger, as Tyler Shough, SaRodorick Thompson, Tahj Brooks, and Donovan Smith all ran for scores as Tech rushed for 264.
The 2022 Jayhawks
The Game 11 Depth Chart lists Jalon Daniels or Jason Bean as starting.
Before his injury, Jalon Daniels (No. 6, 6 foot 215 pounds, Junior) quarterbacked the Jayhawks to a 5-0 start. 78-117 with 11 touchdowns and 1 interception, 1,072 yards, 178.7 yards per game. He is still number 2 in rushing on the season, with 341 yards on 53 attempts with 5 touchdowns.
Jason Bean (No. 9, 6-3, 200 pounds, RS Senior from Mansfield) is 85-131 and 4 picks, 14 touchdowns, 1,256 yards, 139.6 yards per game. He’s rushed for 222 on 38 attempts with 7 touchdowns and has a long of 73.
Devin Neal (No. 4, 5-11, 210 pounds) averages 6.7 yards per carry. 651 yards on 142 attempts with 7 touchdowns, and he has caught 16 passes for 151 yards and a score. Hishaw is out, and the other 2 backs have not been big contributors.
Lawrence Arnold (No. 2, 6-3, 200, WR-X) leads KU with 529 yards on 31 catches and has 4 touchdowns. A long of 60. Luke Grimm (No. 11, 6 foot, 190, Slot) leads the Jayhawks with 36 catches, and he has 386 yards and 4 touchdowns. Quentin Skinner (No. 83, 6-5, 190, WR-Z) has 21 catches for 338 yards and 5 scores. Mason Fairchild (No. 89, 6-5, 261 pound senior tight end) has 20 catches for 274 yards and 5 touchdowns. Two more tall wide receivers, and that is a big tight end.
Across the offensive line, the starters: Earl Bostick (No. 68, 6-6, 310 pound super senior) at left tackle. Dominick Puni (No. 67, 6-5, 315 pound RS senior) at left guard. Mike Novitsky (No. 50, 6-5, 296 pound RS junior) at center. Michael Ford, Jr. (6-3, 300 pound RS sophomore) at right guard. Bryce Cabeldue (No. 77, 6-5, 305 pound RS sophomore) at right tackle.
On defense, senior safety Kenny Logan, Jr. (No. 1, 6 foot, 210 pounds) leads the Jayhawks with 80 tackles (51 solo) and he has 2 interceptions. Rich Miller (No. 30, 6-1, 225 pound senior linebacker) has 75 tackles (46 solo) with 3 TFL for 13 yards and 1 sack and 1 interception. Craig Young (No. 15, 6-3, 225 pound linebacker) has 47 tackles (34 solo), 4.5 TFL for 21 yards, 3.5 sacks, and an interception. Four down linemen, and none of the starters are over 300 pounds. Cornerbacks are pretty good. Cobee Bryant has 3 picks and 86 yards in return plus a forced fumble. Ra’Mello Dotson has 2 interceptions.
The Jayhawks are coached by Lance Leipold, in his second year in Lawrence. He went to Kansas from Buffalo, where he served 6 years and finished with 3 winning seasons (including getting Buffalo’s first bowl win and coaching them to their first 10 win season). His biggest chops are from his eight seasons coaching the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Warhawks. From 2007 through 2014, Leipold’s Warhawks went 109-6 and won six Division III National Championships. Six. Five 15-0 seasons. In his first year at Kansas, he was 2-10. Lance knows how to coach and win.
Longhorns vs Jayhawks
It is a short history between the two programs. Texas leads the series 16-4. Kansas won the first game in 1901, 12-0. Then in 1938, KU beat Coach Dana X. Bible’s squad 19-18. The teams wouldn’t meet again until the Big 12, when in 1996 Texas beat the Jayhawks 38-17. Texas would win 12 in a row, including some blowouts: 51-16 in 2000, 59-0 in 2001, 66-14 in 2005, and 43-0 in 2011. Then came 2016, and Charlie and the Stronghorns lost in Lawrence 21-24. That would be Strong’s next to last game at Texas. Last year, Texas lost at home in overtime, 56-57. It was November 13.
