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BEATING THE ODDS PAGE 4
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KEYS TO THE GAME
Attack on offense
Baylor boasts an elite defensive unit, ranking first in the conference in total defense and holding opponents to a measly 17.2 points per game. But Texas running back D’Onta Foreman could be the antidote the Longhorns need for Baylor’s smothering defense. The junior has been a bright spot for Texas all season, solidifying himself as one of the premier running backs in the nation. Foreman leads the conference in rushing, averaging 142.5 yards per game and accounting for eight touchdowns on the season. Foreman has racked up eightstraight games with 100-plus rushing yards, and he needs to make it nine if Texas wants any shot at winning. But if Foreman is to have success, he will need an offensive counterpart to step up and make plays down the stretch. Freshman receiver Devin Duvernay has proved to be a reliable target for freshman quarterback Shane Buechele and can pop the top off of the Baylor defense. Against a defense like Baylor’s, Texas’ receivers need to step up and make the big catches to open up the offense and create space for Foreman.
Double Coverage Editor...................Daniel Clay Design Editor.................................Lillian Michel Photo Editor...............................Daulton Venglar Copy Editor....................................Victoria Recer Cover photo:....................................Joshua Guerra Writers Trenton Daeschner Steve Helwick Tyler Horka Shane Lewis Sydney Rubin Ezra Siegel
Friday, October 28, 2016
By Sydney Rubin @sydneyrrubin
Take advantage of opportunities
Texas went to Manhattan, Kansas, last week looking for its first win in the Little Apple since 2002. Texas had a plethora of opportunities to win the game, but missed catches, penalties and a missed field goal in the final minutes spoiled the Longhorns’ chances as they fell to the Wildcats, 24–21. Texas was penalized 10 times for 72 yards, allowing Kansas State’s offense — which was on the field for almost twice as long as Texas’ was — to march down the field with ease. Texas managed to force three turnovers, but failed to capitalize. The fact though, is not surprising given that Texas has scored a paltry three points off of turnovers in 2016. The Longhorns are getting the breaks they need to win games, but have yet to make impact plays to get the team over the hump. There’s no room for error this weekend against the undefeated Bears. The Longhorns need to minimize penalties and convert turnovers into points.
It’s happened again. Texas is 3-4 for the third year in a row under Charlie Strong. The first two times were dismissed as the team not having enough talent or not having a suitable passer, but in 2016 that excuse will not fly. The administration and the fans are growing restless. Texas has to win three more games to reach the six-win threshold for bowl eligibility. But the odds are slim. Texas kicks off its tough stretch of five final games with a matchup on Saturday against No. 8 Baylor and its high flying offense. If the Texas defense does not show marked improvement and if the offence cannot capitalize on Baylor turnovers, it’s tough to envision the Longhorns finding success in the rest of their schedule and eking out the three wins necessary to go bowling.
Slow down the run
Baylor sits atop the conference in rushing offense, just ahead of Texas. Senior quarterback Seth Russell averages the second-most rushing yards for a quarterback in the conference, running for slightly more than 50 yards per game. He’s quick on his feet and can scramble for first downs to keep drives alive. Baylor is scorching defenders week after week behind the running efforts of Russell and senior running back Shock Linwood. Linwood is carrying for just over 83 yards per game and is the conference’s third leading rusher behind Foreman and Oklahoma’s Joe Mixon. Texas’ defensive unit has not been efficient this season, so facing a powerhouse offensive team like Baylor will be a difficult task. The Longhorns need to slow down Baylor’s run game by making tackles — a task they’ve struggled with this season — and force the Baylor offense off the field.
PHOTOS
Left: Gabriel Lopez | Daily Texan Staff Center: Joshua Guerra | Daily Texan Staff Right: Emmanuel Briseño Bernal | Daily Texan Staff
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Friday, October 28, 2016
MATCHUPS
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By Trenton Daeschner @TrentDaeschner
Quarterback Advantage: Tie
Freshman Shane Buechele was one of the few bright spots for the Longhorns in last week’s game against Kansas State. Buechele completed 17 of 24 passes for 222 yards and two touchdowns. Senior Seth Russell has struggled with his accuracy this season, completing only 57.1 percent of his throws. Russell has compensated by rushing for 302 yards and five touchdowns.
