Georgia Bulldogs 30, Texas Longhorns 15
Georgia didn’t get the memo that Texas was No. 1 and going to win handily. Everyone picked Texas. All the College Gameday guys, including Nick Saban said Texas. All the analytics said Texas. I said Texas. The money said Texas.
And Kirby Smart and that Bulldog Defense said, “Nope, Georgia”. He was right. Georgia dominated Texas in a way I have not seen in a long time, maybe ever as to the first half. 38 yards of offense (2 yards rushing) at halftime? The Georgia Bulldogs were ready for the Longhorns, and their defense was incredibly prepared and educated on our game. Texas, at least the Texas offense, was not ready, and the halftime adjustments were a halftime too late.
As disappointing as the offense was, and special teams, the defense played really well. Hard to keep a top notch offense out of the end zone when they start at your 13 yard line and 34 yard line. I give the Texas defense a solid A for their effort and performance, all things considered.
The bottle-throwing incident was despicable. Texas has the national stage, a chance to show what a great place this is. The University had done just that. An amazing College Gameday with the South Lawn and UT Tower as the backdrop. An outstanding day around DKR with the tailgate parties and Longhorn City Limits.
An incredible array of entertainment and activities. A sold-out stadium and beautiful night. Marred and stained by behavior that is unacceptable at any school, but especially at The University of Texas. Part of being a University of the First Class is by always behaving with class, win or lose. I have some other thoughts below.
The Texas defense showed up and played well. If you allow a Heisman candidate quarterback to only pass for 175 yards and no scores and intercept him three times and hold a good SEC offense to 108 yards rushing, you should win a football game. Defense did their part.
© Texas Football
No. 5 Texas Longhorns vs. No. 25 Vanderbilt Commodores
As everyone has been pointing out since mid-summer, and some since the announcement that Texas would join the Southeastern Conference, Vanderbilt is one of only two SEC schools (the other being South Carolina) with a winning record against The University of Texas. The last win in the series was in 1928, when Vanderbilt beat Clyde Littlefield’s Texas team 13-12 on October 9, in Fair Park. Some of the oldest college football footage you will see:
More on the history below. It is pretty interesting – Texas and Vandy met at the State Fair six times in October between 1921 and 1928.
The Longhorns and Commodores kickoff at 3:15 p.m. at FirstBank Stadium. The stadium is under construction, and capacity right now is 28,934. Should be an interesting game to attend. The game will be televised on the SEC Network – Tom Hart with play-by-play, Cole Cubelic with analysis, and Alyssa Lang reporting from the sidelines.
The game can be heard around the world on the Longhorn Radio Network with the Voice of the Longhorns Craig Way, joined by Roger Wallace and Will Matthews. Listen in Austin on the Flagship, KVET 1300 AM and 98.1 FM. In San Angelo on KKSA 1260 AM (enjoy Mr. McLaughlin!). In Tyler on KTBB 600 AM and 92.1 FM. SiriusXM Channel 82. Dr. Rubén Pizarro-Silva and Jesus Mendoza with the call in Spanish on certain Longhorn Radio Network affiliates and streaming on the Longhorn apps.
The line opened with Texas as a 19 point favorite. It dropped to Texas minus 18.5 has been there most of the week. Over/under is 51.5. Money line: Texas -1000, Vandy +600.
2024 Vanderbilt Commodores
I am guessing over half of the readers will know that scene and the line. For those who don’t:
2024 Season
Game 1: Beat Virginia Tech 34-27. The Hokies are 4-3 with wins over Marshall, Old Dominion, Stanford, and Boston College. Other losses are to Rutgers (26-23) and Miami of Florida (28-34). A very good win for the Dores.
Game 2: Beat Alcorn State 55-0. The Braves are 4-4, with wins over the Edward Waters Tigers, Mississippi Valley State, Arkansas Pine Bluff, and Grambling. Losses to UAB, McNeese, and Southern.
Game 3: Lost at Georgia State, 32-36. The Panthers are 2-4, with their only other win being Tennessee-Chattanooga. Losses to Georgia Tech, Georgia Southern, Old Dominion, and Marshall. A bad loss for Vandy.
Game 4: Lost at No. 7 Missouri, 27-30. The Tigers are 6-1, with the only loss being the 41-10 blowout beating by Texas Agricultural & Mechanical. Wins over Murray State, Buffalo, Boston College, Massachusetts, and Auburn. If you drilled those wins down another level, Missouri’s schedule (thus far) has been easy even compared to Texas.
Game 5: Beat No. 1 Alabama, 40-35. The biggest upset of the year, and one of the biggest for Vanderbilt in decades, if not longer. The Crimson Tide are 5-2, with last week’s loss to Tennessee. Wins over Western Kentucky, South Florida, Wisconsin, Georgia, and South Carolina.
Game 6: Beat Kentucky in Lexington, 20-13. The Wildcats are 3-4. Wins over Southern Miss, Ohio, and Ole Miss. Losses to South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.
Game 7: Beat Ball State, 24-14. The Cardinals are 2-5, with wins over Missouri State and Kent State, and losses to Miami (of Florida, 62-0), Central Michigan, James Madison (63-7), and Western Michigan. Not a particularly impressive win given Ball State, coming off the back-to-back wins over Bama and Kentucky, a sign that this team can stay focused.