The Statistics
Offense
Statistic |
Texas |
Kansas |
| Rushing Offense | #50, #6 – 176.0 ypg | #20, #4 – 209.6 ypg |
| Passing Offense | #51, #5 – 246.3 ypg | #64, #9 – 234.1 ypg |
| Total Offense | #41, #6 – 422.3 ypg | #30, #4 – 443.7 ypg |
| Scoring Offense | #34, #6 – 33.5 ppg | #17, #2 – 36.9 ppg |
| First Downs | #35, #7 – 22.9/game | #76, #10 – 20.1/game |
| Sacks Allowed | #21, #2 – 12, 85 yards | #6, #1 – 8, 50 yards |
| Tackles for Loss Allowed | #36, #3 – 47, 174 yards | #14, #1 – 41, 148 yards |
| Third Down Conversions | #78, #7 – 37.8% | #7, #1 – 51.7% |
| Fourth Down Conversions | #83, #7 – 46.7%, 7/15 | #68, #6 – 50%, 7/14 |
| Red Zone Attempts | #42, #3 – 42 | #13, #1 – 49 |
| Red Zone Offense | #38, #6 – 88% / 60% | #54, #7 – 86% / 71% |
| Long Run Plays | #68, #7 – 46/10, 15/20, 10/30, 6/40 | #24, #3 – 63/10, 26/20, 16/30, 7/40 |
| Long Pass Plays | #34, #3 – 106/10, 41/20, 15/30, 6/40 | #80, #9 – 85/10, 41/20, 17/30, 10/40 |
Red Zone offense. To give you an idea of how good the elite are, Georgia is 98% / 67% and Ohio State is 96% / 82%.
Defense
Statistic |
Texas |
Kansas |
| Rushing Defense | #39, #2 – 127.1 ypg | #93, #9 – 166.8 ypg |
| Passing Defense | #90, #7 – 244.7 ypg | #118, #9 – 277 ypg |
| Total Defense | #59, #4 – 371.8 ypg | #117, #9 – 443.8 ypg |
| Scoring Defense | #32, #3 – 21.3 ppg | #103, #9 – 30.4 ppg |
| First Downs Allowed | #89, #6 – 21.8/game | #123, #9 – 24.6/game |
| Sacks | #48, #1 – 24, 155 yards | #67, #4 – 22, 134 yards |
| Tackles for Loss | #10, #2 – 75, 274 yards | #102, #10 – 49, 199 yards |
| Third Down Conversions | #97, #8 – 41.5% | #122, #10 – 46.7% |
| Fourth Down Conversions | #83, #7 – 56%, 14/25 | #110, #9 – 65%, 15/23 |
| Red Zone Attempts | #38, #3 – 33 | #116, #10 – 45 |
| Red Zone Defense | #14, #1 – 76% / 48% | #38, #2 – 80% / 56% |
| Long Run Plays Allowed | #34, #4 – 37/10, 7/20, 3/30, 3/40 | #47, #6 – 42/10, 8/20, 4/30, 1/40 |
| Long Pass Plays Allowed | #92, #7 – 98/10, 35/20, 10/30, 5/40 | #117, #9 – 107/10, 37/20, 17/30, 9/40 |
Texas has allowed 3 50+ runs, 2 60+ runs, and 2 70+ runs. Kansas, none over 50 yards.
Other
Statistic |
Texas |
Kansas |
| Turnovers | #17, #3 – 3F, 7I -10 | #48, #5 – 8F, 5I -13 |
| Turnover Margin | #59, #5 11:10 +1 | #25, #3 19:13 +6 |
| Penalties | #76, #10 – 65, 531 yards | #42, #6 – 56, 510 yards |
*Based on total number of penalties.
Match-up Comparison
Texas Offense |
Kansas Defense |
| Rushing Offense – 176.0 ypg | 166.8 ypg – Rushing Defense |
| Passing Offense – 246.3 ypg | 277 ypg – Passing Defense |
| Total Offense – 422.3 ypg | 443.8 ypg – Total Defense |
| Scoring Offense – 33.5 ppg | 30.4 ppg – Scoring Defense |
| First Downs – 22.9/game | 24.6/game – First Downs Allowed |
| 3rd Down Offense – 37.8% | 46.7% – 3rd Down Defense |
| 4th Down Offense – 46.7% | 65% – 4th Down Defense |
| Red Zone Offense – 88%/60% | 80%/56% – Red Zone Defense |
| LRP – 46/10, 15/20, 10/30, 6/40 | 42/10, 8/20, 4/30, 1/40- LRP Allowed |
| LPP – 106/10, 41/20, 15/30, 6/40 | 107/10, 37/20, 17/30, 9/40 – LPP Allowed |
Texas Defense |
Kansas Offense |
| Rushing Defense – 127.1 ypg | 209.6 ypg – Rushing Offense |
| Passing Defense – 244.7 ypg | 234.1 ypg – Passing Offense |
| Total Defense – 371.8 ypg | 443.7 ypg – Total Offense |
| Scoring Defense – 21.3 ppg | 36.9 ppg – Scoring Offense |
| First Downs Allowed – 21.8/game | 20.1/game – First Downs |
| 3rd Down Defense – 41.5% | 51.7% – 3rd Down Offense |
| 4th Down Defense – 56% | 50% – 4th Down Offense |
| Red Zone Defense – 76%/48% | 86%/71% – Red Zone Offense |
| LRP Allowed – 37/10, 7/20, 3/30, 3/40 | 63/10, 26/20, 16/30, 7/40 – LRP |
| LPP Allowed – 98/10, 35/20, 10/30, 5/40 | 85/10, 41/20, 17/30, 10/40 – LPP |
Other Stats
Available Yards Percentage.