Running Back Advantage: Tie
Junior D’Onta Foreman had his eighth consecutive game of at least 100 yards rushing last week, the longest active streak in the nation. Foreman continues to shine in this Texas offense. The Bears have a very balanced rushing attack, led by senior Shock Linwood and sophomore Terence Williams. Baylor is averaging 282.8 rushing yards per game, which leads the Big 12.
Wide Receiver Advantage: Tie
Freshman Devin Duvernay, a former Baylor commit, has quickly turned into arguably Texas’ biggest threat on the perimeter. The speedster dashed for an 80-yard touchdown last week and has a touchdown in each of his last three outings. Junior KD Cannon is one of the most danger-
ous receivers in the Big 12. Cannon has 30 receptions for 445 yards and five touchdowns this season.
Offensive Line Advantage: Tie
The Texas offensive line has been very impressive up front this season, guiding the Longhorns to the second-best rush offense in the Big 12. Texas had success running the ball last week against a stifling Wildcat rush defense. Baylor lost four starters from last year’s offensive line, but that hasn’t stopped the Bears. Baylor leads the Big 12 in rushing and has only just four sacks all season.
Defensive Line Advantage: Baylor
Baylor’s front beat up Kansas last week, holding the Jayhawks to just 83 rushing yards on 48 carries. The Bears face their toughest challenge yet against the Texas offensive line on Saturday. Texas struggled mightily against Kansas State to stop the run, giving up 234 yards to the Wildcats. The Longhorns were pushed around up front and couldn’t contain Kansas State quarterback Jesse Ertz.
Linebacker Advantage: Baylor
Junior Taylor Young and senior Aiavion Edwards lead the Bears at linebacker. The two rank
fifth and sixth in the Big 12 in tackles. Senior Patrick Levels has also forced three fumbles. Sophomore Edwin Freeman provided a spark on defense against Kansas State, finishing with five tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery. Texas has also had steady play from sophomore Anthony Wheeler, who ranks ninth in the Big 12 in tackles.
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Defensive Back Advantage: Baylor
Senior Orion Stewart has four interceptions on the season, which leads the Big 12. Baylor also leads the Big 12 in pass defense, allowing only 160.8 yards per game through the air. The Texas secondary, particularly sophomore cornerback John Bonney, had problems last week against a weak passing team in Kansas State. There are still many red flags with the consistency of this unit.
Special Teams Advantage: Tie
Senior Trent Domingue missed another field goal last week, giving him his fourth miss of the season. Texas continues to be mediocre in its return game as well. Like Texas, Baylor hasn’t done anything on special teams that jumps out. The Bears rank last in the Big 12 in kickoff return average and have only converted six of 11 field goals.
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Friday, Octob
Time running out for Texas to meet early expectations By Ezra Siegel
Daily Texan Columnist @SiegelEzra
For two weeks in early September, there was a different air about the Longhorns’ locker room. The team was coming off two-straight wins in early September, one against then-No. 10 Notre Dame and the other against UTEP. And for two weeks, Texas had confidence and direction. “It’s so fun to watch because now on offense, the defense knows that the offense is going to take the ball and go score with it,” head coach Charlie Strong said in the wake of the UTEP win. “The offense feels good that the defense can go out there and stop them and get the ball back for them.” But six weeks, five games and four losses later, the Longhorns are back to square one. The team is 3–4 after seven games for the third-straight season under Strong. And Texas’ offense and defense are yet to be on the same page, with one unit inevitably stumbling when it matters most. The Longhorns are far from the promising team burnt orange fans saw storm the field after a walk-off win against the Fighting Irish just over a month ago. Strong’s aspirations have gone from reeling in Texas’ first Big 12 title since 2009 to simply getting the minimum six wins needed to qualify for a bowl game. But the season isn’t completely lost yet. Texas has five games left, and it can still show progress — which is important for recruiting — especially with a remaining schedule full of opportunities against top-10 teams and explosive offenses. “We can’t really harp on what’s done — what’s happened in the past,” senior defensive tackle Paul Boyette Jr. said. “We just got to move forward, go out here, hone in on these next five games. We can’t focus on what outside forces say. In the locker room, we have to keep banding together and keep this one heartbeat sound.” Strong likely needs an impressive showing the rest of the way to keep his job in Austin. The team is in serious danger of finishing below .500 for the third-straight season since he took over in 2013. Inexperience and a lack of talent served as valid excuses the past two years.
