No. 3 Texas Longhorns 31, No. 10 Michigan Wolverines 12
And it wasn’t that close. The Texas Longhorns stampeded into the Big House and dominated the defending national champions.
© Texas Football
Quinn Ewers was exceptional. Lots of wind, a big loud crowd (big, Big House big). And he was still dropping dimes and threading needles.
https://x.com/CJVogel_OTF/status/1832855552566726700
https://x.com/TexasFootball/status/1832804619380007133
https://x.com/TexasFootball/status/1833252290263716240
Highlights in Español. ¡Simplemente significa más!
https://x.com/TexasFootball/status/1833971316351004844
The Monday Morning Highlights, on X:
https://x.com/TexasFootball/status/1833125632961654883
Texas vs. Michigan, the Mini-Movie, from @TexasFootball on X
https://x.com/TexasFootball/status/1833874818774548607
From @NashTalksTexas. With a little beat for the kids in back.
https://x.com/NashTalksTexas/status/1832990771479285773
Thank You Michigan
Thank you to The University of Michigan and the Wolverine fans. Some of the nicest and most courteous I have ever encountered. Every single person who went to the game and with whom I have spoken or exchanged messages, starting Saturday afternoon at the game, has said that the Michigan fans were uniformly welcoming, considerate, and respectful, and just really nice. I was walking up to get it a cold Cerveza Modelo Especial in the third quarter, and one of the many nice ushers (almost all older gentleman, all dressed in Michigan shirts and with name pins) said “Congratulations”. I said thank you Keith, we are having a great time. Keith and his buddies just smiled.
From a fellow fan who made the trip, Tom Fish:
Great venue that lived up to the hype. What made it even more special was how gracious and welcoming Michigan fans were. Quite possibly the best of anywhere we have been. Doubt we will get the same southern hospitality in the south east. Always inspires us to be the best fans we can be.
My fervent hope is twofold: First, that everyone who traveled to Ann Arbor will continue to share their stories of courteous and welcoming fans. Second, that each of us will treat visiting fans with the same amount of respect and courtesy, welcoming our guests as fellow college football fans and being Friendly, The Texas Way (okay, maybe not all the fans from Arkansas). I would love for some time this year to get an email from someone who came to Austin for a game and says thank you for how nice the Texas fans were. It would be great for Longhorns to build our reputation as the best fans in the Southeastern Conference, and quickly solidify what should be pretty easy: Austin Texas is the best town in the SEC to travel to for a game, and Darrell K Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium is the best venue.
My friend and law partner Pam Madere tipped me off last week to the opportunity for us to get a message on the scoreboards in the Big House at halftime. She’s a great partner and Longhorn Fan!
Big time in the Big House! Maybe with the new playoff system, we will make another trip to Ann Arbor someday.
UTSA Roadrunners vs. No. 2 Texas Longhorns
The Longhorns and Roadrunners kick-off at Darrell K Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium Saturday night a little after 6:00 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN. Monday night, the line was Texas minus 34.5 with an over/under of 53.5. Early, early Friday morning, Texas by 35.5, total of 55.5. Texas money line +4000, UTSA -20000.
The television broadcast of the game will be on the flagship channel of the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, ESPN, with Mark Jones handling the play-by-play, Roddy Jones with the analysis, and former All-American lacrosse goalie for the Johns Hopkins Blue Jays (he also played for Mount Washington Lacrosse Club, and iykyk).
Longhorns around the world can listen to the game on the Longhorn Radio Network with the Voice of the Longhorns, Craig Way (great article in this month’s Alcalde – Craig Way Is the Voice of the Longhorns), Roger Wallace with analysis and color, and Lifetime Longhorn and Good Guy Will Matthews reporting from the sidelines. Also in Spanish with the incomparable Dr. Rubén Pizarro-Silva (and Jesus Mendoza). Question for Vice President and Lois and Richard Folder Athletics Director Christopher Del Conte – could we get Craig and Rubén to call a quarter or a half of a game together? Maybe an away game, when many (many) of us are listening to the radio call? You can listen in the greater Crockett metropolitan area on all 3 channels for KIVY – 92.7, 102.9, and 105.5. In Henderson on KWRD 1470 AM, and in San Angelo on KKSA, 1260 AM (enjoy Mr. McLaughlin!). On SiriusXM channel 82 for anyone in South Texas who can’t pick up clear channel WOAI 1200.
This is only our second meeting with the Roadrunners on the gridiron. Our first was in 2022, as Steve Sarkisian was building his team and Jeff Traylor had the Roadrunners running in the right direction. Texas won 41-20. Traylor, you may recall, was here on the 40 Acres 2015 and 2016, coached special teams and tight ends.
Jeff Traylor’s Roadrunners come to Austin smarting from at 49-10 spanking from the Texas State Bobcats. UTSA trailed 35-3 at half. For UT San Antonio, this weekend’s Interstate 35 road trip will not go any better.
Traylor’s offense appears, so far, to be a bit one-dimensional, and surprisingly it is not their rushing game that is good. The Roadrunners have a kid from Rusk named Owen McCown who is a redshirt freshman. He put up 340 yards in the opener against Kennesaw State and 3 touchdowns. Last week in San Marcos, perhaps more instructive for this Saturday, McCown was 10/23 for 105 yards and no score.
Robert Henry (#6, 5-9, 205, Senior from Lumberton Mississippi) is their leading rusher, with 56 yards and no scores. Sounds like a low center of gravity.
Wide receivers – Willie McCoy has 7 catches for 118 yards and a score. Devin McCuin has 17 catches for 108 yards and 2 scores.
