DC 2018-11-16

T H E D A I L Y T E X A N P R E S E N T S

Double Coverage VOL. 13 ISSUE 11 | NOV 16, 2018

3

texan

staff picks

Alex Briseño

Ross Burkhart

Kirsten Handler

Steve Helwick

Robert Larkin

Wills Layton

Kihwan Lee

Keshav Prathivadi

Donnavan Smoot

CJ Vogel

LAST W E E K’S R E CO R D

9–1

9–1

9–1

8–2

7–3

9–1

9–1

9–1

8–2

9–1

No. 16 Iowa State at No. 15 Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

No. 12 Syracuse at No. 3 Notre Dame

Notre Dame Notre Dame Notre Dame Notre Dame Notre Dame Notre Dame Notre Dame Notre Dame Notre Dame Notre Dame

No. 24 Cincinnati at No. 11 UCF No. 9 West Virginia at Oklahoma State

Cincinnati

UCF

UCF

UCF

West Virginia West Virginia West Virginia West Virginia

UCF

UCF

UCF

UCF

Oklahoma Oklahoma West Virginia State State

UCF

UCF

Oklahoma West Virginia West Virginia State

Arizona State at Oregon

Oregon

Arizona State

Arizona State

Oregon

Oregon

Oregon

Arizona State

Oregon

Arizona State

Oregon

Stanford at Cal

Cal

Stanford

Cal

Cal

Cal

Stanford

Stanford

Cal

Stanford

Stanford

San Diego State at Fresno State Fresno State Fresno State

San Diego San Diego San Diego Fresno State Fresno State Fresno State Fresno State Fresno State State State State

South Florida at Temple

Temple

Temple

South Florida

Temple

Temple

South Florida

South Florida

South Florida

South Florida

Temple

TCU at Baylor

Baylor

Baylor

TCU

Baylor

Baylor

Baylor

Baylor

Baylor

Baylor

Baylor

UAB at Texas A&M

UAB

Texas A&M

Texas A&M Texas A&M Texas A&M

Texas A&M

UAB

Texas A&M

Texas A&M

UAB

OV E R AL L R E C O R D

68–32

64–36

70–30

65–35

64–36

67–33

71–29

68-32

PRESENTS

DOUBLE COVERAGE Vol. 13, Issue 11 Friday, Nov. 16, 2018

65–35

Double Coverage Editors Alex Briseño & Ross Burkhart Design Editor...................................Kendall Jordan Photo Editor.......................................Angela Wang Copy Editor....................................Kirsten Handler Cover Photo..................................Anthony Mireles

Editor’s Note As Texas’ seniors prepare for their final performance at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, everybody in the Big 12 shifts its focus to the Texas-Iowa State matchup this Saturday. The Longhorns kept their Big 12 title hopes alive with a last second victory over Texas Tech. Now, it must do the same against No. 16 Iowa State.

ALEX BRISEÑO & ROSS BURKHART

Writers Robert Larkin Alex Briseño Wills Layton Steve Helwick

62–38

Keshav Prathivadi Donnavan Smoot Cameron Parker CJ Vogel

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DOUBLE COVERAGE

Games to watch no.12 syracuse Saturday, 1:30 p.m., NBC There will be no wooden bats or Aaron Judge, but Yankee Stadium is set to host a major sporting event Saturday. Notre Dame looks to preserve its undefeated record in the Bronx against 8–2 Syracuse, one of college football’s greatest surprises. After a slew of close games, the

no.9 west virginia Saturday, 2:30 p.m., ABC Oklahoma State isn’t accustomed to a 5–5 record this late in the season. But don’t be fooled by the Cowboys’ record — Mike Gundy’s offense can run up the score. In a thrilling Bedlam finish, Oklahoma State stood a two-point conversion away from knocking off its archrival in Oklahoma. Now, Tylan Wallace and the

UAB Saturday, 6 p.m., ESPN2 It’s the dreaded “Cupcake Week” in the SEC, but Texas A&M’s nonconference matchup isn’t exactly a breeze. UAB disbanded its football team after the 2014 season, but head coach Bill Clark worked tirelessly to restore the program.

