Texas Longhorns 27, Vanderbilt Commodores 24
Texas won its first ever Southeastern Conference road game against a team that the Longhorns have not beaten since 1927. That’s pretty good. The Texas defense was outstanding. Quinn Ewers passed for 288 yards and 3 touchdowns. DeAndre Moore, Jr. had a great game, with 6 catches for 97 yards and 2 touchdowns. Longhorn Nation had an incredible presence in Nashville – about half the stadium was Burnt Orange. That’s good stuff.
Full review of the game below, including the nearly fatal damage caused by one of Quinn’s two interceptions and several of the 10 penalties on the Horns, six of which were called on the offensive line (if you include the Helm holding call), and two of which cost Texas 14 points. But kudos to Quinn on his rebound from the early interception. He went 17 for 17, and he was throwing some great passes. This one in particular to Moore:
https://x.com/TexasFootball/status/1850957426226278644
And this catch. Oh my Matthew. Glad you are in Austin.
© Texas Football
The Monday Morning Highlights, on Instagram and X:
https://x.com/TexasFootball/status/1850886026534826256
No Highlights in Español. Estoy muy decepcionado.
No. 6 Texas Longhorns
A brief look at where we rank nationally in a few key categories. Important to note how strong and good this defense is. And how much work needs to be done before the Gators get to town.
Offense
| Statistic | Texas |
| Rushing Offense | #66 –158.4 ypg |
| Passing Offense | #14 – 294.8 ypg |
| Total Offense | #20 – 453.1 ypg |
| Scoring Offense | #18 – 37.6 ppg |
| First Downs | #50 – 21.5/game |
| Sacks Allowed | #76 – 17, 116 yards |
| Tackles for Loss Allowed | #106 – 50, 196 yards |
| Third Down Conversions | #19 – 46.5% |
| Fourth Down Conversions | #125 – 35.7%, 5/14 |
| Red Zone Attempts | #4 – 39 |
| Red Zone Offense | #57 – 87% / 74% |
Defense
| Statistic | Texas |
| Rushing Defense | #20 – 105.5 ypg |
| Passing Defense | #3 – 135.8 ypg |
| Total Defense | #1 – 241.3 ypg |
| Scoring Defense | #2 – 11.5 ppg |
| First Downs Allowed | #2 – 14.1/game |
| Sacks | #29 – 20, 116 yards |
| Tackles for Loss | #21 – 55, 197 yards |
| Third Down Conversions | #8 – 28.5% |
| Fourth Down Conversions | #47 – 47.4%, 9/19 |
| Red Zone Attempts | #2 – 15 |
| Red Zone Defense | #16 – 73% / 47% |
| Long Run Plays Allowed | #6 – 21/10, 1/20, 1/30, 1/40 |
| Long Pass Plays Allowed | #2 – 38/10, 12/20, 3/30, 2/40 |
I meant to see if I could figure out how many opponents’ fourth down conversions resulted from Texas penalties. At least a couple I think.
Other
| Statistic | Texas |
| Turnovers | #106 – 14, 6F, 8I |
| Turnover Margin | #37 – 17:14 +3 |
| Penalties | #95 – 55, 454 yards |
BCF Toys
After Week 9, here are the rankings and metrics.
| FEI | OFEI | DFEI | SFEI – Adj | |
| Texas | No. 4: 1.12 | No. 14: 0.37 | No. 1: 0.75 | No. 57: 0.01 |
| NAY | OAY | DAY | |
| Texas | No. 3: 0.306 | No. 18: 0.569 | No. 1: 0.263 |
| NPD | OPD | DPD | |
| Texas | No. 6: 2.12 | No. 12: 3.13 | No. 2: 1.01 |
Tennessee is No. 1 in DPD 0.96. Texas is No. 1 in DMD (defense with opponent starting from middle field positions).
| NPP | OPP | DPP | |
| Texas | No. 3: 3.41 | No. 20: 6.64 | No. 1: 3.69 |
Texas dropped from No. 1 in NPP, because of the drop in OPP from No. 15 (at 6.93) to No. 20 (at 6.44). We are inefficient at drives that average at least four yards per play gained (O4+), where we ranked 43rd at 0.598. Conversely, on the defensive side, we are No. 1 in D4+, No. 1 in D7+, and No. 2 in D10+. I can’t say it often enough, this defense is good enough to win championships. The offense just needs to get in gear.
