Good Morning Longhorn Fans!
No. 1 Texas Longhorns 35, Mississippi State Bulldogs 13
The Longhorns took care of business and opened play in the Southeastern Conference with an important win. Not the smoothest of rides, but as so many noted, Coach Royal’s words still hold true: Old ugly is better than old nothin’. Definitely not what I was expecting, but I don’t mind being wrong when Texas still wins. Plenty to be happy and excited about.
Arch Manning had a spectacular day – 26 of 31 for 325 yards and 2 touchdowns, plus 33 yards rushing and that quarterback sneak for a score. A 193 rating and 79.5 QBR. His 200.38 rating is third best in FBS, behind Jaxson Dart at Ole Miss and Jalen Milroe at Alabama. His 85.8 QBR is eighth in the nation. Among the Power 4 conference quarterbacks in Week 5, PFF graded Arch at 94.2, best of the bunch.
The Texas defense has allowed three touchdowns in 5 games. Ohio State leads in scoring defense, allowing 6.8 points per game. Texas and Tennessee are tied for second with 7 points per game. The Texas pass defense is third in the nation.
Texas is one of four teams that has not trailed in a game this season.
The highlights from the Longhorn Network, with Craig Way’s calls:
Texas Football vs Mississippi State Highlights
DeAndre Moore, Jr. had a day. Four catches, 104 yards, two touchdowns. Mr. Moore and Mr. Manning have a connection building. Going to be fun to watch. Deep threat – all the time.
© Texas Football
Highlights in Español. ¡Simplemente significa más!
https://x.com/TexasFootball/status/1841649795699450029
The Monday Morning Highlights, on X:
https://twitter.com/TexasFootball/status/1840737340781645968
And on Instagram:
Longhorns vs. Land Thieves: The Red River Shootout
Texas and Oklahoma will play for the 120th time on Saturday October 12. Let’s Go!
College Football
The last weekend in September brought us another great weekend of college football, none better than the Georgia-Alabama game in Tuscaloosa. Ryan Williams is a special talent. Congrats to the Crimson Tide on the win. Perhaps we will get the opportunity to improve our record against Bama to 9-2-1 in Atlanta in December.
More on all the SEC and top games below, but hat tip to Kentucky for going into Oxford and holding Ole Miss to 17 points. In the other 4 games the Rebels have played this season, they scored 76, 52, 40, and 52 points – a 55 point per game average.
No. 2 / No. 1 Texas Longhorns
A good week to have the week off for the Longhorns. Some banged up guys that need to get healthy for a wicked hard stretch of games. Some guys who need to work on some things, like not getting called for false starts. With five games under the belt, here is where Texas ranks statistically (national rankings first, SEC rankings second).
Team Stats
Statistic |
Texas |
| Rushing Offense | #42, #8– 191.4 ypg |
| Passing Offense | #10, #3 – 322.0 ypg |
| Total Offense | #8, #3 – 513.4 ypg |
| Scoring Offense | #11, #4 – 45.0 ppg |
| First Downs | #29, #6 – 23.2/game |
| Sacks Allowed | #31, #3 – 5, 22 yards |
| Tackles for Loss Allowed | #79, #11 – 25, 78 yards |
| Third Down Conversions | #11, #3 – 52.5% |
| Fourth Down Conversions | #73, #11 – 50% 4/8 |
| Red Zone Attempts | #3, #1 – 27 |
| Red Zone Offense | #32, #8 – 93% / 89% |
| Long Run Plays | #46, #7 – 25/10, 11/20, 3/30, 2/40, 2/50 |
| Long Pass Plays | #9, #3 – 61/10, 25/20, 13/30, 7/40, 3/50 |
| Long Plays from Scrimmage | #9, #3 – 86/10, 36/20, 16/30, 9/40, 5/50 |
Defense
Statistic |
Texas |
| Rushing Defense | #32, #8 – 106.6 ypg |
| Passing Defense | #3, #1 – 121.6 ypg |
| Total Defense | #6, #3 – 228.2 ypg |
| Scoring Defense | #2, #1 – 7.0 ppg |
| First Downs Allowed | #6, #4 – 12.8/game |
| Interceptions | #10, #1 – 7, 106 yards, 1 TDs |
| Fumbles Forced | #85, #12 – 2 |
| Sacks | #20, #5 – 13, 83 yards |
| Tackles for Loss | #9, #3 – 38, 139 yards |
| Third Down Conversions | #13, #5 – 27.8% |
| Fourth Down Conversions | #53, #6 – 46.2% 6/13 |
| Red Zone Attempts | #5, #2 – 6 |
| Red Zone Defense | #12 – #4 – 67%/17% |
| Long Run Plays Allowed | #17, #4 – 12/10, 1/20, 1/30, 1/40, 1/50 |
| Long Pass Plays Allowed | #5, #3 – 19/10, 8/20, 2/30, 1/40, 0/50 |
| Long Plays Allowed | #4, #3 – 31/10, 9/20, 3/30, 2/40, 1/50 |
Other
Statistic |
Texas |
| Turnovers | #83, #13 – 7, 3F, 4I |
| Turnover Margin | #45, #8 – 9:7 +2 |
| Penalties | #84, #8 – 32, 249 yards |
Key observations:
- Texas offense is top 10% in: passing, total, scoring, third down conversions, and redzone attempts. And long pass plays and long plays from scrimmage.
