Happy Thanksgiving Longhorn Fans!
Texas Longhorns 55, Kansas Jayhawks 14
The Texas Longhorns had a very productive and rewarding road trip to Lawrence, Kansas, putting an early beatdown on the Jayhawks. Bijan Robinson had a career day with 25 carries for 243 yards and 4 touchdowns, and the Longhorns amassed 427 yards on the ground. Defense played outstanding ball. Texas had no turnovers and only 3 penalties for 20 yards. Isn’t it amazing what a solid and talented football team filled with gifted athletes can do when the coaches give their best players the ball and the team plays a clean game? My apologies to the defense and Coach PK and the Special Assistant for the highly inflated prediction of 35 KU points. What a butt-kicking. Review below. A quick look at some highlights to get you motivated.
Check out some Monday morning highlights from our 55-14 win at Kansas 🎥 ☕ pic.twitter.com/RkVgn7gCO7
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) November 21, 2022
One of my favorite stats from the Kansas game: Texas had a 200 yard rusher and 100 yard rusher in the same game for only the second time in program history. Bijan’s 243 yards and Jonathon Brooks with 108). The last time was the year before a national championship, in 1968, when Chris Gilbert ran for 213 and Ted Koy for 117 against Rice. I know it is wishful thinking, but man do I wish Friday is not the last time I see Bijan Robinson play at DKR Texas Memorial Stadium.
Some incredible college football games last Saturday, and some great rivalry games and match-ups this week. Preview and Reviews below. I love this long holiday break and Rivalry Weekend. Egg Bowl. Iron Bowl. Sunshine Showdown. The battle for the Jeweled Shillelagh. Clean, Old Fashioned Hate. The Palmetto Bowl. The Game Formerly Known as the Civil War. The Apple Cup. The Game.
Baylor Bears vs. No. 23 Texas Longhorns
The Bears are 6-5 and 4-4 in the Big 12. Texas is 7-4 and 5-3.
Texas and Baylor meet on the gridiron for the 112th time on Friday, a series first contested in 1901. Texas leads the overall series 79-28-4, and 48-10-2 in Austin. Longest win streak in the series is Texas with 16 (1959-1973). Second longest win streak in the series is Texas with 12 straight (1998-2009). Third longest win streak in the series is Texas with 10 straight (1901-1914. Baylor has never won more than 2 straight, a feat they have accomplished 6 times. The Bears have had a bit more success this millennium, with 6 wins since 2010, but 4 of those came under disgraced former coach Art Briles, one of the uglier stains on American college football and college athletics generally. Texas has spent 754 weeks ranked in the AP poll and 45 weeks at No. 1; Baylor has been ranked 226 weeks and zero at No. 1.
Another 11:00 a.m. kickoff (I am not thankful for 11:00 a.m. kickoffs), and the game will be broadcast on ESPN with Mark Jones and Robert Griffin III in the booth and Quint Kessenich on the field. You can listen to the game around world and even in South Texas on the Longhorn Radio Network with the great Craig Way, joined by Roger Wallace and Will Matthews. KWMC 1490 AM in Del Rio, KVNS 1700 AM from McAllen, and clear channel WOAI 1200 AM from San Antonio. SiriusXM Channel 84.
As of very early Thursday morning:
- Texas favored by 8.5.
- Money line: Texas -335, BU +260.
- Over/under at 53.
Seniors
Texas says goodbye to a large class of seniors. Some of these guys have made huge contributions to the program. Not going to list them all, but some of my personal favorites.
Roschon Johnson stands head and shoulders above all. Not sure there have been many players I have liked and respected as much as Roschon. What a team player and leader. And, he finished his career at Texas with over 2,000 rushing yards, playing in 46 games.
Keondre “Snacks” Coburn has played in 49 games at Texas; started 12 of 13 his RS Freshman season; started all 10 his sophomore year; started 11 and playe din all 12 his junior year; and I believe he has started every game this year – I know he has played in them all. Love that Big Man.
DeMarvion Overshown, the 5th year senior from Arp, has been a favorite. Hope he has a huge game tomorrow.
D’Shawn Jamison, another 5th year senior out of Lamar in Houston who has had a solid career.
Anthony Cook, also a 5th year senior out of Lamar in that great class.
T’Vondre Sweat, who has played in every game here – 13 as a freshman, 10 as a sophomore, 12 as a junior, and all 11 games this year. Pretty good for giant defensive lineman.
Moro Ojomo, also a fifth year senior and defensive lineman. Played in all 13 games his RS freshman year; started all 10 games as sophomore; started all 12 games as a Junior; 10 games this year. Majoring in finance at McCombs and wants to be a lawyer.
Junior Angilau: a warrior who we have missed since his injury.
Christian Jones, the senior man on the offensive line, his 5th season at Texas. Played in 13 games his RS freshman year – mostly special teams; played and started all 10 games as a sophomore; played and started all 12 games his junior year; has started every game this year.
Thanks also to Luke Brockermeyer and Jett Bush. Transfers Diamonte Tucker-Dorsey, Jahleel Billingsley, Ovie Oghoufo (1L), Daniel Trejo, and Tarique Milton. And Ben Ballard.
