Double Coverage 2016-11-04

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KEYS TO THE GAME

Ride the run

Junior running back D’Onta Foreman had no problem running against the Big 12’s top defense last week, accruing a cool 250 yards against the Bears.

Foreman, the nation’s second-leading rusher, has ninestraight games of 100-plus rushing yards and reached the 1,000-yard mark on the season on Saturday in Texas’ thrilling 35–34 victory over Baylor.

Texas’ vicious run attack should have the upper hand this weekend against a lackluster Texas Tech defense. The Red Raiders rank last in the conference in total defense and 126th in the nation, allowing opponents 539.6 yards per game. Texas Tech has allowed its opponents to score 66-plus points on two separate occasions and has given up 42 touchdowns through eight contests. With Foreman in the driver’s seat, the Longhorns should have no problem moving the ball and putting points on the board.

Double Coverage Editor...................Daniel Clay Design Editor.................................Lillian Michel Photo Editor...............................Daulton Venglar Copy Editor....................................Victoria Recer Cover photo:.....................................Gabriel Lopez Writers Noah Brooks Trenton Daeschner Steve Helwick Tyler Horka Shane Lewis Sydney Rubin Michael Shapiro

Friday, November 4, 2016

By Sydney Rubin @sydneyrrubin

Pressure the quarterback

While Texas’ offensive strength is on the ground, Texas Tech’s is in the air. Junior quarterback Patrick Mahomes II has proved just how strong his arm is this season, leading the country in passing with slightly more than 500 yards per game for the Red Raiders. Mahomes is throwing for roughly 126 more yards per game than Louisville’s sophomore quarterback and Heisman frontrunner Lamar Jackson.

Texas had trouble earlier in the season against high-powered passing offenses, but has made improvements since Strong took over the defensive play-calling duties. Over the last three games, the Longhorns have recorded 16 sacks and 31 tackles for loss, and are leading the conference in the latter category with eight per game.

Texas needs to pressure Mahomes in the pocket and stop him from making the big throws. This game has the potential to be a high-scoring shootout, but it’s crucial for Texas to halt the pass.

With the season hanging in the balance last week and No. 8 Baylor rolling into Austin, things looked bleak for the Longhorns. But a bend but not break defense and another NFL-caliber performance from junior running back D’Onta Foreman propelled Texas (4-4) to a surprise upset victory and gave head coach Charlie Strong some much needed breathing room. But now Texas has another test with a road contest against gunslinger Patrick Mahomes II and the Red Raider offense. The Longhorns have not won on the road in 2016 and it will take an extraordinary effort from what has been a weak Texas secondary to reverse that trend and maintain the momentum in the home stretch of the season.

Photos: Daulton Venglar

Play with passion

Through eight games, Texas has yet to win on the road.

The Longhorns are undefeated in front of their home crowd, but there’s a clear difference in energy and performance when they’re away from Austin. The Longhorns can play with passion and fire as they’ve shown this season by beating then No. 10 Notre Dame in the season opener and then No. 8 Baylor last week, but they need to bring that same intensity to Lubbock.

The Longhorns have to be sharp this weekend in Lubbock and get over the woes that have plagued them on the road the past few seasons. Texas players have looked lost on the road this season, missing tackles and dropping pivotal catches down the stretch. Coming off an impressive win last week, the team needs to continue the momentum and leave everything on the field in Lubbock.

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Friday, November 4, 2016

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WINS IF / LOSES IF

By Shane Lewis @theREALsplewis

At first glance, it might seem like the key to a Texas victory is obvious: slow down the most prolific passer in the nation. Texas Tech’s junior quarterback Patrick Mahomes II has put up astronomical numbers this season, and if the Red Raiders had a few more wins, he’d be in the running for the Heisman Trophy. He’s accounted for 38 touchdowns this season, and is only two weeks removed from tying the NCAA record for total yards in a game.

But the teams to beat Texas Tech this year haven’t been the ones that shut the quarterback down. Mahomes is actually averaging over 150 more passing yards in losses than in wins.

However, in those losses, the Red Raider defense has allowed an average of 56.5 points per game. Mahomes is impressive, but even he can’t overcome a defense that is allowing that many points.

Texas wins if it takes advantage of Texas Tech’s porous defense and put points on the board. The Red Raiders have proven that they can score, but they have been unable to overcome their defensive struggles.

Texas loses if it loses the turnover battle. Texas Tech is potent whenever it has the ball, and the Longhorns cannot afford to give Mahomes any extra possessions.