- Texas defense is top 10% in: passing, total, scoring, first downs allowed, interceptions, TFL, 3rd down conversions, redzone attempts, redzone defense, long pass plays allowed, and long plays from scrimmage.
- Texas offense – 89% TD rate is tops in SEC, #3 nationally
- Texas defense – 17% TDs allowed is #1 in SEC, and #1 nationally
This is the best defense we have had in many, many years. Despite the injuries at running back, we have one of the best offenses in the nation.
That’s the good stuff. Texas is 5-0, but the season’s hardest games are in front of us (which are more likely to be close scoring), along with 3 traditional rivalry games (Land Thieves, Ozark Pigs, Texas Agricultural & Mechanical). Two factors that are most likely to lead to a loss in a close game and/or rivalry game? Turnovers and penalties. The two categories we are in the low end of the third quartile are turnovers and penalties. I am confident that has been a focus in practice, but we can’t be in first and 15 and second and 20 and expect to continue to have sustained success. Fixable issues, and I am confident they are being addressed. We know Coach Sarkisian didn’t hesitate to address the fumble issue in game. And he has benched a guy for mental penalties too (Michigan game).
This is a really good football team. When Kirk Bohls said it might be our best team since 1969, I was a bit stunned – there have been some amazing Longhorn squads in the last 55 years. But the Wise Man may be right, again.
Individuals
I started looking at individual core stats and rankings (not ratings, that’s further below), and on offense, no one individual really stands out as high in the national rankings. Some examples:
- Arch Manning is 8th in the SEC in passing with 225 ypg; he’s 50th nationally. His 9 passing touchdowns is good for 6th in the SEC, 31st nationally.
- Jaydon Blue is our highest ranked runner, 59.75 ypg, 16th SEC, not even top 100 nationally.
- Isaiah Bond is 8th in the SEC with 72.8 ypg, 55th nationally.
- Anthony Hill, Jr. is 14th in the SEC in tackles, 6.2 per game
That’s a sampling. And you know what? I think that is good news: because we have a bunch of players playing and contributing. With this deep and talented roster, it is really just the quarterback who is going to have really big raw stat lines.
When it comes to ratings and grading, it is a different story. Texas players are among the best in the nation.
- PFF College: Colin Simmons at 89.3 and Ryan Wingo at 83.9 are the two highest graded true freshman in the Power 4. The magnificent 17 year old in Tuscaloosa, Ryan Williams, is 5th at 81.3. That should give you an idea of how well Simmons and Wingo are playing football.
- PFF College: Arch Manning is the 5th best QB in Power 4, with 90.4.
BCF Toys
Excellent advanced analytics. If you want the explanation of one of these statistical categories, the link is embedded.
| FEI | OFEI | DFEI | SFEI – Adj | |
| Ohio State | No. 1: 1.39 | No. 2: 0.76 | No. 8: 0.59 | No. 42: 0.03 |
| Georgia | No. 2: 1.33 | No. 4: 0.63 | No. 2: 0.64 | No. 13: 0.08 |
| Alabama | No. 3: 1.25 | No. 7: 0.49 | No. 1: 0.70 | No. 5: 0.11 |
| Oregon | No. 4: 1.24 | No. 3: 0.73 | No. 12: 0.48 | No. 27: 0.05 |
| Texas | No. 5: 1.24 | No. 5: 0.62 | No. 7: 0.59 | No. 36: 0.03 |
Louisiana State is the No. 1 OFEI, with a 0.78.
| NAY | OAY | DAY | |
| Texas | No. 2: 0.445 | No. 6: 0.688 | No. 2: 0.243 |
Ohio State is No. 1 in NAY%, with 0.460 rating.
| NPD | OPD | DPD | |
| Texas | No. 2: 3.50 | No. 4: 4.09 | No. 2: 0.59 |
Ohio State is first in NPD with 3.87. Navy is No. 1 in OPD with 4.76 offensive points per drive.
| NPP | OPP | DPP | |
| Texas | No. 3: 4.40 | No. 9: 7.88 | No. 2: 3.48 |
Ohio State is first in NPP with 4.92. Navy is second with 4.44, and Navy is first in OPP at 9.93.