| NAY | OAY | DAY | |
| Texas | No. 35: 0.086 | No. 36: 0.530 | No. 47: 0.444 |
| Kansas | No. 74: –.022 | No. 17: 0.592 | No. 127: 0.614 |
The KU defense is a lot worse than the KU offense is good.
BCF Toys – 2022 Available Yards Percentage
Net points per drive (NPD). NPD is the difference between points scored per offensive drive (OPD) and points allowed per opponent offensive drive (DPD).
| NPD | OPD | DPD | |
| Texas | No. 22: 0.92 | No. 32: 2.71 | No. 21: 1.79 |
| Kansas | No. 7: 1.86 | No. 3: 7.45 | No. 53: 5.59 |
Before K State, Texas was No. 10 in NPD 1.26. Before TCU, No. 11, with 1.19 NPD.
In OPD, No. 17 for two weeks, at 3.02 OPD before TCU.
But a big improvement on defense. Last week we were No. 32 in DPD – points allowed per opponent offensive drive.
BCF Toys – 2022 Points Per Drive
Net Yards Per Play (NPP).
| NPP | OPP | DPP | |
| Texas | No. 11: 1.47 | No. 20: 6.64 | No. 25: 5.17 |
| Kansas | No. 23: 0.88 | No. 6: 7.19 | No. 107: 6.26 |
BCF Toys – 2022 Yards Per Play
BCF’s Game Projection. “Game Projections are calculated from current FEI ratings and include the projected win likelihood (PW), projected margin of victory (PM), projected points scored (PF) and allowed (PA), and projected total points scored (PT) for each FBS game.”
| Projected Winner | Projected Loser | PW | PM | PF | PA | PT |
| Texas | Kansas | .825 | 14.1 | 44.7 | 30.6 | 75.4 |
The ESPN Matchup Predictor gives Texas 77% chance of winning (last week versus TCU it was 73%).
TCT Preview
The Kansas Jayhawks offense is having a great year. They have been successful with both season starting quarterback Jalon Daniels and with Jason Bean who has played well with Daniels down. Devin Neal is having another solid year at running, good enough to be No. 5 in the Big 12, behind Bijan, Kendre Miller, Eric Gray, and Deuce Vaughn. The offensive scheme is diverse and they throw a lot at you, including RPO that they execute well. If Daniels is back, we are going to have to have an Alabama/TCU level defensive effort. Not that we won’t need it against Bean, but will have to have it against Daniels. Both will run, and Bean is fast. But I think Ford and Overshown will take care of that, and depending on where Barron and Watts are in coverage, they will hopefully be in position to stop anything that gets to the second level. Passing, they have some good targets and a couple of big ones. They can go up and get balls. As you saw above, KU’s line is among the best in the nation when it comes to protect the quarterback. Just 8 sacks allowed, good enough for No. 6 in the nation and best in the Big 12. I think our run defense will remain solid, for sure against Neal, but they are going to have play smart and focus to stop the option attack. Other good defenses have shut down the Kansas run game, and we need to do the same on Saturday. Our pass defense has been a spot of weakness, but I am hoping that the continued improvement and the clear understanding that we have to win this game will keep the secondary focused. Play smart, stay on your man, and don’t commit penalties.
What Texas needs most of all is a quality start and game from Quinn Ewers. The Kansas defense is not good, but this offense didn’t score last week against a not great TCU defense. Ewers needs to find the open man and make a good pass to him. Quit throwing into double coverage when you have Bijan running uncovered down the sideline. No more excuses, time to deliver. And for Pete’s sake, let’s use all of our receivers all game, especially Jordan Whittington and Ja’Tavion Sanders. And Bijan, RoJo, and Keilan.
I don’t know what happened with the run game last Saturday night, but I am trusting Sark to have the problem identified and solved by now. So let’s hope we see Bijan and RoJo back in a groove and grinding out yards and busting a few.
The usual fundamental keys to victory: no turnovers, don’t make costly penalties that either set us back or give them first downs, and no more stupid mistakes on special teams (by coaches or players).