Their place kicker, Chase Allen, is 1 for 3, having missed both attempts over 40 yards.
On defense, Safety Ken Robinson (#4, 5-11, 190 Senior) leads with 14 tackles. Linebacker Owen Pewee (#9, 6-2, 205, Sophomore from Katy) has 11 tackles.
That’s a light skim, but not much to go on, especially given the gulf between the 28-16 win over Kennesaw State and the 49-10 defeat by the San Marcos kitties.
The Statistics
Offense
Statistic |
Texas |
UTSA |
| Rushing Offense | # 62 166.5 ypg | #121 – 79.0 ypg |
| Passing Offense | #26 – 300.5 ypg | #30 – 296.0 ypg |
| Total Offense | #35 – 467.0 ypg | #81 – 375.0 ypg |
| Scoring Offense | #25 – 41.5 ppg | #108 – 19.0 ppg |
| First Downs | #50 – 22.5/game | #109 – 16.5/game |
| Sacks Allowed | #16 – 1, 6 yards | #100 – 5, 34 yards |
| Tackles for Loss Allowed | #51 – 9, 24 yards | #124 – 17, 54 yards |
| Third Down Conversions | #10 – 57.1% | #100 – 32.4% |
| Fourth Down Conversions | #35 – 66.7% | #52 – 60.0% |
| Red Zone Attempts | #16 – 11 | #70 – 7 |
| Long Run Plays | #79 – 8/10, 3/20, 1/30, 1/40 | #108 – 5/10, 0-0-0 |
| Long Pass Plays | #23 – 24/10, 11/20, 5/30, 1/40 | #63 – 17/10, 8/20, 5/30, 4/40 |
* Ole Miss has 41 pass plays over 10 yards.
Defense
Statistic |
Texas |
UTSA |
| Rushing Defense | #43 – 99.0 ypg | #67 – 123.0 ypg |
| Passing Defense | #33 – 139.0 ypg | #106 – 255.5 ypg |
| Total Defense | #29 – 238.0 ypg | #93 – 378.5 ypg |
| Scoring Defense | #7 – 6.0 ppg | #113 – 32.5 ppg |
| First Downs Allowed | #11 – 12/game | #98 – 20.5/game |
| Sacks | #118 – 1, 2 yards | #57 – 4, 27 yards |
| Tackles for Loss | #110 – 8, 13 yards | #33 – 15, 56 yards |
| Third Down Conversions | #48 – 30.8% | #70 – 34.5% |
| Fourth Down Conversions | #50 – 40.0% | #50 – 40% |
| Long Run Plays Allowed | #11 – 3/10, 0-0-0 | #66 – 8/10, 2/20, 1/30, 1/40 |
| Long Pass Plays Allowed | #12 – 8/10, 4/20, 1/30, 0/40 | #104 20/10, 9/20, 4/30, 3/40 |
Other
Statistic |
Texas |
UTSA |
| Turnovers | #12 – 1 0F:1I | #79 – 3 2F, 1I |
| Turnover Margin | #8 – 5:1, +4 | #84 – 2:3, -1 |
| Penalties | #45 – 10, 70 yards | #125 – 20, 182 yards |
*Based on total number of penalties.
Match-up Comparison
Texas Offense |
UTSA Defense |
| Rushing Offense – 166.5 ypg | 123.0 ypg – Rushing Defense |
| Passing Offense – 300.5 ypg | 255.5 ypg – Passing Defense |
| Total Offense – 467.0 ypg | 378.5 ypg – Total Defense |
| Scoring Offense – 41.5 ppg | 32.5 ppg – Scoring Defense |
| First Downs – 22.5/game | 20.5/game – First Downs Allowed |
| 3rd Down Offense – 57.1% | 34.5% – 3rd Down Defense |
| 4th Down Offense – 66.7% | 40% – 4th Down Defense |
| LRP – 8/10, 3/20, 1/30, 1/40 | 8/10, 2/20, 1/30, 1/40 – LRP Allowed |
| LPP – 24/10, 11/20, 5/30, 1/40 | 20/10, 9/20, 4/30, 3/40 – LPP Allowed |
Texas Defense |
UTSA Offense |
| Rushing Defense – 99 ypg | 79.0 ypg – Rushing Offense |
| Passing Defense – 139 ypg | 296.0 ypg – Passing Offense |
| Total Defense – 238 ypg | 375 ypg – Total Offense |
| Scoring Defense – 6.0 ppg | 19.0 ppg – Scoring Offense |
| First Downs Allowed – 12/game | 16.5/game – First Downs |
| 3rd Down Defense – 30.8% | 32.4% – 3rd Down Offense |
| 4th Down Defense – 40.0% | 60% – 4th Down Offense |
| LRP Allowed – 3/10, 0-0-0 | 5/10, 0-0-0 – LRP |
| LPP Allowed – 8/10, 4/20, 1/30, 0/40 | 17/10, 8/20, 5/30, 4/40 – LPP |
Alert readers may observe the absence of the Red Zone stats. Not sure what was going with my source (CFBStats.com), but they were showing Texas as not allowing a touchdown this year, which is wrong. So I just punted that whole stat. I am hoping the rest is right.
Texas Homer:
Advanced Stats Preview from Nik Patel on Burnt Orange Nation:
The College Football Insiders analytics has Texas dominating.