In their second year back, the Blazers are in

no.24 Cincinnati Saturday, 7 p.m., ABC For the first time in history, College GameDay is headed to Orlando to showcase UCF football.

The Knights, winners of 22-consecutive matchups, face their first ranked opponent in Cincinnati. Second-year head coach Luke Fickell has brought Bearcat football back to prominence, leading a tenacious squad that allows just 14.9

arizona Saturday, 9:30 p.m., ESPN Week 12 doesn’t exactly provide the best slate of games, but there’s always #Pac12AfterDark!

Washington State is the dark horse in the playoff race, as the Cougars have been rolling through the Pac-12 with the dynamic duo of the always-entertaining Mike Leach and his mustache-donning quarterback Gardner

at

B Y S T E V E H E LW I C K @s_helwick

no.3 notre dame

Fighting Irish demolished Florida State to improve to 4–0 against the ACC this season. Star quarterback Eric Dungey has plans to ruin this trend and knock off his second top-three team in two seasons. Syracuse, which hasn’t qualified for a bowl game since 2013, could line itself up in prime position for a New Year’s Six bid with a memorable win over the pinstripe-wearing Irish.

at

oklahoma state

Cowboys must replicate their offensive success against a potential playoff contender. Outside of a road loss to Iowa State, West Virginia has unleashed its full potential under senior quarterback Will Grier. Grier has thrown for over 340 yards and three touchdowns in each of the last three weeks heading into what should be an offensive showdown at Boone Pickens Stadium.

at

Texas A&M

the midst of their best season ever with a 9–1 record and an eight-game win streak. UAB has shut three opponents out this season, but Texas A&M will give the C-USA frontrunner all they can handle. Aggie running back Trayveon Williams posted 228 yards on the ground last week and will look to do the same in College Station to lock up win number seven for his team.

at

no.11 ucf

big 12 power rankings

BY CJ VOGEL

@cjvogel3

NO.1

West Virginia Mountaineers

The Mountaineers have really found their groove since losing to Iowa State four weeks ago.

Dana Holgorsen’s squad has won three straight, including a 47-10 beat down of the TCU Horned Frogs this past weekend. The mid-season struggles by quarterback Will Grier have subsided and he has fully reemerged in the Heisman race.

NO.3

Iowa State Cyclones

A victory over Baylor extends Iowa State’s win streak to five games — the longest active streak of any team in the Big 12. The Cyclone defense is allowing just 15.5 points per game over their last four conference games, an absurdly low amount considering the style of play in the Big 12. A Top 25 matchup with the Texas Longhorns in Austin is in store for the Cyclones this weekend.

NO.5

Baylor Bears

The high of a last-second victory over Oklahoma State wore off rather quickly thanks to a 28-14 loss to the Iowa State Cyclones this past weekend. The Bears are back to being a .500 football team, though this record would have been drooled over at this point last season. Regardless, head coach Matt Rhule has the Bears moving in the right direction.

NO.7

Texas Tech Red Raiders

points per game to a 9–1 record. During UCF’s 22-game win streak, not too many teams have challenged McKenzie Milton and the up-tempo Knights. Only once has a team come within six points of UCF during this sustained run of dominance. Expect the Bounce House to be shaking as the Knights and Bearcats battle for American Conference supremacy in the national spotlight.

at

no.8 washington state

Minshew. Throwing for over 300 yards in all 10 games this year, Minshew ranks first in the FBS in passing yards by a mile — perhaps a Heisman contender. Washington State’s opponent features Khalil Tate, last year’s Pac12 Heisman-worthy quarterback. Tate has shrugged off early-season struggles and led the Wildcats to two straight wins in Tucson.

The ice cold feeling in Lubbock may not just be the weather, but also the feeling toward Lil’Jordan Humphrey, who ruined a 17-point comeback attempt late in the fourth quarter with a game-winning touchdown this past weekend. Texas Tech has hit a wall since starting the season off 5–2 and has now fallen in each of their last three contests.

NO.9

TCU Horned Frogs

Coming off their worst loss of the season, the Horned Frogs should be very grateful to have Kansas still in the Big 12 or else they would be in the cellar of these power rankings. The backbone of Gary Patterson’s success at TCU has been his defense and that defense was just thrashed for 47 points by the West Virginia offense last weekend.