No. 4 Texas Longhorns Basketball
Texas is No. 4 in the AP Top 25. Actually had 5 first place votes to the 1 that Kansas got, who is ranked No. 3.
Texas played Northern Arizona Monday night in Edinburg and put the hammer down on the Lumberjacks, 73-48. Texas led 50-22 at half, and everyone got to play.
Saturday November 26, the Longhorns play the UTRGV Vaqueros at 3:00 p.m. in Gregory Gym. Also on LHN. If you are in Austin, find a way to get to the Greg! Going to be fun.
Baylor Bears 2022
Baylor opened its third season under Dave Aranda with a 69-10 whupping of the Albany Great Danes. Albany is 3-8 since then with wins over Central Connecticut, Stony Brook, and Maine, three teams that have 6 combined wins this season.
Baylor lost their second game 20-26 to then No. 21 Brigham Young, in Provo, a loss that didn’t seem that bad in September.
The Bears hammered the Texas State Bobcats 42-7 to wrap up their non-conference schedule.
In the Big 12:
- Beat Iowa State in Ames 31-24
- Lost to the No. 9 Oklahoma State 25-36 in Waco
- Lost at West Virginia 40-43
- Beat Kansas 35-23 in Waco
- Beat Texas Tech in Lubbock 45-17
- Beat the Land Thieves 38-35 in Norman,
- Lost to No. 19 K State 3-31.
- Lost to No. 4 Texas Christian 28-29
The 2022 Bears
I didn’t have time to research who may be out with injury, so just hitting a few of the top performers.
Blake Shapen is the Baylor quarterback. 204/309 for 2,423 yards, 14 touchdowns, 9 interceptions, and he has been sacked 17 times. He has not run a bunch – 104 yards on 64 attempts.
Running Backs: Richard Reese (No. 29, 5-9, 175) is the leading Bear with 908 yards on 175 rushes with 14 touchdowns. He has 13 catches for 89 yards. Craig “Sqwirl” Williams (No. 0, 5-9, 168) has 53 yards on 91 attempts with 4 scores, and Qualan Jones (No. 28, 5-10, 242) has 403 yards on 73 attempts with 7 scores. He also has 17 receptions for 117 yards. All three are good, and the little guys are quick and shifty. Defense must pay attention.
Wide Receivers: Monaray Baldwin has 30 catches for 530 yards and 4 TDs. Gavin Holmes has 22 catches for 470 yards and 3 TDs. Hal Presley has 29 catches, 359 yards, 3 TDs. Josh Carmeon has 21 catches, 282 yards.
Tight Ends: Ben Sims has 30 catches for 241 yards and 2 TDs. Drake Dabney has 16 catches for 173 yards.
Offensive Line: Big, good, and experienced. Over 150 combined starts make the Bear line one of the most experienced in FBS.
Safeties: Al Walcott leads Baylor with 70 tackles (34 solo) an a sack and an interception. Devin Lamear has 45 tackles (24 solo) and 2 interceptions. Devin Neal has 41 tackles (31 solo) and 2 interceptions.
Cornerbacks: Mark Milton has 40 tackles (30 solo) an 1 interception. AJ McCarty has 33 tackles (27 solo) and 1 interception (returned for TD).
Linebackers: Dillon Doyle is second on the Bears with 69 tackles (33 solo) and 2 has 2 interceptions. Matt Jones is third with 54 tackles (34 solo), 2.5 sacks. They are both very good.
D Line: Gabe Hall (6-6, 295 junior from Waller) has 29 tackles and 3.5 sacks. TJ Franklin (6-5, 265 pound senior from Temple) has 28 tackles. Siaki Ika (6-4, 358 pounds from Salt Lake City) has 23 tackles.
Longhorns vs Bears
Available Yards Percentage.
| NAY | OAY | DAY | |
| Texas | No. 25: 0.113 | No. 29: 0.547 | No. 38: 0.435 |
| Baylor | No. 46: 0.061 | No. 22: 0.562 | No. 92: 0.501 |
BCF Toys – 2022 Available Yards Percentage
Net points per drive (NPD). NPD is the difference between points scored per offensive drive (OPD) and points allowed per opponent offensive drive (DPD).
| NPD | OPD | DPD | |
| Texas | No. 12: 1.20 | No. 21: 2.88 | No. 23: 1.68 |
| Baylor | No. 45: 0.34 | No. 26: 2.75 | No. 94: 2.41 |
BCF Toys – 2022 Points Per Drive
Net Yards Per Play (NPP).
| NPP | OPP | DPP | |
| Texas | No. 8: 1.55 | No. 19: 6.66 | No. 24: 5.11 |
| Baylor | No. 51: 0.34 | No. 46: 5.96 | No. 53: 5.62 |
BCF Toys – 2022 Yards Per Play
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 | Baylor | .844 | 14.8 | 32.2 | 24.3 | 63.8 |
The ESPN Matchup Predictor gives Texas 81.6% chance of winning.