Possession Efficiency. Possession Efficiency (PVE) is unadjusted scoring value calculated from the results of non-garbage possessions (NP) in FBS vs. FBS games.
| PVE | OVE | DVE | SVE | |
| Texas | No. 4: 1.05 | No. 16: 0.27 | No. 1: 0.82 | No. 85: -0.03 |
In BCF’s F+ ratings (Brian Fremeau’s FEI ratings combined with Bill Connelly’s SP+ ratings), Texas is No. 3. Offensively, Texas is No. 9; defensively, Texas is No. 1.
Texas Longhorns 27, Vanderbilt Commodores 24
It is like déjà vu all over again. Last week I quoted what I said the week before: “Turnovers and mistakes are often the difference in games …” Miscues. I have listened to Keith Moreland call, I am not kidding, thousands of innings of baseball. He uses “miscues” all the time, and every single time Texas fumbles, gets intercepted, commits a stupid penalty, whatever, I hear the word “miscue” in Keith’s voice. I have been hearing it way, way too much lately on Saturdays in the fall.
Vanderbilt deferred, Texas gets the kick.
Golden decides to run it out from 4 yards deep. He gets to the 15, 10 yards shy of a fair catch result, and Roberson gets flagged (again) for holding, and we start on the 8 yard line. Two miscues in one play.
Quintrevion runs and catches the ball and we have a first down and then on 2nd and 3 from the 25, where we should have started, a Vandy defender tips the Ewers pass, it is picked (miscue 3) and Vanderbilt starts on the Texas 31. Six plays later, the Commodores take a 7-0 lead.
Texas got the ball on the 25 after that kickoff, and Ewers led a great drive, highlighted by the big 14 yard catch and run by Gunnar Helm on 2nd and 16, 18 yards on the next play to Quintrevion, a 31 yards pass to Moore. Ewers 8 for 8 including the touchdown pass to Golden.
Vandy had a 4th and 1 on their first series of the next possession and was going for it from their own 34. Very clever play with all the arms in the air and they should have made it, but the bizarre illegal formation call because the end’s shoulders weren’t squared to the line of scrimmage saved Texas. But what a play. Even better was Silas Bolden getting a 24 yard return on the Vandy punt to set up the Horns at the Dores’ 49 yard line.
Ewers made quick work with the good field position (see how important it is?) as Niblack caught two passes then the first of two beautiful connections from Ewers to Moore for a touchdown. 93 second drive, Quinn 4 for 4. 14-7 Texas.
On the next possession Vandy was driving and in plus territory when Michael Taaffe made the great interception after fellow Chap Ethan Burke tipped the ball.
Texas started at the UT 31. A nice drive with a good mix of run and pass (Quinn still perfect), but on third and 9 at the Vandy 33, Ewers was sacked for 10 yards. A great special teams play as Texas downed the punt at the 1 yard line. A 3 and out, and Texas got the ball on the UT 41 after a great punt.
A quick drive that included a 24 yard pass to Helm and then the second Ewers to Moore touchdown pass, this one for 25 yards.
It was 21-7 Texas with 5 minutes left in the first half. You may recall I had predicted a Texas 45 to 16 win. Almost all my friends thought I was way too bold, and of course I was sitting there relaxing, thinking I had nailed it. After the early mistakes, Texas had cleaned up their play, Ewers was on fire, and it looked like it was going to be a fun afternoon with family.
That feeling was even stronger after Taaffe forced a fumble on the next Vanderbilt possession, and Texas got the ball at the UT 43 after Trey Moore recovered the ball. One minute to play, and the gears got a bit funky. The deep shot to Wingo (the right call, for sure – go for the jugular) was off, and 2 plays later Quinn is sacked, and the terrible punt put Vanderbilt at their own 35 yard line with 38 seconds.
Pavia had the Dores moving, but the Muhammad defensive holding call didn’t help. Sure enough, Vandy was close enough, and the Commodore kicker nailed a 54 yarder to close the half with a 21-10 score.
The sack was probably a 3 point swing, maybe 7 the way Quinn was throwing the ball. The bad punt was very arguably a 3 point swing, as Vanderbilt only needed to get about 30 yards to get in range, and they got 29.
Texas started the second half with strong defense, forcing a quick 3 and out. The next Texas drive started at the UT 28. Quinn got the Horns to the Vandy 17, despite the DJ Campbell false start, but a sack and very good pass defense meant settling for a 40 yard field goal. 24-10 Texas.