At 4–6, the Horned Frogs must win their last two games to become bowl eligible.

NO.2

Oklahoma Sooners

They don’t call it Bedlam for nothing. Oklahoma defeats their “little brother,” 48-47, thanks to an errant throw on a two-point conversion attempt late in the fourth quarter to win their fourth straight game against Oklahoma State. The Sooner offense really shined on the ground, rushing for 353 yards and five touchdowns in the victory.

NO.4

Texas Longhorns

Perhaps frozen tortillas aren’t so bad after all.

Sam Ehlinger and Lil’Jordan Humphrey ended the Longhorns’ two game skid with a go-ahead touchdown over the Red Raiders last Saturday. All of the praise toward the Longhorn offense should be met with an equal amount of criticism toward Todd Orlando’s defense, which was responsible for losing a 17-point lead in the fourth quarter.

NO.6

Oklahoma State Cowboys

We knew head coach Mike Gundy was not a fan of Twitter, but we did not know he wasn’t a fan of momentum too. The Pokes have now lost two straight games since their upset of No. 6 Texas and have thrown away any chance of a Top 25 ranking before seasons end. Luckily for Oklahoma State, they have a chance to get back on track by hosting No. 9 West Virginia at Boone Pickens Stadium this weekend.

NO.8

Kansas State Wildcats

A win is a win and for Wildcat fans, a win over your in-state rival must feel pretty sweet. But man, that was an ugly game. The first half of the Kansas-Kansas State game produced just three points and probably an even lower Nielsen rating. There is a glimmer of hope for the Wildcats to become bowl eligible, but games against Texas Tech and Iowa State will be big hurdles to overcome.

NO.10

Kansas Jayhawks

Kansas football is back to being Kansas football after a brief period of hope and optimism.

The firing of David Beatty and the rumors of Les Miles flying into Lawrence have done nothing to change the losing product on the field this season.

Don’t expect things to turn around this weekend.

ESPN’s Football Predictor Index is giving the Jayhawks just a 2.9 percent chance of winning against the No. 6 Oklahoma Sooners.

n n o d g , m

r , s e e d

5

november 16, 2018 BETTING

Buy or sell: where to bet in week 12 B Y C A M E R O N PA R K E R @camerondparker

This week I’m adding a feature to my betting column called the “lock of the week,” a pick I am sure I will get correct. I’m not an expert by any stretch of the imagination. I’m just a college student who watches too much college football and places bets he can’t afford — like most of y’all. This weekly column is where I will give you my best bets for the week in college football. I am not responsible for any money lost.

Last Week: 3–1

Total: 11–8

Lock of the Week Iowa State vs Texas (-3)

I’ve picked Texas only once before in this column and was correct (Oklahoma). Iowa State comes into this game as the hottest team in the Big 12 with five straight wins. Since Texas and Iowa State have started playing each other annually in 2014, the Longhorns are 3–1 against the Cyclones and 2–0 when

playing them at home.

Pick: Texas (-3)

Syracuse vs Dame (-10)

Notre

Last time I picked against the spread with Notre Dame, the line was 10.5.

Notre Dame won by 10.

This is my revenge game, and I have faith in the Orange. Or I just really want Notre Dame to lose. Either way, one of us is going down. Oh, and this game is being played on a “neutral site” in the Bronx.

Pick: Syracuse (+10)

Ohio State (-14.5) vs Maryland

Ohio State and Maryland have to be the two most hated, out-of-state programs for Longhorns fans, right? Ohio State is trending in the right direction after a gutsy win over Michigan State last week, and I think an absolute demolition of Maryland is coming this week. The Terrapins have suffered backto-back losses, and with Kasim Hill done for the

year with a torn ACL, I can see the Terps waving the white flag, as this team has more important matters to focus on than football.

Pick: Ohio State (-14.5)

Middle Tennessee Kentucky (-16.5)

vs

Here’s my theory on why Kentucky football has regressed to mediocrity: When John Calipari and the Wildcats received a vicious beatdown from Duke and Zion Williamson, Calipari could’ve had boosters

bugging him about how the football team was performing better than the basketball team. They hung with Georgia for the first quarter but since then have looked like the 7–6 Kentucky teams of the past. Middle Tennessee enters this weekend on a four game winning streak and winners of six in their last seven. Stick to basketball, Kentucky.