No. 1 Texas Longhorns 35, Mississippi State Bulldogs 13
“Boy, I am restraining myself to not go over the cliff on how bad the Horns might beat Mississippi State.” Talk about a whiff. I guess missing by a touchdown isn’t too bad on the defensive side, but missing by 27 points on offense was a big one. I got greedy.
The first Mississippi State possession pretty much dictated that Texas was probably not going to get more than 60 points. While the Bulldogs didn’t score, that 7+ minute drive consumed 1/8th of the game time. It was a bit like what we had seen Kentucky do to Ole Miss earlier in the day: the Wildcats first drive was 7:30, they got a field goal and trailed 7-3 with nearly 10 minutes gone in the first quarter. Kentucky would go on to win 20-17, handing the Rebels their first loss on the season, and holding them well below their season scoring average (55 ppg).
Anyway, the Bulldogs gained 47 yards on 13 plays (I think 7 were rushes up the middle, 3 others were run plays too) before the Longhorns held on fourth down at the Texas 28.
Manning and Sark wasted no time on the Horns first possession, as a quick 72 yard drive that included a 22 yard pass to Golden, 16 to Bond, and 20 to DeAndre Moore, Jr. ended with a Jaydon Blue 1 yard touchdown run. The pass to Moore was particularly good, with Manning’s pump fake before going deep. 7-0 Texas.
Texas D with a 3 and out – MSU gained 2 yards.
Manning had another great drive going, completing 27 and 17 yard passes to Bond that had the Horns down to the Mississippi State 29, but two plays later, Blue had his first of two fumbles. I think we can safely say that drive should’ve ended in points.
Mississippi State moved the ball a little on the next drive but didn’t cross the 50, and Texas got the ball back on their own 20. One of the worst offensive possessions of the season that included a holding call, a sack, and then a punt that a Bulldog got a hand on, and Mississippi State was in business at the Horns 37 yard line. The Bulldogs managed 10 yards against better defense and settled for a 45 yard field goal, and with less than 10 minutes left in the first half it was 7-3 Texas and my stomach was a bit knotty. The Texas 4 play 114 second drive that ended with the Johntay Cook II dropped pass was another miscue. (In the past, I have made it a practice [largely followed] not to point out mistakes by individual players by name; right or wrong, I feel NIL has obviated the need for that practice. Kid can’t drop a sure touchdown pass that is perfectly placed in his hands like that on third and 9.) In my mind, it should have been 21-3 at that point – 17-3 at worst. But it wasn’t.
Lebby and the Bulldogs, to their credit, turned the miscue into points with a 64 yard drive (about 4 and a half minutes) that finally stalled at the Texas 14 with some good defense, but the Ferrie field goal was good, 7-6 Texas.
The next drive, while choppy, was well executed by Coach and Quarterback. For the second time on third and long (thanks to a holding call, in this case), Sark called for a deep strike. This time, the target was DeAndre Moore, Jr., and Mr. Moore was money. Manning stood strong in the pocket and with the pressure coming fast threw a perfect pass that was about 46 yards in the air and landed in DeAndre’s arms for a 50 yard touchdown and a 14-6 Texas lead. Not what it might have been, but a lead at halftime.
Texas opened the second half with another Blue fumble (at least after a good gain), but that would be it for Jaydon on September 28. Vernon Broughton bailed Blue out on the next series with a strip sack of Van Buren.
Texas had the chance to use what was effectively a mulligan to get a three score lead. After a short drive that was marred by two consecutive penalties called on Helm but almost salvaged with a 9 yard completion to Gunnar, Bert Auburn trotted out for a rare field goal attempt (I think only his third of 2024). It wasn’t pretty as it doinked off the upright and fell through, but it was good. And Mississippi State was offsides. On a day of not-our-best, Sarkisian took the points off the board and went for it on fourth and 3. He later said that the game plan was that if Texas was 3 yards or less on fourth down, go for it. I would suggest, in hindsight admittedly, that at this point in the game, the game plan should have been re-evaluated or at least recalibrated, leading one of the worst teams in the conference by 8 points five minutes into the second half, but In Sark We Trust (and I really do).