Texas forced another Vandy 3 and out, but Texas immediately gave the ball back, as Quinn got picked again.
Vanderbilt started at the Texas 38 after the interception. Another short field, another touchdown surrendered. A pass interference on fourth and 7 gave Vandy a first and 10 and the Texas 20. That was all the room Pavia needed, and 3 minutes left in the third quarter, it was a one score game, Texas 24, Vanderbilt 17. Two more Texas miscues, 7 more Vandy points. So much for relaxing.
Ewers had the Texas offense moving, but on third and 1 at the Vanderbilt 45, another holding call, and we go from a first down at the Vanderbilt 36 to third and 11 at the Texas 45. Ewers is sacked big on the next play (7 yards), and Texas has gone backwards 26 yards in 2 plays. The mediocre punt and decent return set Vandy up at their own 37.
The Texas defense stepped up. Very good work by Hill and Collins. Vandy wisely chose to play for field position with 10 minutes to go in a one score game, and it looked like a good call as Bolden made a fair catch at the Texas 12. But a catch interference penalty advanced the ball to the Texas 27, and the breathing room helped. Until on the very first play another holding call backed us up to the 18. Texas managed to get the ball almost to mid-field thanks to a great pass to Bolden, but the drive stalled. Kern’s punt was again 40 yards, but no return
With 8:09 to play, Vandy started at its own 17. After a first down, Texas had the Commodores in 4th and 2 at the VU 35. Coach Lea went for it, and Sorrell got pressure on Pavia and Liona Lefau picked off the Pavia pass. First and 10 Texas at the Vandy 29.
I, and most Horns Fans, assumed that this would be an easy touchdown drive. 29 yards. But, when you hold on first down, and you get first and 20 at the 39 yard line, things are not quite as rosy. Now, all of sudden, Texas just had to get some points. A 14 yard pass to Wingo got us third and 9 at the 28. In the biggest Texas run of the day, when we needed it the most, Jaydon Blue delivered. A huge 23 yard run to the Vandy 5. Not going to complain about getting the 3 points, but sure would have been nice to see the Texas Longhorns be able to score a touchdown with a first and goal at the Vanderbilt 5 yard line.
Pavia and the Dores got the ball with 1:57 left in the game. On the third play, Kobe Black picked off Pavia and returned it for a touchdown. Game over! Nope, a stupid, unnecessary targeting by Broughton when he nailed Pavia after the pass was off. Instead of 34-17 Texas and ballgame, it is Vanderbilt first and 10 at the Texas 29. Four plays later it is 27-24.
Texas had to, and did, recover the onside kick. But with 44 seconds, had Texas stumbled again, this game would have likely ended differently.
I know this seems a bit critical, and it is not because we were playing Vanderbilt. It is because so many of the wounds in this game were self-inflicted. Texas gave away yards and downs and points throughout the second half. A game that the Horns should have won by at least 3 touchdowns was, instead, won by 3 points. I asked my friend Justin Nash, the video wizard, for a reel of the penalties.
https://x.com/NashTalksTexas/status/1850643507171537045
Okay, back to the positive and good highlights and high points!
Ewers was 18 for 20 and 205 yards and 3 touchdowns in the first half. He finished 27/37 for 288 yards.
Defense was exceptional. The Commodores were averaging 162.1 yards rushing per game. Texas held them to 114 yards. Pavia was averaging nearly 200 yards per game, completing 66.2% of his passes, and had thrown only 1 interception all year. Saturday, he threw for 143 yards, completed 55.2%, and was intercepted twice. He did rush for close to average, and hat tip to the kid from Albuquerque – he accounted for all 3 Commodores touchdowns and 78% of their offense. Their stud tight end, Eli Stowers, was averaging 66 yards per game. Texas held him to 33.
Highlights from ESPN (about 10 minutes)
And every play, 47 minutes, from Justin (@TexasClips):
A win. Sark called it a “culture win” several times. It was a win. And a good one.
Helluva Texas crowd there. Attawaytogo Longhorn Nation!
Some takeaways, which are important:
The Texas offense needs to improve, immediately, to a level of playing complimentary football to the outstanding Texas defense. I think there are three key, required elements for the necessary improvement, all of which center on the offensive line:
- The linemen have to clean up the false starts and stupid holding penalties. I haven’t gone back to add up where this unit is on combined starts, but at the start of the year it was about 100, and a whole lot more than that in terms of games played. We have played eight games this season. This level of penalties is unacceptable.