Pick: Middle Tennessee (+16.5)

6

DOUBLE COVERAGE

T E X A S

F E A T U R E

Jerrod Heard NO. 13, WIDE RECEIVER

True Texan

BY ALEX BRISEÑO @alexxbriseno

graeme hamilton texan file

| the daily

Former quarterback Jerrod Heard tucks the ball during Texas’ 45-44 loss to Cal on Sept. 19, 2015, at DKR. Heard finished with 527 total offensive yards to break Vince Young’s single game record for total yards.

w

hen Jerrod Heard is honored during Texas’ Senior Night this Saturday, he’ll likely receive a standing ovation. But it won’t just be for what he’s done in his Longhorn career. It’ll be for what he didn’t do: leave.

The fifth-year senior arrived in Austin in 2014. Some called him Jerrod and others called him “The Juice,” but everybody called him the future of Texas football after one performance against Cal in 2015.

After facing a 21-point deficit, Heard led a vicious comeback, capped off by a 45-yard run with just over a minute left in the ball game. Heard’s touchdown pulled the Longhorns within one, 45-44. All Texas’ kicker Nick Rose had to do was send the extra point through

the uprights and Heard would have the opportunity to polish off his comeback in overtime.

The kick sailed wide right.

“I didn’t even watch,” Heard said. “I just heard the crowd.”

The miss cemented a 45-44 loss, but not before Heard recorded 364 yards in the air and 163 on the ground — enough to break the school record for total yards, a record once held by a player by the name of Vince Young. It was clear the future belonged to Heard.

“I was just sitting there like, ‘Wow, that’s a cool feat to have,’ but also I wanted to win the game,” Heard said.

That’s all Heard has ever wanted to do at Texas. And while he didn’t realize it, that September night in 2015 was Heard’s peak at quarterback. He was

eventually demoted to backup. Then, a shoulder injury all but ended Heard’s quarterback career at Texas.

Some said he could transfer while others said he should.

“The easy way out is to just up and leave,” Heard said.

Instead, he left the quarterback position and tried his luck at wide receiver.

The move saw approval from coaches and his parents, and he did it the same way he does everything else he’s done in his time at Texas: with a smile on his face.

“I don’t think he has the type of ability to frown,” offensive lineman Patrick Vahe said. “That guy is always smiling, it’s weird. I just gave up. I said, ‘This guy

HEARD

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november 16, 2018

F E A T U R E

Cyclones receive success B Y S T E V E H E LW I C K @s_helwick

I O W A S TAT E C O N T I N U E S DOMINANCE THROUGH WIDE RECEIVER CORE.

copyright iowa state athletics, and reproduced with permission Iowa State wide receiver Deshaunte Jones goes up for a catch during the Cyclones’ 30-14 win over West Virginia at Jack Trice Stadium on Oct. 13.

o

n Tuesday night’s College Football Playoff rankings reveal, a program relatively new to the scene saw its logo on the screen next to the number 16. After compiling an 11–37 record from 2013–2016, Iowa State has risen to the status of Big 12 contenders.

Since head coach Matt Campbell took the reigns of the program in 2016, one particular position group has flourished, heavily contributing to the rise of the Cyclones: the wide receivers.

“All of us are capable of making that big play, and we all hold each other accountable of doing that,” wide receiver Deshaunte Jones said. “We always hold ourselves

accountable so that it helps everyone around us from the offensive line to the quarterbacks to the linebackers to the tight ends.”

The rise of the receiving corps began last season with the primary corps of Allen Lazard, Hakeem Butler, Marchie Murdock and Trever Ryen combining for 2,620 yards and 23 touchdowns. The legacy has continued in 2018, but with some new faces. Now, Jones has become one of the receivers elevating his game and fulfilling the contributions made by last year’s seniors.

“Last year, the receiving corps embodied that ‘we’re just going to try to do whatever is possible to catch the ball,’” Jones said. “(Wide receivers coach Bryan) Gasser always talks about

snatching the ball out of the air.

Having that mentality, we just did the little things right and it’s been working out in our favor.”