BCF Toys
I have changed this section of the AHFD. If you want the explanation of one of these statistical categories, the link is embedded.
| FEI | OFEI | DFEI | SFEI – Adj | SFEI-Unadj | |
| Texas | No. 3: 1.24 | No. 6: 0.54 | No. 5: 0.63 | No. 8: 0.09 | No. 82: -.03 |
| UTSA | No. 106: -.51 | No. 95: -.28 | No. 108: -.18 | No. 105: -.04 | No. 118: -.18 |
| NAY | OAY | DAY | |
| Texas | No. 2: 0.573 | No. 5: 0.789 | No. 7: 0.216 |
| UTSA | No. 89: -.129 | No. 80: 0.382 | No. 84: 0.511 |
| NPD | OPD | DPD | |
| Texas | No. 2: 4.20 | No. 6: 4.60 | No. 8: 0.40 |
| UTSA | No. 97: -1.06 | No. 84: 1.65 | No. 93: 2.71 |
| NPP | OPP | DPP | |
| Texas | No. 12: 3.48 | No. 27: 6.92 | No. 11: 3.44 |
| UTSA | No. 98: -1.84 | No. 88: 4.64 | No. 93: 6.48 |
BCF’s Game Projection. “Game Projections are calculated from current FEI ratings and include the projected win likelihood (PW), projected margin of victory (PM), projected points scored (PF) and allowed (PA), and projected total points scored (PT) for each FBS game.”
| Projected Winner | Projected Loser | PW | PM | PF | PA | PT |
| Texas | UTSA | .990 | 40.4 | 47.6 | 7.1 | 54.7 |
This week’s looks a lot more accurate. Their analytics missed bad last week.
ESPN Analytics
Wonder what the margin of error is.
TCT Thoughts
Texas gets a couple of weeks to fine tune the offense and give this somewhat new defense time to gel more. The Horns looked magnificent against Michigan, but I am not sure how good this Michigan team is, at least right now. UTSA and ULM, then we start SEC play, and a couple of weeks later, we have the back-to-back weekends with the Land Thieves and then the Georgia Bulldogs in Austin.
In years past, I would have said that we will probably see Texas come out a little flat, huge road win, lots of hype, national attention. It might happen. Last year the Horns came home from Tuscaloosa to face a middlin’ Wyoming squad. Texas was favored by 30. It was 10-7 Texas at the half and 10-10 going to the fourth. Texas won 31-10, but it was not comfortable.
I think that is why Sark showed the team film from Notre Dame on Monday. I am not dumping on the Irish. But Sark was reminding his men that every week is new game. The Irish were home after a big emotional road win to play a team they were supposed to dominate. And they lost. Recall that when a conquering Roman General would return to Rome for the victory parade, a slave would stand in the chariot with the general and, according to legend, whisper “remember you are mortal”. Or, according to some sources, “memento mori”, or “remember you will die”. Fame and victory are fleeting, humility matters. Some may recall that I wrote early on about Sark’s humility, his personal steps to where he is today. Steve Sarkisian does not forget, and he is making sure his players don’t either.
The Longhorns should win very big on Saturday. It will be the talk of Texas if we don’t beat the Roadrunners at least as bad as Texas State did. The questions are: Does Sark care about the score and margin of victory? Will he keep Quinn in for numbers in the run for New York, or will we see Mr. Manning in the second half? I don’t know. Personally, I really expected to see No. 16 on the field last Saturday in the Big House. But Sark has his way, the way is winning. Stick to the way, Sark.
Texas should score between 45 and 52 points on offense. I am going pencil in a defensive score this week. The UTSA offense, if last week is the indicator, will struggle to score. I am going to give them 1 point more than the Wolverines scored.
TCT Prediction: Texas Longhorns 62, UTSA Roadrunners 13
Texas Longhorns 31, Michigan Wolverines 12
Last week, I included the article from The Athletic on the Big House and its history. As I noted, since 1970, Michigan Stadium had welcomed 12 top 10 non-conference teams. The Wolverines were 7-5. Now they are 7-6. Three of those first five losses were 2 points or less. One was 5 points. The worst was a 31-51 loss to Florida State in 1991. Texas came within a whisker of equaling that 20 point margin. Should have, but for that dang holding call on the first drive. Did I mention the biggest beating the Wolverines have administered to a Top 10 team in 54 years in Michigan Stadium? The 41-3 whipping of No. 5 Texas Agricultural & Mechanical in 1977. Just in case you missed it last week. Gig em.
I was intrigued when Texas won the toss and Sark elected to receive the ball. Not our usual approach, but certainly an aggressive one that sent a message. Texas took the ball, and Ewers marched the Horns down the field, converting some critical third downs (33 yards to Bond for the first one, Q running for 8 on another), and overcoming three penalties on one of our offensive lineman. One of those penalties was a holding call that negated our first touchdown in the Big House. That then led to a field goal attempt, which Bert Auburn managed to push and miss. While my confidence was still sky high, I was concerned that perhaps the lofty iconic stage of Michigan Stadium was in fact somehow in the heads of a few of our players. On the other hand, Texas did look good, and we would soon see that the first drive mental flatulence would not come back to bite us.
The Texas defense looked good on their first stand, forcing a three and out. We would know soon that wasn’t a fluke – this defense is different.
After the 3 and out, Quinn and Sark went back to work, and this second series warmed this old heart. First play was a 22 yard pass to tight end Gunnar Helm. Last play was a 21 yard touchdown pass to tight end Gunnar Helm. Tony Dewar knew why I was grinning! 6 plays, 56 yards, 186 seconds.
Michigan’s next possession would be one of their better ones, as the Wolverines ground out 55 yards in 9 plays and closed it with a field goal to make it 7 to 3 Horns. That would be the closest Michigan would be the rest of the day.