Texas really does have to win this game. Not just because it is our only hope of getting to Arlington in December, but because this is Kansas, and we are Texas. Win this Saturday and beat Baylor next Friday, and we finish 8-4. Nothing wrong with that, despite the fact that we should be 8-2 right now. But given where we were a year ago, an 8-4 season and maybe a good bowl win, that is a step in the right direction. With fickle 16 and 17 year old boys watching, Sark needs to win out.
I am guessing Mr. Ewers has a better game and if he isn’t having a better game, then perhaps just maybe Mr. Card should get to play a hand or two.
I believe in Bijan, and despite his optimistic upbeat post-game interview, left the field last Saturday night very unhappy and motivated to show he is better. So I see another 180 yard game from our Man. RoJo and Keilan need to get some work too and will.
Watch for a Pick 6 by the Texas defense. Got a feeling one is coming.
Texas 55, Kansas 35.
Official Texas Preview:
https://texassports.com/news/2022/11/14/no-18-football-preview-kansas.aspx
Official Texas Game Notes:
https://texassports.com/documents/2022/11/14/11-TexasGameNotes-Kansas.pdf
Texas Homer
The University of Kansas
A good school, founded in 1865, opened in 1866. AAU and good academics.
Academic Rankings |
||
National |
||
Texas |
Kansas |
|
| Forbes | 43 | 165 |
| THE | WSJ | 60 | 219 |
| U.S. News & World Report | 38 | 124 |
| Washington Monthly | 40 | 154 |
| Global | ||
| ARWU | 37 | 201-300 |
| QS | 72 | 387 |
| THE | 47 | 401-500 |
| U.S. News & World Report | 43 | 280 |
Longhorns 10, Horned Frogs 17
If you had told me that at halftime of the frog game Texas Christian would only have 3 points, I would have assumed the Longhorns were stampeding their way to victory.
This is what the Texas offense managed to produce against a bottom half TCU defense.
Statistic |
Texas Season Avg |
vs. TCU |
TCU D Before UT |
| Rushing Offense | 192.4 ypg | 28 yards | #70, #5 – 146.6 ypg |
| Passing Offense | 254.7 ypg | 171 yards | #94, #6 – 250.3 ypg |
| Total Offense | 447.1 ypg | 199 yards | #86, #6 – 396.9 ypg |
| Scoring Offense | 36.1 ppg | 3 points | #73, #5 – 26.9 ppg |
| First Downs | 23.9/game | 14 | #67, #5 – 20.3/game |
| Third Down Conversions | 41.2% | 1 of 13 | #64, #5 – 38% |
| Fourth Down Conversions | 54.6%, 6/11 | 1 of 4 | #69, #5 – 52%, 13/25 |
| Red Zone | 90%/63% | 50%/0% (1 of 2) | 88%/62% |
Bijan Robinson got 12 carries and picked up 29 yards. The prior week against a statistically much better K State defense he had 30 carries for 209 yards.
Our big and quality receiving corps? Only 3 guys caught passes: J Whitt 6 for 78. Sanders 7 for 61. Worthy 4 for 32. The other 22 passes which Quinn Ewers threw were either bad or dropped, except of course for the one which was caught by Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, who was wearing purple.
Texas got into TCU territory once in the first half, on the first series that ended with a turnover on downs at the TCU 34 after Texas couldn’t convert.
The other two offensive possessions that ended in plus territory also ended in the red zone. On the third Texas possession in the third, Texas had a really good drive. Started at our own 25 and we were at midfield with one pass to Whittington. The drive included another good pass (11 yards) to Jordan and three to JT Sanders, the last one a great 24 yard pickup to the Horned Frog 2 yard line. A 2 yard loss on a run and 2 incomplete passes, and the first opportunity for Texas in the game ended with a field goal. It felt okay, because it was 10-3 and it looked like Ewers might be getting it together. And the play calling felt a lot better.
Sure enough, on the first Texas possession in the fourth, trailing 17-3 now, Texas got a break with a 52 yard kickoff return by Keilan Robinson. We actually started in TCU territory. That drive saw passes completed to Whittington and Sanders, and then a DPI got Texas the ball on the TCU 5 yard line. Ewers incomplete, Ewers dropped for a 5 yard loss, Ewers incomplete, Ewers incomplete.
Three possessions in plus territory, one of them thanks to a kick-off return. Two possessions with first and goal from the 2 and then first and goal from the 5 and the Sarkisian offense got no points. Just a Bert Auburn field goal.
Those are just the facts.
Was it the game plan, or did the Texas Christian Horned Frog defense really get that revved up to play against the Longhorns? I don’t know. But what I do know is that nothing worked. And it wasn’t working early, and nothing changed.