The Bulldogs had a moderately decent 5 minute drive that got the ball to the Texas 40, but a penalty and then an excellent play and sack by Colin Simmons on third and 18 muzzled the Bulldogs and forced the punt.
Manning got us going with a great 31 yard pass to Johntay Cook II on a crossing pattern. Quintrevion Wisner got his legs in gear and a 10 yard run and a 4 yard run got the Horns to the MSU 36. Jake Majors had another inexplicable illegal snap, and for the second time in the series Texas was first and 15. Arch ran for 8 and then on second and 7 scrambled “He’s going for the corner” and we thought he was in with a Superman lunge but the officials who were also having a day singularly lacking in excellence and one might argue competence ruled Manning out of bounds at the 1. As Colonel Sherman Potter would say, Horse Hockey! Three plays later on his second attempt, Big Arch got the ball across the goal line. Finally, a two score lead, 21-6, as the third quarter expired. I still miss Wally Prior’s simple “Quarter”.
Speaking of miscues: Next Mississippi State possession of 9 “plays”, counting the punt, included two incompletions, a sack, and back to back Delay of Game. Good defense, and good noise in DKR.
Texas got the ball back with 12:38 to play on our own 15. At this point, I just wanted to ice the game – spread, predictions, etc. – makes no hace. Just win. Win we did. 7 yards to Moore, Quintrevion rush for 38 (incredible run and move on the linebacker), Gibson for 6 and 6 and an 8 yard pass. And then a great 20 yard touchdown run by Quintrevion – called back for holding. Arch connected with Wingo and Golden before hitting DeAndre Moore, Jr. for a 27 yard touchdown with 9:30 to play. 28-6 Horns.
Mississippi State actually answered with a nice little drive that again featured some good runs, a great pass, and the Michael Van Buren, Jr. 12 yard touchdown run got the score to 28-13 Horns. But Van Buren gave a Horns down to the Texas fans in the South Endzone (who waved back Texas friendly, sort of).
I loved Coach Sarkisian’s play calling on the next possession. 6:12 to play, and he put the ball in Quintrevion’s good hands 4 straight times, and Mr. Wisner responded with runs of 7, 7, 8, and 13. Arch completed a good one to Golden for 14 to get Texas to the State 27, and after a short Quintrevion gain, a splendid call on the end around sweep to Isaiah Bond who raced passed the Bulldogs for a 26 yard touchdown. 35-13 Texas, and the Longhorn Band played that slightly slower Texas Fight, which is our not so subtle equivalent of Taps.
Michael Van Buren, Jr. gave it his best, but on fourth and 15 near midfield, Barryn Sorrell sacked the big hearted freshman. Ball game.
All things considered, a very good win, beginning life in the Southeastern Conference with a 22 point victory over an agricultural school wearing maroon. I enjoyed the second half, and I left the stadium grateful for the win, for 5-0, and for knowing that the miscues that held the Horns back are fixable. I am not so sure that this is a game that a Texas team say 7 or 4 years ago would have won. But that is the Good News: This team has the coaching, the mental focus, and the will and the skill to overcome mistakes and pound out a big win.
Arch Manning was the star – 26-31, 325 yards, 2 scores, 33 yards rushing and a score. Outstanding. Quintrevion Wisner picked up his teammate with a solid 88 yards on 13 carries. We again had a wide receiver with key rushing yards. Ten – 10 – Texas longhorns caught Manning passes. Moore led the way with his 4 for 104 and 2 scores. Bond and Golden each had 5 catches (74 & 52, respectively). Cook 1 for 31. Helm 5 for 23.
We ended with 198 yards rushing, so my prediction of about 200+ was close. The rest of my wishes and dreams were just that, and that is okay.
Defense was solid, allowing just 144 yards in the air and 150 on the ground. Gbenda and Guilbeau led with 8 tackles each. But Colin Simmons was the defensive player of the game with 7 tackles (6 solo), 2 sacks and 3 TFL. Barron and Hill had 6 tackles each.
11 Tackles for Loss and 6 sacks. That is very good.
Last week, Arch Manning was the top FBS overall graded quarterback by PFF. Watching him play (and re-watching some of the game), I was impressed with his improvements this week, especially in the all-important mid-range game in the Sarkisian Attack. I am so excited to watch Archibald Charles Manning play football for the Longhorns for the next few years. My goodness what a talent.