2024 Commodores
A young man from Albuquerque named Diego Pavia (#2, 6 foot, 200 lbs, Senior) is the leader of the Dores and provides most of their offense. Pavia is in his fifth season, after two years at New Mexico Military Institute (where he led the Broncos to the NJCAA National Championship), and then two years at New Mexico State (where he quarterbacked the Aggies to their first 10-win season since 1960). Pavia is 102/154 for 1,391 yards and 11 touchdowns with 1 interception (1 pick ties him for 8th in FBS), and he has a rating of 164.4 (12th in the nation). Against AP Top 25 teams, his rating is 184.5 He is also the leading rusher, with 118 carries for 470 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Pavia’s top target is tight end Eli Stowers (No. 9, 6-4, 225 senior from Denton Guyer). Stowers has 33 catches for 463 yards and two touchdowns. He is big, hard to bring down, and leads the SEC in yards after catch.
Quincy Skinner Jr. (No. 3, 6-2, 205 Senior) has 16 catches for 207 yards. Junior Sherrill (No. 0, 5-11, 172) has 12 catches for 215.
Running back Sedrick Alexander (No. 28, 5-9, 199 lbs, sophomore from Austin LBJ). 95 carries for 380 yards with 5 touchdowns. A.J. Newberry has 30 carries for 147 yards and 3 scores.
The Commodores defense is led by three linebackers, which is a sign to me that they play a good brand of defense. Bryan Longwell – 45 tackles (17 solo), 1.5 sacks, 1 interception. Langston Patterson – 36 tackles, 16 solo. Randon Fontenette – 35 tackles (20 solo), 1 sack, and a pick 6. Ed Miles Caper is next with 25 tackles (12 solo), 1.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. Safety CJ Taylor (no relation) has 24 tackles (19 solo) and an interception.
No. 5 Texas Longhorns vs. No. 25 Vanderbilt Commodores
The Statistics
National ranking first, Southeastern Conference ranking second.
Offense
Statistic |
Texas |
Vanderbilt |
Rushing Offense |
#58, #6 –166.1 ypg | #63, #8 – 162.1 ypg |
| Passing Offense | #16, #4 – 295.7 ypg | #94, #12 – 201.1 ypg |
| Total Offense | #15, #3 – 461.8 ypg | #95, #13 – 363.3 ypg |
| Scoring Offense | #17, #3 – 39.1 ppg | #35, #6 – 33.1 ppg |
| First Downs | #46, #6 – 21.7/game | #77, #11 – 20.3/game |
| Sacks Allowed | #61, #6 – 13, 87 yards | #54, #5 – 11, 93 yards |
| Tackles for Loss Allowed | #89, #11 – 41, 155 yards | #54, #5 – 35, 146 yards |
| Third Down Conversions | #38, #8 – 44.2% | #8, #1 – 52.1% |
| Fourth Down Conversions | #123, #16 – 35.7%, 5/14 | #13, #2 – 75%, 3/4 |
| Red Zone Attempts | #3, #1 – 36 | #35, #7 – 29 |
| Red Zone Offense | #61, #7 – 86% / 78% | #6, #1 – 97% / 69% |
| Long Run Plays | #83, #12 – 31/10, 15/20, 5/30, 3/40 | #77, #11 – 32/10, 8/20, 4/30, 1/40 |
| Long Pass Plays | #26, #5 – 75/10, 34/20, 16/30, 8/40 | #80, #12 – 58/10, 18/20, 10/30, 5/40 |
Interesting: Ohio State, Kansas, Navy, Troy, and ULM all 100% in Red Zone Offense.
Defense
Statistic |
Texas |
Vanderbilt |
| Rushing Defense | #19, #4 – 104.3 ypg | #37, #12 – 116.3 ypg |
| Passing Defense | #2, #1 – 133.0 ypg | #68, 11 – 215.1 ypg |
| Total Defense | #1, #1 – 237.3 ypg | #39, #10 – 331.4 ypg |
| Scoring Defense | #1, #1 – 9.7 ppg | #50, #14 – 22.1 ppg |
| First Downs Allowed | #4, #3 – 13.7/game | #51, #13 – 18.6/game |
| Sacks | #17, #5 – 20, 116 yards | #62, #14 – 14, 86 yards |
| Tackles for Loss | #12, #5 – 53, 194 yards | #73, #14 – 38, 147 yards |
| Third Down Conversions | #10, #4 – 28.9% | #87, #15 – 40.2% |
| Fourth Down Conversions | #45, #6 – 47.1%, 8/17 | #48, #7 – 50%, 4/8 |
| Red Zone Attempts | #2, #1 – 12 | #39, #8 – 20 |
| Red Zone Defense | #7, #3 – 67% / 33% | #78, #13 – 85% / 60% |
| Long Run Plays Allowed | #8, #2 – 19/10, 1/20, 1/30, 1/40 | #35, #9 – 26/10, 6/20, 3/30, 1/40 |
| Long Pass Plays Allowed | #1, #1 – 31/10, 11/20, 3/30, 2/40 | #60, #9 – 57/10, 22/20, 6/30, 5/40 |
Other
Statistic |
Texas |
Vanderbilt |
Turnovers |
#93, #13 – 12, 6F, 6I | #2, #1 – 2, 1F, 1I |
| Turnover Margin | #46, #9 – 14:12 +2 | #17, #1 – 8:2 +6 |
| Penalties | #81, #7 – 45, 347 yards | #60, #4 – 42, 420 yards |
*Based on total number of penalties.