But even Strong knows the fan base’s patience is dwindling. “I’ve worn that cliche out where ‘we’re so close’,” Strong said. “It’s not so much we’re close, we need to capitalize and win those games.” Texas can start capitalizing on Saturday as No. 8 Baylor heads to Austin. Strong managed to top a No. 10-ranked Baylor last December — though the team was missing its top-3 quarterbacks. And a big win could be the spark Texas needs with games against No. 10 West Virginia, Texas Tech and TCU remaining. On the other hand, the season can just as easily spiral out of control. A poor showing against the Bears would force the Longhorns to win three out of four games against quality opponents to qualify for a bowl games — Texas has only won consecutive games three times during Strong’s tenure.
I’ve worn that cliche out where ‘we’re so close.’ ... we need to capitalize and win those games. Missing back-to-back bowl games is a mostly unprecedented low for the program — it’s happened just three times since 1942. And Texas still feels the sting of missing out on bowl season last year. “Not making one last year, that’s probably one of the worst feelings you can have,” senior safety Dylan Haines said. “Especially at a place like Texas.” The Longhorns — and Strong — have just five games to turn the program around or lie down. Texas fans have heard the same calls or consistency and improvement throughout the last few years. It’s time for the Longhorns to choose a direction. “The season is not over yet,” Haines said. “I know a lot of people think it is. At least to me it’s not. However many games we have left, I’m not counting, but we have a chance to go out there and make a bowl. That’s something I would like to do. That’s what I’m going to prepare to do.”
Safety Dylan Haines went from unheralded walk-on to one of the mos sonal successes, the senior has never played on a team that ended th
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Haines hoping to end career with a bowl appearance By Tyler Horka @TexasTy95
Dylan Haines arrived on the Forty Acres in 2012 the same way majority of the other 52,212 students did; he paid his way onto campus after being academically admitted. But the senior safety from 3A Lago Vista High School, where he was a star player at multiple positions, remained determined to play football for Texas. His grit paid off when he walked on as a freshman. Haines redshirted his freshman season and remained on the scout team for all of 2013. When former defensive coordinator Vance Bedford named Haines a starter at the end of the 2014 fall camp, the senior said it was worth the twoyear wait. “The mentality you have to have is go out there and improve every day as a player,” Haines said. “I knew I was capable of playing, so I looked to improve every day and reach my potential.”
The mentality you have to have is go out there and improve every day as a player.
Joshua Guerra | Daily Texan Staff
st effective players in the Longhorn secondary. Despite Haines’ perhe season with a postseason victory.
Haines looked like more than a walk-on during his full first season on the active roster. He compiled 74 tackles in 13 games as a redshirt sophomore in 2014. But it’s been downhill for both Haines and his team since then. He only totaled 47 tackles last season, and the Longhorns finished a disappointing 5–7. This year, Haines is on pace to finish far below last year’s mark — he’s only brought opponents to the ground 16 times through seven games. His team has endured hardships, too. Texas sits at 3–4, the same mark it’s had after seven games in each Strong’s three seasons. Haines said this isn’t how he expected his experience at Texas to go when he walked on four years ago. “Coming here as a walk-on, I thought I was going to be a part of one of the greatest football teams in the nation,” Haines said. “[I thought we’d] be in that national championship talk. Obviously that hasn’t been the way things have
been going.” Texas has been anything but a national title contender during Haines’ three seasons as Texas’ starting safety. Last year, Texas trotted out its worst defense in school history; the Longhorns gave up a staggering 5,431 yards. This season hasn’t been much better. Texas ranks 94th in the nation in total defense, surrendering 438.7 yards per game. If that average held true through 12 games, Texas would give up 5,264 yards — close to last year’s alltime low. “It’s just adversity,” senior defensive tackle Paul Boyette said. “To overcome adversity, you got to be willing to fight through it, keep pushing through it. Because, I mean, our season still hasn’t been written yet.” Haines and Boyette have written most of their stories at Texas already. Both are seniors. But both have a chapter missing from their career books: what it’s like to play in and win a bowl game. They have five games left, of which they need to win three to qualify as bowl eligible. Besides playing for the security of Strong’s head coaching position, Haines said that’s just about all he has left to play for. “We still have a chance to make a bowl,” Haines said. “It’s something that obviously we want to do, especially that I want to do being a senior. I’m sure [it’s the same] for some of the other seniors.”