Official Texas Preview:
https://texassports.com/news/2022/11/21/football-preview-baylor.aspx
Official Texas Game Notes:
https://texassports.com/documents/2022/11/21/12-TexasGameNotes-Baylor.pdf
Texas Homer
Baylor Preview:
TCT Preview
While I think Texas can and will win this game, I am a bit concerned about it. As you will see, these two teams match up well and are pretty similar. Baylor has had a disappointing season after winning the Big 12 last season and winning 12 games, but they have still played hard, physical football, a key feature of the Dave Aranda regime. But their disappointment can be salved with win over Texas, and Baylor will be in Austin tomorrow morning ready to play football and motivated to win. Texas must show up with the good Longhorns team – the team that went toe-to-toe with Alabama, that shutout and beat the crap out of the Land Thieves, the team that went to Kansas twice in 15 days and beat two pretty good football teams, routing one of them. It cannot be the at Lubbock or TCU team. Or those coaches.
A look at the stats, a couple of games against common opponents, and then my thoughts.
The Statistics
Offense
Statistic |
Texas |
Baylor |
| Rushing Offense | #27, #6 – 198.8 ypg | #21, #4 – 202.6 ypg |
| Passing Offense | #64, #9 – 234.1 ypg | #57, #6 – 240.2 ypg |
| Total Offense | #38, #6 – 432.9 ypg | #29, #4 – 442.8 ypg |
| Scoring Offense | #21, #2 – 35.5 ppg | #29, #4 – 34.2 ppg |
| First Downs | #29, #5 – 23.4/game | #20, #2 – 24.2/game |
| Sacks Allowed | #15, #2 – 12, 85 yards | #37, #4 – 17, 112 yards |
| Tackles for Loss Allowed | #27, #2 – 49, 177 yards | #60, #6 – 60, 201 yards |
| Third Down Conversions | #78, #8 – 38.3% | #31, #2 – 44.7% |
| Fourth Down Conversions | #57, #6 – 52.6% 10/19 | #19, #2 – 63.9% 23/36 |
| Red Zone Attempts | #32, #3 – 48 | #27, #2 – 50 |
| Red Zone Offense | #22, #3 – 90% / 62% | #92, #9 – 80% / 72% |
| Long Run Plays | #51, #6 – 58/10, 20/20, 13/30, 7/40 | #30, #3 – 66/10, 17/20, 8/30, 4/40 |
| Long Pass Plays | #40, #5 – 111/10, 43/20, 15/30, 6/40 | #45, #6 – 107/10, 32/20, 17/30, 10/40 |
Baylor has 4 passing plays over 50 yards, 2 over 60, and 2 over 70. Texas has none. Texas has allowed 3 over 50 and 1 over 60.
Defense
Statistic |
Texas |
Baylor |
| Rushing Defense | #32, #2 – 125 ypg | #40, #3 – 131.2 ypg |
| Passing Defense | #92, #5 – 244.5 ypg | #83, #4 – 236.3 ypg |
| Total Defense | #60, #4 – 369.5 ypg | #55, #3- 367.5 ypg |
| Scoring Defense | #30, #3 – 20.6 ppg | #59, #4 – 25.5 ppg |
| First Downs Allowed | #83, #6 – 21.2/game | #73, #5 – 20.9/game |
| Sacks | #65, #4 – 24, 155 yards | #91, #9 – 19, 125 yards |
| Tackles for Loss | #13, #2 – 80, 283 yards | #102, #9 – 53, 188 yards |
| Third Down Conversions | #89, #8 – 41.1% | #121, #9 – 45.4% |
| Fourth Down Conversions | #70, #7 – 51.8%, 14/27 | #23, #3 – 41.2%, 7/17 |
| Red Zone Attempts | #4, #3 – 36 | #56, #4 – 38 |
| Red Zone Defense | #15, #2 – 75% / 50% | #121, #10 – 92% / 66% |
| Long Run Plays Allowed | #29, #2 – 40/10, 7/20, 3/30, 3/40 | #29, #2 – 40/10, 7/20, 3/30, 0/40 |
| Long Pass Plays Allowed | #99, #6 – 108/10, 38/20, 13/30, 7/40 | #88, #3 – 103/10, 34/20, 13/30, 5/40 |
Other
Statistic |
Texas |
Baylor |
| Turnovers | #12, #3 – 3F, 7I — 10 | #72, #6 – 6F, 10I — 16 |
| Turnover Margin | #52, #5 12:10 +2 | #63, #6 17:16 +1 |
| Penalties | #68, #9 – 68, 551 yards | #27, #3 – 56, 505 yards |
*Based on total number of penalties.