Match-up Comparison
Texas Offense |
Vanderbilt Defense |
| Rushing Offense – 166.1 ypg | 116.3 ypg – Rushing Defense |
| Passing Offense – 295.7 ypg | 215.1 ypg – Passing Defense |
| Total Offense – 461.8 ypg | 331.4 ypg – Total Defense |
| Scoring Offense – 39.1 ppg | 22.1 ppg – Scoring Defense |
| First Downs – 21.7/game | 18.6/game – First Downs Allowed |
| 3rd Down Offense – 44.2% | 40.2% – 3rd Down Defense |
| 4th Down Offense – 35.7% | 50% – 4th Down Defense |
| Red Zone Offense – 86%/78% | 85%/60% – Red Zone Defense |
| LRP – 31/10, 15/20, 5/30, 3/40 | 26/10, 6/20, 3/30, 1/40 – LRP Allowed |
| LPP – 75/10, 34/20, 16/30, 8/40 | 57/10, 22/20, 6/30, 5/40 – LPP Allowed |
Texas Defense |
Vanderbilt Offense |
| Rushing Defense – 104.3 ypg | 162.1 ypg – Rushing Offense |
| Passing Defense – 133.0 ypg | 201.1 ypg – Passing Offense |
| Total Defense – 237.3 ypg | 363.1 ypg – Total Offense |
| Scoring Defense – 9.7 ppg | 33.1 ppg – Scoring Offense |
| First Downs Allowed – 13.7/game | 20.3/game – First Downs |
| 3rd Down Defense – 28.9% | 52.1% – 3rd Down Offense |
| 4th Down Defense – 47.1% | 75% – 4th Down Offense |
| Red Zone Defense – 67%/33% | 97%/69% – Red Zone Offense |
| LRP Allowed – 19/10, 1/20, 1/30, 1/40 | 32/10, 8/20, 4/30, 1/40 – LRP |
| LPP Allowed – 31/10, 11/20, 3/30, 2/40 | 58/10, 18/20, 10/30, 5/40 – LPP |
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 | |
| Texas | No. 4: 1.25 | No. 10: 0.48 | No. 1: 0.76 | No. 53: 0.01 |
| Vanderbilt | No. 60: 0.09 | No. 43: 0.10 | No. 94: -0.11 | No. 9: 0.10 |
Texas dropped a few notches in FEI and OFEI, but interestingly moved up to No. 1 in DFEI.
| NAY | OAY | DAY | |
| Texas | No. 3: 0.334 | No. 16: 0.584 | No. 1: 0.250 |
| Vanderbilt | No. 73: -0.13 | No. 45: 0.519 | No. 100: 0.532 |
| NPD | OPD | DPD | |
| Texas | No. 5: 2.39 | No. 12: 3.24 | No. 1: 0.85 |
| Vanderbilt | No. 50: 0.29 | No. 29: 2.80 | No. 91: 2.51 |
| NPP | OPP | DPP | |
| Texas | No. 1: 3.41 | No. 15: 6.93 | No. 1: 3.52 |
| Vanderbilt | No. 82: -0.41 | No. 61: 5.83 | No. 91: 6.24 |
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. 5: 1.20 | No. 14: 0.34 | No. 1: 0.88 | No. 78: -0.02 |
| Vanderbilt | No. 49: 0.18 | No. 27: 0.19 | No. 100: -0.10 | No. 12: 0.10 |
In BCF’s F+ ratings (Brian Fremeau’s FEI ratings combined with Bill Connelly’s SP+ ratings), Texas is No. 2 and Vanderbilt is No. 60. Offensively, Texas is No. 8 and Vandy is No. 42; defensively, Texas is No. 1, Vandy is No. 84.
| Projected Winner | Projected Loser | PW | PM | PF | PA | PT |
| Texas | Vanderbilt | .951 | 22.4 | 39.2 | 16.8 | 56.0 |
ESPN Analytics:
College Football Insiders:
Preview from Josh Pate with CBS Sports:
Texas Homer
The official Game Notes from The University of Texas:
https://texaslonghorns.com/documents/2024/10/21/Week_9_-_Vanderbilt.pdf
TCT Thoughts
Texas has to come out of the blocks and do what Georgia did to the Horns: punch the Dores right in the face, score, and punch them again, score again. Texas has the players with the skills to win this game (and cover), even if they get down or the game is close. But for this team this week, the Longhorns need to win and win big in Nashville.
That will start with the Texas defense shutting down the Vandy offense, and that means, most importantly, keeping a lid on Diego Pavia. That will be up to primarily, I assume, Anthony Hill, Jr. and Liona Lefau and David Gbenda, with support from Taaffe and Barron behind them and Collins and Sorrell in front of them. It is very doable. But Pavia balls, and his desire to win is as good as any QB in the country. He is a very good quarterback who knows the offense and he doesn’t turn the ball over. We have to play smart, and we have to be ready for his underneath passing game. If the pass isn’t there, he will run the ball, and all the more reason the defense has to be play well. He is graded second best QB in the SEC.
Pavia’s skills, the complex schemes and sets, and Vandy’s workmanlike attack produce an effective offense. As you will note above, they are bottom half in almost every offensive category except two. They are No. 8 in third down conversions (52.1%), and No. 6 in red zone offense. The Dores just plug away, not producing big numbers and fancy stats, but thus far producing five wins and an upset of No. 1 Alabama.
Next, the offense, starting up front, needs to get its mojo back. We need to come out and drive the ball and score on our first three possessions. Texas needs to get the running game going again. Jaydon Blue and Quintrevion Wisner need to get the ball, run the ball, hold on to the ball. Would be good to see some Jerrick Gibson again. And maybe give Colin Page some carries? How about a couple of jet sweeps with Wingo? Get him moving with Gunnar Helm leading the way. Sark and Quinn need to get a groove going in the passing game and execute and complete passes. And most of all, the offensive line needs to rebound from last week’s dunking and block and protect.
I love Steve Sarkisian and his aggressive play. But on fourth down, we need to be a little more thoughtful. A failed fourth down conversion is a turnover. Period. That’s what it is. It is a loss of an opportunity for field position, which we should play for more with this incredible defense (Thursday night, Pitt’s defense scored three times – in the first half!). These statistics don’t lie: Texas is 123rd in FBS in fourth down conversions (5/14), and Vandy is very respectable on stopping on fourth down – allowing just 50% (4/8). Let’s trust Bert Auburn. Let’s trust the best defense in college football. Let’s beat the hell out of the Commodores.
