Aaron E. Martinez /Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns 38, San José State Spartans 7
The Longhorns bounced back strong, led by Arch Manning, who threw for 4 touchdowns and rushed for another. The play calling was much better, as was the offense’s execution. Parker Livingstone is the real deal. Tight Ends are good for the soul; two touchdowns and 107 receiving yards on 4 catches among Endries, Winston, and Washington. The defense was solid; three fumbles forced and an interception. Texas penalties marred the game, again, and they are a source of much consternation here at the Dispatch. Overall, an A minus; which is fine – lots of room for growth and improvement under a great coaching staff. Full review of the Texas victory below.
Monday Morning Highlights
https://x.com/TexasFootball/status/1965034601941696872
¡Los Longhorns en Español!
https://x.com/TexasFootball/status/1965787535252336964
UTEP Miners vs. No. 7 Texas Longhorns
The Longhorns welcome the UTEP Miners to Austin for a 3:15 p.m. kickoff at Darrell K Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium Saturday. The game will be broadcast on the SEC Network. Dave Neal with the play-by-play and Lifetime Longhorn Foswhitt Jer’ald “Fozzy” Whittaker with analysis. Morgan Uber will be on 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 in the booth and by Will Matthews on the sidelines. Listen in Austin on the Flagship, KVET 1300 AM and 98.1 FM. In El Paso on KROD 1490 AM. Listen in San Angelo and the Concho Valley with Mr. McLaughlin on KKSA 1260 AM. SiriusXM Channel 82. Dr. Rubén Pizarro-Silva and Jesus Mendoza with the call in Spanish on certain Longhorn Radio Network affiliates and streaming on the Texas Longhorn App (I think).
Sunday night, the line had Texas favored by 41.5 and the over/under at 51.5. Early Friday morning, the line is Texas by 40.5, and the total is still at 51.5.
Second Weekend of College Football
A weekend that looked to be pretty dull ended up with some great games and a few huge upsets. The Fearless Army Way proved true in Manhattan, Kansas, as the Black Knights shocked the Wildcats 24-21. No. 13 Florida had a very bad day, as South Florida went into the Swamp and got the upset win over the Gators, 18-14. Baylor and Southern Methodist needed 2 overtimes for the Bears to prevail 48-45. A look at all the SEC, Top 25, and Games of Interest below.
College Football This Weekend
No. 6 Georgia at No. 16 Tennessee headlines Saturday’s other games (2:30 on ABC). No. 18 South Florida at No. 5 Miami will get some attention (3:30 on the CW). No. 16 Texas Agricultural & Mechanical at No. 8 Notre Dame is the game to watch Saturday night (6:30 on NBC). Some good football this weekend!
The University of Texas at El Paso Miners
UTEP comes to Austin with a 1-1 record. An opening season 16-28 loss to Utah State, and a 42-17 win over Tennessee-Martin.
The Miners are quarterbacked by Malachi Nelson (No. 7, 6-3, 193 lbs, RS sophomore transfer from Boise State). Nelson is 36/60, 456 yards, 5 touchdowns, 1 interception, long of 74. His RTG is 148.0, QBR is 44 (87th). For comparison, Manning’s RTG is 145.9, and his QBR 63 (56th). Malachi is not a dual threat. 9 carries for zero (0) yards.
Nelson throws the most to Kenny Odom (No. 6, 5-10, 170 lbs, RS Junior WR, transfer from Austin Peay), who has 14 catches for 221 yards and 2 scores (long of 74). Toric Goins Jr. (No. 88, 6-2, 180 lbs) has 4 catches for 107 yards (long of 49) and 1 score. Eric Willis III (No. 19, 5-8, 160 lbs, Senior) has 8 catches for 60 yards, no scores. No receptions by a tight end.
The Miners ground game is led in yards by Hashaun Wilson (No. 14, 5-11, 190 lbs, Senior transfer from UNCC) who has 8 carries for 117 yards and a score. Ashten Emory (No. 1, 5-11, 203 lbs RS freshman from Rockwall) has 16 carries for 67 yards and 2 touchdowns, and he also has 3 receptions for 29 yards and two touchdowns. Kam Thomas (#5, 5-7, 184 lbs senior), who is on the roster as a “Miner Back”, has 16 rushes for 36 yards and 4 catches for 26 yards. A “Miner Back” is hybrid scatback, slot wide receiver, and running back. Sounds like someone for the linebackers to keep a close eye on.
The UTEP defense is rated number one by PFF in tackling with a 91.9. Impressive. That tackling is led by linebacker Micah Davey (No. 48, 6-2, 124 lbs Senior), who has 22 tackles (11 solo) and a sack. Joshua Rudolph (No. 1, 5-11, 230 lbs senior linebacker) has 16 tackles (5 solo) and half a sack. Safety Xavier Smith (No. 2, 6 foot, 195 lbs Junior) has 13 tackles (6 solo). Udoka Ezeani (No. 0, 6-1, 216 lbs Senor transfer from Boise) listed as a “Bandit” on the UTEP roster has 14 tackles (7 solo) and 2 sacks. At UTEP, the Bandit is a hybrid linebacker/defensive end, pretty much an Edge rusher. Cornerback Justin Content (No. 18, 6-1, 185 lbs sophomore) has 13 tackles (3 solo).
The UTEP kicker, Carlos Arreola (No. 91) is 1 for 2 on field goals, with one in the 40s and a miss over 50. 5/6 on extra points.
The Miners are coached by Scotty Walden, native of Cleburne, Sul Ross State class of 2012, who is in his second season. Before El Paso, Walden was at Austin Peay for four years, where he had a good bit of success. His first head coaching job was at East Texas Baptist (youngest NCAA head coach at the time, 26), and then was at Southern Miss as an assistant for stretch.