Mukuba PFF College coverage grade vs MSU was No. 1 in SEC with 87.4
The PFF College Week 5 SEC Team of the Week:
Pretty good, not too bad.
The full game highlights from ESPN:
All the plays from @TexasClips (my friend Justin Nash)
Another great clip from the Texas football video crew.
Texas Football | SEC Opener ✅ Roll the tape
AP Top 25 & Coaches Poll
Massey Ratings
Alabama, Texas, Ohio State, Tennessee, Georgia, Oregon are the Top 6.
PFF – Texas No. 2
Alabama, Texas, Tennessee, Ohio State, Oregon, Georgia
College Football Rankings: Top 25 entering Week 6
ESPN College Football Power Index
ESPN SP+ from Bill Connelly
Texas One
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Week Six in the Southeastern Conference
No. 9 Missouri (4-0, 1-0) at No. 25 Texas Agricultural & Mechanical (4-1, 2-0), 11:00 a.m. on ABC/ESPN+. The Tigers are very good but seem vulnerable to me, and Texas Agricultural & Mechanical is desperate for a win this weekend to get the headlines in Texas while the Longhorns have this Saturday off. I think they might do it. Texas Agricultural & Mechanical favored by 2.5, total is 48.5. Vegas likes the aggies, the advanced analytics not so much.
Auburn (2-3, 0-1) at No. 5 Georgia (3-1, 1-1), 2:30 p.m. on ABC/ESPN+. Auburn probably didn’t stand much of a chance of beating Georgia whenever they played them this season, but coming off that game in Tuscaloosa, the Tigers are going to play some angry Dawgs between the hedges. Look forward to watching some of this one on my first Saturday at home since August 24th. Georgia favored by 22, over/under is 51.5.
No. 12 Ole Miss (4-1, 0-1) at South Carolina (3-1, 1-1), 2:30 p.m. on ESPN from Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia. Rebs a bit ticked too, I suspect. Ole Miss favored by 9, total is 53.5. Hotty Toddy!
No. 1 Alabama (4-0, 1-0) at Vanderbilt, 3:15 p.m. on SEC Network. Crimson Tide favored by 22.5, total is 54.5.
No. 4 Tennessee (4-0, 1-0) at Arkansas (3-2, 1-1), 6:30 p.m. on ABC/ESPN+, from FayetteNam. The third SEC game of the day on the American Broadcasting Company channel, and probably going to be a good one. Volunteers favored by 13.5, over/under is 56.5. Rocky Top!
Central Florida (3-1) at Florida (2-2), 6:45 p.m. on SEC Network. Was discussing UCF with my buddy Jerry Frey at lunch on Monday. Few people realize that Central Florida is the fourth largest university in the country, with over 68,000 students – considerably larger than the University of Florida which is about 61,000 (2024 enrollment numbers are not out, this is 2023). The Gators are home underdogs in the Swamp, +2.5. Total is 61.5. Billy better hope his boys step up.
Week 5: Service Academies
Pretty fine to see Army and Navy undefeated a month into the 2024 season!
Navy (4-0) at Air Force (1-3), 11:00 a.m. on the Columbia Broadcasting System and streaming on Paramount+. Navy is very good this year, better than I was expecting. Navy has the No. 5 rushing offense in the country, averaging 287.5 yards per game, with 16 touchdowns. The Falcons are a bit down. Midshipmen favored by 9.5, and the over/under is 36.5. If you were looking for a good bet this weekend, I would take Navy to cover.
Air Force’s uniforms for the game are awesome.
Army (4-0, 3-0) at Tulsa (2-3, 0-1). 11:00 a.m. on ESPNU. Army has the best ground attack in the FBS, averaging 371.25 yards per game. Also No. 1 in total rushing yards with 1,485, and No. 1. In attempts per game, at 56.75. Surprised the Black Knights are only favored by 11.5. Over/under is 50.5.
Top 25 – Week 6
Friday
Michigan State at No. 6 Oregon, 8:00 p.m. on FOX from Autzen Stadium. Love night games at Autzen. Always good. Will watch the second half after I get home from Matt’s. Which is also Always Good. Ducks favored by 23.5, over/under is 52.5.
Syracuse at No. 25 Nevada Las Vegas, 8:00 p.m. on FS1. UNLV favored by 6.5, total is 57.5. I am betting the sportsbooks have this line right.
Saturday
UCLA (1-3) at No. 7 PSU (4-0), 11:00 a.m. on FOX. Good luck to the Bruins, but fear this is going to get ugly. Nittany Lions favored by 28, over/under is 46.5.
