Double Coverage 2019-10-18 by The Daily Texan

T H E D A I LY TEXAN PRESENTS

Double Coverage VOL. 14 ISSUE 7 | OCT. 18, 2019

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Friday, October 18, 2019

TEXAN staff picks MARCUS KRUM

WILLS L AY T O N

DONNAVAN SMOOT

MYAH TAY L O R

STEPHEN WAGNER

ALEX BRISEÑO

CLARK D A LT O N

DANIELA PEREZ

K A N S A S AT NO. 15 TEXAS

TEXAS

N O. 1 6 M I C H I G A N AT N O. 7 P E N N S TAT E

PENN STATE

MICHIGAN

PENN STATE

N O. 1 7 A R I Z O N A S TAT E AT N O. 1 3 U TA H

UTAH

ARIZONA STATE

UTAH

ARIZONA STATE

UTAH

N O. 1 8 B AY L O R AT O K L A H O M A S TAT E

OKLAHOMA STATE

BAYLOR

OKLAHOMA STATE

BAYLOR

OKLAHOMA STATE

NO. 9 FLORIDA AT S O U T H C A R O L I N A

SOUTH CAROLINA

FLORIDA

I OWA S TAT E AT T E X A S T E C H

TEXAS TECH

IOWA STATE

TEXAS TECH

T C U AT K A N S A S S TAT E

TCU

KANSAS STATE

TCU

KANSAS STATE

TCU

KANSAS STATE

TCU

N O. 1 2 O R E G O N AT NO. 25 WASHINGTON

OREGON

WASHINGTON

OREGON

WASHINGTON

OREGON

D U K E AT VIRGINIA

VIRGINIA

DUKE

VIRGINIA

DUKE

ARIZONA AT U S C

USC

ARIZONA

USC

LAST WEEK’S RECORD OVERALL RECORD

3–7 28–22

3–7 24–26

5–5 29–21

4–6 27–23

3–7 26–24

5–5 29–21

6–4 29–21

4–6 30–20

5–5 34–16

DOUBLE COVERAGE Double Coverage Editor Design Editor Photo Editor Copy Editor

Marcus Krum Maria Perez Joshua Guenther Megan Shankle

OKLAHOMA OKLAHOMA OKLAHOMA STATE STATE STATE

CAMERON PA R K E R

EDITOR’S NOTE It’s never easy to see a loss in a rivalry game. Last week’s performance against Oklahoma was tough to watch for Texas fans. But it’s not time to hit the panic button just yet. The Longhorns have the perfect opportunity to rebound this weekend with Kansas at home. Avoiding another disaster like the 2016 loss would put Texas right back on track to the Big 12 Championship Game, where I know the Longhorns will be chomping at the bit to get another shot at the Sooners.

Writers Daniela Perez Donnavan Smoot Myah Taylor Stephen Wagner

Clark Dalton Wills Layton Cameron Parker

Marcus Krum, Double Coverage Editor

double coverage

BIG 12 By Marcus Krum

POWER RANKINGS

@marcuskrum

3. BAYLOR BEARS Head coach Matt Rhule’s Bears almost lost their perfect record this weekend, scraping by Texas Tech in double overtime in Week Seven. This is the toughest Baylor team we’ve seen since Art Briles’ departure, so look for the Bears to give the conference’s top teams some problems as they vie for their first conference championship since 2014.

7. TCU HORNED FROGS The Horned Frogs are in a free fall in the rankings after Iowa State put the hurt on in a 49-24 beatdown two weeks ago. This TCU team is still unproven — it has lost both of its games against ranked opponents. This week’s matchup in Manhattan, Kansas, against the Wildcats will show if TCU can hold its own against a struggling Kansas State team.

1. OKLAHOMA SOONERS The Sooners settled the debate as to who is top dog in the conference with a 34-27 win over Texas in the Cotton Bowl. Graduate transfer quarterback Jalen Hurts still looks like a Heisman contender, and junior wideout CeeDee Lamb is looking like one of the best receivers in the country. More importantly, Oklahoma has a defense now. Watch out for Oklahoma in the College Football Playoff.

2. TEXAS LONGHORNS Junior quarterback Sam Ehlinger and the Longhorns were sent away from Dallas empty-handed this year after the offense couldn’t find its footing until the second half. Texas put out its worst offensive showing in the year’s biggest game, but hopes for the Big 12 title are still alive and well. The Longhorns hope to make up for their loss to Oklahoma against Kansas this week.