- Texas has to get the run game going. Per CJ Vogel, against Vanderbilt, the last 10 running plays averaged 3.4 yards. That included the key 23 yard run by Blue on third down, which was critical. But you take that out, Texas averaged 1.22 yards per carry over the last 4 possessions of the game.
- Protect the quarterback. 4 sacks by Vandy, and the pressure that the Commodores got on Ewers led to the tipped balls and interceptions. We need Quinn Ewers, and if he keeps getting drilled like this, we will be very, very fortunate if he is healthy for an important game a couple of days after Thanksgiving. 76th in the nation in sacks allowed, 106th in tackles for loss. That is not on the line only. The backs who stay back to block have got to pick up their man. At least give Ewers time to throw the ball away. He’s not getting that.
The Texas defense is an elite unit that is deep and executes well with a couple of dozen different men. It is impressive. I have all the raw stats and advanced metrics above. I have read several articles that drill even deeper, like yards on downs, etc. Texas is up there.
Bert Auburn appears to have regained his steadiness. We will need him. But the punt game is hurting us. We have seen what is happening with field position, especially the last two games We need a better punting game to help level that out some. I was going to blame it on Kern, who has been playing for the injured Ratliff. He’s actually doing just as well statistically. Kern averaging 41 yards per punt, Ratliff was 44. Both have a long of 52. In 15 punts, Kern has 6 inside the 20. In 8 punts, Ratliff had 1 inside the 20. Jeff Banks needs to find some way to make improvement. And while he is working on special teams, maybe we take the ball on the 25 more? I love aggressive football, but if we can’t find guys who can block on kick-offs without drawing yellow flags, we are better off with the fair catch. Too many starts deep in our territory because of poor decisions and/or poor execution on kick returns.
Texas can and will finish strong. I fully expect that the game in College Station on November 30 will decide who plays in Atlanta on December 7. That will be the Texas Longhorns.
Texas Longhorns
The 2024-25 academic year is starting strong for the Longhorns.
AP Top 25 & Coaches Poll
Massey Ratings
Oregon, Ohio State, Penn State, Miami (Florida), Texas, Georgia, Notre Dame, Alabama.
PFF
Oregon, Georgia, Penn State, Miami (Florida), Texas are the top 5. Ohio State, Brigham Young, Iowa State, Notre Dame, and Texas Agricultural & Mechanical round out the Top 10.
College Football Rankings: Top 25 entering Week 10
ESPN College Football Power Index
ESPN’s analytics now have Texas with a 31.2% chance of winning the SEC, 74.4% of making the playoffs, a 24.7% chance of making the championship game, and a 15.3% chance of winning it all.
2024 College Football Power Index – ESPN
ESPN SP+ from Bill Connelly
A refresher on SP+ in Bill’s own words:
What is SP+? In a single sentence, it’s a tempo- and opponent-adjusted measure of college football efficiency. I created the system at Football Outsiders in 2008, and as my experience with both college football and its stats has grown, I have made quite a few tweaks to the system.
SP+ is indeed intended to be predictive and forward-facing. It is not a résumé ranking (hence the lack of unbeatens near the top), so it does not automatically give credit for big wins or particularly brave scheduling — no good predictive system does. It is simply a measure of the most sustainable and predictable aspects of football. If you’re lucky or unimpressive in a win, your rating will probably fall. If you’re strong and unlucky in a loss, it will probably rise.
TicketCity
There are a lot of friends who help us make The Juan Heisman Tailgate a big success and big fun every week. One of those friends is TicketCity, Austin’s home-grown ticket brokerage, founded by Randy Cohen, and ably managed these days by my friend Zach Anderson. TicketCity helps us secure the passes we need and tickets for our friends. Great customer service. If you ever need help buying or selling tickets for any game or event, you can’t go wrong with Zach and his team. Chris Anderson and Ryan Girton can help you:
- Chris Anderson – [email protected] 721.1117
- Ryan Girton – [email protected] 721.1145
Longhorns Excellence & Awards
Michael Taaffe, SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week. The walk-on from Westlake who just plays football. “Just a guy who believed in himself.” Great video.
https://x.com/SEC/status/1850933759979516326
- Michael Taaffe – Bullsworth Trophy Walk-On of the Week
- Quinn Ewers, Johnny Unites Golden Arm Award – Top 10 Finalist
- Quinn Ewers, Davey O’Brien QB Class of 2024
- Jahdae Barron, Jim Thorpe Award Semifinalist
- Barryn Sorrell, tied for third in the nation with 6 quarterback pressures
Texas Longhorns Basketball
The Texas men open play the season Monday night in Las Vegas with a game against The Ohio State University Buckeyes. 9:00 p.m. on TNT (or one of their stations). Texas favored by 2.5. Have fun Wheels. Bet it is large.