Texas has been pretty solid with ball security all season, but coughed it up twice last weekend against Baylor. Luckily for the Longhorns, Texas Tech has not been good at forcing turnovers this year. Through eight games, the Red Raiders have only six takeaways, the lowest total in the Big 12. Buechele and the Texas offense should be able to score their fair share of points, but if the Longhorns turn the ball over and give the Red Raiders extra offensive possesions, it will be difficult to pull off a win in a hostile road environment.

The Longhorns also lose if they are unable to stop the opposition on third downs. Texas Tech is converting a remarkable 57 percent of its third-down conversions, by far the highest rate in the Big 12. Constant third-down conversions wear down a defense, something that definitely does not bode well for a weak Texas unit.

Texas definitely has the offensive weapons to win a shootout, but it still must be able to count on the defense to make a few stops. If the defense cannot step up and kick Texas Tech off the field on third downs, then the Longhorns will not be winning their second straight conference game.

Daulton Venglar | Daily Texan Staff

Daulton Venglar | Daily Texan Staff

STOCK UP, STOCK DOWN

By Noah Brooks @NTBrooks1011

Stock Up: Armanti and D’Onta Foreman The Foreman twins had quite a game against Baylor, racking up 392 yards as a tandem in what was for each a career best game.

Junior wide receiver Armanti Foreman bounced back from a tough game against Kansas State to lead the receiving corps in both receptions (4) and yardage (142), and he got the spotlight early by hauling in a 40-yard catch for a touchdown on Texas’ opening drive.

Armanti showed how much he can contribute to the offense on Saturday, and if he continues this performance, he can become a needed leader among the receivers.

Junior running back D’Onta Foreman followed up his brother’s touchdown with a 37-yard scoring run just 14 seconds later. D’Onta didn’t let up from there, and ended the game with 250 yards and two total touchdowns. The game pushed D’Onta to a total of 1,105 rushing yards this

season, and the performance proved how essential he is to the offense.

Stock Down: Sterlin Gilbert Though several players on the offense certainly did do well, some of the play calling by offensive coordinator Sterlin Gilbert was a bit questionable.

Gilbert tried to stick with senior quarterback Tyrone Swoopes, who failed a two-point conversion attempt and had seven yards on seven carries, in the now sputtering 18-wheeler package.

This exemplifies Gilbert’s problem with predictable play calling and questionable choices against Baylor.

Gilbert has certainly improved the offense from the last two seasons, but there is room for growth for the firstyear coordinator.

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Friday, Novem

Deep receiving corps opens up potent Longhorn offense

By Michael Shapiro @mshap2

Shane Buechele has plenty of options when he drops back to pass.

The freshman quarterback can dump the ball off to Jake Oliver in the flat, or toss it over the middle to Armanti Foreman. He can look to junior Dorian Leonard near the sideline, and if he’s under duress, there is always the option to chuck the ball downfield to sophomore Jerrod Heard or freshman Devin Duvernay.

When the Arlington product takes the snap from under center, one of Texas’ receivers can be counted on to make a play.

“With our offense, what we do schematically, there are plenty of plays to get people the ball,” Buechele said. “We have great athletes on our side of the ball, so being able to throw it to any of them and see what they can do is a great thing.”

Texas’ running game has gotten the majority of headlines this year, and for good reason.

Running back D’Onta Foreman has dashed his way into consideration for the Heisman Trophy, ranking No. 4 in the nation in rushing yards.

But the impact of Texas’ receiving corps cannot be understated. The group has helped mightily with Buechele’s progression in his first year as the Longhorns’ signal caller, providing a security blanket when things go awry.

The strength of Texas’ wide-receiver group is its depth. While the Longhorns don’t feature a receiver in the top 150 in the nation in receptions this year, 13 players have caught a pass from Buechele. Eight have caught over ten balls, and six different players have receiving touchdowns.

“We like to spread the ball around,” head coach Charlie Strong said. “A lot of times, some people do have that feature receiver.

But we tell our receivers they’re going to get their chance.”

The position’s depth has created stiff competition in the receivers’ room. There’s only one ball

to be caught at a time, with at most five receivers are on the field. And on most plays, the Longhorns display just four wide outs along with Foreman in the backfield.

But despite the battle for playing time and receptions, the Longhorns insist there is little friction between the receivers. Whatever tension that may have existed, has faded into competitive collaboration.

“It’s kind of like a competitive mindset in [the receivers room],” Leonard said. “All of us in there are like brothers, so you try and compete with them. But we also try to motivate each other to be better every day.”

Texas’ two top receivers on the outside are guys who entered the year with no college receiving experience. Duvernay came to Austin in the summer following his de-commitment from Baylor, and Heard spent 2015 as the Longhorns’ starting quarterback.