Southern Methodist (4-1) at No. 22 Louisville (3-1), 11:00 a.m. on ESPN. I would love to see the Mustangs pull the upset here. Louisville favored by 6.5, over/under is 56.5.
Iowa at No. 3 Ohlo State, 2:30 p.m. on CBS/Paramount+. Would be fun to see the Hawkeyes upset the Buckeyes, but probably ain’t happening this weekend. Ohlo State favored by 18.5, total is 45.5.
No. 23 Indiana (5-0) at Northwestern (2-2), 2:30 p.m. BTN. Didn’t think the Hoosiers would be 5-0 to start the 2024 season. They are favored in Evanston by 14, total is 41.5.
No. 15 Clemson (3-1) at Florida State (1-4), 6:00 p.m. on ESPN. Bet this game looked pretty sexy to the broadcasters a few months ago. I can’t decide if some people might watch in the hopes of seeing Dabo lose (not me), or if they might watch for the schadenfreude of seeing Florida State move to 1-5 (probably not me). Tennessee at Arkansas will be greater schadenfreude, so will watch that. And the Trojans. Tigers favored by 14.5 at Doak Campbell Stadium. Total is 46.5.
Utah State at No. 21 Boise State, 6:00 p.m. on FS2. Boise favored by 27 at home, total is 65.5.
No. 10 Michigan (4-1) at Washington, 6:30 p.m. on NBC/Peacock. Huskies are favored by 1.5 at home, over/under is 41.5. Go Big Blue!
No. 11 Southern Cal at Minnesota, 6:30 p.m. on BTN. Trojans favored by 8.5, over/under is 49.5. Fight on! ✌
Baylor (2-3) at No. 16 Iowa State (4-0), 6:30 p.m. on FOX. Cyclones are favored by 12.5 at Jack Trice Stadium. Total is 44.5.
No. 8 Miami (Florida) at California Berkeley, 9:30 p.m. on ESPN. Canes favored by 10, total is 53.5.
Other Games of Interest – Week 6
Thursday Night
Texas State beat Troy 38-17. Bobcats were favored by 13.5.
Sam Houston moved to 5-1 with a 41 to 21 beating of the UTEP Miners (who remain winless). Bearkats were 10 point favorites.
Friday
Houston at Texas Christian. 6:30 p.m. on ESPN. Such a pity to see the Cougars at 1-4. Go Frogs! Texas Christian favored by 16.5, total is 51.5.
Saturday
Boston College (4-1) at Virginia (3-1), 11:00 a.m. on the ACC Network. Cavaliers favored by 1, total is 52.5. Go Hoos!
Pittsburgh at North Carolina. 11:00 a.m. on ESPN2. Panthers are undefeated and favored by 2.5, but this is their first conference game. Mack needs a win. Hope he gets it.
Miami Redhawks vs. Toledo Rockets, 2:30 p.m. on ESPN+. Toledo favored by 6.5, total is 43.5.
Rutgers (4-0) at Nebraska (4-1), 3:00 p.m. on FS1. Cornhuskers are favored by 7, over/under is 40.5. GBR!
Texas Tech at Arizona, 10:00 p.m. on FOX. Sand Aggies are 6.5 point underdogs. Total is 64.5. Bear Down!
Juan Heisman Tailgate
A great day at Juan Heisman, with a great turnout. Kudos to all the guys in the Crew for a strong September, as we hosted 4 tailgate parties in 5 weeks. A lot of work, and special thanks to Hunter Wilcox and the Early Crew, Brad Laughlin, Bobby Zamen, Butters Barton, and Judd Messer. Good to have the CEO back from Michigan. And even better to welcome Mary Margaret Messer to her first JHT.
CCM, JBM, MMM
Some photos of JHT:
Really great video here:
Texas Football | Campus is buzzin’
David Edelman is one of my oldest friends, having grown up together in Tyler. He has been part of the tailgate from the early years. His daughters grew up with us. Buck & Sarah Jane at JHT.
Grant Martin, James “Butters” Barton, JBM w/MMM, and Hunter Wilcox. 4 of the 5 Original Young Guns.
And SJ & TCT, because she’s the best!
Big thanks to Tito’s Handmade Vodka for the support and to Twin Liquors, my friend David Jabour, and Andi at the Twin Liquors down by Lake Austin Blvd. If you haven’t been in the new Twin, and if you like a great selection of spirits and wine at good prices, you need to shop there.
Washington & Lee University
I was not paying close attention late last week when I was working on this section of the Dispatch. The Generals had last Saturday off after the big trip to San Antonio.