Texas proceeded to put on a clinic in the remainder of the second quarter. As both of Michigan’s next 2 possessions were turnovers (a pick and a fumble).
- 76 yard touchdown drive, 12 plays, 4:53; 3 good runs by Quintrevion Wisner, and a 18 yard Quinn to Quintrevion for a first down on the Michigan 20 (the QQ Connection). Texas pounded it in from there with Gibson 11, 2, and 7. 14-3 Texas.
- 29 yards, 10 plays, 4:10; highlight of the drive was the 20 yard pass to Golden. Another false start penalty didn’t help, and Texas settled for 3 (Auburn 26 yards). Worth noting that both drives in the first half that did not result in touchdowns had untimely penalties. Texas up 17-3.
- After the Michigan fumble, Texas struck fast, Ewers to Blue for 23 yards. The touchdown pass to Golden was special. 24-3 Texas.
So what was the Game of the Day in college football provided a great stage for the nation to see Texas dominate the defending national champions, to see Quinn Ewers shred and thread, to see that Texas may have lost CJ Baxter but the cupboard wasn’t empty, and importantly, to see that Texas had defense.
That continued in the second half, but not at the same pace on offense. The Longhorns actually had to punt on their first possession in the third. Michigan got a field goal to close to 24-6, but Texas answered on their next possession with very good 75 yard (really 80 with the early penalty) touchdown drive. Quinn & Co. only needed 6 plays and 175 seconds. Most of that yardage was Ryan Wingo on a sweep that picked up 55 yards and set Texas up at the Michigan 3. The next play was the busted one, where Ewers wisely took a knee to avoid issues on the goal line. Some Michigan defenders popped Quinn, and the Texas linemen took offense. Hayden Conner led the response. Good article in the Statesman. Ewers closed it with another great touchdown pass, this one to Blue. 31-6 Texas.
Texas would not score again, and Michigan did get a touchdown with less than 3 minutes to play. But that was lipstick on a pig, and they missed some of the lip.
Some observations with a little help from the box score.
Quinn Ewers was the star of the game. We knew it when we left the stadium. What we didn’t know was that Quinn Ewers was going to be the star of college football on September 7, and elevated from Heisman hopeful to Heisman finalist and in many eyes Heisman favorite. Ewers was 24 of 36 for 246 yards and 3 touchdowns, with a QBR of 89.9. I don’t think it was Quinn’s raw numbers that vaulted him so high, as they were, honestly, somewhat pedestrian compared to some of the slingers (e.g., DJ Lagway, the Florida QB, threw for 456 yards and 3 TDs, and Jaxson Dart at Ole Miss leads on the season with 795 yards). It was Quinn Ewers’ poise, accuracy, and, as Mack Brown would say “it”. Quinn Ewer has it.
Gunnar Helm. I love tight end-oriented offense, and Saturday Texas delivered. 7 catches for 98 yards and a score. 40% of the passing offense, 23% of our total offense. But only 7 of our 68 plays. Ewers to Helm moved the ball.
Golden 6 catches for 41 yards and a score, Blue 6 catches for 37 yards and a score. Bond, Isaiah Bond, with 3 catches for 51 yards.
Wingo led the rushing with his 1 run for 55 yards, but it was Jerrick Gibson and Quintrevion Wisner who combined for 18 carries and 66 yards that helped the Longhorns win big.
Special recognition of Jaydon Blue. Kid hurt his ankle early, but still carried the ball 9 times for 25 yards and caught 6 passes for 37 yards. Blue had the most touches.
Texas Defense. Hat tip to Coach PK and his staff. Linebackers Gbenda and Hill led with 7 and 6 tackles, respectively. Derek Williams, Jr. shined big with that interception, as he and Guilbeau each had 5 tackles. Mukuba, Barron, and Taafe each with 4 tackles, Mukuba with a pick.
The celebrated Michigan rushing offense managed 80 yards. Davis Warren ended up with 204 yards passing and a touchdown, but my calculation is 63 of those came on the next to last drive and 78 yards on the final touchdown drive. If my math is right, 141 of the UM passing yards all came in the fourth quarter with the game decided. Which means Michigan amassed 63 yards passing in the first three quarters.
An all-around Team Victory. Hail to Texas.
The weekly awards:
- Quinn Ewers, Maxwell Ward Player of the Week, Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Player of the Week, Reese’s Senior Bowl Offensive POTW, SEC Offensive POTW, Manning Award Star of the Week
- Gunnar Helm, East-West Shrine Bowl Texas Star of the Week and Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Honorable Mention, Austin Horns Fan Dispatch Player of the Game.
- Andrew Mukuba, Jim Thorpe D Back of the week
- Jake Majors, Outland Trophy National Player of the Week, SEC Co-Offensive Lineman of the Week
John Bianco’s excellent observation:
Down go the Wolverines streaks‼️
❌ 16-straight wins
❌ 23-straight home wins
❌ 29-straight regular season wins (Big Ten Record)
❌ 15-straight non-conference wins
❌ First non-conference home loss in over a decade (since 2014 / 23-straight games)
Highlights of the Texas Win
From @TexasClips, the condensed game.
Highlights from CFB on FOX:
Joel Klatt with great analysis of Sark & Quinn
The other highlights of the Texas win are the Texas Longhorn fans. At first I thought 7,000 or maybe 8,000. At the end of the game, I realized it was a lot more. Some great videos and photos from
Will Matthews view from the sidelines:
https://x.com/willmatthewsnow/status/1832763770340286555
The view from the press box with Rubén Pizarro-Silva, as Longhorns sing The Eyes
https://twitter.com/LONGHORNSESP/status/1832835319106097589
@WendyKJ on X: “40-year Michigan season ticket holder behind us said to tell everyone he’s never seen another fanbase travel to The Big House like Texas did. Y’all. We were AWESOME! So much fun!”