Jones, a junior for the Cyclones, has seen a spike in his numbers over the course of the year after the departure of Lazard, Murdock and Ryen. With 35 receptions in eight contests, Jones is on pace to shatter his career-high in the category, while simultaneously developing the next batch of talent at the position.

“Deshaunte has been one of our leaders on offense this year,” Gasser said. “He had a great freshman year, but had to take a backseat as a sophomore last year when Trever Ryen stepped up. He didn’t let it faze him and just kept working.

He’s now becoming one of our

go-to guys and mentoring our younger players along the way.”

While Jones succeeds as a mentor to the younger wideouts, one can’t-miss 6-foot-6-inch junior continually sets the tone for Iowa State. Among all wide receivers with at least 20 catches, Hakeem Butler leads the FBS with an average of 22.7 yards per catch. But Butler’s prowess shows beyond the field, according to his peers.

“Hakeem brings the big play ability,” Jones said. “He’s a scorer, so adding that aspect to our arsenal really helps us. As a person, he plays with that chip on his shoulder. He’s always talking us up, always getting us hyped before the game. He’s pretty much the guy who starts it all. He makes a big play, everybody around him starts

making big plays.”

What’s the secret to the outbreak of wide receivers up in Ames, Iowa? Chemistry. While the unit bolsters the team to new heights on the field, the bond they share extends beyond the gridiron.

“Throughout everything, even outside of football, we’re always trying to hang out with each other,” Jones said. “We always go out every Saturday after a workout or something. There will always be about 10 of us, going bowling or going paintballing. Whatever it is, we’re always together and trying to help each other out. That family bond is what helps us out throughout the season.”

RECEIVERS

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8

DOUBLE COVERAGE

Opponents to watch

BY ROBERT LARKIN @r_larkintexas

QUA RTERBACK

WIDE RE CE IVER

DEFENS IVE END

SAFETY

No. 15 Brock Purdy

No. 18 Hakeem Butler

No. 13 JaQuan Bailey

No. 12 Greg Eisworth

Before the season began, freshman quarterback Brock Purdy found himself buried on the depth chart behind a sixth-year senior starting at quarterback and a sophomore projected to be at second-string for most of the year. But after Iowa State started its season at 1–3, head coach Matt Campbell turned to Purdy in hopes of revitalizing a struggling offense. The move has proven to be a masterful decision.

Since taking over the starting job, the freshman quarterback has led the Cyclones to five consecutive victories, during which they averaged 34.6 points per game. Purdy himself has thrown for 13 touchdowns and only two interceptions while maintaining a 192.0 passer efficiency rating in those contests. The Gilbert, Arizona, native also adds an additional element to the Cyclone offense, with his unique running ability. On the ground, Purdy has carried the ball for 320 yards and two touchdowns.

The Longhorn secondary has been overwhelmed by some of the Big 12’s top wide receivers in its last three matchups. The task doesn’t get much easier this weekend with wide receiver Hakeem Butler coming to Austin. Butler has been the leading playmaker for the Cyclones’ offense, hauling in 36 receptions for 816 yards and eight touchdowns so far this season. And his 90.7 receiving yards per game also ranks fifth among all Big 12 wideouts.

At 6-foot-6-inches and 225 pounds, Butler possesses incredible size for his position, however, he’s also an exceptional route runner who can create separation at any level of the field. That separation allows him to routinely make game-breaking plays for the Cyclone offense. In fact, in seven of Iowa State’s nine games, Butler has had a reception that went for 20 yards or more, including touchdowns of 83, 57, 51 and 48 yards.

In a conference known for its offensive fireworks and defensive shortcomings, Iowa State is one of the few teams in the Big 12 who consistently puts together a strong showing week in and week out. The Cyclones rank first in the Big 12 in total defense and have given up the fewest touchdowns this season. Leading that effort on the defensive front is junior defensive end JaQuan Bailey.

Bailey has been one of the most disruptive defensive lineman in the Big 12, registering 11.0 tackles and 5.5 sacks through nine games. And the Jacksonville, Florida, native is by far the most productive Cyclone in both categories, leading both departments by 6.5 and 3.5, respectively. However, with Sam Ehlinger and the Texas offense gaining confidence each week, Bailey will have to find a way to make an impact this weekend if Iowa State hopes to stop the Longhorns.