Most importantly, Texas needs to come out and play loose, put last week behind them, play to win and not to lose. This team can do it. But if they are tight and playing not to lose, then that turnover bug will bite, and Texas may end up in a tough road game (despite the fact that I believe there will be a very large contingent of Burnt Orange Nation in the stands).
Turnovers, Texas turnovers, could mightily impact the game, just as they did last week. Vanderbilt is No. 2 in the nation with just two giveaways all year – one fumble, one interception. Texas, on the other hand, is No. 93 in FBS. Got to protect the ball. John Heisman once famously said, “Gentlemen, it is better to have died a small boy than to fumble the football.” Perhaps a little harsh, but the guy played a lot of football with a leather helmet.
TCT Predicts: Texas 45, Vanderbilt 16
Texas Longhorns vs. Vanderbilt Commodores
The history of our series with Vanderbilt is pretty interesting. As noted above, Texas and Vanderbilt played each other at the State Fair of Texas six times in the 1920’s (1921-1928, except 1924, and with the 1925 game in Nashville). Why not the Land Thieves? Oklahoma had been part of the formation of the Big 8 in 1920, and from what I have read members of the Big 8 were not allowed to play neutral site games. Texas would win at Norman in 1922 (32-7) and in Austin in 1923 (26-14). But that rule got changed. According to the information on what is one of the very best Texas athletics history websites – Texas Legacy Sports Network, Texas A.D. Theo Belmont signed a 10 year deal with the Land Thieves to start playing at the State Fair. As to why Oklahoma, TLSN quotes Theo Bellmont as saying “We couldn’t get anybody else.” Texas and OU played at Fair Park in 1929, with Texas shutting out the Land Thieves 21-0, and the next year beating the Land Thieves in the Cotton Bowl 17-7.
Back to Vanderbilt. Roots and ties to The University, starting with the SIAA. Recall the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association was, as the name suggests, more of an association than a conference. Formed in 1894 by a Vanderbilt chemistry professor (Dr. William Dudley, fascinating man in his own right), the SIAA’s original members were Alabama, Georgia, Auburn, North Carolina, Johns Hopkins, Sewanee, Vandy, and Virginia. In 1895, Texas, Clemson, Cumberland, Louisiana State, Mississippi A & M, Kentucky, Tulane, Mercer, Southwestern Presbyterian, and the University of Nashville joined). Lots of interesting politics as schools struggled with managing intercollegiate athletics (sound familiar?), including freshman eligibility and kids getting paid in summer baseball leagues (!).
So in 1921, Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi State, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Tennessee, Virginia, Virginia Tech, and Washington & Lee left the SIAA and formed the Southern Conference. In 1932, the schools south and west of the Appalachian Mountains (Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, LSU, Mississippi, Mississippi State, Sewanee, Tennessee, Tulane, and Vanderbilt) left the SoCon to form the Southeastern Conference. You can connect the dots now between Texas and Vanderbilt and how, in a way, Texas joining in the SEC is just closing the loop on the 1921 formation of the SoCon. Texas had helped found the Southwest Conference (under Theo Bellmont’s leadership) in 1914.
Where was I …
Texas has only beaten Vanderbilt in Dallas: 22-0 in 1900, 16-0 in 1923, and 13-6 in 1927.
Texas is winless in Nashville: 12-13 in 1899, 0-33 in 1905, 0-45 in 1906, and 6-14 in 1925.
The only time we played in Austin, 1903, we tied 5-5. Bet that was a barn-burner.
Vandy, inexplicably given the school’s reputation for integrity and scholastic acumen, follows the SEC practice on hanging banners, and that includes six “awarded” national championships: 1906 (8-1, 6-0), 1910 (8-0-1, 5-0), 1911 (8-1, 5-0), 1918 (4-2, 4-0), 1921 (7-0-1, 4-0-1), and 1922 (8-0-1, 3-0). The reality is that the Commodores did no win a natty in men’s sports until the Vandy Boys won the 2014 College World Series, and got their second in Omaha in 2019. Women’s tennis won the National Championship in 2015. Vanderbilt of course also has three national championships in bowling (2007, 2018, and 2023)
Vanderbilt has 14 conference championships (six shared), being 12 SIAA championships and two Southern Conference championships.
AP Top 25 & Coaches Poll
Massey Ratings
Oregon, Ohio State, Texas, Georgia, Miami (Florida), PSU, Indiana, Notre Dame, and Brigham Young. Vanderbilt is ranked 35th.
PFF
Oregon, Georgia, Penn State, Miami (Florida), Ohio State, Texas
College Football Rankings: Top 25 entering Week 9
Army and Navy make the PFF rankings, entering at 24 and 25 respectively. Pretty cool.
ESPN College Football Power Index
As I noted last week, the Georgia game was going to have a huge impact on these numbers. ESPN’s analytics went from Texas having 95.9% chance to 78.9% of making the playoffs, from a 48.1% chance of making the championship game to 29.4%, and a 32.8% chance of winning it all to 18.6%. Not surprised. Horns need to crush Vandy this weekend.
2024 College Football Power Index – ESPN
ESPN SP+ from Bill Connelly
Georgia Bulldogs 30, Texas Longhorns 15
Last week I said “Turnovers and mistakes are often the difference in games, especially games between two evenly matched (or relatively evenly matched) opponents, as we have here. And this may be the best edge Texas has – Georgia’s relative weakness in turnovers and penalties.” Georgia scored 14 points in the first half off of two turnovers (of 3). Texas scored zero points on two Georgia turnovers. Great teams take advantage of turnovers and score and great teams respond to their own turnovers by preventing their opponent from scoring after getting the ball. Georgia is still a great team.