4. IOWA STATE CYCLONES

5. TEXAS TECH RED RAIDERS

6. OKLAHOMA STATE COWBOYS

It’s still difficult to have an opinion one way or the other on the Cyclones’ season so far. On the one hand, they already have two losses to teams outside the top 15. On the other, their losses have been by a combined three points, and they’ve now blown out both TCU and West Virginia. It looks like head coach Matt Campbell may have this team back on track once again.

I know it’s easy for a losing team to blame the referees. But the Red Raiders probably would’ve beaten Baylor if it weren’t for a blown call by the Big 12 crew that was officiating. That being said, Tech’s only other conference loss is to Oklahoma, and with a matchup against Iowa State this week their season is still very much salvageable.

Again, this is a team that’s hard to pinpoint. The Cowboys hung around with the Longhorns in Austin, and have an offense with plenty of weapons to be prolific. But a 45-35 loss two weeks ago to Texas Tech shows this Oklahoma State defense has a ways to go before they can make any kind of headway in the Big 12.

8. KANSAS STATE WILDCATS Chris Klieman started his tenure as head coach with three straight wins. Since then, the Wildcats have suffered double-digit losses to both Oklahoma State and Baylor. It’s going to take some time before Klieman can have his team winning consistently in conference play.

10. KANSAS JAYHAWKS

9. WesT VIRGINIA MOUNTAINEERS The Mountaineers have taken an expected step down in the rankings after a decent start to the season. Iowa State cruised to a 38-14 victory in Morgantown, West Virginia, after junior quarterback Austin Kendall left the game early due to an injury. It’ll be difficult for West Virginia to recover without Kendall in the lineup.

You might be wondering if the Jayhawks will ever move out of last place. It doesn’t look like it’ll be anytime soon, although the Kansas offense did manage 20 points against Oklahoma two weeks ago. There are signs of life from head coach Les Miles’ squad, but this team will be outmatched by any Big 12 opponent this season.

BesT BETs for WEEK 8 By Cameron Parker Hopefully y’all made some money on the Longhorns last week, indulged in corn dogs and fried Oreos and screamed obscenities at Oklahoma fans. 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, so don’t request money from me on Venmo. Overall: 12–3 Kansas at No. 15 Texas(-21)

The last time the Longhorns beat Kansas by more than 20 points? 2015. The number of injured starters missing Saturday’s game? Five. The amount of grass head coach Les Miles will eat during the game?

Too much to count. Herman is 2–0 the week after Oklahoma, but both games have been decided by six points or less. Texas just has way too many injuries on defense for me to feel comfortable taking them as three -touchdown favorites, even if it’s against Kansas. Pick: Kansas(+21) Marquee Matchup of the Week No. 16 Michigan at No. 7 Penn State(-9)

We all think these Big Ten “heavyweight” type games will be good television, and then we’re reminded that the Big Ten is vastly overrated. What makes this game interesting is that Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh’s job security depends on whether or not the Wolverines can pull off the upset in Happy Valley. Michigan is 2–6 against the spread. Harbaugh’s defense is

@camerondparker

not up to its usual standard this year, and gave up 25 points to Illinois last week. Penn State is 3–2 ATS and really only has one quality win at No. 17 Iowa. I think both teams are mediocre, and neither deserve to be more than touchdown favorites. Pick: Michigan(+9) Lock of the Week Iowa State(-7) at Texas Tech

Usually it takes until Week 12 to figure out the Big 12, sometimes later, but I think I have it figured out. Just kidding, I don’t, but I’m pretty sure Iowa State is not that good. The Cyclones pulled away late against West Virginia last week, while Tech is doing its job of being a bad team that will sneakily play well against better teams. The Red Raiders beat Oklahoma State, who might be the fourth-best team in the

conference, and only lost to Baylor by a field goal. Tech is playing at home, and it’s one of those weird 11 a.m. kickoff games. Pick: Texas Tech(+7) Degenerate Gambler Bet of the Week Temple at No. 19 SMU(-7.5)