We still have a chance to make a bowl. It’s something that obviously we want to do... Whether Texas gets to a bowl and saves Strong’s job relies heavily on players like Haines wreaking havoc for opposing quarterbacks. That needs to start Saturday against senior Seth Russell and No. 8 Baylor. “You want to end up with a good year,” Strong said. “You have a chance to end up with a good year. We have to take it game by game, look at it week by week. Don’t look down the road, look at what’s in front of us.”
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WINS IF / LOSES IF By Shane Lewis @theREALsplewis
Baylor ranks near the top of the Big 12 in scoring offense, scoring defense and turnover differential — all indicators that point to why the Bears are undefeated halfway through the season. If the Longhorns are to pull out a win against such a well-rounded squad, they’d be best served to pull a page out of the Kansas State playbook. In the Wildcats’ win over Texas last weekend, Kansas State kept an explosive Longhorn offense off the field by controlling the clock and running the ball effectively. The Wildcats totaled 234 yards on the ground and held a 17-minute advantage in time of possession. Following the same formula would be to Texas’ benefit this Saturday. If there’s a weakness to be found in the Baylor defense, it’s in its front seven. The Bears are giving up nearly 160 yards on the ground, and recently gave up over 200 rushing yards to Iowa State. Texas needs to take advantage of this hole in the Baylor defense, run the ball effectively, and take control of the game clock. At this point in the season, the Longhorns cannot rely on their defense to make stops. By running the ball effectively, the Longhorns keep a Baylor offense averaging nearly 45 points a game off the field. If Texas can turn long drives into touchdowns, then they have a chance at coming out victorious.
One reason that Baylor has been so successful this year is that its defense has been able to generate drives for the offense. The Bears’ defense has forced 14 turnovers this year, good for second in the Big 12. More often than not, the Baylor offense is going to turn those extra possessions into points. The Bears’ defense is scattered with playmakers capable of making big plays. Senior safety Orion Stewart has been a premier ball hawk this season, and leads the Big 12 with four interceptions. Senior defensive back Patrick Levels leads the conference with three fumbles forced and three recovered. Additionally, the Bears have been good at not turning the ball over themselves. The squad has only turned the ball over eight times this season. Senior quarterback Seth Russell has been efficient with the football, and has only tossed four interceptions through six games. The Longhorns fall to Baylor if they lose the turnover battle. The Baylor defense prides itself on forcing turnovers, and Texas will have a hard time keeping up with the Bears if the Longhorns award them with extra possessions.