Match-up Comparison
Texas Offense |
Baylor Defense |
| Rushing Offense – 198.8 ypg | 131.2 ypg – Rushing Defense |
| Passing Offense – 234.1 ypg | 236.3 ypg – Passing Defense |
| Total Offense – 432.9 ypg | 367.5 ypg – Total Defense |
| Scoring Offense – 35.5 ppg | 25.5 ppg – Scoring Defense |
| First Downs – 23.4/game | 20.9/game – First Downs Allowed |
| 3rd Down Offense – 38.3% | 45.4% – 3rd Down Defense |
| 4th Down Offense – 52.6% | 41.2% – 4th Down Defense |
| Red Zone Offense – 90%/62% | 92%/66% – Red Zone Defense |
| LRP – 58/10, 20/20, 13/30, 7/40 | 40/10, 7/20, 3/30, 0/40 – LRP Allowed |
| LPP – 111/10, 43/20, 15/30, 6/40 | 103/10, 34/20, 13/30, 5/40 – LPP Allowed |
Texas Defense |
Baylor Offense |
| Rushing Defense – 125 ypg | 202.6 ypg – Rushing Offense |
| Passing Defense – 244.5 ypg | 240.2 ypg – Passing Offense |
| Total Defense – 369.5 ypg | 442.8 ypg – Total Offense |
| Scoring Defense – 20.6 ppg | 34.2 ppg – Scoring Offense |
| First Downs Allowed – 21.2/game | 24.2/game – First Downs |
| 3rd Down Defense – 41.1% | 44.7% – 3rd Down Offense |
| 4th Down Defense – 51.8% | 63.9% – 4th Down Offense |
| Red Zone Defense – 75%/50% | 80%/72% – Red Zone Offense |
| LRP Allowed – 40/10, 7/20, 3/30, 3/40 | 66/10, 17/20, 8/30, 4/40 – LRP |
| LPP Allowed – 108/10, 38/20, 13/30, 7/40 | 107/10, 32/20, 17/30, 10/40 – LPP |
Red Zone – Baylor is #1 in the Big 12 for TDs in the Red Zone and No. 15 nationally. Texas is No. 17 in Big 12 and No. 64 nationally. The good news is our red zone defense is outstanding, and Baylor’s is not.
Against Texas Christian, Baylor had 501 total yards of offense (Texas had 199), 269 passing (Texas had 171) and 232 yards rushing (Texas had 28). Baylor had 25 first downs and was 6 of 14 on third downs and 2 of 3 on fourth downs. Texas had 14 first downs, was 1 of 13 on third and 1 of 4 on fourth.
The Frogs had 442 total yards of offense against Baylor (they had 283 against Texas), 327 yards passing (124 against the Horns), and 115 yards rushing (159 against Texas [net, they actually ran for 228]). At Baylor, TCU had 20 first downs and was 4 of 10 on third down, no fourth down attempts. Against Texas, the Frogs had 20 first downs.
That is just one game comparison, and perhaps not all that accurate given how really poorly Texas played.
So, let’s look at each team’s game with Kansas State.
Baylor had 17 first downs. Texas had 22.
Baylor ran for 103 yards. Texas for 269.
Baylor passed for 203 yards. Texas for 197.
Baylor’s total offense, 306 yards. Texas was 466.
Kansas State had 30 first downs against Baylor. K State had 25 against Texas.
K State ran for 184 on the Bears. KSU had 139 yards against the Horns
K State passed for 221 on Baylor. Against Texas, 329 yards.
Wildcats with 405 yards against the Baylor D. 468 yards against the Texas D
I hope and believe that the good 2022 Texas team will come out on Senior Day (and probably Thank You Bijan Day) and get an 8th win. Texas must do that. While the odds that the Jayhawks will upset the Wildcats and give Texas the assist to Arlington are long, they are not impossible. Unless Texas loses to the Bears. So Texas needs to show up, play their best game of the season, and make a statement that Texas is ready to compete.
The Texas defense has gotten better and better, especially against the run. That will be critical Friday, as will our pass rush. Get pressure on Shapen, but make sure and stay on his outlet receiver and don’t leave any escape lanes open for him. The bend but don’t break offense always makes me nervous, as does our zone, but I am confident that the defense has the skill and ability and depth to slow down and hopefully shutdown the Bear offense.
Offensively, I am sure Aranda will have his defense ready to stop Bijan and the Texas run game. They run 3 down lineman and the linebackers plug gaps quickly. Aranda may decide to load the box and stop the run, forcing Ewers to pass. It worked for Dykes and Texas Christian, and with the weather forecast, having to rely on our passing game is not something I am excited about. But then again, Sark is a very smart game planner and play schemer, and maybe he has something cooked up for which Dave Aranda and his DC, Ron Roberts, are not ready. Maybe if it is cold and wet the decision will not be to continually take deep shots, but rely on the good hands of Jordan Whittington and Ja’Tavion Sanders and our running backs, and of course Worthy. As fast as he is, I don’t know why we don’t have more short and intermediate routes for him. Remember that incredible fourth down touchdown route and catch? He runs great quick short routes. Let’s see some of that. But none of that happens without the offensive line blocking well and someone picking up the blitzers, who will be coming.
Finally, what seems to be the lynchpin for Texas wins: no turnovers, limit the penalties, and especially limit the penalties that give Baylor first downs or put Texas in long yardage on third down. We cannot give away drives and opportunities to score with mistakes. Texas must either score or get positive yardage and put Baylor back with a long field every single time the Longhorns get the ball. If Texas does that, Texas will win big.
I think Bijan has another good day – around 135 yards. Roschon gets some good minutes and makes good use of them – 80 yards and a score. I think Whittington and both Robinsons get some good receiving yards with a lot of yards after catch.