Texas One
The Texas One Fund is the official NIL collective that supports The University of Texas athletics. Texas One provides opportunities to Longhorns use their name, image, and likeness to promote charitable causes. Contributions to Texas One now count toward your Longhorn Foundation loyalty points. It is critically important to support Texas One and NIL for Longhorns. Consider a monthly donation. It makes a difference.
Week Ten in the Southeastern Conference
No. 19 Ole Miss (6-2, 2-2) at Arkansas (5-3, 3-2), 11:00 a.m. on ESPN. Great game to get Saturday started. Rebels and the Razorbacks are a decent rivalry for many of their fans, given the proximity. I think an important game for Texas fans to watch as we start thinking about the Horns’ game in Fayetteville which is right around the corner. I expect a close game, and I fear an upset is possible. Although advanced metrics are a bit more promising for Ole Miss. Rebels favored by 7.5, total is 53.5. Hotty Toddy!
BCF’s Game Projection.
| Projected Winner | Projected Loser | PW | PM | PF | PA | PT |
| Ole Miss | Arkansas | .796 | 12.2 | 32.2 | 19.9 | 52.1 |
Vanderbilt (5-3, 2-2) at Auburn (3-5, 1-4), 11:45 a.m. on the SEC Network. My expectation is that the Commodores bounce back, but not what the oddsmakers think. Tigers favored by 7.5 at home. Total is 48.5.
Maine at Oklahoma. 1:30 p.m. on ESPN+/SEC+. That would be the Maine Black Bears, of the FCS Coastal Athletic Association. No TV, no line.
Florida Gators (4-3. 2-2) v. No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs (6-1, 4-1), 2:30 p.m. on ABC and streaming on ESPN+. The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party, with Florida and Georgia meeting for either the 103rd time (by Georgia’s reckoning) or the 102nd time (as Florida counts). Long story if you want to read more. Georgia leads 56-44-2 or 55-44-2. The game has been played in Jacksonville since 1933 (except 1994 and 1995), and Georgia is indisputably 49-41-1 in Jacksonville. Dawgs favored by 14.5, over/under is 51.5.
Pretty interesting post on X about the 1995 Florida-Georgia game. Gators coached by the Old Ball Coach, Steve Spurrier. He put a beating on the Dawgs and rubbed it in. Kirby Smart was on that Georgia team.
BCF’s Game Projection.
| Projected Winner | Projected Loser | PW | PM | PF | PA | PT |
| Georgia | Florida | .826 | 13.8 | 32.0 | 18.1 | 50.1 |
Massachusetts (2-6) at Mississippi State (1-7), 3:15 p.m. on the SEC Network. I find it odd that the Land Thieves didn’t get this slot. Bulldogs favored by 18.
No. 10 Texas Agricultural & Mechanical (7-1, 5-0) at South Carolina, 6:30 p.m. on ABC/ESPN+. Huge game for those Fightin’ Texas Aggies. Texas Agricultural & Mechanical only favored by 3 (although recall last week they were only 1 point favorites). Over/under is 45.5. Should be a good game to watch with an Old Fashioned to kick-off the Saturday night viewing. I am thinking a Milam & Greene Port Cask Rye.
BCF’s Game Projection.
| Projected Winner | Projected Loser | PW | PM | PF | PA | PT |
| Texas Aggies | South Carolina | .529 | 1.0 | 23.0 | 22.0 | 45.0 |
College Football Insiders
Kentucky (3-5, 1-5) at Tennessee, 6:45 p.m. on SEC Network. A rivalry game given the long border between the states and their respective notoriety for brewing whiskey. I was a Jack Daniel’s guy in college. These days, Woodford Reserve, Maker’s Mark, and Knob Creek tend to be my choice if I am drinking Kentucky bourbon. The Woodford double oaked is particularly good sipping whiskey (enjoying some right now!), and the Maker’s 46 is great for Manhattans and Old Fashioneds. As for the Kentucky-Tennessee series, the Volunteers lead 82-26-9. Interesting note on the 1950 game, played in Knoxville. No. 9 Tennessee upset No. 3 Kentucky 7-0. The Wildcats were coached by Bear Bryant. The Vols played and beat No. 2 Texas in the Cotton Bowl, 20–14. Kentucky defeated No. 1 Oklahoma 13–7 in the Sugar Bowl in Tulane Stadium. It was Bud Wilkinson’s Sooners’ only loss that season, after escaping with a 14-13 win over No. 3 Texas in the Red River Shootout. Tennessee favored by 17.5 over Kentucky, over/under is 45.5.