This time last year, safety Greg Eisworth was spending his days on the practice field for Trinity Valley Community College. Now, he’s one of the key pieces for the Iowa State secondary. Eisworth has been an instant contributor in his first season with the Cyclones and has been effective in both pass coverage and run support. The safety leads all Iowa State defenders in tackles with 68, which is tied for sixth in the Big 12.

And Eisworth will have the opportunity this weekend to display his talents back in his home state. The redshirt sophomore is a product of South Grand Prairie High School, where he starred as both a quarterback and safety during his high school career. Although he’s given up the quarterback position in college, Eisworth’s role this weekend will be pivotal in handling a potent Longhorn passing attack.

H

9

november 16, 2018

Heisman watch

B Y D O N N A VA N S M O O T

@Dsmoot3D

The Heisman Trophy race is calming down with the top two spots occupied by surefire candidates. Nonetheless, every player in the race is still polarizing week in and week out.

Here’s how they are performing:

a 49-0 lead. Even without a stellar game on Saturday, Alabama’s strength was enough to pitch a shutout against their SEC rival.

Next week, Tagovailoa and the Crimson Tide will play The Citadel next week. The last time The Citadel played an opponent as prominent as Alabama was last year when Clemson rolled to a 61-3 win. In other words, this game will be a glorified scrimmage, and Tagovailoa should expect to be on the sidelines for the second half.

Realistically, Tagovailoa could have a big day in the first half and rest easy on the sideline in the second half.

#13 Tua Tagovailoa, quarterback, No. 1 Alabama

albert lee

| the daily texan staff

texas

For the first time all season, Tagovailoa looked mediocre. He only had one touchdown against then-No. 16 Mississippi State. The game was the second time this season Tagovailoa had less than 150 total yards. Granted, the last time he had less than 150 yards was against UL-Lafayette when he still went 8-for-8 with 128 yards and two touchdowns before sitting out the second half due to

After pulling off a season-saving, game-winning drive against Texas, Will Grier and the Mountaineers faced off against a disappointing TCU team. Grier threw for 343 yards and three touchdowns to go along with one interception.

It’s obvious at this point in the season that Grier is one of the three best quarterbacks in the country. Grier has an important two weeks ahead of him.

This Saturday, he has to be on his A-game when the Mountaineers face the Oklahoma State Cowboys, who are capable of putting any team on upset alert. Following that matchup, Grier will face off against Kyler Murray, the other Heisman candidate in the conference.

With bragging rights, a regular season title and a place in the Big 12 championship game on the line, the next two weeks are critical for Grier’s season.

@kpthefirst

wins if...

Ever since quarterback Brock Purdy got under center, the Cyclones have ripped off five straight wins. He poses a threat with both his arms and legs, having tossed 13

loses if...

touchdowns and run for over 252 yards and two more scores on the ground. The Longhorns have had trouble with running quarterbacks, allowing running back-like numbers to signal-callers in the past five games. If Texas can contain Purdy in the pocket, it could force out some freshman mistakes that could turn the game in the Longhorns’ favor.

… it sticks to the game plan.

At too many points in this season, the Longhorns built themselves a sizable lead heading into the fourth quarter.

In games against Kansas State, Oklahoma and Texas Tech, they’ve let double-digit leads fizzle in a matter of minutes. Part of this can be | the daily texan staff

Murray was involved in absolute Bedlam last weekend. He and the Sooners found themselves in another shootout, narrowly escaping with a one-point victory against

#7 Will Grier, quarterback, No. 9 West Virginia

B Y K E S H A V P R AT H I VA D I

… it contains the quarterback.

anthony mireles

#1 Kyler Murray, quarterback, No. 6 Oklahoma

Oklahoma State. Murray had 349 yards passing with a completion rate of just over 72 percent. Murray’s calling card this season has been his accuracy.

He’s been a tactical surgeon in Oklahoma’s explosive offense. Right now, Oklahoma is ranked No. 6 in the nation.

Murray is making the Sooners a playoff contender and has masked their flaws on the defensive side of the ball. While he is second in most polls, his best argument for the Heisman is that his team isn’t as strong as Tagovailoa’s.