This week, the Generals are at home in the friendly confines of beautiful Wilson Field to play the Averett University Cougars, a late 5:00 p.m. start with Parents Weekend. The Cougars are 2-1 with wins over N.C. Wesleyan and Greensboro College, and a 10-36 loss to Ferrum.
Maury Purnell, W&L 1990, made his first visit to Juan Heisman!
Dell Children’s Star Ball
Dell Children’s Hospital is one of Austin’s greatest treasures and assets. Exceptional healthcare for our babies and children, delivered compassionately and with love.
Each winter, the big fundraiser is the Dell Children’s Star Ball. Kathy and I got involved with the Children’s Hospital when it was still part of Brackenridge Hospital. I remember working the phones for the Children’s Miracle Network Telethon. In the mid-1990’s, we chaired the ball with The Temptations for entertainment. It was quite a night. Soon thereafter, with our great friends Carol and Tim Crowley, we founded the Dell Children’s Council. That organization’s support of Dell Children’s continues today. For several years our daughter Mary Elizabeth Fleming has been responsible for the ball and its great success.
This year’s ball is February 1, 2025 at the Four Seasons. Presented by the Nyle Maxwell Family of Dealerships.
I hope you will consider sponsoring or supporting in some fashion.
Dell Children’s Ball – Dell Children’s Foundation
Week Five in the Southeastern Conference
The Georgia-Alabama game was outstanding. Tide 41, Bulldogs 34. I watched most of the first half on my phone in the parking lot by the tailgate, waiting for AAA to show up and jump a very dead battery. But I did get home in time to enjoy the second half. And that Vesper martini. What a fourth quarter from the Dawgs. Jalen Milroe was spectacular – 27/33, 374 yards, 2 TDs, ran for 117 and 2 scores on 16 carries. Ryan Williams. Oh my. I don’t include highlights from other games often, but this one was worthy. Hoping we get a shot at the Tide in December. Oh, and the advanced analytics were right, the boys in the desert wrong.
For me, Kentucky’s win over favored Ole Miss was the biggest upset of the day. Wildcats 20-17 over the Rebs.
Land Thieves with a huge comeback and win at Auburn, 27-21. They will be ready for the Horns in the Red River Shootout in 8 days.
Texas Agricultural & Mechanical 21-17 over Arkansas. Fine.
Louisiana State 42-10 over South Alabama. Good win and cover for the Tigers.
Week 5: Service Academies
Thursday
Army defeated Temple 42 to 14 at the Linc in Philly. Black Knights were favored by 13.5, total was 45.5. Strong showing by the men from West Point. And another huge game on the ground, as Army rushed for 417 yards and 5 scores. QB Bryson Daily led the Black Knights with 152 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Saturday
Navy was only favored by 3.5 in Birmingham. Middies beat the Blazers 41-18. Navy is quite good.
Air Force goes down at Wyoming, 19-31.
Top 25 – Week 5
Friday
Virginia Tech gave Miami (Florida) all they could handle and dang near pulled off the upset. Canes 38, Hokies 34.
Minnesota with a 21 point fourth quarter but Michigan held on for Victory and the Little Brown Jug. 27-24 Wolverines.
K State 42, Oklahoma State 20. Not close. Line was only 5.
I was right about the Baylor by 3 line. Brigham Young 34, Baylor 28. Cougars are 5-0.
Fight On! Southern Cal 38, Wisconsin 31, Trojans win and cover.
Notre Dame 31-24 over Louisville. Irish were favored by 7. Go Irish!
The Ohlo State University 38-7 over Michigan State.
Clemson 40-14 over Leland Stanford Junior University.
Iowa State shut out Houston 20-0. This is good.
Illinois falls to Penn State 7-21. Illini covered.
Washington State goes down big at Boise State, 24-45.
Arizona with a big road upset win at Utah, 23-10.
Oregon 34-13 over UCLA. Ducks were favored by 25.5 and the total was 55.5.
Other Games of Interest – Week 5
Nebraska 28-10 over Purdue, but it took a 21 point Cornhusker fourth quarter.
Miami Redhawks with a 23-20 win over Massachusetts in overtime. Dang.
Texas Christian with a big 38-27 road win at Kansas. Jayhawks were favored. They were also ranked No. 22 in the preseason poll, and are not 1-4 and 0-2 in the Big 12.
North Carolina loses by 1 at Duke after giving up 14 points in the fourth quarter. Blue Devils beat the Tarheels 21-20.
UTSA loses 20-30 at East Carolina.