John Cotton is Lead Offensive Analyst and coaches the kicking game. Texas FIJI, graduated in 2015. He coached at Hardin-Simmons, Marshall, Memphis, and Texas A&M Kingsville before this job in El Paso.
UTEP Miners vs. No. 7 Texas Longhorns
Texas plays UTEP for the 7th time on Saturday. Texas is 6-0 against the Miners.
Quarterback matchup is interesting.
The Statistics
Offense
Statistic |
Texas |
UTEP |
| Rushing Offense | #72 – 160.5 ypg | #86 – 148.5 ypg |
| Passing Offense | #55 – 243.5 ypg | #70 – 229.5 ypg |
| Total Offense | #67 – 404.0 ypg | #77 – 378.0 ypg |
| Scoring Offense | #98 – 22.5 ppg | #65 – 29.0 ppg |
| First Downs | #109 – 17.0/game | #113 – 16.5/game |
| Sacks Allowed* | #29 – 2, 8 yards | #106 – 5, 45 yards |
| Tackles for Loss Allowed | #7 – 5, 16 yards | #96 – 13, 66 yards |
| Third Down Conversions | #121 – 26.9% | #109 – 32.0% |
| Fourth Down Conversions | #94 – 42.9% (3/7) | #1 – 100% (2/2) |
| Red Zone Attempts | #84 – 6 | #99 – 5 |
| Red Zone Offense** | #128 – 50% / 50% | #91 – 80% / 80% |
| Long Run Plays | #84 – 8/10, 1/20 | #84 – 8/10, 2/20, 2/30, 2/40 |
| Long Pass Plays | #83 – 15/10, 8/20, 2/30, 2/40, 1/50 | #101 – 13/10, 5/20, 4/30, 3/40, 1/50 |
*12 teams have not allowed a sack.
**47 teams are 100%; 5 are 100% TDs
Defense
Statistic |
Texas |
UTEP |
Rushing Defense |
#25 – 81.0 ypg | #50 – 101.5 ypg |
| Passing Defense | #38 – 157.0 ypg | #116 – 264.0 ypg |
| Total Defense | #24 – 238.0 ypg | #90 – 365.5 ypg |
| Scoring Defense | #25 – 10.5 ppg | #78 – 22.5 ppg |
| First Downs Allowed | #24 – 13.5/game | #74 – 18.5/game |
| Sacks | #104 – 2, 15 yards | #1 – 10, 68 yards |
| Tackles for Loss | #135 – 4, 18 yards | #2 – 23, 96 yards |
| Third Down Conversions | #32 – 25.9% | #10 – 20.7% |
| Fourth Down Conversions | #15 – 25% (1/4) | #23 – 33.3% (2/6) |
| Red Zone Attempts | #13 – 3 | #86 – 7 |
| Red Zone Defense | #23 – 67% / 67% | #73 – 86% / 43% |
| Long Run Plays Allowed | #6 – 2/10 -0- | #89 – 10/10, 1/20, 1/30, 1/40 |
| Long Pass Plays Allowed | #40 – 12/10, 2/20, 1/30, 1/40 | #88 – 18/10, 8/20, 5/30, 2/40, 2/50 |
Other
Statistic |
Texas |
UTEP |
| Turnovers | #83 – 3 (1F, 2I) | #56 – 2 (1F, 1I) |
| Turnover Margin | #45 – 4:3 +1 | #87 – 1:2 -1 |
| Penalties | #120 – 18, 165 yards | #55 – 11, 103 yards |
*Based on total number of penalties.
Match-up Comparison
Texas Offense |
UTEP Defense |
| Rushing Offense – 160.5 ypg | 101.5 ypg – Rushing Defense |
| Passing Offense – 243.5 ypg | 264.0 ypg – Passing Defense |
| Total Offense – 404.0 ypg | 365.5 ypg – Total Defense |
| Scoring Offense – 22.5 ppg | 22.5 ppg – Scoring Defense |
| First Downs – 17.0/game | 18.5/game – First Downs Allowed |
| 3rd Down Offense – 26.9% | 20.7% – 3rd Down Defense |
| 4th Down Offense – 42.9% | 33.3% – 4th Down Defense |
| Red Zone Offense – 50%/50% | 86%/43% – Red Zone Defense |
| LRP – 8/10, 1/20 | 10/10, 1/20, 1/30, 1/40 – LRP Allowed |
| LPP – 15/10, 8/20, 2/30, 2/40, 1/50 | 18/10, 8/20, 5/30, 2/40, 2/50 – LPP Allowed |
Texas Defense |
UTEP Offense |
| Rushing Defense – 81.0 ypg | 148.5 ypg – Rushing Offense |
| Passing Defense – 157.0 ypg | 229.5 ypg – Passing Offense |
| Total Defense – 238.0 ypg | 378.0 ypg – Total Offense |
| Scoring Defense – 10.5 ppg | 29.0 ppg – Scoring Offense |
| First Downs Allowed – 13.5/game | 16.5/game – First Downs |
| 3rd Down Defense – 25.9% | 32.0% – 3rd Down Offense |
| 4th Down Defense – 25% | 100% – 4th Down Offense |
| Red Zone Defense – 67%/67% | 80%/80% – Red Zone Offense |
| LRP Allowed – 2/10, -0- | 8/10, 2/20, 2/30, 2/40 – LRP |
| LPP Allowed – 12/10, 2/20, 1/30, 1/40 | 13/10, 5/20, 4/30, 3/40, 1/50 – LPP |
The official Game Notes from The University:
https://texaslonghorns.com/documents/2025/9/8/Week_3_-_UTEP.pdf
If you want a quick look at the Texas individual stats:
Texas Longhorns 2025 College Football Players Stats – ESPN
ESPN:
As a reminder, advanced analytics are presented for informational purposes only. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Wager wisely.