Heard and Duvernay faced steep learning curves entering fall practice, but have combined for six touchdowns on the year alongside 29 receptions. With blazing speed and improved route running, the pair looks to be Texas’ future on the outside.

“The first thing that jumps out about [Duvernay] is his speed,” Gilbert said. “He’s bought into what we’re doing and he’s worked extremely hard… He’s done a really good job of catching up and lessening the learning curve.”

The Longhorns may not feature All-Big 12 receivers like Baylor’s K.D Cannon or Oklahoma State’s James Washington. But when the burnt orange receivers hear their name called, they are ready to answer the bell, no matter who is on the field.

“We all want to be the guy to make the play, but when one of us makes a catch we’re all out there celebrating,” senior wide receiver Jacorey Warrick said. “We push each other and we’re going to keep getting better.”

Wide receiver Armanti Foreman has made a name for himself as a Buechele. Foreman is just one of six different receivers to record a

Junior tight end Andrew Beck mostly earns his stripes as a lead blo Beck has also hauled in two touchdowns on three catches, includi

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mber 4, 2016

Versatile Beck excelling as a blocker and a receiver

By Tyler Horka @TexasTy95

Gabriel Lopez | Daily Texan Staff

a favorite downfield target for freshman quarterback Shane a touchdown reception this season.

Daulton Venglar | Daily Texan Staff

ocker for junior running back D’Onta Foreman. But the versatile ing a crucial late score in an upset win over then No. 8 Baylor.

Andrew Beck lined up at fullback late in the fourth quarter against then No. 8 Baylor. Just about everybody at Darrell K Royal—Texas Memorial Stadium probably expected the junior tight end to fire forward to block for junior running back D’Onta Foreman, who lined up directly behind him.

Foreman ran for 250 yards against the Bears that day, and he went over 1,000 rushing yards on the season in the process. Texas faced a crucial third and short, trailing by eight with mere minutes remaining. The play had to go to Foreman. But it didn’t.

Freshman quarterback Shane Buechele faked a handoff to Foreman and immediately looked out to his right. One second later he let the ball fly. Beck wasn’t blocking. He sprinted toward the sideline, caught the ball in stride, turned upfield and tumbled into the endzone.

“Every time we run it in practice, my eyes get big,” Beck said of the play. “I’m just excited I got called in the game. That’s always a plus. It still hasn’t set in yet.”

The touchdown marked Beck’s second score of the season. The first came on a 39-yard seam route against Oklahoma State. Beck hasn’t spent any other time in the spotlight this year — he only has three receptions all season.

But that doesn’t diminish the significance of his time on the field. Only 10 teams in the country run the ball more times per game than Texas.

Every time Beck locks up an opposing defender is just as important as his three receptions.

“I think they feel blessed to be on the field, as anyone should,” sophomore offensive lineman Connor Williams said of the tight ends. “So whatever it takes to win as a team and whatever their role is, they embrace it.”

Beck blocks for one of the best running backs in the nation in junior D’Onta Foreman, making his job as a tight end all the more essential. Foreman runs for 157.86 yards per game, slotting

him No. 2 in the nation in that category.

“It’s nice to kind of have the reassurance that he’s going to… make a guy miss or run somebody over,” Beck said. “It’s always a pat on the back if you’re an offensive lineman or a tight end blocking for him and [he] runs for that many yards.”

Beck’s job isn’t only limited to clearing a path for his running back. The junior from Tampa, Florida, runs routes for Buechele when put in a position to do so, but he also has to make sure the true freshman quarterback stays protected in the pocket.

Buechele is well on his way to throwing for 3,000 yards this season, and he’d be the first Texas quarterback to do so since Colt McCoy reached the mark in three straight seasons from 2007-2009. Buechele said he’s appreciative of what Beck provides on the field.

“You know, our tight ends, they’re great guys, and they’re great players,” Buechele said. “[The Baylor game] showed that we can use them and how good of athletes they are and just what we can do with them.”

Offensive coordinator Sterlin Gilbert said Beck showed athleticism with his catches against Baylor, and he also complimented his physicality.

“We’ve just got different ways and packages that we can use guys in,” Gilbert said of Beck and the other tight ends. “So we’re fortunate that [Beck and senior tight end Caleb Bluiett] are on our football team and that we’ve got those two guys on the offensive side of the ball.”

Though Beck hasn’t figured into the offense much in terms of catches and touches, he’s thankful for the chances he gets and stays ready for future opportunities as Texas makes the push for bowl eligibility.

“Fortunately I’ve been able to perform somewhat [well] when my number has been called and I’ve gotten to touch the ball,” Beck said. “I’ve got all the faith in the world in everybody on the offensive staff and the coaching rooms that they’re going to come up with a great game plan.”