On the other hand, what a stellar performance by the Texas defense.
Statistic |
TCU Season Avg |
vs Texas D |
Texas D before TCU |
| Rushing Offense | 219.7 ypg | 159 yards | #32, #2 – 123.6 ypg |
| Passing Offense | 289.0 ypg | 124 yards | #101, #7 – 258.1 ypg |
| Total Offense | 508.7 ypg | 283 yards | #74, #5 – 381.7 ypg |
| Scoring Offense | 43.1 ppg | 17 | #38, #3 – 21.8 ppg |
| First Downs | 23.3/game | 20 | #93, #7 – 22.0/game |
| Third Down Conversions | 44.1% | 7 of 18, 39% | #51, #7 – 41.2% |
| Fourth Down Conversions | 44.4%, 8/18 | 0 for 0 | #84, #7 – 56%, 14/25 |
| Red Zone Offense | 82% / 67% | 50%/50% (1 of 2) | #26, #2 – 77% / 52% |
Three Longhorns had 11 tackles each: DeMarvion Overshown, Jahdae Barron, and Barryn Sorrell. Agent 0 was a known factor coming into the season. Barron and Sorrell have really matured and improved. 8 of Barron’s tackles were solo, and he had 3.5 TFL for 9 yards and of course the 48 yard fumble return, the only time Texas got in the endzone. Overshown had half a sack. Sorrell had 3 TFL for 18 yards and 1.5 sacks. Oghoufo and Watts each had two tackles for loss, and Watts had a sack and Ovie had a half a sack. Diamonte Tucker-Dorsey had a sack, and Ojomo got half a sack. Ford had 9 tackles, Oghoufo 7, and Watts 6. Snacks had 5. An all-around team effort, and but for the one blown play were Kendre Miller raced 75 yards for a touchdown, a well-executed defensive effort all night.
Just a complete failure to play complimentary football thanks to one of the poorest offensive performances in years and complete inability to make adjustments, or at least so it appeared.
No highlight links.
I will add this. Last year after one of our stinging losses, I wrote about leaving the stadium, and walking up DeLoss Dodds Way back toward Juan Heisman, I was struck by all the fans, especially students, pouring out of the east side and walking west. Laughing and getting ready to have fun and party. No one sulking and kicking trash cans or anything. Just “on to the next party”. Pretty much the same last week. I am not remotely suggesting we express our disappointment in the stadium toward our players. To the contrary, I wish everyone would stay and sing the Eyes of Texas with the team. But all the smiles and all the high-fiving at the Silent Disco really touched a nerve for me. We need everyone to hate losing as much as our players and coaches do.
Texas Men’s Basketball
Texas plays Northern Arizona Monday night in Edinburg. LHN at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday November 26, the Longhorns play the UTRGV Vaqueros at 3:00 p.m. in Gregory Gym. Also on LHN.
The Polls – Week 12
Texas of course dropped out of everything.
AP Top 25: Georgia, The Ohio State University™, Michigan, Texas Christian, Tennessee, Louisiana State, Southern Cal, Alabama, Clemson, and Utah. North Carolina at No. 13, Ole Miss at No. 14, Notre Dame at No. 18, K State at 19 and Oklahoma State at 24.
AFCA Coaches Poll: UGA, Buckeyes, Big Blue, Horny Toads, Vols, Southern Cal, Bayou Bengals, Roll Tide, Dabo Tigers, and Utes. Tarheels No. 11, Hotty Toddy No. 14, K State 17, Fighting Irish 19, and Okie A&M 24.
Statistical Rankings
Texas is No. 7 in Nate Manzo’s composite rankings. Kansas not in his Top 25.
Massey Ratings. Texas at No. 15, Kansas at No. 34.
https://masseyratings.com/cf/compare.htm
ESPN’s Football Power Index
Big XII Standings – Week Twelve
Still an outside chance for Texas to get to Arlington if they win out. We are all West Virginia fans on Saturday! K State is in Morgantown this weekend and has Kansas to close the season, and so we have to pull for the Mountaineers, Land Thieves, and TCU this weekend and West Virginia over Okie A&M after Thanksgiving. I have to believe that in a rematch with Texas Christian, the Longhorns will win. I. Still. Believe.