And one more really good one of The Eyes of Texas:
https://twitter.com/26_gonzo/status/1832559079157592308
Texas Volleyball
Volleyball is 3-2 and No. 6. Tough loss to Miami last Saturday at the Greg. But a sweep of Houston Wednesday night. Big road game this Sunday in Palo Alto at 2:00 p.m. versus No. 2 Cardinal of The Leland Stanford Junior University. ESPN.
The University of Texas at San Antonio
The University of Texas at San Antonio is one of the many great institutions within the University of Texas System. The Board of Regents announced a couple of weeks ago that UTSA and The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio would be merged into UT San Antonio under the leadership of UTSA president Taylor Eighmy. This is big for San Antonio, and big for Texas. “The combined institution would become the third-largest research university in Texas, with annual research expenditures nearing $470 million to go with six federally funded research and development centers.”
Academic Rankings |
||
National |
||
Texas |
UT San Antonio |
|
| Forbes | 31 | 356 |
| U.S. News & World Report | 32 | 280 |
| ARWU | 25 | 118-144 |
| Washington Monthly | 87 | 107 |
Global |
||
| ARWU | 45 | 501-600 |
| QS | 66 | 1001-1200 |
| THE | 52 | 501-600 |
| U.S. News & World Report | 56 | 576 |
UTSA was founded June 5, 1969. Nearly 35,000 students (28,000 undergrad). When the integration of UTSA and UTHSA is completed, there will be nearly 40,000 students over three campuses spanning nearly 1,000 acres in Bexar County, including UTSA’s over 20 acres in downtown San Antonio. UTSA will be a powerhouse and will help drive the Texas economic engine. Expect their rankings above to be pretty different in 10 years.
AP Top 25 & Coaches Poll
Six of the top seven in the AP are SEC.
Massey Ratings
Georgia, Texas, Alabama, Ohio State, Ole Miss are the Top 5. Texas Agricultural & Mechanical at No. 26.
ESPN College Football Power Index
UTSA is about No. 97.
ESPN SP+ from Bill Connelly
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. We didn’t get Jonah Williams because he is excited about living in Jester.
Week Three in the Southeastern Conference
SEC teams get started early and big, with No. 4 Alabama (2-0) at Wisconsin (2-0), 11:00 a.m. from Camp Randall, FOX. Crimson Tide favored by 16, total is 50.5.
No. 16 Louisiana State (1-1) at South Carolina (2-0), 11:00 a.m. on ABC/ESPN+. Pretty sure most folks were not expecting the Gamecocks to thump the Wildcats like they did. Line is Tigers by 6.5, total is 48.5. Before the season I would have assumed this was a pretty surefire road win for the Bayou Bengals. This will be a good football game. Edge to Louisiana State and Garrett Nussmeier.
No. 24 Boston College (2-0) at No. 6 Missouri (2-0). 11:45 a.m. on the SEC Network. Two surprisingly good football teams (although I think a lot of folks were guessing Mizzou would be pretty good; Bob Ballou wasn’t guessing – he knew). Tigers favored by 16, total is 53.5.
Tulane Green Wave (1-1) at No. 15 Land Thieves (2-0), 2:30 p.m. on ESPN. Land Thieves are favored by 13, total is 46.5. I think this might be a good one to take the underdog and the points. Of course, I just jinxed Tulane and the Thieves will win by 4 touchdowns.
Texas Agricultural & Mechanical (1-1) at Florida (1-1), 2:30 p.m. on ABC/ESPN+. Texas Agricultural & Mechanical favored by 3, total at 47.5. The College Football Insiders analytics are picking Texas Agricultural & Mechanical too.
UAB at Arkansas, 3:15 p.m. on SEC Network. Pigs favored by 23.
No. 5 Ole Miss (2-0) at Wake Forest (1-1), 5:30 p.m. on The CW Network. Rebels and Mr. Dart are looking very good. Ole Miss favored by 21.5, total is 63.5. Rebs to win and cover. Hotty Toddy.
Vanderbilt (2-0) at Georgia State (1-1), 6:00 p.m. on ESPN+. Commodores favored by 10.5, total is 44.5.
No. 1 Georgia at Kentucky (1-1), 6:30 p.m. on ABC/ESPN+. UGA favored by 22, over/under is 44.5. Seems low. Bulldogs should rip the Wildcats.
New Mexico (0-1) at Auburn (1-1), 6:30 p.m. on ESPN2. Lobos are historically a travel-early-in-the-season-and-get-beat-and-collect-a-big-check team. War Eagle favored by 28, total is 60.5. New Mexico will take their beating and their check, and like it.
Toledo Rockets (2-0) at Mississippi State (1-1), 6:30 p.m. on ESPNU. Mississippi Aggies favored by 10.5, total is 57.5.
Kent State (0-2) at No. 7 Tennessee (2-0), 6:45 p.m. on the SEC Network. Volunteers playing well. And they are favored by 49. Huge line. That’s one you almost have to put a little money on. Total is 62.5.
Week 3: Service Academies
Army has a regular pass this weekend. Navy on shore leave.
Air Force (1-1) at Baylor, 6:30 p.m. on FS1. Bears favored by 16.5, total is 41.5. Go Air Force!