I am going to start with the positive. The Texas Longhorns Defense. Carson Beck held to 23/41, 175 yards, no touchdowns, and intercepted three times! That stat line alone tells you Texas could have and should have won this football game. Georgia was averaging 318 yards again passing coming in.
Georgia’s first three possessions were punt, interception, interception. The first Bulldog touchdown came with 6 seconds left in the first quarter. The Texas defense was doing their job.
Georgia rushed for 108 yards. Not a lot, but given the Bulldog field position on so many drives, they didn’t need it. Trevor Etienne was a bruiser, and he got yards when and where Georgia needed it.
In sum, the Texas defense:
- Held, Georgia Punted
- Interception
- Interception
- Touchdown (Bulldogs started with the ball on the UT 13)
- Field Goal (Bulldogs started with the ball on the UT 28)
- Touchdown (Bulldogs started with the ball on the UT 34)
- Field Goal (Bulldogs started with the ball on the UGA 45)
- Held, Georgia Punted
- Field Goal (Bulldogs started with the ball on the UT 30) [End of 1st half]
- Held, Georgia Punted
- Interception
- Touchdown (Bulldogs started with the ball on their own 11). Unfortunately, this was Georgia’s only long drive, and it happened after Texas had cut the lead to 23-15. The momentum which was there for a few minutes was gone.
- Held, Georgia Punted
- Turnover on downs
- Victory formation
Texas, at least on offense, played a poor game in this most important area. Three fumbles lost, an interception, three turnovers on downs (later ones understandable), and penalties. Although in the latter, Texas had 8 accepted penalties for 41 yards, Georgia 7 for 78 (and, 6 of the 19 Texas first downs came on penalties). But many of the Texas penalties were incredibly damaging.
I could not bring myself to watch a replay, so no usual TCT deep dive look-back. The press and bloggers and tweeters have done a thorough job of breaking down the breakdowns on offense (e.g., this Twitter X thread on quarterback performance – https://twitter.com/Packsburner/status/1848251873200902560).
Quinn Ewers had one of his worst games, and I am sure his very worst half, as a Texas Longhorn. Under 60% completion percentage, an interception, 2 fumbles, 5 sacks (minus 34 yards), and just not the kind of play that Ewers can deliver and not a display of the skills that we know Ewers has. A 23.9 QBR, which is brutally low. Even more disconcerting for me was that this was exactly the kind of game where Quinn Ewers has normally stepped up and delivered. Instead, he spent Saturday night running away from big and strong Bulldogs, not successfully.
Going into the game, Texas had allowed 6 sacks for 28 yards this season (all season, in 6 games). Saturday night, 7 sacks for 59 yards, 3 of which resulted in fumbles. The fatal combination of a very well schemed and well executed Georgia defense, and a night when Quinn had to be at his best, is the biggest reason Texas got smoked.
Two notes on miscues (in addition to the QB fumbles).
- Down a score, Texas received the kickoff as the second quarter commenced. Matthew Golden with a great return to the Texas 49 yard line. A perfect opportunity to get a score and stay even. A holding call took the ball back to the Texas 8 yard line, and after a sack, Texas punted from its own 2 yard line.
- After Georgia gets (only) a field goal from the prior poor Texas possession, Ewers throws an interception that sets Georgia up at the Texas 34, resulting in a touchdown 3 plays later.
I don’t think I will forget the scoreboard at the end of the first half. Texas: 2 yards rushing, 36 yards passing, zero for 7 on third downs.
Highlights from ESPN: (about 21 minutes)
One of the highlights of the game was the B-1 flyover. Not surprisingly, JType with some of the coolest photos. Check out the whole post on Instagram
Bottle Throwing B.S.
One of the often positive outcomes of writing about a game, especially a loss, five days later is that thoughts coalesce, emotions moderate, and contemplative reflection provides better insight into a game or a play or whatever. Most of the time after a loss, I am calmer, less disappointed, not as mad. That is the case this week with the result on the scoreboard.
What is not the case is that I am any less mad, any less embarrassed, by “BottleGate”. Burnt Orange Nation published the entirety of President Hartzell’s letter to the student body. He got it right.
Read the scathing letter UT president Jay Hartzell sent to students about debris-throwing incident
This was only our third conference game as a new member of the SEC, so our fellow SEC institutions are just getting to know us. These actions made a bad early impression on Georgia and our new conference colleagues, and harmed your University’s reputation before a national audience.
Our reputation that is typically characterized by sportsmanship and excellence took decades to build, but it can be materially tarnished in moments.
You may recall my praise for Michigan and the warm reception Longhorns received in Ann Arbor, the courtesy at the game, the great sportsmanship. Since then, I have been talking to some folks about starting an organization, or program or something, that promotes The University of Texas and Austin as the best and friendliest place to travel for football (and other sports). We of course want loud and passionate fans creating home field and home court advantage. But, to borrow a term from football, we want that to be complimentary with a great experience where people travel back to Alabama or Georgia or wherever and are glad they spent the time and money to come to Austin and talk about how great the experience was. That is good for The University, it is good for Austin, and it is good for Texas.
I know my generation was taught (in 7th grade Texas history), that Texas comes from “Tejas”, the Spanish spelling of the Caddo word that meant friend or ally. It is where we got “Texas Friendly” and “Drive Friendly – The Texas Way”. We need to take that concept and promote sportsmanship and friendship. I will be working on that in the off-season with a couple of friends. If you would be interesting in helping, let me know. Let’s be the Michigan of the SEC, not the Ohio State.
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.