BCF Toys
| FEI | OFEI | DFEI | SFEI – Adj | |
| Texas | No. 5: 1.04 | No. 19: 0.25 | No. 2: 0.73 | No. 20: 0.06 |
| UTEP | No. 127: -0.98 | No. 134: -0.67 | No. 112: -0.22 | No. 125: -0.09 |
| NAY | OAY | DAY | |
| Texas | No. 42: 0.136 | No. 70: 0.444 | No. 19: 0.308 |
| UTEP | No. 95: -.114 | No. 120: 0.283 | No. 44: 0.396 |
Texas fell precipitously in the AYP. Bottom half in OAY is no bueno, although not sure how much other teams’ blowout wins might warp this a little. Lots of work to do before October 11.
| NPD | OPD | DPD | |
| Texas | No. 45: 1.09 | No. 71: 2.05 | No. 21: 0.95 |
| UTEP | No. 94: -1.10 | No. 100: 1.23 | No. 81: 2.33 |
| NPP | OPP | DPP | |
| Texas | No. 49: 1.01 | No. 75: 5.37 | No. 27: 4.36 |
| UTEP | No. 111: -2.16 | No. 116: 3.92 | No. 91: 6.11 |
| PVE | OVE | DVE | SVE | |
| Texas | No. 45: 0.55 | No. 80: -0.32 | No. 13: 0.76 | No. 34: 0.11 |
| UTEP | No. 92: -0.48 | No. 88: -0.42 | No. 79: 0.03 | No. 112: -0.16 |
In BCF’s F+ ratings (Brian Fremeau’s FEI ratings combined with Bill Connelly’s SP+ ratings), Texas is No. 7. Offensively, Texas is No. 28; defensively, Texas is No. 2. Our Special Teams is No. 102. Numbers are weird sometimes. UTEP: No. 122, #125 offense, #110 defense, & #130 special teams.
| Projected Winner | Projected Loser | PW | PM | PF | PA | PT |
Texas |
UTEP | .990 | 45.6 | 45.2 | –0.5 | 44.7 |
When the computer gives the other team a probability of having a negative score, one can safely assume that the defense/offense match-up for the predicted winner is quite favorable.
PFF
I subscribed to PFF, so you are stuck with getting the PFF ratings too. I am playing around with how best to do this. I may refine it as the season goes on.
| Offense | Passing | Pass Blocking | Receiving | Run | Run Blocking |
| 70.4 | 80.7 | 62.3 | 66.6 | 78.3 | 53.8 |
| Defense | Run D | Tackling | Pressure | Coverage |
| 90.3 | 91.1 | 74.0 | 90.1 | 78.5 |
Texas Special Teams: 70.5.
Offensively, Arch Manning is our highest rated player, with an 83.9 rating. Trevor Goolsby is next, with 82.44, followed by Jack Endries at 80.2. No one else is above 80.
Here is the defense. I have work to do to understand all of this …
TCT Thoughts
ESPN gives Texas 99% chance of winning. BCF Toys also 99%, with a shut out likely. I am going to go on and call it: Texas has a 100% chance of winning this game.
That begs the question, what will the score be? That is a much more interesting question. The betting line has Texas by just shy of 6 touchdowns. BCF has Texas by more than 6 touchdowns.
Texas has some injuries. DeAndre Moore is in concussion protocol and may not play. Jack Endries is banged up and will likely be limited. I am not sure of Wisner’s status, but I think I saw it reported that Sark said freshman James Simon may see some action.
The Texas defense should dominate this game. Our leaders have played well – Taaffe (17/9), Lefau (13/6), and Hill (12/6) lead the team in tackles. Muhammad leads in passes defended (2). New faces have really stepped up and impressed. Graceson Littleton leads in the Power 4 conferences in Targets Covered with 19. Ty’Anthony Smith is playing well. Maraad Watson leads with 1.5 sacks. This is a top quartile defense against a bottom half offense who hasn’t played a strong opponent. Against Utah State, Nelson passed for 181 yards. Texas Agricultural & Mechanical had 319 yards passing against Utah State. UTEP rushed for 103 yards against Utah State; our Aggies rushed for 235 yards against Utah State. UTEP’s offensive numbers are boosted because of 278 yards passing and 194 yards rushing against UT Martin.
UTEP might get a fluke touchdown or a garbage time score, but I don’t think the defense is going to go to sleep for a series like last week. If the Miners get 10 points, I will be disappointed.
On the other side of the ball, the Texas offense had some great series against the SJS Spartans. Looking at the numbers, I think San Jose State beats UTEP by 10 or 14. I am sure Sark will want to establish the run game, but UTEP’s pass defense is 116th nationally, and if the line can protect Arch, he will be able to put up some numbers. Key is protection. UTEP’s defense is No. 18 nationally in pass rush PFF rating, and cornerback Neil Campbell grades out at 99.6. The Miner coverage defense is 95th in PFF coverage rating. Give Manning time to make his reads and get the ball off, and Manning may put up 380 yards.
Texas has to really, really get better in the redzone. 128th nationally is not good, at all.
Third downs are a bit of an issue, with a 121 national standing. Texas has made a fair number of first downs before third down, but the offense has to find a way to convert third downs.
The Redzone and Third Down issues are related. Need better play calling and better blocking. And no penalties.
Oddly, those 2 important issues are overshadowed by the Penalty issue. 120th in the nation. 18 penalties for 165 yards in 2 games, and the worst, by far, was at home against San Jose State! 12 infractions for 115 yards. In both games, we have had Critical Time penalties – put us in second and long, given the opponent a first down, just not good smart football.
Sark and the Longhorns have two games to get these issues addressed. These otherwise pre-conference, get-a-big-win at home games have taken on a new importance. Just as we needed to see Arch Manning settle down after the Ohio State game (he did), we need the Team to clean up the penalties, and we need the offense (team and coaches) to get the conversion plays (red and third) functioning well. Tomorrow and the Sam Houston game are critical, because October is going to be tough.