Juan Heisman Tailgate
The Longhorns might have lost, but we won the tailgate party. A magnificent effort by the Juan Heisman Tailgate crew to put on a great Tamale Tailgate. Rose Marie Hagman’s sister makes some killer tamales, and topped with Rose’s homemade queso and salsa and paired with a JHT Frito Pie? Culinary Heaven. I think we peaked close to 300 again – probably the largest Big 12 game tailgate we have ever had. I know this, when the Longhorns left Juan Heisman, they were ready to be super fans! Thanks to Hunter and the Early Crew, Skeen with the Pit, Brad Laughlin with beer and finances, and Clay McPhail for getting us some help and for saving the day with a generator. Jody Ferguson, Ben Bennitt, Trey Salinas, Tony Dewar, and Rob Dunn and his whole family with major game day contributions. And of course thanks to JHT CEO Judd Messer. We will be back in business next Friday morning.
Big XII – Week Twelve Games
No. 4 Texas Christian at Baylor, 11:00 a.m. on FOX. The Revivalry. The Disciples versus the Baptists. 118th meeting in a rivalry first contested in 1899. Of note that in that long history, 2014 was the first time that Baylor and TCU played when both were ranked. Texas Christian leads the series 57-53-7. Horned Frogs favored by just 2.5, over/under is 57. But recall they were a touchdown dog to Texas last weekend.
No. 15 Kansas State at West Virginia, 1:00 p.m. on BIG12 | ESPN+. Wildcats favored by 7.5 at Milan Puskar Stadium. Over/under is 54.5. Wildcats are in the driver’s seat to get to Arlington; let’s see, and hope, that West Virginia can send them down a different road. Go Eers.
Texas Technological at Iowa State. 6:00 p.m. on FS1 from Jack Trice Stadium. Cyclones favored by 3.5, over/under is 47.5.
Bedlam! No. 22 Oklahoma State in Norman to play the Land Thieves. 6:30 p.m. on ABC. Land Thieves favored by 7.5, over/under is 67. Well, just have to do it sometimes: Boomer Sooner! Good luck to the Land Thieves.
Top 25 – Week Twelve
Thursday night, Southern Methodist (6-4, 4-2) went to the Big Easy to play No. 21 Tulane (8-2, 5-1). Tulane is for real. A 59-24 pounding of the Ponies.
Saturday
Navy at No. 20 Central Florida. 10:00 a.m. on ESPN2. I am hoping the second half Navy team from last week’s Notre Dame game shows. UCF favored by 15.5, over/under is 53. C’mon Navy. Good time for an upset.
Illinois at No. 3 Michigan, 11:00 a.m. on ABC from the Big House. Michigan may finally get tested a bit, but should win. Wolverines favored by 18, over/under is 40.5.
Austin Peay at Alabama. 11:00 a.m. on ESPN+/SECN+. No official line.
Louisiana Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns (5-5) head east to Tallahassee to play the No. 19 Florida State Seminoles (7-3). 11:00 a.m. on ESPN3. FSU favored by 24, over/under is 52.
No. 23 Oregon State (7-3, 4-3) at Arizona State (3-7, 2-5), 1:15 p.m. on ESPN2. Beavers favored by 8, over/under is 54. Real chance for an upset here.
Boston College (3-7) at No. 18 Notre Dame (7–3), 1:20 p.m. on NBC/Peacock. Fighting Irish favored by 21, over/under is 43.
No. 1 Georgia (10-0, 7-0) at Kentucky (6-4, 3-4_, 2:30 p.m. on the Columbia Broadcasting System from Lexington in the beautiful bluegrass country. The Wildcats hot start certainly cooled off, and the Bulldogs come in favored by 22.5, over/under is 48.5.
No. 2 Ohio State (10-0, 7-0) at Maryland (6-4, 3-4), 2:30 p.m. on ABC. The Buckeyes just continue to roll. Ohio State favored by 27.5, over/under is 63.5.
Miami of Florida (5-5, 3-3) at NO. 9 Clemson (9-1, 7-0), 2:30 p.m. on ESPN. Good luck to Clemson. Tigers favored by 19.5, over/under is 48.
No. 11 Penn State at Rutgers, 2:20 p.m. on BTN. PSU favored by 19, over/under is 45.
No. 24 North Carolina State (7-3, 3-3) at Louisville (6-4, 3-4), 2:30 p.m. on the ACC Network. Cardinals have been playing good ball, and Vegas agrees. Louisville favored by 4.5, over/under is 45.
No. 25 Cincinnati (8-2, 5-1) at Temple, (3-7, 1-5), 3:00 p.m. on ESPNU from the Linc in Philly. Hope Arthur Johnson is doing okay; he’s a good man. Bearcats favored by 17, over/under is 51..
Georgia Tech (4-6, 3-4) at No. 13 North Carolina (9-1, 6-0), 4:30 p.m. on ESPN2. Coach Mack Brown and the Tar Heels continue to roll, and it’s looking more and more like they will meet Clemson for the Atlantic Coast Conference championship in Charlotte in a few weeks. Really happy for Mack and Sally. UNC favored by 21, over/under is 63.