Vanderbilt University
Founded in 1873, Vanderbilt is one of America’s great private universities. One of the Southern Ivies. Named in honor of Cornelius Vanderbilt, who gave a $1,000,000 endowment ($26,275,083 today). A great undergraduate school complimented with great graduate schools, especially the medical school.
Academic Rankings |
||
National |
||
Texas |
Vanderbilt |
|
| Forbes | 25 | 15 |
| U.S. News & World Report | 32 | 18 |
| ARWU | 25 | 34 |
| Washington Monthly | 87 | 21 |
| THE | 21 | 36 |
| QS | 19 | 45 |
Global |
||
| ARWU | 45 | 66 |
| QS | 66 | 248 |
| THE | 38 | 90 |
| U.S. News & World Report | 56 | 63 |
Famous alumni include Vice Presidents John Nance Garner and Al Gore. 53 members of Congress. Governor Greg Abbott (JD, 1984). Senator Lamar Alexander. Charlie Soon, patriarch of the Soong family. David Brinkley. Robert Penn Warren (All the King’s Men) and James Dickey (Deliverance). Ross Perot, Jr. Dina Shore. Bill Bain. Chicago Cub Dansby Swanson.
Week Nine in the Southeastern Conference
Oklahoma (4-3, 1-3) at No. 18 Ole Miss (5-2, 1-2), 11:00 a.m. on ESPN. A brisk morning of Bloody Marys and Mimosas in the Grove, then what should be a fun game of beating up the Land Thieves. Rebels favored by 20, total is 49.5. Hotty Toddy!
Arkansas (4-3, 2-2) at Mississippi State (1-6, 0-4) 11:45 a.m. on the SEC Network. Surprised the Ozark Piggies are only favored by 7. Total is 565.
No. 21 Missouri (6-1, 2-1) at No. 15 Alabama Crimson Tide (5-1, 2-1), 2:30 p.m. on ABC. Alabama favored by 17, total is 54.5.
No. 8 Louisiana State (6-1, 3-0) at No. 14 Texas Agricultural & Mechanical (6-1, 4-0), 6:30 p.m. on ABC/ESPN+. Game of the day in the Southeastern Conference. Texas Agricultural & Mechanical favored by 1, over/under is 54.5. This is going to be one helluva football game. Great rivalry, very different but both great fan bases, and the winner controls its own destiny for Atlanta in December.
Winsipedia – LSU Tigers vs. Texas A&M Aggies series history
BCF’s Game Projection.
| Projected Winner | Projected Loser | PW | PM | PF | PA | PT |
| Louisiana State | Texas Aggies | .603 | 3.7 | 30.2 | 26.5 | 56.7 |
College Football Insiders
Auburn (2-5, 0-4) at Kentucky (3-4, 1-4), 6:45 p.m. on SEC Network. Wildcats favored by 2.5, over/under is 42.5.
Week 9: Service Academies
No. 12 Notre Dame (6-1) at No. 24 Navy (6-0), 11:00 a.m. on ABC. The Irish and Midshipmen will play in MetLife Stadium, the eighth time this great rivalry will be played in East Rutherford. Irish favored by 14, over/under is 51.5.
BCF’s Game Projection.
| Projected Winner | Projected Loser | PW | PM | PF | PA | PT |
| Notre Dame | Navy | .794 | 12.1 | 31.9 | 19.7 | 51.6 |
Top 25 – Week Nine
Thursday
Syracuse was at No. 19 Pittsburgh for an ESPN game. The Panthers were favored by 6. It was 31-0 Pitt at half, thanks to an incredible defensive game by the Panthers. Syracuse first half possessions: Pick 6, interception, pick 6, turnover on downs, punt, pick 6, and minus 20 yards on the last series of the first half. Final score was 41-13.
Friday
No. 17 Boise State (5-1) at Nevada-Las Vegas (6-1). Both teams are 2-0. 9:30 p.m. on CBSSN Mountain West has 12 teams, and I ran out of energy in going to research how the two teams at the top of the league have only played two conference games over half way through October. Broncos favored by 3.5, total is 64.5.
Saturday
Nebraska (5-2) at No. 4 The Ohio State University (5-1), 11:00 a.m. on FOX. It is late and I have had a few pops, so maybe this is not an accurate recollection and evaluation of the 2024 season to date, but this is, I am almost sure, the game in which I most want to see an upset all year. C’mon Cornhuskers! Buckeyes favored by 25.5, total is 48.5. Maybe Nebraska can cover? GBR.
Washington (4-3) at No. 13 Indiana (7-0), 11:00 a.m. on BTN. Hoosiers favored by 6.5, over/under is 54.5.
No. 20 Illinois (6-1) at No. 1 Oregon (7-0), 2:30 p.m. on CBS. Ducks are 22 point favorites over a good Illini team? Might be low … Total is 54.5.
No. 11 Brigham Young (7-0) at UCF (3-4), 2:30 p.m. on ESPN. Cougars making their case for the playoffs. Holy Moroni I think Taysom Hill just scored again. Central Florida favored by 2, total is 53.5.
Florida State (1-6) at No. 6 Miami (Florida) (7-0), 6:00 p.m. on ESPN. Man do if feel for you Richard; brutal season. But, my friend, know I am cheering for the Noles to get this upset. Miami favored by 21, over/under is 54.5.
No. 3 Penn State (6-0) at Wisconsin (5-2), 6:30 p.m. on NBC. Nittany Lions favored by 6.5, total is 47.5. Go Badgers. Need this upset.
Kansas (2-5) at No. 17 Kansas State (6-1), 7:00 p.m. on ESPN2. The Sunflower Showdown. Wildcats are favored by 10, total is 55.5.