Texas will win. Arch with a big game. Wingo needs to get over whatever is wrong. Rushing game will be big, say 208 yards. We will have either a defensive or special teams score. I am going with:
Longhorns 52, Miners 3
Texas-UTEP historical comparison:
Photo – Mikala Compton / Austin American-Statesman
Longhorns 38, Spartans 7
Texas did some of what I was looking for. Not as many points as hoped, but a solid football game.
- Manning 19/30 for 295 yards and 4 TDs, 23 rushing and a score. Very good, except for the ill-advised pass that was picked off. Got to eat it sometimes.
- Penalties were a mess. Noted above – 12 for 115 yards. Some were big. Texas would have been a lot closer to my predicted score but for the penalties.
- Turnovers: Texas was in the black, 2 to 4, but we can’t turn it over against the Land Thieves and Georgia and Texas Agricultural & Mechanical.
The Game
Most of this game was in a compressed period at the end of the first quarter and start of the second. With 4 minutes in the first, Texas got the ball on its own 10 yard line. On third and 3 Arch connected with Livingstone on that great 83 yard catch and run (over 60 yards of that was Parker’s run). 7-0 Texas. On the next series, Jaylon Guilbeau intercepted Eget on the first play at the SJSU 34 (good defense – pressure on Eget, tipped ball). Some good running by CJ Baxter and a nice pass to Livingstone (Texas scored from the 3!) on an RPO play had Texas up 14-0. Next SJSU series, Ty’Anthony Smith forced and recovered a fumble on the second play of the Spartan possession, 7 seconds into the second quarter. True statement: I turned to Claudia and said Texas needs to strike quick, pass to the tight end down the middle. Manning to Endries (seam, not middle) for a 36 yard score, 21-0 Texas at the 14:45 mark. Next Spartan possession, third play, Hill forces the fumble, Trey Moore recovers, and returns it to the Spartan 1 yard line. The Horns with a bad miscue as a good Baxter run was called back for an illegal block. Backed up to the 15, Manning to Endries again for the score.
That fourth touchdown came with 12:56 left in the second. This spasm of scoring 28 points spanned just 6 minutes and 4 seconds. It was a splendid display of complimentary football.
The defense relaxed a little bit on the next Spartan possession, as Eget directed a 75 yard touchdown drive. But that would be it for San Jose State.
The Longhorns added a field goal early in the third quarter.
In the last Longhorn possession of the third frame, Manning had a very nice touchdown drive, capped by two explosive plays: a 32 yard pass to Livingstone (it was actually 42 to the 10, but another penalty backed us up 10). Arch Manning ran it from the 20 for the last score of the game.
I had Longhorns 54, Spartans 10.
BCF Toys had Longhorns 38.8, Spartans 6.8.
Predictive analytical models using advances statistics seem to work pretty well.
Highlights
From ESPN College Football – 13+ minutes.
From the SEC – 8+ minutes
Arch Manning Highlights
The Reheat– Joe Cook and RT Young from Inside Texas Football. Joe and Taylor look at the young Longhorns and how they are developing.
The University of Texas at El Paso
This is the fourth time I have had the opportunity to write about UTEP. I did some reading and tried to think of something original, but nothing really struck a chord. So a rewrite of past UTEP information.
The school was established as the State School of Mines and Metallurgy in El Paso in 1913. In 1914, they opened and enroll their first students. Back when I first used the quotes below, I wasn’t as good about footnoting and crediting. So, my apologies to the original author(s).
After a fire destroyed the school of mines in 1916, then-dean Steven Worrell chose the school’s current location as its new home. Construction of the new school began in June 1917. Worrell’s wife Kathleen suggested the school’s unusual style of architecture after recalling an article in National Geographic on Bhutan, “Castles in the Air.” The new buildings would resemble Bhutanese monasteries, or dzongs, with massive, gently sloping walls, high inset windows, projecting roof eaves and dark bands of brick with mosaic tiles in the shape of mandalas — the symbol of unity and wholeness. By 1917, there was a cluster of castles along El Paso’s mountains, and they continue to grow today.
I remain intrigued by the relationship between a mining school in El Paso del Norte and a Himalayan kingdom. I have confirmed that the following is accurate, just can’t locate the original source:
During a recent visit to El Paso [2008], His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuk of Bhutan cheerfully emphasized that the style was quite harmonious with the Franklin Mountains that hover over El Paso like the Himalayas that surround his tiny kingdom. UTEP’s understanding of Bhutanese architecture, design elements, and construction joinery techniques will soon be further abetted by a gift from the Kingdom of Bhutan—a hand-carved wooden lhakang (temple) that will be erected on the campus in the near future.
In 1920, the school’s name is changed to the College of Mines and Metallurgy, El Paso. In 1939, enrollment goes over 1,000. A decade later, they changed the name to Texas Western College of the University of Texas. In 1954, the ROTC Rifle Team won the National Championship. In 1967, they changed the name to University of Texas at El Paso. A great university in the Great University of Texas System.
My favorite story from the annals of UTEP athletics history is the famous 1966 national champion basketball team. In 1966, Coach Don Haskins took Texas Western College to the NCAA Final Four. There, they met Utah in the National Semifinals, while the mighty Kentucky Wildcats under legendary coach Adolph Rupp faced Duke. The Miners beat the Utes, and the Wildcats marched as expected into the National Championship Game. Coach Rupp’s team was all-white. The Miners had 7 African-Americans. Haskins started 5 in the final game of the season, making NCAA history. And then they beat Kentucky 72-65, claiming an improbable championship and making Coach Haskins a college basketball legend. The following link is to a story on NCAA.com, and the full game is available for viewing.