Top 25 – Week 2
Friday
No. 20 Arizona at No. 14 Kansas State, 7:00 p.m. on FOX. Both teams 2-0. Purple Wildcats favored by 7, total is 60.5. Strangely, this is not a Big 12 conference game. As I assume it was scheduled before Arizona joined the Big 12. Bear Down.
Saturday
No. 13 Oklahoma State at Tulsa, 11:00 a.m. on ESPN2. Cowboys favored by 18.5 over the Golden Hurricane. Total is 62.5.
Arkansas State at No. 18 Michigan, 11:00 a.m. on BTN. Wolverines favored by 23, total is 47.5. I am now a Michigan fan, at least when Michigan winning is beneficial to the Texas Longhorns. Go Big Blue.
No. 9 Oregon at Oregon State, 2:30 p.m. on FOX from Reser Stadium in Corvallis. One of the great intrastate rivalries which, hopefully, will keep going. This game was called the Civil War, before we lost our minds and, well, you know. It is a great rivalry game, usually played later in the year, but with the massive college realignments (which I hereby dub “The Great Shuffle”) it is in the middle of September. Ducks favored by 16.5, total is 49.5. The winner gets the beautiful Platypus Trophy.
Ball State at No. 10 Miami (Florida), 2:30 p.m. on the ACC Network. Honestly, I would have been very happy if the Miami Hurricanes had never returned to prominence and/or relevance and languished in mediocrity the rest of my life. Canes favored by 36.5, over/under is 54.5.
No. 18 Notre Dame at Purdue, 2:30 on CBS/Paramount+. The Irish lead the all-time series 57-26-2, and Notre Dame has won the last 6 (not counting the ND wins in 2012 & 2013 that were vacated). Fighting Irish favored by 9.5 over the Boilermakers, over/under is 45.5. If you want to know why I don’t bet much, in last week’s tough loss to NIU, the total was 44.5 and I said “I would load the over on that one.” The Irish and Huskies combined for 30 whopping points.
Advanced analytical analysis from College Football Insiders
No. 12 Utah at Utah State. 3:30 p.m. on CBSSN. The Utes beat Baylor last week and dropped a notch. Utah favored by 18.5 over the Mormon aggies, over/under is 43.5.
Northern Iowa at No. 23 Nebraska, 6:30 p.m. on BTN. The Huskers are back! No line against Northern Iowa Panthers (damn you Jesperson!).
Other Games of Interest – Week 3
Thursday Night
Arizona State at Texas State. Sun Devils were narrow 1.5 point favorites. Texas State gave them one helluva game. Sun Devils and Skattebo win 31-28. Kinne has a good team.
Saturday
Cincinnati at Miami, 11:00 a.m. on ESPNU from beautiful Yager Stadium in Oxford, Ohio. Redhawks are 4 point underdogs, and Jimmy U says take Miami!
Memphis (2-0) at Florida State (0-2), 11:00 a.m. on ESPN. The Tigers are 6.5 point underdogs, and, well, got some good friends who are Seminoles, so we will just leave it at that.
VMI (0-2) at Georgia Tech (2-1), 2:30 p.m. on ESPN+. I can’t imagine the Keydets going into Bobby Dodd Stadium and upsetting the Ramblin’ Wreck from Georgia Tech, but that would be freakin’ hysterical. Good luck to our Lexington brothers in gray.
Washington State at Washington, 2:30 p.m. on Peacock. Another great rivalry game being played in mid-September with The Great Shuffle. Cougars and Huskies playing for The Apple Cup. UW favored by 4.5.
North Carolina Central (1-1) at North Carolina (2-0). 5:00 p.m. on ESPN+. Good luck Mack!
Rice at Houston, 7:00 p.m. on ESPN+. Cougars favored by 5. Good luck Owls.
Maryland (1-1) at Virginia (2-0). 7:00 p.m. on the ACC Network from Scott Stadium in beautiful Charlottesville. Terps favored by 2.5. Go Hoos!
Juan Heisman Tailgate
We will be back in action Saturday. Plenty of Tito’s and venison sausage. Swing by on your way to Longhorn City Limits. Preservation Hall Jazz Band will be performing, joined by Big Wy’s Brass Band from right here in Austin (starting at 2:30). A great opportunity to hear one of the great bands that for 63 years has brought New Orleans Jazz (the birthplace of the genre, in my mind) to the world. PHJB starts at 4:00.
Tailgate Ramble, live at Preservation Hall.
HAAM
Thank you to all of my friends who have donated already to HAAM! I am really grateful. As of Thursday night about 9:00 p.m., $ donated – that is $ in healthcare for Austin’s musicians. Thanks to Amy, Brenda, Kara & Bob, Gordon, Jake, Don, Debbie, Jeff, Jay, Little Joe, John, Mike, Amy & Perry, Mary Ann & Ben, and several anonymous.
HAAM Day 2024 (charityengine.net)
HAAM Day 2024 is Tuesday, September 24. It is a fun day, filled with live music from early, early in the morning until late Tuesday night (main kick-off will be at the Lake Austin HEB). So find some time that day to go listen to music, and help keep Austin music alive and well!
HAAM provides access to affordable healthcare services for Austin’s low-income, working musicians, with a focus on wellness and prevention. Since 2005, HAAM has helped more than 7,000 musicians access over $190 million dollars in healthcare services – including insurance, premium assistance, basic healthcare, specialty care, mental health, dental care, hearing, vision, wellness, and basic needs. Through HAAM’s partnerships, every dollar you donate is leveraged into $7 worth of healthcare services.