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MATCHUPS

Friday, November 4, 2016

By Trenton Daechner @TrentDaeschner

Quarterback Advantage: Texas Tech Junior Patrick Mahomes II is your quintessential gunslinger who knows how to stuff a stat sheet.

Mahomes leads the Big 12 in total offense and passing this year by a large margin.

Freshman Shane Buechele didn’t throw it a ton against Baylor last week, but when he did, he made it count. Buechele completed multiple key deep passes and a crucial late touchdown pass.

Running Back Advantage: Texas Junior D’Onta Foreman rushed for a career-high 250 yards against Baylor. Foreman has a nation-leading nine consecutive games of at least 100 yards rushing, and he is Texas’ first 1,000-yard rusher since 2007.

The Red Raiders rarely run the ball, but they did so successfully last week against TCU. Freshman Da’Leon Ward rushed for a respectable 98 yards on 23 carries to balance out Mahomes’ passing.

Wide Receiver Advantage: Tie Junior Armanti Foreman had one of the best games of his career last week. He finished with 142 yards and a touchdown, and made a crucial grab down the sideline that set up the game-winning field goal.

Sophomore Jonathan Giles has been one of the most productive receivers in the Big 12 this year.

Giles ranks second in the Big 12 in receiving yards and receptions and has 11 touchdowns.

Offensive Line Advantage: Texas Sophomore left guard Patrick Vahe was benched in favor of sophomore Jake McMillon in an interesting move last week. The Texas offensive line was able to open up some big holes for D’Onta Foreman to run through against Baylor.

Texas Tech’s offensive line struggled to protect Patrick Mahomes II last week, giving up four sacks. The Red Raiders rank eighth in the Big 12 in sacks allowed.

Defensive Line Advantage: Texas Texas had four different defensive linemen register a sack against Baylor. But the Longhorns were also pummeled up front when defending the run, giving up 398 yards on the ground.

Texas Tech’s defensive line could be in for a long day against the Longhorns’ rushing attack. The Red Raiders rank ninth in the Big 12 in rush defense. Senior end Kris Williams has four sacks this season.

Linebacker Advantage: Texas Initially benched to begin the Baylor game, sophomore Malik Jefferson turned in one his best performances. Jefferson finished the game with 9 total tackles, including two sacks.

Red Raider senior Malik Jenkins had a big game against TCU, finishing with 14 total tackles, 10 of them solo. Texas Tech’s linebackers will be put to the test as D’Onta Foreman is sure to get to the second level against a weak defensive line.

Defensive Back Advantage: Texas Sophomore P.J. Locke III made some big plays in the secondary last week and intercepted a pass. Texas defensive backs will have their hands full against Texas Tech, which possesses one of the best passing offenses in the nation.

Freshman Douglas Coleman made a key play with a pick off TCU quarterback Kenny Hill last week.

Nevertheless, Texas Tech ranks ninth in the Big 12 in pass defense, giving up 304.6 yards per game through the air.

Special Teams Advantage: Tie Senior kicker Trent Domingue nailed a game-winning 39-yard field goal with 46 seconds left against Baylor, but despite that success, Texas has yet to record a kickoff or punt return touchdown this season.

Like Texas, Texas Tech has not done much in its return game this season. Reliable sophomore kicker Clayton Hatfield has converted eight of nine field goal attempts.

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Friday, November 4, 2016

NOAH BROOKS

DANIEL CLAY

CLAIRE CRUZ

TRENTON DAESCHNER

STEVE HELWICK

TYLER HORKA

SHANE LEWIS

SYDNEY RUBIN

Overall Record

48-31

49-30

47-32

55-24

55-24

45-34

43-36

49-30

46-33

51-28

Last Week’s Record

6-4

7-3

7-3

6-4

8-2

5-5

4-6

8-2

6-4

5-5

Texas vs.

Texas Tech

Texas Tech 49-45

Texas Tech 45-42

Texas 45-38

Texas 49-45

Texas 45-38

Texas Tech 41-33

Texas Tech 45-24

Texas 42-35

Texas 40-37

Texas Tech 41-38

No. 1 Alabama vs.

No. 13 LSU

Alabama

Alabama

Alabama

Alabama

Alabama

Alabama

LSU

Alabama

Alabama

Alabama

Florida State

Florida State

Florida State

Florida State

Florida State

North Carolina State

Florida State

Florida State

Florida State

No. 22 Florida State vs. Florida State North Carolina State

MICHAEL SHAPIRO

EZRA SIEGEL

No. 11 Florida vs.