How Texas Western’s 1966 national championship changed college sports forever | NCAA.com
Week Three in the Southeastern Conference
No. 13 Oklahoma (2-0) at Temple (2-0), 11:00 a.m. on ESPN2. John Mateer looked really good against Michigan. Scary good actually. Much to my chagrin, it looks like the Land Thieves are back. The Owls are undefeated, with wins over Massachusetts (42-10) and Howard (55-7). The Boys from Oklahoma will present a different challenge. Land Thieves favored by 23.5, over/under is 52.5. OU should cover.
Wisconsin (2-0) at No. 19 Alabama (0-1), 11:00 a.m. on ABC. The Crimson Tide bounced back with the blowout of ULM. But I was a bit surprised Sunday night when I saw Alabama was favored by 20.5. As of late Thursday night, Alabama favored by 21.5, total is 54.5. Might take Wiscy to cover.
South Alabama (1-1) at Auburn (2-0), 11:45 a.m. on the SEC Network from Jordan-Hare Stadium. Tigers are 24.5 point favorites. Over/under is 54.5.
No. 6 Georgia (2-0), at No. 22 Tennessee (1-0), 2:30 p.m. on ABC, from Neyland Stadium on the banks of the Tennessee River. The old Southeastern Conference was odd. This game was first played in 1899. In 1989, the Dawgs and Vols met for the 21st time. Since 1992 they have met every year. Georgia has won the last 8 meetings and 13 of the last 15. Bulldogs favored by 3.5 (dropped from 7 in the last couple of days), over/under is 46.5
Louisiana (1-1) at No. 25 Missouri (2-0), 3:00 p.m. on ESPN+/SECN+, Memorial Stadium in Columbia. Vegas thinks highly of Mizzou. Given how well Tiger QB Beau Pribula is playing, I get it. Missouri favored by 27.5, over/under is 47.5.
Alcorn State (0-2) at Mississippi State (2-0), 5:00 p.m. on ESPN+/SECN+, from Davis-Wade Stadium in Starkville. Bulldogs coming off the upset of Arizona State. No line.
Arkansas (2-0), at No. 20 Ole Miss (2-0) 6:00 p.m. on ESPN from Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford. An Old South rivalry that dates to 1908, but with most of the games played since Arkansas joined the SEC in 1991. In the 1930’s and 40’s, the teams played in Memphis. The Pigs and Rebels played in the Sugar Bowl twice, 1963 and 1970. In 1970, Archie Manning quarterbacked Ole Miss to the 27-22 victory, earning MVP honors; 18 yard rushing TD and a 30 yard TD pass. A few weeks before that game, Arkansas lost to Texas in The Big Shootout. Anyway, Ole Miss favored by 6.5, over/under is 62.5. Hotty Toddy!
Florida (1-1), No. 3 Louisiana State (2-0), 6:30 p.m. on ABC from Death Valley. Not as a great game as we thought 2 weeks ago, but don’t be surprised if the Gators play well. Louisiana State favored by 7.5, over/under is 46.5.
No. 16 Texas Agricultural & Mechanical (2-0) at No. 8 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (0-1), 6:30 p.m. on NBC/Peacock from Notre Dame Stadium. This is going to be one heck of a football game. I am hoping Texas makes quick work of the Miners so I can get home for this one. Aggies have looked pretty good. Lots of family on both sides of this one. But Peter Dean’s vote carries the most weight – Go Irish! Notre Dame favored by 6.5, over/under is 50.5.
Eastern Michigan (0-2) at Kentucky (1-1), 6:30 p.m. on ESPNU, Kroger Field. The Eagles will be no match for the Wildcats. I don’t think. Kentucky favored by 25.5, over/under is 48.5.
Vanderbilt (2-0) at No. 11 South Carolina, 6:45 p.m. on SEC Network from Wiliams-Brice in Columbia. Gamecocks favored by 3.5, over/under is 49.5. Lot of folks like the Gamecocks this year.
Week Three: Service Academies
Navy (2-0) at Tulsa (1-1), 7:00 p.m. on ESPN+ from Chapman Stadium in Tulsa. Midshipmen favored by 14.5 over the Golden Hurricane, total is 51.5. Navy to win and cover.
Air Force (1-0)at Utah State (1-1), 8:45 p.m. on FS1, Maverik Stadium in Logan. In the one degree of separation, the Morman Aggies have a win over UTEP and last weekend’s loss to Texas Agricultural & Mechanical. Falcons favored by 3.5, over/under is 50.5.
Army on Regular Pass (Non-DA31).
Top 25 – Week Three
Friday
Indiana State (2-0) at No. 22 Indiana (2-0), 5:30 p.m. on BTN from Memorial Stadium in Bloomington. No line. Hoosiers by 24 over the Sycamores.
Saturday
No. 4 Oregon (2-0) at Northwestern (1-1), 11:00 a.m. on FOX from Martin Stadium in Evanston in the northern suburbs. Ducks are on a mission. I think they may win the Big Ten. Oregon favored by 28.5, over/under is 49.5. Ducks to cover.
No. 12 Clemson (1-1) at Georgia Tech (2-0), 11:00 a.m. on ESPN from Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta. This should be a heck of a football game. Hope to have it on at Juan Heisman. The Yellow Jackets are a tough football team. Haynes King, if healthy, is tough to beat. The Ramblin’ Wreck’s backup quarterback, a freshman named Aaron Philo, threw for 373 yards against Gardner-Webb. Meanwhile, Clemson is lucky to be 1-1 after the near disaster with Troy. ESPN’s matchup predictor gives Georgia Tech about a 56% probability of winning. The line opened with Clemson as a 6.5 point favorite, and late Thursday night it was the Tigers minus 2.5. Over/under is 51.5. Tough one to call, because of Klubnik finds his groove, and the Clemson defense plays well, I think the Tigers by 17. If not, pick ‘em.