I love junior quarterback Shane Buechele. Let me make that clear. The Mustangs are 6–0 ATS, and possibly the second-best team in Texas — maybe even THE best. But Temple is also sneaky good. They’re a little bit underrated — if you can even say that about Temple — but with an upset win over Memphis last week and SMU almost dropping one to Tulsa, I think the Owls can give Buechele some trouble. It hurts to write this, though, and I’ll always remember Buechele’s victory over Notre Dame. Pick: Temple(+7.5)

Friday, October 18, 2019

GAMES to watch By Clark Dalton | @Clarktdalton1T

temple at no. 19 smu 2:30 p.m., ESPN2

Shane Buchele, a former Texas quarterback, has fared well this season for SMU. The junior quarterback has thrown for 12 touchdowns, is completing 67% of his passes and has the Mustangs rolling at 6–0. However, SMU’s perfect season could end this week against the 5–1 Temple Owls. Freshman running back Re’Mahn Davis is averaging 5.4 yards per carry. The Owls’ secondary has stifled aerial assaults, allowing less than 200 yards per game. It’s one of the most important matchups in the American Athletic Conference, a league that has several teams vying for a New Year’s Six bowl.

no. 9 florida at south carolina 11:00 a.m., ESPN

The Gamecocks are on cloud nine after shocking the No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs in Athens, Georgia. Florida had its moments in Death Valley, but eventually succumbed to the power of the LSU offense. The Gators are favored by five heading into Columbia, South Carolina. Freshman quarterback Ryan Hilinski completed 75% of his passes against Georgia, and is starting to grow into the offense. Florida’s redshirt junior quarterback Kyle Trask and senior running back Lamical Perine have brought a balance to the offense with 14 combined touchdowns. The matchup between the Gators and Gamecocks could shift the SEC East for the rest of the season.

no. 16 michigan at no. 7 penn state 6:30 p.m., ABC

It’s likely that Michigan will have to win out if they want a taste of the Big Ten title. The Wolverines haven’t lost a game since their 35-14 loss against Wisconsin. But Michigan has another road game in Happy Valley during the whiteout. The Nittany Lions are undefeated, and sophomore quarterback Sean Clifford has posted a 171.0 passer rating and 13 touchdowns. Michigan is trying to stay alive, but there are still questions surrounding its offense, which may inhibit its ability to keep up with Penn State. Whoever wins this game could continue as a dark horse in the Big Ten.

no. 12 oregon at no. 25 washington 2:30 p.m., ABC

Revenge and rivalry games go hand in hand. Last year, Washington missed a game-winning field goal, falling to the Ducks in overtime 30-27. This year, the game moves from Eugene to Seattle, where the Huskies have a new quarterback. Junior Jacob Eason has propelled Washington, and the Huskies are now averaging 36 points per game. However, the Ducks have a star quarterback of their own in senior Justin Herbert. According to ESPN, Herbert’s completion percentage increases against AP Top-25 teams, jumping from 69% to 75%. The Ducks’ offense matches the Huskies’ gaudy scoring output at 36 points per game. Their defense has been strong as well, allowing only nine points per game. Both teams are evenly matched, so this one could come down to the wire again.

no. 18 baylor at oklahoma state 3:00 p.m., FOX

Baylor continues to climb the Big 12 ladder, now standing at 6—0. The Bears’ offense is driven by a pair of juniors — running back John Lovett and quarterback Charlie Brewer. Lovett is powering through defenses, averaging 6.7 yards per carry, and Brewer has thrown 11 touchdowns. The Cowboys have an offense that will test all Big 12 defenses. Redshirt sophomore running back Chuba Hubbard has scored 13 touchdowns and rushed for 1,094 yards. If he continues to dominate, he could find himself in New York in December. Baylor is trying to continue a magical season, while Oklahoma State is trying to get back into the picture. This game could be a prime Big 12 matchup.

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double coverage

antohny mireles

/ the daily texan staff

nior safety Brandon Jones (19) is upended as sophomore linebacker Joseph Ossai (46) d sophomore defensive back B.J. Foster look on in Texas’ 45-38 loss to LSU Sept. 7.

time’s tickin’

With only six games left in the season, the Longhorns gear up for a potential run to the Big 12 Championship. By Daniela Perez @danielap3rez

Junior quarterback Sam Ehlinger tries to evade pressure in Texas’ 34-27 loss to Oklahoma Oct Texas started off its season as College Football Playoff hopefuls, and with junior quarterback Sam Ehlinger as a Heisman contender. Now, they enter their seventh game sitting outside of the AP Top 10 with a 4–2 record. They have faced some of college football’s toughest competitors in No. 2-ranked LSU and No. 5 Oklahoma, but have been riddled with injuries on both sides of the ball. However, neither players nor coaches are in a state of panic. After all, the Longhorns will likely be favored in every game for the rest of the season. Translation: The Longhorns’ Big 12 hopes are still alive and well. “I don’t know if change is the right word.