Southern Methodist 42-16 over Florida State, Ponies were only 6 point favorites. Bad year for the Noles.
Cincinnati 41, Sand Aggies 44.
Music
Kris Kristofferson. Very few Texans born in the 20th Century have left a legacy that spanned most of the last half of the 1900s and the first quarter of this millennium, and he will continue to have an impact on generations to come. He will, I think, always be known first as a gifted songwriter. I suppose that appellation, songwriter, holds significant meaning for many folks, but for those of us who have been in and around Austin for decades, real songwriters are something extra special. Yes, most ended up in Nashville at some point, but many came to Austin. Kristofferson, Willie, Townes Van Zandt. To name just a few in Kris’ primary genre.
We will always remember Help Me Make It Through the Night, For the Good Times, Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down, Me and Bobby McGee, I’d Rather Be Sorry – even if many will remember the artists who sang the song, not the guy who wrote it.
Kristofferson was born in Brownsville, son of an Air Force officer. He ended up at Pomona College, where he was a great rugby player. He was Phi Beta Kappa, and after graduating attended Oxford on a Rhodes Scholarship (Merton College – founded 1264, and as you might guess has quite a few impressive alumni in the last 760 years, from William of Ockham [Occam’s razor], John Wycliffe, Tomas Bodley, Lord Randolph Churchill, T.S. Eliot, J.R.R. Tolkien, Roger Bannister, and our Bob Krueger). After Oxford he joined the Army, became a Ranger, learned to fly helicopters, and started a band. He was given an assignment to teach at West Point, but instead decided to go to Nashville and become a songwriter.
The rest is history. Real history. The songs he wrote, the songs he sang, the roles he played in movies. He could turn a phrase (google Toby Keith and pantyhose).
For all of his achievements and influence, I am pretty simple when it comes to Kristofferson. I love The Highwaymen. Willie, Waylon, Johnny, and Kris. So that’s my first selection.
Highwayman
A live version:
Johnny Cash & Kris, Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down. 1970 CMA Song of the Year.
Ray Price, I’d Rather Be Sorry.
Ray Price, For the Good Times. Academy of Country Music Song of the Year 1970
Sammi Smith, Help Me Make it Through the Night
Janis Joplin, Me and Bobby McGee. Released after Janis died. Hit No. 1.
Kris, Loving Her was Easier
Requiescat in pace Kris
Jim Nicar
1940: A sunny afternoon in front of the 10-year old University of Texas Gregory Gym. At the time, the gym was headquarters for UT Athletics, the men’s basketball and swimming and diving teams, the “physical training” (physical education) department, and intramural sports.
From Jim’s Post on October 3, 2024.
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HAAM
Thank you to all of my friends who donated to HAAM! I am really grateful. As of about midnight Thursday night, $3,880 donated to my personal fundraiser. Thanks to Laura, Amy, Brenda, Kara & Bob, Gordon, Jake, Don, Debbie, Jeff, Jay, Little Joe, John, Mike, Amy & Perry, Mary Ann & Ben, Karen, Kari, Bill, Alfie, Lisa & Sam, Mike, Lenora, Angie, Rob, Mary Frances & Wilson, and several anonymous.
Picture of the Week
The August blue super moon, From Erin Newman Mitchell’s Instagram Post on August 19, 2024. A good day.
Quote of the Week
“We believe in God – such as it is, we have faith – because certain things happened to us once and go on happening. We work and goof off, we love and dream, we have wonderful times and awful times, are cruelly hurt and hurt others cruelly, get mad and bored and scared stiff and ache with desire, do all such human things as these, and if our faith is not mainly just window dressing or a rabbit’s foot or fire insurance, it is because it grows out of precisely this kind of rich human compost. The God of biblical faith is the God who meets us at those moments in which for better or worse we are being most human, most ourselves, and if we lose touch with those moments, if we don’t stop from time to time to notice what is happening to us and around us and inside us, we run the tragic risk of losing touch with God too.”
~ ~ Carl Frederick Buechner (1926-2022), American author, theologian, and Presbyterian minister; from his 1991 book, Telling Secrets.
From a friend who sends out a daily motivational quote.
God Bless Texas
God Bless America
Tim Taylor
Member, Football Writers Association of America
Tailgating before Home Football Games
The Juan Heisman Tailgate
Lot 38, East of Sid Richardson Hall
HOOK EM HORNS!!
The Austin Horns Fan Dispatch
Vol. XXI, No. 7
© Timothy C. Taylor, Sr. 2024. All Rights Reserved (as to original material).
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