Week 10: Service Academies
Air Force (1-6) at No. 21 Army (7-0), 11:00 a.m. on CBS. I hope folks tune into see this game and watch Bryson Daily. Should be a beautiful fall day in West Point. Black Knights favored by 21.5, over/under is 40.5.
Navy (6-1, 4-0) at Rice (2-6, 1-3), 3:00 p.m. on ESPN2. Midshipmen favored by 11, over/under is 48.5. If you are in Houston and not busy Saturday afternoon, you should go check out this Navy team.
Top 25 – Week Ten
Friday
Sand Diego State (3-4) No. 15 Boise State (5-1), 7:00 p.m. on FS1. Broncos continue to look like the Group of 6 team with a shot at the college football playoffs. Broncos favored by 23.5, total is 56.5.
Saturday
No. 4 The Ohio State University (6-1, 3-1) at No. 3 Penn State (7-0, 4-0), 11:00 a.m. on FOX. The Buckeyes need this win to get to the playoffs, and if Penn State wins, they will play for a Big Ten championship. Nittany Lions have Washington, Purdue, Minnesota, and Maryland left. Buckeyes have Purdue, Northwestern, No. 13 Indiana, and Michigan. Buckeyes favored by 3, total is 46.5. Intensely dislike both of these schools. Exodus 8:24.
Duke (6-2) at No. 5 Miami (Florida), 11:00 a.m. on ABC. I have little hope that the Blue Devils can upset the Canes, but I do hope! Miami favored by 20, over/under is 54.5.
Minnesota (5-3) at No. 24 Illinois (6-2), 11:00 a.m. on FS1. Gophers favored by 3 on the road in Champaign. Total is 45.5.
No. 1 Oregon (8-0) at Michigan (5-3), 2:30 p.m. on the Columbia Broadcasting System. I am going to be cheering for Big Blue. What a great win this would be for the Wolverines. Ducks favored by 14.5, over/under is 44.5.
Texas Tech (5-3, 3-2) at No. 11 Iowa State (7-0, 4-0), 2:30 p.m. on ESPN from Jack Trice Stadium. Tahj Brooks is third in the nation in rushing, 132.1 yards per game. Sand Aggies are 13.5 point road dogs. Total is 56.5. Cyclones to win.
No. 13 Indiana (8-0) at Michigan State (4-4), 2:30 p.m. on Peacock. Hoosiers only team in FBS who have not trailed in a game this season. I think. Indiana favored by 8, over/under is 52.5. Spartans are just not very good. I think Indiana stays undefeated.
No. 17 Kansas State (7-1) at Houston (3-5), 2:30 p.m. on FOX. Wildcats favored by 13, total is 45.5.
Louisville (5-3) at No. 11 Clemson (6-1), 6:30 p.m. on ESPN. Tigers solid 10 home favorites. Total is 62.5.
No. 18 Pittsburgh (7-0) at No. 20 Southern Methodist (7-1), 7:00 p.m. on the ACC Network. Huge game in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Ponies favored by 7.5, total is 57.5.
| Projected Winner | Projected Loser | PW | PM | PF | PA | PT |
| SMU | Pitt | .664 | 6.2 | 28.5 | 22.4 | 50.9 |
Other Games of Interest – Week 10
Memphis (7-1) at UTSA (3-5), 11:00 a.m. on ESPN2. Tigers favored by 7.
UCLA (2-5) at Nebraska (5-3), 2:30 p.m. on BTN. Cornhuskers have won some good ones and lost some tough ones. Hopefully this is a good win, and the Huskers get bowl eligible. Nebraska favored by 7, total is 39.5.
North Carolina (4-4) at Florida State (1-7), 2:30 p.m. on the ACC Network. Mack and the Heels are favored by 2.5 at Doak Campbell Stadium. Total is 49.5. Good luck Coach!