The Sooners have a home matchup against Kansas before heading to Morgantown to face fellow Heisman candidate Will Grier. The final week will be the prequel to what will most likely be a Big 12 title matchup. The final two games will be an incredible opportunity for Murray to leave a memorable impression on the playoff committee and Heisman voters.

WINS

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… it can’t get the early stop.

In eight of Texas’ 10 games, the Longhorns have allowed a score on their opponent’s first drive. On top of this, Texas has continually deferred to the second half on multiple occasions this season, opting for an extra possession in the second half rather than a chance to draw first blood. While head coach Tom Herman’s trust in his defense hasn’t changed this season, his unit hasn’t done much to garner it. Another part of the defense’s puzzle has been in its inability to put pressure on the quarterback.

The Longhorns’ senior defensive front has had trouble getting sacks, only notching 17 on the season as a unit. If Texas can’t get pressure or force a turnover, it’s going to be a long night for an already banged up defense.

… can’t run the ball.

In games where the Longhorns

fell behind early, they never fully established the run game. Contests with Maryland and Oklahoma State had quarterback Sam Ehlinger throwing the ball often instead of handing it off to running back Tre Watson or t h e budding Keaontay Ingram. When Texas has run the ball this year, it has consistently found success. The duo holds the potential to break a big run w h e n

anthony mireles

LOSES

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| the daily texan staff

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DOUBLE COVERAGE

heard

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is always going to be happy regardless of anything so I’ll just leave him alone.’ I try not to bring his day down. If Jerrod wants to be Jerrod, he can be Jerrod.”

While Jerrod’s never-wavering smile made it appear as if he was getting the majority of the reps in practice, he was still stuck under Lil’Jordan Humphrey on the depth chart and stayed there for the majority of this season.

But Heard finally got an opportunity. During practice last Wednesday, wide receiver Collin Johnson went down with a knee injury, freeing up just enough space on the depth chart for Heard. However, the game plan wasn’t as easy as plugging in Heard for Johnson.

“We said ‘LJ, you’re going

QUARTERS ON CAMPUS

to go to X (receiver), Jerrod you’re going to go and be the starting H (receiver). Oh, but by the way there’s going to be some plays where we’re still going to want LJ at H, so you’re going to go to X on those plays,” Herman said. “‘And you’re going to have to learn those plays,’ and he did all of that within about 48 hours.”

And he cashed in on his opportunity.

The Juice studied the play book for the rest of the week before hauling in six receptions for 54 yards, including an 11-yard grab during Texas’ game-winning drive.

“I was happy for him and his performance,” defensive end Charles Omenihu said. “He showed up when his number was called, as a senior … I’m glad he got the opportunity to shine.”

Heard’s opportunities to perform in front of his home crowd have now dwindled

graeme hamilton | the daily texan file Former quarterback Jerrod Heard evades pressure during Texas’ one-point loss to Cal at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on Sept. 19, 2015.

down to just one. He says he plans on training for a chance to play in the NFL. And while the former starting quarterback-turned-backup-quarterback-turned-wide-receiver’s career is officially coming to an end, the legacy he is hoping to leave remains the same.

“I just wanted to win games

for the University of Texas,” Heard said. “That’s basically it. There is nothing else.

That’s all I really wanted for UT. I wanted a championship, and I still believe that can happen. But the whole thing I just want to leave is I just wanted to win and I’m a competitor, regardless of what I’m doing.”

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wins

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attributed to Texas playing to run out the clock rather than do what it did all game. If the Longhorns can stick to what’s given them success over the first three quarters, they can avoid an upset threat from the Cyclones and pick up a crucial win.

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receivers

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there’s a hole. If the Longhorns don’t bury themselves early, they’ll have a chance to establish the run and some play action to open up the passing game. If not, it’s going to have to be a lot of Ehlinger throwing behind an offensive line that gave up five sacks last week in Lubbock.

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With a tight bond and riding one of the most successful stretches in Cyclones history, Iowa State’s receivers travel together to Austin this Saturday, attempting to build on the excellence established by the unit just one season ago.

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GAME TIME

15-minute departures on routes all over Austin

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