DeMarvion Overshown says thank you to Texas with a great day. Interception or forced fumble maybe. DeShawn Jamison gets a touchdown.
Texas 42, Baylor 27.
Baylor University
Academic Rankings |
||
National |
||
Texas |
Baylor |
|
| Forbes | 43 | 164 |
| THE | WSJ | 60 | 170 |
| U.S. News & World Report | 38 | 75 |
| Washington Monthly | 40 | 336 |
Global |
||
| ARWU | 37 | 601-700 |
| QS | 72 | 1001-1200 |
| THE | 47 | 801-1000 |
| U.S. News & World Report | 43 | 376 |
Longhorns 55, Jayhawks 14
I really wanted to have a good long review of this great Texas road win, but the short week has caught up with me. It is early Thanksgiving morning, and I am just now getting to the review.
The real story line of the game is Bijan Robinson and the Texas rushing attack. 427 yards on the ground. 57 rushing attempts.. Bijan with 25 carries for 243 yards and 4 touchdowns – with no negative yards. None. Jonathan Brooks with 11 carries for 108 yards and 2 scores, including that 70 yard beauty. Roschon Johnson added 34 yards on 7 carries. Heck, even Ewers had 11 yards and no negative yardage. Which means the story wasn’t just the running backs, but the Texas offensive line. After a disastrous game against the froggies, the Texas running game rebounded with a vengeance to beat the Jayhawks the old fashioned way. Just plain old running it down their throats.
Quinn Ewers had a quiet day, but he provided everything we needed. 12 completions on 21 attempts with a touchdown and no turnovers.
I won’t say the game was over at halftime with Texas up 31 to 0, but I will say that when Kansas got their first scoring drive (and longest at 80 yards) at the end of the third quarter, Texas was up 41 to nothing and a lot of Longhorns were getting playing time. The other KU scoring drive, 74 yards in the fourth, combined with that other drive accounted for nearly half of the Kansas offensive yardage.
Defensively, Anthony Cook and Morice Blackwell, Jr. (a sophomore who logged his first stats of the season) led the Horns with 6 tackles each. Jaylan Ford had 5 plus the interception. Overshown, Thompson, and Sorrell each had 4 tackles. 18 other Longhorns registered at least one tackle, including Keilan Robinson. We shut down a pretty decent Kansas rush attack.
Only 3 penalties for 20 yards. That is what we must do.
I loved going for the touchdown from the 1 with 1 second left in the first half already up 24. That is the way we need to beat people.
Here is a good look at what Texas did to Kansas:
| Statistic | Against Texas D | Kansas Offense |
| Rushing | 104 yards | #20, #4 – 209.6 ypg |
| Passing | 242 yards | #64, #9 – 234.1 ypg |
| Total Offense | 346 yards | #30, #4 – 443.7 ypg |
| Scoring | 14 points | #17, #2 – 36.9 ppg |
| Third Down Conversions | 4 of 11, 36.4% | #7, #1 – 51.7% |
| Fourth Down Conversions | 0 of 2, 0% | #68, #6 – 50%, 7/14 |
| Red Zone Offense | 2 of 4, 67%/100% | #54, #7 – 86% / 71% |
| Statistic | Texas Offense | Against Kansas D |
| Rushing | 427 yards | #93, #9 – 166.8 ypg |
| Passing | 112 yards | #118, #9 – 277 ypg |
| Total Offense | 539 yards | #117, #9 – 443.8 ypg |
| Scoring Defense | 55 points | #103, #9 – 30.4 ppg |
| First Downs Allowed | 28 | #123, #9 – 24.6/game |
| Third Down Conversions | 6 of 14, 42.9% | #122, #10 – 46.7% |
| Fourth Down Conversions | 3 of 7, 75% | #110, #9 – 65%, 15/23 |
| Red Zone | 6 of 6 100% / 83% | #38, #2 – 80% / 56% |
Highlights:
From CFB on FOX, just under 7 minutes.
Bijan Robinson – Every Rush – from Nash Talks Texas
No. 1 Texas Volleyball
No. 1 Texas beat Baylor Saturday night to clinch a sixth consecutive Big XII Championship. Wednesday, the Longhorns swept West Virginia. Texas is 22-1 and 15-1 in conference. NCAA tournament selections on Sunday. Time to make a run for national championship!
The Polls – Week 13
AP Top 25: Georgia, The Ohio State University™, Michigan, Texas Christian, Southern Cal, Louisiana State, Clemson, Alabama, and Tennessee. Notre Dame at No. 13, K State at 15, North Carolina drops to No. 18, Ole Miss at 20, and the Texas Longhorns back in at No. 24.
AFCA Coaches Poll: UGA, Buckeyes, Big Blue, Horny Toads, Trojans, Bayou Bengals, Roll Tide, Dabo Tigers, and Ducks. K State at No. 13, Fighting Irish at 15, Tarheels at 17, Hotty Toddy at 19, and The University of Texas at No. 24.
Statistical Rankings Week 13
Texas is No. 6 in Nate Manzo’s composite rankings. Baylor No. 24.