Washington & Lee University
W&L Generals 26, Salisbury Sea Gulls 48
The Generals suffered a tough loss to Salisbury to open the 2024 campaign. The W&L ground game was back – 362 yards, led by Jacob Romero with 143 yards on 26 carries. But Salisbury matched that with 348 yards, with two guys rushing for over 130.
This week, the Generals play in the friendly confines of Wilson Field, in the shadow of House Mountain, this Saturday. The Newport News Apprentice School Builders and W&L kick-off at 1:00 p.m., Blue Ridge Mountains time. The Builders are coming off of a big 44-9 win over Southern Virginia University last Saturday.
Week Two in the Southeastern Conference
Arkansas at No. 16 Oklahoma State. The Pigs led 21-7 at half. Despite holding Ollie Gordon under 50 yards, Arkansas spit the bit on what should have been a road win against a top-10 team, and eventually lost to Allan Bowman (yes, the Horns-Down-Karma-is-a-Bitch Sand Aggie Allan Bowman) and the Okie aggies 39-31 in double overtime.
No. 1 Georgia 48-3 over Tennessee Tech. Carson Beck 18/25 for 242 yards and 5 touchdowns. And I am pretty sure he didn’t play in the fourth quarter.
No. 4 Alabama 42-16 over the South Florida Bulls, but it was 14-13 going to the fourth quarter. The Tide scored four touchdowns in the fourth to make it look good. Still didn’t cover, and didn’t hit the over.
No. 6 Ole Miss with another dominant win, 52-3 over the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders. Jaxson Dart was exceptional – 25 of 27 for 377 yards and a touchdown. Rebel running back Henry Parrish Jr. 165 yards on 14 carries and 4 touchdowns. Kiffin has the Rebs hitting on all cylinders.
The No. 15 Land Thieves struggled with Houston, getting a 16-12 win at home. OU got a safety in the fourth quarter – their only second half points. Not sure what happened there, but the Land Thieves only rushed for 78 yards.
Louisiana State 44-21 of the Nicholls Colonels. Not the dominant win most were expecting.
South Carolina was an 8.5 point road dog to Kentucky. The Wildcats couldn’t even score the line, as the Cocks beat the Cats 31-6.
Cal Berkeley Golden Bears 31, Auburn Tigers 14. War Eagle was favored by 13. Another big swing.
No. 9 Missouri with a workmanlike 38-0 shutout of the Buffalo Bulls.
Florida with a big 45-7 win over the Samford Bulldogs as the Gators tune up to welcome the Texas Agricultural & Mechanical Aggies.
No. 14 Tennessee vs. No. 24 North Carolina State in The Duke’s Mayo Classic was expected to be a good game, and the Vols were favored by 10. The Wolfpack hardly put up a fight and went down to Tennessee 51-10.
Vanderbilt is 2-0 after sinking Alcorn State 55-0.
Mississippi State scored 13 in the fourth, but it wasn’t close to enough to overcome the 27-3 halftime deficit in the desert. Arizona State wins 30-23, covering.
Week 2: Service Academies
Army 24-7 over Florida Atlantic. Army quarterback Bryson Daily was 1 for 4 for 44 yards and a score. However, he contributed 117 yards rushing to the Army ground attack which totaled 405 yards. Black Knights have the No. 2 rushing offence in the country.
Navy 38-11 over Temple, as the Middies cover.
San Jose State 17-7 over Air Force.
Top 25 – Week 2
Bowling Green led the Nittany Lions 24-20 at half. PSU pulled out the win 34-27, unfortunately.
No. 17 Kansas State 34-27 over Tulane, but the Green Wave gave the Wildcats a fight.
No. 25 Georgia Tech loses at Syracuse, 28-31.
The Horror. Northern Illinois 16, No. 5 Notre Dame 14. The Irish were favored by 28. Two good things, unless you are a Domer. The interview with Huskies head coach Thomas Hammock:
And learning that NIU has a “boneyard” in their trophy room
For every big win, they engrave the year and score on dog bone, and hang it in front of the opponent’s logo. https://www.instagram.com/p/C_wpO8cAJfa/?igsh=NzdsMmZjaWxsamJ0
Baylor loses 12-23 at No. 11 Utah. Ute QB Cam Rising got hurt against. Hope the kid is okay. Man, he has had the injury bug. And an extended career. For those who don’t recall, Rising was a big recruit for Texas last decade and redshirted here his freshman year in 2018.
Iowa State wins the CyHawk Trophy with a 20-19 upset at No. 21 Iowa. Congrats to the Cyclones.
Jacksonville State 14, at No. 22 Louisville 49.
Florida A&M 9, No. 12 Miami (Florida) 56.
No. 19 Kansas falls at Illinois, 17-23. Picked that one wrong.
Western Michigan zero, No. 2 Ohio State 56. Dang. Buckeyes cover the line and the total.
Appalachian State didn’t sniff the line, as No. 25 Clemson went to the locker room at halftime with a 56-13 lead. Final was 66-20. Wow.
Boise State Broncos. They just seem to produce good football teams every year. 20-14 over the Ducks at half. No. 8 Oregon won 37-34, but Boise battled.
No. 20 Arizona beat Northern Arizona 22-10.
No. 13 Southern Cal with an impressive 48-0 win over the Utah State Aggies. In my pretend betting last weekend, that nearly 20 point cover of the line left me 0 for the weekend. Good reminder. But I did find that (the once very good and now horrible) Grande (now “Astound by Grande” – astoundingly bad) sports package I pay too much for has the Big Ten Network. I am open to recommendations on a better platform. Lots of YouTube TV fans out there. What think thee?