Joshua Guerra | Daily Texan Staff
Gabriel Lopez | Daily Texan Staff
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Friday, October 28, 2016
NOAH BROOKS
DANIEL CLAY
CLAIRE CRUZ
TRENTON DAESCHNER
STEVE HELWICK
TYLER HORKA
SHANE LEWIS
SYDNEY RUBIN
Overall Record
42-27
42-27
40-29
49-20
47-22
40-29
37-32
41-28
40-29
46-23
Last Week’s Record
6-4
4-6
6-4
6-4
6-4
5-5
4-6
5-5
5-5
8-2
Texas vs. No. 8 Baylor
Baylor 41-35
Baylor 48-31
Baylor 45-24
Baylor 42-35
Baylor 34-21
Baylor 45-31
Texas 42-28
Texas 35-31
Baylor 41-30
Baylor 49-31
No. 15 Auburn vs. Mississippi
Auburn
Auburn
Auburn
Auburn
Auburn
Mississippi
Mississippi
Auburn
Auburn
Auburn
No. 3 Clemson vs. No. 12 Florida State
Clemson
Clemson
Clemson
Clemson
Clemson
Clemson
Florida State
Clemson
Florida State
Clemson
No. 14 Florida vs. Georgia
Florida
Florida
Florida
Florida
Florida
Florida
Georgia
Florida
Florida
Georgia
No. 7 Nebraska vs. No. 11 Wisconsin
Wisconsin
Wisconsin
Wisconsin
Wisconsin
Wisconsin
Wisconsin
Wisconsin
Wisconsin
Wisconsin
Wisconsin
Northwestern vs. No. 6 Ohio State
Ohio State
Ohio State
Ohio State
Ohio State
Ohio State
Ohio State
Ohio State
Ohio State
Ohio State
Ohio State
No. 18 Tennessee vs. South Carolina
Tennessee
Tennessee
Tennessee
Tennessee
Tennessee
Tennessee
South Carolina
Tennessee
Tennessee
Tennessee
Texas Tech vs. TCU
TCU
Texas Tech
Texas Tech
TCU
Texas Tech
TCU
Texas Tech
Texas Tech
TCU
TCU
No. 10 West Virginia vs. Oklahoma State
W. Virginia
W. Virginia
W. Virginia
W. Virginia
Oklahoma State
W. Virginia
Oklahoma State
W. Virginia
Oklahoma State
W. Virginia
No. 4 Washington vs. No. 17 Utah
Washington
Washington
Washington
Washington
Washington
Washington
Utah
Washington
Washington
Washington
MICHAEL SHAPIRO
EZRA SIEGEL
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PLAYERS TO WATCH Seth Russell Quarterback #17
The senior quarterback was sidelined with a neck injury that required surgery to end a promising 2015 season. Russell has yet to lose a game as a starter for Baylor, and is 13-0 in the past two seasons including five 50-point performances in seven games last year. Baylor’s offense is not scoring to the same degree this season but Russell still looks steady as the Bears’ quarterback. He has thrown for 1,470 yards and 16 touchdowns and compiled 302 rushing yards along the way. His statistically best game was against Baylor’s highest quality opponent: Oklahoma State. Although Russell has taken snaps in each of his four seasons, Saturday will mark the first time the senior has taken the field against the Longhorns.
K.D. Cannon Wide receiver #9
Cannon has made a living shooting down the field, burning the secondary and hauling in the pigskin. It’s a formula Baylor’s offense has embraced often. The junior averages 17 yards per catch in his Baylor career, and has found the end zone on five occasions in 2016. Against Rice, Cannon breezed by the Owls for a season-high 213 yards and two touchdowns. The Longhorns have struggled with prominent receivers this season. California’s Chad Hansen and Oklahoma’s Dede Westbrook both recorded over 190 receiving yards in career days against the Texas defense. If the Russell-Cannon connection comes out firing, it could be a long day for the Longhorn secondary, which averages the fourth most yards per pass defensively this season.
Friday, October 28, 2016
By Steve Hewlick @naqwerty3
Ryan Reid Cornerback #9
In Baylor’s most recent win, a 49-7 obliteration of Kansas, Reid was the best defensive player on the field. The fifth-year senior cornerback from Dallas played the role of a ball-hawk, picking off two passes and gaining 116 yards off of the turnovers. On one interception, Reid flew in at the last minute, snatched the ball and took it to the house, untouched. Currently, the agile corner, who runs a 4.48 time in the 40-yard dash, is fifth in the nation in interception return yards. The recent winner of Big 12 Player of the Week will face Texas’ versatile receiving corps that features eight players with at least 10 catches and 100 yards on the season.
Orion Stewart Strong safety #28
Stewart is familiar with the Texas offense. In his previous three games against the Longhorns, Stewart earned 20 tackles and two interceptions. The senior leads a veteran secondary that ranks sixth in the nation, only yielding 160.8 passing yards per games. Stewart has been a crucial part of the Bears’ undefeated start to 2016, making 28 tackles, four interceptions and one touchdown in only six games this season. Like Russell, Stewart stepped up against a strong Oklahoma State team, accruing a season-high 11 tackles and an interception in the 35-24 win.
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