Massey Ratings. Texas at No. 14, Baylor at No. 35.
https://masseyratings.com/cf/compare.htm
ESPN’s Football Power Index. Texas up to No. 5. I think if we had beaten Tech and TCU we would be in the CFP discussion with 2 losses. Baylor No. 19 (not shown).
Big XII Standings – Week Thirteen
Juan Heisman Tailgate
We will have a low-key post-Thanksgiving early-Friday morning tailgate party. Some breakfast tacos, plenty of Tito’s Handmade Vodka for bloodies, and beer. We will be there rain or shine.
Grateful
So much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. Faith, family, and friends. The Big 3 for me. In August, we were blessed with our third grandchild, as Kathryn and Mark welcomed Helen Kate to their sweet family. In a couple of weeks or so (or sooner!), Mary Elizabeth and Parker are expecting their first born. Can’t wait for Baby Fleming.
We celebrated Thanksgiving Tuesday night.
Big XII – Week Thirteen Games
All the other conference games are on Saturday.
West Virginia at Oklahoma State, 11:00 a.m. on ESPN2. Cowboys favored by 8.5, over/under is 61.5. Tough year for West Virginia, who disappointed me last weekend for failing to beat Kansas State.
Iowa State at No. 4 Texas Christian, 3:00 p.m. on FOX. It would be brutally ironic if the last place Cyclones found themselves and their game Saturday afternoon in Fort Worth. Frogs favored by 10, over/under is 47.5.
Land Thieves at Texas Tech, 6:30 p.m. on FS1. Land Thieves favored by 2, over/under is 64.
Kansas at No. 12 Kansas State, 7:00 p.m. on FOX. Wildcats favored by 11.5, over/under is 62.5. The historically good news is that the Jayhawks lead the series 65-49 with 5 ties. The realistic bad news is that Kansas State has won 13 in a row and 25 of the last 29. We need you Kansas. Rock Chalk Jayhawk.
Top 25 – Week Thirteen
Egg Bowl
Thursday night Mississippi State and Ole Miss meet in Oxford for the 117th or 118th game (records are a bit inconsistent) in a series first played in 1901, when Mississippi A&M beat Ole Miss 17-0. Like a lot of Southeastern Conference series, there are vacated games and forfeited games. In this case, State forfeited wins in 1976 and 1977, Ole Miss had wins in 2012 and 2014 vacated, and the Bulldogs’ win in 2018 was vacated. I am going with Ole Miss leads the series 64-46-6. I had not really paid much attention to how historically mediocre Mississippi State is. 1 conference championship and 2 consensus All-Americans? Rebels favored by 1, over/under is 61. Hotty Toddy!
Friday
No. 19 Tulane at No. 24 Cincinnati. Both teams 9-2 and 6-1 in the American. 11:00 a.m. on ABC. This is a big game for these schools. Bearcats favored by 1, over/under is 46.
North Carolina State vs. No. 17 North Carolina, 2:30 p.m. on ABC from Chapel Hill. Tough loss for the Heels last week. Feel bad for Mack. But still in the ACC championship game. In this Tobacco Road rivalry game, the Tarheels are favored by 6.5, over/under is 56. Carolina leads the series 68-37-6 over State. Good luck to Coach Brown. I bet it is a good Senior Day at Kenan Memorial Stadium with Miss Sally and Mack.
No. 18 University of California Los Angeles vs Cal Berkeley. 3:30 p.m. on FOX. Bruins favored by 10, over/under is 61.
The Sunshine Showdown. Florida vs. No. 16 Florida State. 6:30 p.m. on ABC. Seminoles having one of their best seasons in a long time look to get a 9th win if they can beat a Gator team coming off a loss to Vanderbilt. Noles favored by 10.5, over/under is 58.
Saturday
No. 3 Michigan at No. 2 Ohio State. The Game. 11:00 a.m. on FOX. Both undefeated. Game 118 in this storied and bitter rivalry. Played since 1897 and continuously (except 2020) since 1918, this game has decided the Big 10 champion 22 times and impacted the conference title another 27 times. The two best schools in the Big 10 and two of the best college football programs ever. I like one of them and can’t stand the other. Some interesting stats of the two: 19 claimed national titles (11 Michigan, 8 OSU), 102 bowl games (53 OSU, 49 Michigan), 36 Rose Bowls (Michigan 20, one of which they lost to The University of Texas and 8 of which they won, and OSU 16, 9 of which they one), 82 Big Ten titles (Michigan 43, OSU 39). This will be the 12th time that the schools will meet with both in the Top 5 (AP, which began in 1938). Buckeyes have won 7 of those, Michigan 4. Last year, No. 5 Michigan beat No. 2 Ohio State 42-27. Buckeyes favored by 7.5, over/under is 56.
Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate. Georgia Tech (5-6) at No. 1 Georgia (11-0). Game 116 in a series that the Bulldogs lead 69-41-5. Seven claimed national titles between the two programs. Georgia is the first state-charted school in the United States, January 17, 1785. Georgia Tech got its start in 1885, and the two football teams met for the first time in 1893. A heck of rivalry that was pretty even until Vince Dooley went to Athens in 1964. Since then, Georgia 43 wins, the Ramblin’ Wreck just 13. It will not be 14 after Saturday. Georgia favored by 35.5, over/under 49. But watch Georgia Tech cover.