Other Games of Interest – Week 2
Southern Methodists were 11.5 point home favorites, and the total was 55.5. Instead, an uninspiring game as Brigham Young beat the Mustangs 18-15.
Virginia scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to beat Wake Forest 31-30. Wahoo Wa!
Colorado at Nebraska. The Buffalos netted 16 yards rushing, gross of 46. The Buffalos also had 9 penalties for 104 yards. Not to be outdone, the Huskers got flagged 12 times for 105 yards. Here is the shocker – it was a Big 12 crew, and they sucked.
Music
Preservation Hall Jazz Band, St. James Infirmary
When the Saints Go Marching In
This Little Light of Mine
PHJB, Charlie Gabriel, with Dave Grohl, Come With Me. Nice work.
The Michigan Trip
The game at the Big House where is a blast. One of the better college football experiences I’ve had, and certainly the best outside of Darrell K Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium, the Cotton Bowl, and the Rose Bowl.
Knowing that a trip to see my beloved Longhorns play Michigan, and the Big House was probably a once in a lifetime opportunity, I also took the opportunity to make it once in a lifetime kind of trip. My friend Tavo Hellmund was organizing that up and back for a small group, And that was one of a couple of great opportunities, including the large Tony Dewar led expedition, which was also a great crew.
Anyway, our group was my friend Matthew Lee, founder of Teo Gelato, Patrick Brown and his son Andrew, Adam Chibib, and Thomas Fredell, with Tavo driving the group. We were taxiing away from Atlantic Aviation as dawn was breaking Saturday morning.
Sunrise over Decker Lake.
Coming into Ann Arbor. Coming in hot.
Like any trip to a road game, lots of excitement, butterflies, speculation. The trip up was smooth, and we landed at Willow Run airport, joining dozens, perhaps hundreds, of other Longhorns, who continued what is becoming a known nationwide tradition: the Texas Longhorn fans travel big and travel well.
While we didn’t have time to enjoy any tailgates before the game, we were at the Big House in time to grab a beer. Ran into the Big Cat.
I was in my seat well before kick-off, and I got to have a perfect view of the Wolverine tradition, as they exit the tunnel and slap the Go Blue sign. Great job on those seats Tony Dewar!!
Great seats with my adopted family and brothers – Scott Ferguson, Jody Ferguson, and Tony Dewar, and my nephew by adoption, Walt Ferguson.
Dr. Jody Ferguson, Walter Keene Linscott Ferguson, Jr., Longhorn Legend & 1969 National Champion Ted Koy (the Wishbone), and Henry Hamilton “Tony” Dewar.
As the clock began winding down, we quickly made our exit, and our driver had somehow managed to get within a few hundred yards of the stadium to pick us up. We also had the foresight to have him go by the famous Zingerman’s deli, and pick up a large bag, full of pastrami and corn beef sandwiches. There’s a reason why Zingerman’s is famous. The meat was good, and the bread some of the best I’ve ever had from a deli.
After a bit of a struggle to get to our plane, which was parked on one of the far runways because of the crowds, we did get wheels up inside of our window. Somewhat miraculous. We heard 47 planes were scheduled in a 2 hour window, and there were over 200 private planes at this little airport. Many with the Longhorn on the tail.
After a celebratory cold beer, we toasted the Longhorns and Steve Sarkisian with a couple of bottles of Pol Roger (my contribution to the cause). It tasted pretty damn good. So was the mint chocolate chip gelato, my favorite. Thanks Matthew!
As planned, we were on the ground at Austin Bergstrom well before sundown, and I was able to keep my promise to Kathy that we would have dinner at Matt’s El Rancho and celebrate the Longhorn win. The margaritas tasted pretty amazing too.
Thanks for organizing and leading our adventure, Tavo. As I said, once in a lifetime game and once in a lifetime trip.
Tony and his crew:
Jim Nicar
“1994: The UT Austin campus 30 years ago, when Speedway was a through road that connected to Congress Avenue, there were basketball and racquetball courts at Clark Field, and you could watch Longhorn Band practice while running on the stadium track.”
Great photo. Blows my mind that 1994 was thirty years ago.
Follow Jim on X
Picture of the Week
From JType’s Instagram account on September 6, 2024.
Quote of the Week
Carl Frederick Buechner, from his 1968 book, The Hungering Dark.
“The Greek word chronos means ‘time’ in a quantitative sense, chronological time, time that you can divide into minutes and years, time as duration. It is the sense that we mean when we say, ‘What time is it?’ or ‘How much time do I have?’ or ‘Time like an ever-flowing stream,’ in one of the hymns that we sing. But in Greek there is also the word kairos, which means ‘time’ in a qualitative sense – not the kind that a clock measures but time that cannot be measured at all, time that is characterized by what happens in it. Kairos time is the kind that you mean when you say that ‘the time is ripe’ to do something, ‘It’s time to tell the truth’ a truth-telling kind of time. Or ‘I had a good time’ – the time had something about it that made me glad. The ancient poet who wrote the Book of Ecclesiastes was using time in a kairos sense when he wrote of a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to keep silence and a time to speak.”
From a friend who sends out a daily motivational quote.
God Bless Texas
God Bless America
Tim Taylor
Member, Football Writers Association of America
Tailgating before Home Football Games
The Juan Heisman Tailgate
Lot 38, East of Sid Richardson Hall
HOOK EM HORNS!!
The Austin Horns Fan Dispatch
© Timothy C. Taylor, Sr. 2024. All Rights Reserved (as to original material).
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Tim Taylor P.O. Box 5371 Austin, Texas 78763-5371