Middle Tennessee at UTEP, 2:30 p.m. on CBSSN from the Sun Bowl. Miners favored by 3!
Arizona State (5-2, 2-2) at Oklahoma State (3-5, 0-5), 6:00 p.m. on FS1. Sun Devils favored by 3.5. Tough, tough year for Gundy. Not sure what happened. Skattebo is 7th in FBS with 121.1 yards per game rushing. Ollie Gordon is 61st, with 71 ypg.
Southern Cal (4-4, 2-4) at Washington (4-4, 2-3), 6:30 p.m. on BTN. Trojans are favored by 2, total is 55.5. Fight On! ✌
Texas Christian (5-3, 3-2) at Baylor (4-4, 2-3), 7:00 p.m. on ESPN2. The 120th meeting in the Revivalry. Horned Frogs lead the series 59-53-7 and have won the last 4. BU favored by 3.
Washington & Lee University
The Generals shutout the Ferrum Panthers 34-0. The ground game was dominant, as W&L rushed for 501 gross yards and 5 touchdowns, let by Jacob Romero with 143 yards and 3 scores on 19 carries and Anthony Crawford with 117 yards and 2 scores on 14 attempts. The Generals defense held Ferrum to 82 yards rushing and 81 yards passing, got a sack and an interception. Good day for the men in blue and white.
Austin High’s Harrison Donovan is Offensive Player of the Week. Attawaytogo Harrison!
Big game this week, as the Generals welcome No. 24 Randolph-Macon to Lexington. The Yellow Jackets are 6-1 and tied at the top of the ODAC with W&L at 4-0. The only RMC loss is to Berry College, an excellent Division III program in Georgia. Yellow Jackets’ ODAC wins are 22-21 at Shenandoah, 63-0 over Guilford, 49-10 at Averett, and 49-16 over Bridgewater. RMC leads the conference in scoring offense (38.3 ppg) and scoring defense (14.7 ppg). Second in rushing offense (208.1 ypg) behind W&L (330.3 ypg), but first in rushing defense, allowing just 63.4 yards per game. Not hard to figure out where this game will be decided.
Good luck Generals!
House Park Bar-B-Que
Speaking of Austin High and Loyal Forever, nearly 4 years after a big fire shut down House Park Bar-B-Que, Matt Sullivan is about to reopen the oldest pit BBQ in Austin. If all goes well, next Thursday, November 7, we will be eating some of that Need No Teef to Eat My Beef barbecue! See you there. Happy for Matt and the family!
Week Nine in the Southeastern Conference
Oklahoma actually had a 14-10 lead at half over Ole Miss, but the Rebels shutout the Land Thieves in the second and rolled to a 26-14 win. Jackson Arnold was 22/31 for 182 yards and 2 TDs, 49.7 QBR. Jaxson Dart was 22/30 for 311 yards and a score with an 88.8 QBR.
No. 8 Louisiana State 23. No. 14 Texas Agricultural & Mechanical 38. For some of those aggies who wondered if Elko was the right hire, that was put to rest at Kyle Field Friday night. Trailing 17-7 at half, Texas Agricultural & Mechanical beat the Tigers bad in the second, putting up 31 points. That had a little to do with Connor Weigman taking a seat after the second Aggie possession of the third quarter. Still trailing 17-7, the Aggies got a big interception deep in Tiger territory, and Marcel Reed scored on the first play. Next possession came on an LSU fumble, 60 yard drive, Marcel Reed touchdown run. Another pick in plus territory, another Reed touchdown drive. 28-17. LSU answered, and so did Marcel Reed. 35-23. Another interception of Nussmeier, Aggie field goal. 38-23 Texas Agricultural & Mechanical. 24 of 31 second half points off of turnovers. As with the Texas final score, the advanced metrics projections missed badly, as they just can’t account for bad luck. Or in this case, good luck for Texas Agricultural & Mechanical.
Alabama Crimson Tide crushed Missouri 34-0. Quite a win, as Alabama doubled the 17 point line.
Auburn gets a conference win, on the road at Kentucky, 34-10. Tigers shutout the Wildcats after the first quarter. War Eagle.
Arkansas just demolished Mississippi State, 58-25. Pig QB Taylen Green was 23/29 for 314 yards and 5 touchdowns (1 INT), and he ran for 79 yards and a score. Arkansas rushed for 359 yards in Starkville. November 16 in Fayetteville is going to be a test.