The Palmetto Bowl. South Carolina (7-4) at No. 8 Clemson (10-1), 11:00 a.m. on ABC. Maybe one of the more interesting (perhaps odd is better) rivalry stories out there, at least as between the two schools. If you are bored, go read it on Wikipedia. Game 119 in the series which the Tigers lead 72-42-4 overall, but which is 44-29-2 Clemson since the War. Tigers favored by 14.5, over/under is 52.
No. 25 Louisville at Kentucky, 2:00 p.m. on SEC Network. Great basketball rivalry. Wildcats favored by 3, over/under is 43. Go Kentucky!
Iron Bowl. Auburn (5-6, 2-5) at No. 7 Alabama 9-2, 5-2). 2:30 p.m. on the Columbia Broadcasting System. Saban’s Tide favored by 22, over/under is 49.5. Say all you want about bitter rivalries, I think this is the ugliest. Or at least periodic manifestations of the rivalry are the ugliest. Like a number of great rivalries, this one is rooted in the Morrill Act and the establishment of land grant schools, especially in the South after the Civil War. The University of the state versus the almost always agricultural and mechanical school established under the auspices of the Morrill Land Grant Act of 1862 (or in some cases the follow-up Morrill Act of 1890, also known as the Agricultural College Act of 1890). Game No. 87 in a series that Alabama leads 48-37-1. Since 2000: 11 Crimson Tide wins, 11 Tiger wins. One of those Auburn wins was in 2013, as No. 1 Alabama was attempting to kick a last second field goal to break a 28-28 tie and beat No. 4 Auburn, and the kick was short and Chris Davis took the ball 109 yards for the game winning score. Still amazing.
Not the Civil War. No. 9 Oregon at No. 21 Oregon State, 2:30 p.m. on ABC. Ducks favored by 3, over/under is 59.5. Going to be chilly morning in Corvallis for the Ducks and Beavers. First game was in 1894. Meeting No. 126, the fifth most contested FBS rivalry series. Oregon leads 67-48-10, and the Ducks have won 12 of the last 14. Oregon is the large public research university and a fine school. Oregon State got its start in 1856 as Corvallis Academy, but in 1868 that institution was designated to be the beneficiary under the Morrill Land Grant Act, and it became Corvallis State Agricultural College.
Michigan State vs. No. 11 Penn State, 3:00 p.m. on FS1. PSU favored by 18.5, over/under is 53.
No. 14 Utah at Colorado, 3:00 p.m. on the PAC 12 Network. Utes favored by 29.5, over/under is 52.
No. 5 Louisiana State University (9-2, 6-1) at Texas Agricultural & Mechanical (4-7, 1-6), 6:00 p.m. on ESPN. Tigers favored by 10, over/under is 47.5.
No. 22 Central Florida at South Florida, 6:00 p.m. on ESPN2, Central Florida favored by 19.5, over/under is 68.
No. 15 Notre Dame at No. 6 Southern Cal, 6:30 p.m. on ABC from the Coliseum. Trojans favored by 5.5 over the Fighting Irish, over/under is 64.5. This will be game 93 in a series which began on December 4, 1926. The Irish lead the series 48-36-5 (not sure if that counts all the vacated games). Between the two schools they claim 24 national championships and boast 14 Heisman Trophy winners, although I think that includes Vince’s Heisman which was erroneously given to Reggie Bush. 184 consensus All-Americans (102 Notre Dame, 82 Trojans). 89 College Football Hall of Fame inductees (46 Irish, 43 Trojans), and the most NFL draft picks – 546 Irish and 530 Trojans. As you know if you have been reading for awhile, my son-in-law Mark Dean went to Notre Dame, and my grandsons Peter and Micah, who have their share of Texas gear and know how to flash Hook Em Horns, love their daddy’s Fightin’ Irish. So while I have a lot of Southern Cal friends too, I will be cheering for Old Notre Dame Saturday night. Sorry Art.
No. 10 Tennessee at Vanderbilt, 6:30 p.m. on SEC Network. Tennessee favored by 14, over/under is 64. An in-state rivalry, but one which the Volunteers lead 78-33-5, and Vandy has only won 14 games since 1928. 5 of those were between 2012 and 2018. But hey, Vanderbilt dominated before The Great Depression!
No. 13 Washington at Washington State, 9:30 p.m. on ESPN. A cold night in Pullman. Cougars are 2 point home dogs, and the over/under is 60. Good luck to the Elf.
Week Thirteen: Service Academies
Both games on Saturday.
Army vs Massachusetts. 11:00 a.m. on ESPN+. Army looking for and will likely get their 5th win of the season. The Minutemen looking for their second, coming off a 17 point loss to Texas Agricultural and Mechanical, but UMass did cover. Black Knights favored by 20, over/under is 45.
Air Force (8-3, 4-3) at San Diego State (7-4, 5-2). 8:00 p.m. on CBSSN. The Falcons favored by 1.5, over/under is 43. This could be a really good game.
Navy on shore leave.