No. 22 Southern Methodist (6-1) at Duke (6-1), 7:00 p.m. on the ACC Network. Big game for the Ponies at William Wade in Durham. Hope they smoke the Blue Devils! Southern Methodist favored by 11.5, total is 48.5.
| Projected Winner | Projected Loser | PW | PM | PF | PA | PT |
| SMU | Duke | .738 | 9.4 | 28.0 | 18.6 | 46.6 |
Other Games of Interest – Week 9
Friday
Rutgers (4-3, 1-3) at Southern Cal (3-4, 1-4), 10:00 p.m. on FOX. Oh boy I will be up late Friday night. Brisket Riley and the Men of Troy desperately need a win. Trojans are favored by 13.5, total is 56.5. Fight On! ✌
Saturday
North Carolina (3-4, 0-3) at Virginia (4-3, 2-2), 11:00 a.m. on The CW. Love Mack Brown, but I also love Lottie and Talley’s dad. Go Hoos. Cavaliers favored by 3.5.
Tulane (5-2) at North Texas (5-2), 11:00 a.m. on ESPN2. The Green Wave 8 point road favorites, total is 68.5. I am taking the Elf and Mean Green to win!
Central Michigan (3-4) at Miami (3-4), 1:00 p.m. on ESPN+ from beautiful Yager Stadium in Oxford, Ohio. Redhawks favored by 12, total is 46.5.
Rice (2-5) at Connecticut (4-3). 2:30 p.m. on CBSSN. Huskies are favored by 6.5.
Wake Forest (3-4) at Stanford (2-5), 2:30 p.m. on the ACC Network. Demon Deacons favored by 3.
Texas Technical (5-2) at Texas Christian (4-3), 2:30 p.m. on FOX from Amon G. Carter. Should be a good football game on a nice day in Fort Worth. Have fun Judd. Frogs favored by 6.5.
UTSA (3-4) at Tulsa (2-5), 2:30 p.m. on ESPN+. Alright, time for the Roadrunners to get to .500, and I think they will. San Antonio favored by 9.5.
West Virginia (3-4) at Arizona (3-4), 6:00 p.m. on FS1. Cats favored by 3.5 in this great historic Big 12 rivalry.
Michigan State (4-3) at Michigan (4-3), 6:30 p.m. on BTN. The Battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy, one of my top 5 favorite rivalry trophies. This will be their 117th game, with the state flagship school Michigan leading the series against the State Agricultural College 73-38-5 (similar to 76-37-5! Whoop!). Michigan favored by 5, total is 39.5. Go Big Blue!
| Projected Winner | Projected Loser | PW | PM | PF | PA | PT |
| Michigan | State | .824 | 13.7 | 29.9 | 16.2 | 46.1 |
Late night:
Cinci (5-2) at Colorado (5-2), 9:15 p.m. on ESPN. Safe travels Jody. Buffs favored by 6.5, over/under is 382 ounces.
Washington State (6-1) at San Diego State (3-3), 9:30 p.m. on CBSSN. Cougars favored by 14.5.
Juan Heisman Tailgate
Epic. Biggest ever, and despite planning for 300-325, we were out of beer shortly after five o’clock. Would have been earlier but for the 45.5 gallons of great brew from Texas Beer Company and the hard work from JD and Cosmo. We had 26+ cases on top of the TBC supply. Pretty sure we set a record for Tito’s Handmade Vodka too. The pork tenders provided by Henry H. “Tony” Dewar were exceptional, and Jack Nash’s venison sausage was really good.
Big thanks to all the guys in the Juan Heisman Tailgate Crew, and special thanks to:
- Our top hand Griffin Shavor and his team. Griffin started work at 3:00 a.m., drove the Suburban and smoker over to JHT, and then he dropped the Suburban and smoker at my house at 8:45 Sunday night. And in between he cooked 60 pounds of pork tenders, 200 hot dogs, about 100 pounds of sausage, and he did a few dozen other tasks well.
- The JHT Early Crew remains undefeated. Thanks to Chief Hunter Wilcox and his team, Bill Skeen, Nate Thornhill, Grant Martin, and Judd Messer.
- My great friend and JHT CFO Brad Laughlin, who always goes above and beyond, especially wrangling all the beer and coolers.
- Scott Ferguson – making the Tito’s run and helping with load on gameday
- Brad Hawley – great brisket & help with the ice and coolers
- Bobby Zamen, new to the Crew this season, and he has shown up every game early in the morning to help get the tailgate set-up.
- JHT CEO Judd Messer for his great job on organization, food, and more.
JBM & TCT @ JHT
Sarah Jane Edelman, one of the best!
Heather Wagner Reed, TCT, Tracy Laquey Parker
Good Bull. Preston poured a few hundred cocktails. Top hand Griffin Shavor for the win.
Mason Grist, W&L 2018, Texas Law 2024
Washington & Lee University
The Generals’ road trip to Greensboro was a success, as W&L soundly spanked the Guilford College Quakers 40-23. Another solid day rushing the ball, 266 yards and 4 touchdowns, led by Jacob Romero with 110 yards and 2 scores on 15 carries and Ty Collins with 102 yards and a TD on 11 carries. Passing, Collins was 2/7 for 74 yards and a touchdown. Would love to see that QBR. The Quakers actually had more total yardage (293 to 340) and first downs (26 to 15), but the solid Generals defense in the second half resulted in only 2 touchdowns out of 6 drives, with 2 drives ending in turnover on downs, one a punt, and another an interception. Good road win.
Generals Athletics | HIGHLIGHTS of the 40-23 win over Guilford
This week the Generals are back on the road, to Ferrum. The Panthers are 3-3 and 1-2 in ODAC play. Ferrum opened the season with No. 5 Mount Union and a 55-6 loss. Wins over N.C. Wesleyan and Averett, losses to Bridgewater and Shenandoah, and a homecoming win over Hampden-Sydney, 41-36, last weekend.