Week 9: Service Academies
No. 12 Notre Dame cruised to a 51-14 blowout of Navy. Midshipmen turned the ball over 6 times.
Top 25 – Week Nine
Boise State held on to beat at Nevada-Las Vegas 29-24.
There were moments Saturday as I watched Nebraska battle at The Ohio State University that I thought the Huskers might get the upset. Unfortunately, the Buckeye defense stepped up and intercepted Raiola with 76 seconds left in the game to get the W. But Nebraska covered. GBR.
Indiana is 8-0 after beating Washington 31-17. Hoosiers cover too.
No. 1 Oregon 38-9 over No. 20 Illinois. Ducks were 22 point favorites, and as I noted, that might be low. It was.
No. 11 Brigham Young stays undefeated with the 37-24 win at Central Florida.
Florida State falls 14-36 at Miami (Florida).
No. 3 Penn State 38-13 over Wisconsin at Camp Randle.
Kansas State comes back to win 29-27 over Kansas. Pre-season ranked Jayhawks are 2-6 with one Big 12 win.
What a game in Durham. No. 22 Southern Methodist and Duke went into overtime, and after the Mustangs scored first, the Blue Devils went for 2 and failed. Ponies escape with a 28-27 win. SMU fumbled twice and was intercepted once – in the first quarter. Two more interceptions and a fumble. Impressive win with that kind of play.
Other Games of Interest – Week 9
Friday
Southern Cal 42-20 over Rutgers. Trojans also cover.
Saturday
North Carolina pounded Virginia 41-14. Both teams now 4-4. Congrats Coach.
Tulane 45-37 over North Texas. Chandler Morris was 38-55 for 449 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Miami Redhawks 46-7 over Central Michigan. Miami wins and covers and almost hits the total on their own. Good day JNU!
Rice loses 10-17 at Connecticut.
Wake Forest 27-24 over Stanford. Tough year on the Farm. Line was 3.
Big comeback for Texas Christian as the Frogs beat the Sand Aggies 35-34.
UTSA loses one they should’ve won in Tulsa. 42-24 lead going into the fourth quarter. Golden Hurricane scores 22 to win 46-45.
West Virginia 31-26 win at Arizona.
Michigan 24-17 over Michigan State. Win and cover!
Colorado 34-23 over Cincinnati. Travis Hunter 9 catches for 153 yards and 2 scores, played good defense too (4 passes defended).
Washington State 29-26 over San Diego State.
Music
I decided to go with a few selections from Playing for Change, which led to a lot of reggae listening.
Doctor My Eyes, Jackson Brown & PFC around world
Honky Tonk Women
No Woman No Cry – Gilbert Gil & Stephen Marley, PFC
Hard to choose my favorite Bob Marley song, or even top 2 or 3. Probably Buffalo Soldier. These are up there:
Buffalo Soldier
Is This Love
No Woman, No Cry
Jim Nicar
Not my usual Jim Nicar post, with interesting University of Texas history. But his post after the Vanderbilt win with this picture really caught my eye.
From Jim’s Post on October 26, 2024
Follow Jim on X
Picture of the Week
Another great sunset over Lake Buchanan from my friend Doug Cotner.
Quote of the Week
I somehow butchered Coach Royal’s quote last week. Long story. Here is the correct quote:
“There is no such thing as defeat except when it comes from within. As long as a person doesn’t admit he is defeated, he is not defeated – he’s just a little behind and isn’t through fighting.”
And this week’s quote:
First, from my friend Mark, this thought-provoking quote from the fictional Cardinal Thomas Lawrence in the 2016 novel, Conclave, by Robert Dennis Harris. The novel is the basis for the powerful 2024 film of the same name in which English actor Ralph Fiennes plays Cardinal Lawrence and delivers this same message to the assembled Cardinals and staff sequestered at the Vatican to choose a new Pope.
“My brothers and sisters . . . let me tell you that the one sin I have come to fear more than any other is certainty. Certainty is the great enemy of unity. Certainty is the deadly enemy of tolerance. Even Christ was not certain at the end. ‘Eli Eli, lama sabachtani?’ He cried out in His agony at the ninth hour on the cross. ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ Our faith is a living thing precisely because it walks hand in hand with doubt. If there was only certainty, and if there was no doubt, there would be no mystery, and therefore no need for faith.”
God Bless Texas
God Bless America
Dios y Tejas,
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. 11
© Timothy C. Taylor, Sr. 2024. All Rights Reserved (as to original material).
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