Arkansas

Florida

Arkansas

Florida

Florida

Florida

Florida

Arkansas

Florida

Florida

Florida

Iowa vs.

No. 12 Penn State

Penn State

Penn State

Penn State

Penn State

Penn State

Penn State

Iowa

Penn State

Iowa

Penn State

No. 10 Nebraska 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 Okla. State vs.

Kansas State

Okla. State

Okla. State

Okla. State

Kansas State

Okla. State

Kansas State

Kansas State

Okla. State

Kansas State

Okla. State

TCU vs.

No. 17 Baylor

TCU

TCU

Baylor

Baylor

Baylor

Baylor

TCU

Baylor

Baylor

Baylor

No. 5 Washington vs. California

Washington

Washington

Washington

Washington

Washington

Washington

California

Washington

Washington

Washington

No. 8 Wisconsin vs.

Northwestern

Wisconsin

Wisconsin

Wisconsin

Northwestern

Wisconsin

Wisconsin

Wisconsin

Wisconsin

Wisconsin

Wisconsin

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Friday, November 4, 2016

PLAYERS TO WATCH

By Steve Hewlick @naqwerty3

Patrick Mahomes II Quarterback (#5)

It’s been a record-setting year for the junior, who leads college football in passing yards with an almost 600-yard advantage over the second-highest total.

Mahomes tied Connor Halliday’s single game record with 734 passing yards in a 66-59 loss to Oklahoma and set the FBS record for most total offensive yards in a game with 819.

Mahomes is the only quarterback in college football to pass for 3,000 yards so far in 2016— and he has 3,519. The gunslinger has thrown for 28 touchdowns, ranking third in the nation and leads a Texas Tech offense that is tops in the nation in yards per game and second in points.

Last year against Texas, Mahomes threw for 372 yards and rushed for 70 in a 48-45 shootout victory.

He is coming off of a season-low 206 passing yards at TCU, and will look to improve upon that in Lubbock.

Jonathan Giles Wide receiver (#9)

Mahomes’ favorite target is this sophomore receiver from Missouri City, TX. Giles has had a fair share of stellar receiving days this season. Against Louisiana Tech, Giles shined with 186 yards and three touchdowns. In a 55-19 win over Kansas, he recorded 219 yards and two scores.

He is ninth in the nation in receiving yards and tied for first in touchdowns. It has been a breakout season for the sophomore, who rarely saw playing time in 2015.

But now as the feature receiver, he should connect early and often with Mahomes, especially against a Texas defense that yields 258.5 passing yards per game.

Cameron Batson Wide receiver (#13)

Batson lines up opposite to Giles and gives Mahomes a strong secondary weapon.

The junior also fields punts, and has racked up 137 yards on returns this season. Batson has been a consistent scoring threat as well, scoring a touchdown in six of eight games this season.

In a 68-55 loss to Arizona State, he recorded a career-high with 148 receiving yards.

Batson is a cerebral player as well. His recognition as First Team All-Academic Big 12 translates to his reputation as a great route runner and a player who can fill multiple roles on special teams.

Jordyn Brooks Outside linebacker (#20)

Texas Tech is not known for its defense, but Brooks is working to improve the unit. The true freshman outside linebacker led the Red Raiders to a road victory over in-state rival TCU last Saturday in Fort Worth. In a surprising defensive struggle, the Red Raiders emerged with a 27-24 overtime win.

Brooks made key tackles throughout the game, and recorded 10 in the victory. The Longhorns thrive off of D’Onta Foreman and his powerful running game, but it will be up to Brooks’ unit to stop the Big 12’s leading rusher and replicate a defensive performance similar to last week’s.

STOCK

continues from page 3 Stock Up: P.J. Locke III

Sophomore safety P.J. Locke III was stellar in the Texas secondary against Baylor.

On Baylor’s second drive of the game, Locke intercepted a tipped pass to give Texas’ offense the ball in the Bears’ territory, leading to a Longhorn score.

Later in the second half, Locke once again got a turnover when he recovered a fumble by Baylor quarterback Seth Russell. After his noticeable contributions on the field Saturday, including a lot of pressure, Texas will look at Locke to continue contributing to the secondary in future games.

Stock Down: run defense

While the defense did play better against Baylor than it had in some past games this season, the Longhorns still continue to struggle with stopping the run.

The Bears were able to rush for 398 yards Saturday and had two players with over 100 rushing yards each — running back Terrence Williams with 180 yards and quarterback Seth Russell with 138 yards.

Texas especially had trouble containing Russell in the second half, when he was able to exploit holes and hurdle hapless defenders. Texas won’t have to play many runheavy offenses for the rest of the season, but it’s run defense still needs some work for the future.

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