In other Lexington news, William H. “Bill” Miller III has donated $132 million to W&L, the single largest gift in the university’s 275 year history. The gift will allow W&L to go to a need-blind admissions policy. Extraordinary philanthropy, even more extraordinary impact.
Week Eight in the Southeastern Conference
Auburn had a chance at Missouri, but the Yankee tigers scored 15 in the fourth to get the win, 21-17.
South Carolina 35-9 over Oklahoma. Venables gave the ball back to Jackson Arnold, and he rewarded the Land Thieves with an 18/36, 225 yards, 1 TD and minus 29 yards rushing game. Feo.
The predictors were all wrong. Alabama Crimson Tide 17, Tennessee Volunteers 24.
No. 14 Texas Agricultural & Mechanical 34-24 over Mississippi State. Bulldogs covered.
No. 8 Louisiana State spanked the piggies 34-10. Good beat down.
Vandy 24-14 over Ball State as the Dores tune up for Texas.
Florida stays in the hunt for bowl eligibility with the 48-20 win over Kentucky.
Week 8: Service Academies
Army defeated East Carolina 45-30. Black Knight quarterback Bryson Daily was 7/10 for 147 and a touchdown on the ground, and he rushed for 171 yards (almost twice what the Pirates ran for as a team [87]) and scored five touchdowns. Army pounded out 295 yards on the ground. Of note the line was 15.
Navy 51-17 over UNC Charlotte. Middie QB Blake Horvath ran for 56 yards and was 7/13 (117 yards) and 3 touchdowns. Cartevious Norton led Charlotte with 59 yards.
Colorado State 21-13 over Air Force. Tough season for the Falcons.
Top 25 – Week 8
Friday
No. 2 Oregon had no problem with Purdue, 35-0. Covered by a touchdown.
Oklahoma State gave No. 13 Brigham Young a fight but fell short in Provo, 35-38. Cowboys covered. Brigham Young remains undefeated. Gundy and Okie A&M still winless in the Big 12.
Louisville gave No. 6 Miami (Florida) a fight but fell 45-52. Every time the Cardinal scored, Miami counterpunched and scored.
Give Virginia some credit – Down 38-10 after three quarters, the Hoos scored 21 in the final frame. Unfortunately No. 10 Clemson scored 10 and won 48-31. Cavaliers covered!
No. 12 Notre Dame 31-13 over Georgia Tech. Irish covered.
I apologize to my friends who are Nebraska fans. Twice this year I have leaned upset for the Huskers, and it didn’t go well. No. 16 Indiana mauled Nebraska 56-7.
Central Florida gave No. 9 Iowa State a game, but the Cyclones got the win 38-35 to stay unbeaten.
No. 17 Kansas State 45-18 over West Virginia. Pretty good cover of a 3 point line.
No. 21 Southern Methodist 40-10 over Leland Stanford Junior University at the Farm. Ponies cover.
Other Games of Interest – Week 8
Arizona State falls at Cincinnati, 14-24. Skattebo held to 75 yards on 14 carries, but did get 2 touchdowns. Caught 4 passes for 33 yards.
Ohio vs. Miami Redhawks 30, Ohio 20! Miami wins and covers and they hit the over.
UTSA with a good 38-24 win over Florida Atlantic and Tom Herman. Roadrunners needed that!
Rice 10, Tulane 24. Owls cover!
Southern Cal loses at Maryland 28-29. Terps scored 15 in the fourth. Up 28-22 with 2 minutes left, the Trojans had a 41 yard field goal blocked. Maryland got the ball at the USC 47, and 5 plays later it was 29-28.
Baylor hammered the Sand Aggies 59-35 in Lubbock.
Memphis beats North Texas 52-44.
Music
Given the remarkable place that Nashville holds in American music historically and today, and Austin’s music reputation, I could have gone a dozen different ways with music this week. But I chose music about Nashville. I like both kinds of music, country and western.
George Strait, Murder on Music Row
Waylon Jennings, Nashville Rebel
Hank Williams, Jr., The Nashville Scene
Chris Stapleton, Nashville TN
Tim McGraw, Nashville Without You
And my favorite, Nashville Blues, by Cory Morrow.
Jim Nicar
Last week’s post was of the 1945 photo of the east-side student section at a Texas game. Jim noted “soft drinks were sold in bottles – no souvenir plastic cups.” Nor were their plastic water bottles. But that photo, and the thought of the student section with a couple of thousand Coke bottles, did cross my mind Saturday night.
This week:
Did you know? The first-ever UT Austin faculty meeting was held in May 1883 at Vanderbilt University. Most of the new professors came from Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky, and VU in Nashville was more convenient than going to Austin.
From Jim’s Post on October 21, 2024
Follow Jim on X
Pictures of the Week
The full hunter’s moon over downtown Austin. Couldn’t choose between the two. So you get them both.
Erin Newman-Mitchell’s:
From her Instagram post on October 18.
Erin Newman-Mitchell (@erinnewmanmitchell)
From Austin photographer JType’s Instagram post on October 22, 2024
Quote of the Week
After last Saturday’s loss, a few quotes seem appropriate.
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Sir Winston Churchill
There is not such as defeat except when it comes from within. As loan as a person doesn’t admit he is defeated, his not defeated – he is just a little behind and isn’t through fighting.” – Darrell K Royal
“Lose gracefully. You’re not a loser until you quit.” – Bert “Tito” Beveridge
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. 10
© Timothy C. Taylor, Sr. 2024. All Rights Reserved (as to original material).
On Twitter: @tctayloratx
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and: www.Facebook.com/Juan.Heisman
You can contact me by mail:
Tim Taylor P.O. Box 5371 Austin, Texas 78763-5371