Central Michigan (1-1) at Michigan (1-1), 11:00 a.m. on BTN from Michigan Stadium. The Wolverines should handle the Chippewas easily. Big Blue favored by 28.5, over/under is 42.5.
Villanova (1-0) at No. 2 Penn State (2-0), 2:30 p.m. on FS1 from Beaver Stadium. The Wildcats were 10-4 last season, making the playoffs before losing to Incarnate Word in the second round of the FCC playoffs, 13-6. No line. PSU by 31.
Oregon State (0-2) at No. 21 Texas Technical (2-0), 2:30 p.m. on FOX, Jones AT&T Stadium on the South Plains. We finally are going to talk about the Sand Aggies and that big payroll estimated to be about $35 million. About what the Longhorns are spending, maybe a little less. Funded largely by Cody Campbell through The Matador Club, the Sand Aggies are said to have had the No. 1 class in the transfer portal this past offseason. The Matador Club also helped the lady Sand Aggies get to the WCWS finals, against Texas, with one helluva pitcher named Nijaree Canady (her reported $1 million NIL deal was talked about more than just about anything else during that great softball series). To Cody’s credit, he is also trying to “save college sports”. You saw his commercials last weekend. I like his message. We do need to save all college sports. More below, if you care. The Sand Aggies are 23.5 point favorites against the Beavers. Over/under is 62.5. Don’t be surprised if Tech covers.
No. 14 Iowa State (3-0) at Arkansas State (1-1), 3:00 p.m. on ESPN2 from Centennial Bank Stadium in Jonesboro. Cyclones are good. They really are. Favored by 21.5 over the Red Wolves, over/under is 56.5.
No. 18 South Florida (2-0) at No. 5 Miami (FL) (2-0), 3:30 p.m. on the CW from Hard Rock. The Bulls are legit, but so are the Hurricanes. I think this is going to be a better game than the line suggests. But since none of us are going to be watching it, who cares? UM favored by 17.5, over/under is 56.5. Go Bulls.
Ohio (1-1)at No. 1 Ohio State (2-0), 6:00 p.m. on Peacock from the Horseshoe in Columbus. Buckeyes favored by 30.5, over/under is 49.5.
Western Michigan (0-2) at No. 9 Illinois (2-0), 6:00 p.m. on FS1 from Memorial Stadium in Champaign. I wonder how much of the overall athletic budgets for the MAC schools comes from non-conference football games? Fighting Illini favored by 27.5, over/under is 50.5.
No. 20 Utah (2-0) at Wyoming (2-0), 7:00 p.m. on CBSSN from War Memorial Stadium in Laramie. Utes are favored by 23.5, over/under is 49.5.
Other Games of Interest – Week Three
Friday
Colorado (1-1) at Houston (2-0), 6:30 p.m. from TDECU Stadium. The Buffaloes and Cougars start Big 12 Conference play on John M. O’Quinn Field. Last weekend, the Buffs went to third-string back-up quarterback Ryan Staub, an SAE from the Santa Clarita Valley in Los Angeles County. He led Colorado to a 31-7 victory over the dangerous Blue Hens of Delaware. The Cougars are quarterbacked by Connor Weigman who got tired of Texas Agricultural & Mechanical and transferred to Houston. Cougars favored by 4.5, over/under is 44.5.
Kansas State (1-2) at Arizona (2-0), 8:00 p.m. on FOX from Tucson. Some good friends on both sides of this one. The purple Wildcats are favored by 1.5 over the desert Wildcats. Over/under is 54.5. I will take Arizona to win and cover. Sorry Joe and Rex. Good luck Scott!
Houston Christian (1-1) at Nebraska (2-0), 11;00 a.m. on FS1 from Memorial Stadium in Lincoln. No line. GBR.
William & Mary (1-1) at Virginia (1-1) 11:00 a.m. on the ACC Network from Scott Stadium in Charlottesville. Most people don’t realize that the College of William & Mary, founded in 1693 by royal charter and second oldest college in America, is a public university. Phi Beta Kappa was founded there. Madison and Jefferson (an alum) modernized it and helped found the first American law school there. Thomas Jefferson founded The University of Virginia in Charlottesville in 1818. Both wonderful institutions of higher learning. The Tribe (clever, right?) compete in the Colonial Athletic Association, but will not be able to compete with the Cavaliers. No line. Go Hoos!
Southern Cal (2-0) at Purdue (2-0), 2:30 p.m. on CBS from Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. Trojans have a quarterback with Jayden Maiava. Southern Cal favored by 20.5, over/under is 59.5. ✌️
Washington State (2-0) at North Texas (2-0), 2:30 p.m. on ESPNU from DATCU Stadium in Denton. Eric Morris and his Mean Green with a big game. And they are 5.5 point favorites. Over/under is 57.5. The Elf coaching against one of Leach’s former teams. Nice story line.
Southern Methodist (1-1) at Missouri State (1-1). A quick fall from the polls for the Ponies. 27.5 point favorites in Springfield. Over/under is 60.5. Mustangs by 30.
Pittsburgh (2-0) at West Virginia (1-1), 2:30 p.m. on ESPN from Milam Puskar Stadium in Morgantown. The Backyard Brawl. The 108th meeting in a series that started in 1895. Pitt leads 63-41-3. Panthers favored by 7.5, over/under is 55.5. Pitt to win and cover.
Incarnate Word (1-1) at UTSA (0-2), 2:30 p.m. on ESPN+ from the Alamodome. Roadrunners should get this one after a tough start to the season. No line.
Prairie View A&M (1-1) at Rice (1-1). 6:30 p.m. on ESPN+. No line. Owls to cover!
Abilene Christian (1-1) at Texas Christian (1-0), 7:00 p.m. on ESPN+ from Amon G. Carter. Church of Christ versus Disciples of Christ. No line. Frogs but 37.