Get better, improve, develop — those are all words that come to mind,” head coach Tom Herman said at a press conference on Monday. “We’ve got to let our guys play fast. We’ve got to let them play fearless, unafraid to make mistakes. That’s probably the biggest thing. We’ve got to be able to get those guys playing fast and not thinking, and the only way to do that is if they’re 100% sure (of) everything that they’re doing.” Texas’ main issues have come from injuries on defense. Key players such as junior safety Chris Brown and sophomore cornerback Jalen Green have been sidelined with injuries. Brown, who was injured during the loss to Oklahoma, is expected to be out for six weeks with a fractured forearm, while Green has been out with a

Friday, October 18, 2019

joshua guenther

/ the daily texan staff

/ the daily texan staf

Texas head coach Tom Herman blows his whistle in warmups before Texas’ 45-38 loss to LSU Sept. 7. Herman’s Longhorns are 4–2 at the midpoint of the season.

t. 12. Ehlinger took nine sacks and threw for 210 yards on the day.

We’ve got to let our guys play fast. We’ve got to let them play fearless, unafriad to make mistakes. That’s probably the biggest thing.” TOM HERMAN head coach

dislocated shoulder. This has put pressure on Texas’ young defense. With a weakened arsenal, players need to perform while remaining healthy. Some members of the defense have also been moved around to add depth in various positions. Their inexperience showed Saturday against Oklahoma, where missed tackles contributed heavily to Texas’ loss. Defensive coordinator Todd Orlando understands how these sudden changes have affected young players, but is not using it as an excuse. “The shuffling of the deck and with some of the injuries, it’s not an excuse, but you get to a point where some of these guys are moving around and doing quite a bit,” Orlando said. “We’ll end up doing the same thing this week,

and just stabilizing things — that’s the biggest thing we have to do, just stabilize the guys in their positions and go play fast.” In the past, Texas has been able to survive games like the win over Oklahoma State thanks to its offense. But against Oklahoma’s defense, the Longhorn offense was kept out of the red zone until the second half. According to Herman, Texas’ offense has carried the young defense on its back all season, but against Oklahoma the roles were flipped. “We had been able to carry our young defense for most of the season by playing (with a) sound, explosive at times, offense, and (this time) we didn’t. So that was discouraging,” Herman said. “Then I think the positive was our red-zone defense continues to

play well. We got two turnovers and did not turn the ball over, which is why we were in that game.” In college football, one or two losses can define a season. It can make or break a team’s chances for a bowl game or national championship title. But for Ehlinger, their two losses won’t matter when they take on Kansas Saturday. “I think if you’re immature about the way you go about your business, you let past events affect how you prepare,” Ehlinger said. “Honestly, it should have no effect if you maturely approach it. So no, I don’t think that it should be harder (to come off a loss) … we’ll approach everything with a winning mentality.”

double coverage

Notes from the opponent The Daily Texan spoke to Jack Johnson, sports editor of The University Daily Kansan. By Marcus Krum The Daily Texan: What can you tell me about

(sophomore running back) Pooka Williams? How has his body of work looked this year, and what kind of matchup does he present to the Texas defense? Jack Johnson: Well, (Kansas) originally had (senior running back) Khalil Herbert to start the season, and he was dismissed before the TCU game now three weeks ago. But up until then, they were about splitting carries. … But most of Kansas’ production really does come from how he does in the run game, (and) how accurate (Kansas) is in the passing game. Outside of that, it’s pretty much Pooka Williams and (junior wide receiver) Andrew Parchment as far as offensive weapons that (senior quarterback) Carter Stanley uses, so (Williams) takes probably the majority of the workload. DT: The Kansas passing offense — how do you