No. 5 Tennessee (9-1, 5-1) at South Carolina (6-4, 3-4), 6 p.m. on ESPN from Williams – Bryce Stadium in Columbia. Volunteers favored by 22, over/under is 66.
No. 14 Ole Miss (8-2, 4-2) at Arkansas (5-5, 2-4), 6:30 p.m. on the SEC Network. A tough place to play, especially at night, and a game that has become a bit of a rivalry. Rebels favored by just 2.5, over and under is 65.5. Hotty Toddy!
No. 7 Southern Cal (9-1, 7-1) vs. No. 16 University of California, Los Angeles (8-2, 5-2), 7 p.m. on Fox from the Rose Bowl. The Battle for the Victory Bell. This will be the 90th game between the two LA schools, with Southern Cal leading the series 49-33-7 (2004 & 2005 Trojan wins vacated). UCLA has 6 wins since 1998. Always one of my favorite games to watch, as both teams wear their home colors, a tradition that goes back decades. I think it has been a pretty long time since the Trojans versus Bruins was a game that mattered on the national level, but this year it does. With Southern Cal’s only loss a one point last minute defeat on the road at Utah, they still stand a very, very slight chance of getting to the College Football Playoffs if they win out and if they get a lot of help along the way against the undefeated teams. Not happening, but amazing it is conceivable this quick. Here is a crazy fact for you: Since 2010, 8 different head coaches (including interims) – 4 for each. USC: Lane Kiffin, Clay Helton, Steve Sarkisian, Clay Helton again, and Donte Williams; UCLA: Rick Neuheisel, Jim Mora, Jedd Fisch, and Chip Kelly. And add a fifth for Southern Cal with Lincoln Riley this year. Southern Cal favored by 2.5, over and under is 76.
UAB (5-5) at No. 6 Louisiana State (8-2), 9:00 p.m. on ESPN2. Tigers favored by 15 in Death Valley, and the over/under is 52. I would take LSU to win and cover.
Colorado (1-9, 1-6) at No. 17 Washington (8-2, 5-2), 8:00 p.m. on the PAC 12 network. The Huskies coming off the big upset of the Ducks, and Colorado continuing to struggle. Washington favored by 31, over and under is 64.
Excellent big late game, with No. 10 Utah at No. 12 Oregon, 9:30 p.m. on ESPN from Autzen Stadium in Eugene. Winner probably plays for the soon to be formerly knowns as Bill Walton’s Conference of Champions conference championship. Utah favored by 2 in Eugene! Over/under is 60.5.
Week Twelve: Service Academies
Connecticut (6-5) Army (3-8) 11:00 a.m. on CBSSN. Black Nights favored by 10, over and under is 53.5. Let’s Go Army!
Colorado State (2-8, 2-4) at Air Force (7-3, 3-3). 8:00 p.m. on FS2. The Falcons favored by 22, over/under is 42.5.
Week Twelve: Other Games of Interest
Texas Agricultural & Mechanical (3-7) hosts Massachusetts (1-9), 11:00 a.m. on ESPN+/SECN+. I am going all out and saying The Aggies are going to Win! Texas Agricultural and Mechanical favored by 33.5, over and under is 47.5.
UTSA at Rice, 12:00 noon on ESPN+. Roadrunners favored by 13, over/under is 56.5.
Washington State at Arizona, 1:00 p.m. on PAC 12 Network. Cougars favored by 4, over/under is 63.
Utah Tech at BYU, 2:30 p.m. on ESPN3.
Florida International at UTEP, 3:00 p.m. on ESPN+. Miners favored by 14 in the Sun Bowl.
Stanford at UC Berkeley, 4:30 p.m. on Pac-12 Network. Both teams 3-7 with just one conference win each.
Washington & Lee Generals
Tough season in Lexington. The Generals lost the final game of the year to Shenandoah 14-16, ending the season at 5-5 and 3-4 in the ODAC. On to lacrosse!
Texas Volleyball
No. 1 Texas swept the Land Thieves in Norman last Saturday night, then a sweep Wednesday night at home against Kansas. This Saturday night, Baylor at 7:00 p.m. in Gregory Gym. Texas finishes the season at West Virginia next Wednesday at 1:00 p.m.
Big XII – Week Eleven Games
West Virginia got their second Big 12 win of the season against the Land Thieves, 23-20, thanks to a 10 point second half. Oklahoma joins the Mountaineers at 2-5 in conference play. I was working pretty hard about that time on the pit, but I smile when I heard two nearby tailgates crank up John Denver’s Country Roads.