The UTRGV Vaqueros welcome the Langston University Lions to Edinburg, 7:00 p.m. on ESPN+. Big game for the Lions, whose next opponent is the Texas College Steers, in Tyler.
Washington & Lee University
The Generals dropped the home opener to No. 7 Salisbury University, 42-21. The Sea Gulls are good!
W&L goes on the road to Springfield, Ohio, for a match with Wittenburg University. The Tigers won the last game with the Generals, 51-0, in 1958.
The Juan Heisman Tailgate
A surprisingly nice morning for the first weekend in September, and we had a really fun tailgate. Good work by Hunter Wilcox and the Early Crew. JHT CFO & CBM Brad Laughlin, did yeoman’s work, as always. A good turnout, and it was so nice to see so many of our friends who have tailgated with us for many years.
For me, the best part of the tailgate and game is family. Mary Elizabeth, Parker, Lottie, and Talley were there. It was Talley’s first Juan Heisman Tailgate, and Lottie’s second game. I (of course) have lots more pictures in the online version of the AHFD.
Kathy, Claudia, Lottie, TCT, Parker, Mary Elizabeth, and Talley.
Old man hair is pretty funny, and the little rain we got was so nice. 🧡 Lottie Fleming 🧡
Mawer & Taylor Team 1
Texas Volleyball
Incredible match this past Sunday between No. 2 Texas and No. 6 Stanford at The Moody Center. Huge crowd, the match went to the fifth set, and Texas fought off 3 Cardinal match points to win 3-2. So much fun watching these Longhorns. They played No. 4 Louisville Wednesday night in Fort Worth, and it was another nail-biting 5-setter. Horns lost the first set, dominated the second set, and lost the third. Texas had to win 2 sets, and they did. It was wild.
Texas is now 5-0 and has defeated four ranked teams (three were top 10).
The Longhorns are back on the court this Sunday to play No. 9 Arizona State. 2:00 p.m. at Gregory Gymnasium on The Forty Acres. Broadcast on ESPNU.
Texas hosts Texas Christian next Wednesday, September 17, at the Greg, 8:00 p.m., broadcast on SEC Network.
Texas has Baylor here on Friday, September 17, at the Greg, 6:00 p.m., broadcast on SEC Network.
The Polls
ESPN’s FPI
2025 College Football Power Index – ESPN
Bill Connelly’s SP+
SP+ is “a tempo- and opponent-adjusted measure of college football efficiency that I originally created at Football Outsiders in 2008. SP+ is intended to be predictive and forward-facing.”
Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, Georgia, Texas, Ole Miss, Louisiana State, Tennessee, Notre Dame, and Alabama.
I look forward to seeing what this looks like mid-November and see if the SEC and Big 10 are still dominant.
PFF
College Football: Top 25 entering Week 2
PFF has The Ohio State University No. 1, followed by Louisiana State, Penn State, Miami (FL), Oregon, The University of Texas Longhorns at 6, Georgia, Florida State, Illinois, and South Carolina. It just means more. The South Florida Bulls enter the PFF rankings at No. 11.
Kelley Ford Ratings
Some of the Lone Star State’s best sportswriters collaborate to produce the SEC Power Rankings. Kirk Bohls, Houston Chronicle; Cedric Golden, Austin American-Statesman; Reid Laymance, Houston Chronicle; Tony Catalina, Austin American-Statesman; Kevin Sherrington, Dallas Morning News.
Week Two in the Southeastern Conference
An interesting week, as some teams did as expected, some were less than impressive (especially if you believe the betting lines are a reasonable yardstick for measuring performance), and some stunk.
Texas Agricultural & Mechanical, 44-22 over Utah State. Our aggies won, but the line was 32.5.
Georgia 28 to 6 over the Austin Peay Governors. There wasn’t a line, and my guess was Georgia by 29.
Ole Miss 30, Kentucky 23. Good football game. Rebels were favored by 8.5. “Ole Miss to win, Kentucky to cover.” ü
Tennessee 72-17 over East Tennessee State. Vols passed for 458 yards and 4 scores (3 different quarterbacks, including something called a Merklinger), and 276 yards rushing and 5 touchdowns. Buccaneers rushed for 49 yards net.
The Border War ended Missouri 42, Kansas 31. Jalon Daniels tried, but couldn’t carry the Jayhawks. KU managed 28 yards rushing, and 17 of that was Daniels (on 10 carries). Mizzou covers.
South Florida went into the Swamp as 17.5 point underdogs and Vegas had the over/under at 56.5. Florida only managed 16 points as the Bulls shocked the Gators and the Sunshine State with the 18-16 upset. Bynum Brown, the USF quarterback, may get in the Heisman discussion. 23/36 for 263 yards and a score, 17 carries for 66 yards Maybe Florida’s 11 penalties for 103 yards hurt?
Arkansas 56, Arkansas State 14.
South Carolina 38-10 over South Carolina State.
Louisiana State, with a piddly 23-7 win over Ruston Bulldogs. Louisiana State was favored by 37.5. “LA Tech to cover. Just kidding! Tigers by 42!” I should have stuck with my joke!
Mississippi State with an impressive 24-20 win over Arizona State. The Mississippi Aggies cover!
Oklahoma 24, Michigan 13. After watching John Mateer, I made a second Negroni. A big one. That is a good quarterback, and Ben Arbuckle, the Land Thieves’ offensive coordinator who came to Norman with Mateer from Pullman, impressed me. My friend Brad Stein, a Michigan Man, went to Norman. Very high marks for the Oklahoma fans. That was nice to hear.
Auburn 42-3 over Ball State. 43.5 points is a big line to cover. Auburn didn’t.
Vanderbilt with a big 44-20 win at Virginia Tech, where the Commodores were 2.5 point underdogs. Crazy thing is, Diego Pavia didn’t have that great of a game (12/18, 193, 2 TD, 1 INT, 61 yards rushing). Dores rushed for 265, while holding the Hokies to 114 yards rushing and 134 passing. Nice defense.