Week Thirteen: Other Games of Interest
Friday
Arizona State at Arizona, 2:00 p.m. on FS1. Wildcats favored by 4, over/under is 65.5
The Virginia at Virginia Tech game will not be played. Such a tragedy.
Rice at North Texas, 1:00 p.m. on ESPN+. UNT favored by 14, over/under is 59.
Minnesota at Wisconsin, 2:30 p.m. on ESPN. Both 4-4 in the Big 10, but they are playing for Paul Bunyan’s Axe. One of the cooler rivalry trophies.
Memphis at Southern Methodist, 2:30 p.m. No TV. What a shame. Mustangs favored by 4.5, over/under is 59.
UTEP at UTSA. 2:30 p.m. in the Alamodome. No TV. Roadrunners undefeated in C-USA play and favored by 17 over the Miners. Over/under is 56.5.
Tulsa at Houston, 6:30 p.m. on ESPNU. Cougars favored by 12, over/under is 67.
Music
Before the game, catch Austin High Maroon Django Walker. Son of the great Jerry Jeff, Django is an excellent songwriter and musician in his own right, and I have had his songs in my email for years. Three of my favorites.
Texas on My Mind.
College Life.
Texas Longhorn
After the game, the great Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel will take the stage at Longhorn City Limits. I could write a whole newsletter about Ray and the Wheel. Maybe not as long as my usual football dispatch, but a pretty good one.
Ray Benson is not just a Grammy winner and leader of the greatest Western Swing band not led by Bob Wills and called the Texas Playboys, he is a great philanthropist and a really good guy. I have had the privilege and pleasure of serving with Ray on the board of the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians for nearly 15 years. Ray is one of the founding members of HAAM and has also played key roles with the SIMS Foundations and many other charities in Austin. He is generous with his time, his talent, and his treasure. He is one of the Truly Good Guys.
AATW is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. 31 albums. 10 Grammy Awards. It is almost impossible to pick 3 favorites, but these are my choices late the night before Thanksgiving.
Miles and Miles of Texas
Big Balls in Cowtown
Half a Hundred Years
Big XII – Week Twelve Games
No. 4 Texas Christian 29, Baylor 28. A last second field goal that, if you haven’t seen it, you need to find the video.
No. 15 Kansas State 48, West Virginia 31. Thanks a lot.
Texas Technological 14, Iowa State 10.
Land Thieves 28, No. 22 Oklahoma State 13.
Top 25 – Week Twelve
Navy wins! 17-14 over No. 20 Central Florida. “Good time for an upset.” Nicely done Midshipmen.
Illinois at No. 3 Michigan survives Illinois 19-17. Another thriller with a late field goal, as the Wolverines scored 9 in the fourth (and shutout the Illini) to keep their season undefeated.
South Carolina with a dismantling of No. 5 Tennessee, 63-38. 21 in the first, 21 in the fourth. How ‘bout them Cocks. The Vols were favored by 22 and the total was 66. Crazy how bad Vegas missed on that one.
What a game in the Rose Bowl. Southern Cal 48, UCLA 45. Line was Trojans minus 2.5.
Austin Peay 0, Alabama 34.
No. 2 Ohio State withstands the Terps surge and beats Maryland 43-30. It was pretty close most of the game.
I hate Arkansas. Pigs 42, Ole Miss 27.
No. 13 North Carolina falls at home to Georgia Tech, 17-21. Bummer.
No. 1 Georgia 16, Kentucky 6. Crazy.
No. 18 Notre Dame 44-0 over Boston College. Big win for the Irish.
Miami of Florida loses big at No. 9 Clemson. Tigers win 40-10.
No. 11 Penn State 55, Rutgers 10.
No. 24 North Carolina State 10, Louisville 25.
No. 25 Cincinnati 23-3 over Temple.
No. 6 Louisiana State 41-10 over UAB.
No. 17 Washington 54-7 over Colorado, handing the Buffs their 10th loss of the season. Ugly.
No. 12 Oregon with a big 20-17 win over No. 10 Utah.
No. 23 Oregon State 31-7 over Arizona State
Week Twelve: Service Academies
Army beats Connecticut 34-17. Black Nights win and cover.
Air Force over Colorado State 24-12.
Week Twelve: Other Games of Interest
Texas Agricultural & Mechanical 34-17 over the Massachusetts Minutemen.
UTSA beat Rice 41-7.
UTEP 40-6 over FIU.
Washington State 31, Arizona 20.
Utah Tech at BYU, 2:30 p.m. on ESPN3.
Stanford 20, UC Berkeley 27. The Cardinal has 1 conference win.
Central Texas Food Bank
This time of year, your local food bank really needs your support. In Austin, support CAFB:
https://www.centraltexasfoodbank.org/
Photo of the Week
JType with another great downtown Austin photo – this one from south of the river.
Photo by JType, posted on Instagram November 20, 2022. @JType.
Full Post:
https://www.instagram.com/p/ClNCKF_pGH5/?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY
God Bless Texas
God Bless America
Tim Taylor
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. 2022. All Rights Reserved (as to original material).
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Tim Taylor P.O. Box 5371 Austin, Texas 78763-5371