The Cowboys also had a 10 point final frame to beat Iowa State 20-14 and keep championship game hopes alive.
No. 19 Kansas State 31, Baylor 3. Dang. Bears were favored by 2.5. That K State win does look good.
Kansas 28, Texas Technological 43.
Top 25 – Week Eleven
Friday night, No. 8 Southern Cal led by 26-3 at the half and 55-17 at the end.
Navy gave Notre Dame all the Irish could handle in the second half. The Domers had a 35 nothing halftime lead, and Navy closed to 32-35 with under 2 minutes to play. Navy covered.
Louisiana State with a hard fought 13-10 win over Arkansas in a very cold Fayetteville. Tigers lying in wait for a shot at the CFP. Going to be a great SEC championship game with …
Georgia 45, Mississippi State 19. Dawgs are really, really good.
Huge upset in Pasadena, as Arizona (who had just 1 Pac-12 win) took down No. 12 UCLA 34-28. Devastating loss for UC Los Angeles.
Clemson 31-16 over Louisvile, setting up what looks like a big ACC showdown with….
Mack Brown and his North Carolina Tarheels got a field goal with 2:12 to play to take a 36-34 lead on Wake Forest. The UNC defense held, and Mack got to dance and see his new tower lit blue. Happy for him.
Tough 30-24 loss for Ole Miss to Alabama. Still 8-2 and having a good year with the Lane Train. Hotty Toddy!
Great game in Eugene, as Washington beat Oregon 37-34, giving the Ducks their first conference loss.
Tennessee 66-24 over Missouri. I think they were a bit mad.
Michigan ran to a 34-3 win over Nebraska. 264 yards on the ground. Dang.
Ohio State 56, Indiana 14.
Utah 42-7 over Leland Stanford Junior University. Tough, tough year on the Farm.
No. 22 UCF 38-31 over No. 17 Tulane, ruining what I am sure would otherwise been one heck of a party in the Big Easy.
I missed my Vandy SEC win of the year prediction, but they pulled it off this week by upsetting No. 24 Kentucky in Lexington, 24-21. Wow. That had to hurt.
Boston College beat No. 16 NC State 21-20.
Is Florida State back? Hard to say in the ACC, but a 38-3 beating of once highly ranked Syracuse in Syracuse is impressive. Go Noles. Not because I like you, but because I always want you to be better than, and beat, Miami of Florida.
PSU 30, Terps 0.
Illinois upset by the Boilermakers, 31-24. Purdue seems to make a habit of that.
Week Eleven: Service Academies
Army fell at Troy 9-10.
Air Force bombed New Mexico 35-3.
Week Eleven: Other Games of Interest
Thursday night, the Memphis Tigers got a big 26-10 over Tulsa. One win away from bowl eligibility.
Auburn is a tough place to play. It is really tough when you are not good. Tigers 13, Texas Agricultural & Mechanical 10.
UTSA 51-7 over La Tech. Roadrunners still undefeated in C-USA.
Pitt scored four touchdowns in the first quarter. Virginia score one in the game. 37-7 final.
Southern Methodist 41-23 over South Florida.
Rice burned by the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 45-10.
Washington State 28-18 over Arizona State. Cougars are bowl eligible.
NIL & Charity
Clark Field Collective, Occupy Left Field Foundation, and 40Pack, have come together and merged into one entity – Texas One Fund. More info in this interview on the Horn, Bucky & Erin with Nick Shuley and Wheels Smith:
https://hornfm.com/2022/11/16/nick-shuley-and-wheels-from-the-texas-one-fund-join-bucky-erin/
Texas One Fund | Name, Image, & Likeness (NIL)
Music
The night the Astros won the World Series, a dear friend of mine and of many of you passed away suddenly from a heart attack. Wallace Smith was one of the good guys. He was at the firm where I began my law career, and while we only practiced together about a year and a half, he was my best friend there and a big part of my life. I was fortunate to be his friend for the 38 years. I will miss him badly. Rest in peace Wally.
I have no idea if Wallace liked this song, but often when I need a lift, I play this one. The Weight, written by Robbie Robertson for the Band and originally performed by The Band, and covered in this Playing for Change version.
Outlaw Josey Wales
Photo of the Week
Sticking with JType and another great downtown Austin shot.
Photo by JType, posted on Instagram November 17, 2022. @JType.
Full Post:
God Bless Texas
God Bless America
Tim Taylor
Tailgating before Home Football Games
The Juan Heisman Tailgate
Lot 38, East of Sid Richardson Hall.
HOOK EM HORNS!!
The Austin Horns Fan Dispatch
© Timothy C. Taylor, Sr. 2022. All Rights Reserved (as to original material).
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