Alabama 73, Louisiana Monroe zero. No, the line really wasn’t Alabama by “245.5”. A typo. I write the other game previews early in the week and then update the lines Thursday night. Somehow in doing so, the line of “34.5” got completely butchered to be “245.5”.
Week Two: Service Academies
Army 34, Kansas State 21. Holy Cow. The Wildcats were favored by 17.5, and Army was coming off a tough home loss to Tarleton State. As one of my West Point friends noted “A real college football team with no transfers and no NIL.” Spot on Dan! Congrats to the Black Knights.
Navy rushed for 295 yards and 4 scores as the Midshipmen took down the Blazers 38-24.
Top 25 – Week Two
For all those wringing their hands on Saturday about Texas not dropping 70 on San Jose State, the Penn State 34-0 win over Florida International should help remind you that a lot of “gimme” games are wins, not guaranteed blow-outs. And the Nittany Lions are not exactly renowned for mercy. PSU was favored by 42.5. TCT “Panthers to cover.” YEP!
No. 11 Illinois handled Duke easily, 45-19. I thought that 2.5 point line was low.
No. 14 Florida State took their foot off the gas in after the third quarter, up 70 to nothing. Final, 77-0 over East Texas A&M. Not a surprise, except I undershot the score by 25. That was impressive. How you feeling Richard?
No. 16 Iowa State 16, Iowa 13. Good game. I had the Cyclones to cover the 3.5 line. Close. Not surprising they were way under (41.5).
Baylor with an impressive double overtime win 48-45 at No. 17 Southern Methodist. I underestimated Sawyer Robertson. 34/50 for 440 yards and 4 touchdowns (91.8 QBR). Kevin Jennings was 16/22 for 295 with 3 TDs and a pick.
No. 23 Indiana 56, Kennesaw State 9.
No. 24 Texas Tech with a dominant 62-14 win over Kent State. 48 point win! Line was Sand Aggies by 48.5. Amazing. 55-0 after 3.
No. 1 Ohio State 70 to nothing shut out of Grambling.
No. 6 Oregon 69, Okie State 3. Oh Mikey. I was right about the Ducks’ winning and covering the 27.5 line. I was wrong about them not calling the dogs off – it was 69-3 after three quarters. A little mercy.
No. 4 Clemson trailed Troy 16-3 at halftime. Dabo gave a moving halftime speech to rally his Tigers to the 27-16 win over the mighty Trojans. I was wrong about Klubnik. Tough day for the Chap – 18/24, 2 scores, 1 INT, -4 rushing, 42.8 QBR.
No. 25 Utah 63-9 over Cal Poly.
No. 5 Miami (Florida) big over Bethune-Cookman, 45-3.
Other Games of Interest – Week Two
Virginia fell to North Carolina State 31-35. Wolfpack was favored by 3.5.
Miami Redhawks 17, Rutgers 42. Missed bad on this one.
Texas State with an impressive 43-36 win over UTSA in the Alamodome. Bobcats look good.
North Texas with a 33-30 overtime win over Western Michigan in Kalamazoo. Congrats Eric!
This game was not of interest to me last week, but Ohio beat West Virginia 17-10. The Mountaineers were only favored by 3.5 over the Bobcats, which seemed a bit odd.
Houston 35-9 over Rice.
Nebraska 68-0 over Akron. “Big Red to win and cover.” ü
Southern Cal 59-20 over Georgia Southern.
UTEP 42-17 over UT Martin.
UTRGV 27, Prairie View A&M 21. Vaqueros are 2-0
The July Floods
I have focused on Kerr County and the victims of the Guadalupe River flood. A good friend called my last week and reminded me of the good work being done in other impacted areas (thank you Nyle! You are the best!).
The Central Texas Community Foundation is providing assistance to flood victims in Williamson and Travis Counties. https://ctxcf.org/floodrelief2025/
To donate and give support in Travis County:
https://ctxcf.networkforgood.com/projects/255420-travis-county-cares-flood-relief
To donate and give support in Williamson County.
https://ctxcf.networkforgood.com/projects/254933-wilco-cares-support-july-2025-flood-victims
And that’s not an either/or proposition!
Saving College Sports
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6601524/2025/09/05/saving-college-sports-commercials-cody-campbell/
Jim Nicar
1939: An aerial view of the U. T. Austin campus and its two-year old Tower. The new Brackenridge-Roberts-Prather dorms are at upper left, next to the Intramural Field – where Jester Center stands today.
From Jim’s September 5, 2025 post on X:
Health Alliance for Austin Musicians
HAAM is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. HAAM Day 2025 is September 23. Mark your calendar.
Music
Cory Morrow played Longhorn City Limits last Saturday after the game. Hearing him play live reminded me how much I love his music.
Nashville Blues
Texas Time Travelin’
21 Days
Finally, Texas on My Mind, with Pat Green. Written by Django Walker.
Pictures of the Week
JType. This photo is from his July 28, 2025 post on Instagram.
One of my favorite videographers, Kevin Del Aguila @kda.tx on Instagram.
Quote
“When you remember me, it means that you have carried something of who I am with you, that I have left some mark of who I am on who you are. It means that you can summon me back to your mind even though countless years and miles may stand between us. . . . It means that even after I die, you can still see my face and hear my voice and speak to me in your heart. For as long as you remember me, I am never entirely lost.” Carl Frederick Buechner.
On X: @tctayloratx
On LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tctatx
On Instagram: @tctayloratx
On Facebook: www.Facebook.com/Tim.C.Taylor
and: www.Facebook.com/Juan.Heisman
You can contact me by mail:
Tim Taylor P.O. Box 5371 Austin, Texas 78763-5371