@marcuskrum

think it matches up against a Texas defense that has been pretty depleted by injuries? JJ: Well, the Kansas passing game is … all dependent on how accurate Stanley is in the early goings on the short gains. They usually like to open up going about five or six-yard outs, and that opens up the game more (like) in the Boston College (game) when Stanley was able to get that going. But if Texas is able to come out, get pressure on him and force him to make throws further than 10 yards, it’ll be rout. So usually when Stanley’s going good, it’s when they get him passing early and get him easy completions to get him comfortable. But that’s basically what it’s going to come down to, that first drive. DT: So with the Texas offense last week against Oklahoma — Oklahoma brought pressure, and that’s where they made Ehlinger uncomfortable. Do you think this Kansas defensive front will

have the ability to get some pressure on Ehlinger and maybe force Texas into some tough spots? JJ: Well (the Jayhawks) have about two guys on the line that are pretty active in the backfield — (senior linebacker) Azur Kamara and (senior defensive end) Darrius Moragne. Both are bigger guys. They weren’t able to get to (Oklahoma quarterback Jalen) Hurts as often as they’d like to. In the past, they usually get in the backfield more when the plays are extended. They’re not really guys to blow off the ball and be able to get to the quarterback quickly. I don’t think they’re going to do it as successfully as Oklahoma was able to. So yeah, I mean usually Kansas has pressure in the backfield — it comes from just the plays being extended when the coverage in the secondary is good. But other than that, I don’t see the KU defensive front putting that much pressure on him.

DT: So what is the feel around the program right

now as far as with (head coach) Les Miles, and has there been a change in culture from what you’ve seen so far? JJ: After the Boston College win, it was really high. People were starting to feel like maybe the program was turning around (in) a good way, and then after that — it seriously all happened after Herbert missed that TCU game. Then there were questions about whether he was returning, and obviously he ended up leaving the program. After that it’s been, you know, the West Virginia game they lost when Herbert was there, but then after that the TCU blowout and the Oklahoma blowout. And I think the goal this year would have been to be at least competitive in each of the games, and that obviously hasn’t happened now in the last two weeks. I think the feel around the team now is just kind of same old, same old.

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Friday, October 18, 2019

OPPONENTS TO WATCH

By Myah Taylor @t_myah

Last weekend didn’t go as planned for the Longhorns as they fell to the Oklahoma Sooners in the 115th Red River Rivalry. With two losses this season, Texas is now out of any College Football Playoff contention. But the Big 12 is still wide open. To earn a bid in the conference championship this December, Texas may have to be perfect for the remainder of the season. On Saturday, the struggling Kansas Jayhawks will provide the Longhorns with a great opportunity to add another game to their win column, but a star running back might stand in Texas’ way. Here are four Kansas players to watch against Texas this weekend:

NO. 1

NO. 9

NO. 11

NO. 5

pooka williams jr.

carter stanley

mike lee

azur kamara

Running back

Williams shined as a freshman last season, recording 1,125 yards on 161 carries and rushing for seven touchdowns. The New Orleans native was Kansas’ star in 2018, with 246 yards on 11 kick returns. The All-Big 12 First Team player accumulated 150.9 all-purpose yards per game, good enough for first in the Big 12 and sixth in the FBS. Through five games this season, Williams has rushed for 445 yards on 90 attempts and one touchdown. Against Oklahoma two weeks ago, the sophomore had his best outing of the season with 137 yards on the day. The depleted Texas secondary, which has allowed an average of 143.3 yards per game, may have a tough time limiting Williams on Saturday.

Quarterback

After a redshirt freshman season and three additional years of limited game action, fifth-year senior quarterback Stanley is now the starter for the Jayhawks. On Saturday, the Longhorns will be up against a quarterback who has completed 65% of his passes and thrown 12 touchdowns through six games this season. However, Stanley has also thrown four interceptions. Over the past few weeks, the Texas defense has grabbed several interceptions, including four from freshman West Virginia quarterback Austin Kendall. Like Kendall, Stanley had limited experience as a starter coming into the season, so the Longhorns could look for another big day from the secondary.

all photos copyright kansas athletics, and reproduced with permission

Safety

As a junior last season, Lee led the Big 12 with two forced fumbles, and finished with 67 total tackles. So far this season, the New Orleans native has recorded 32 tackles and two passes defended. Against Oklahoma, the senior nearly intercepted one of graduate transfer quarterback Jalen Hurts’ passes and made a pair of solo tackles. While the Texas receiving corps has done a solid job at fighting for balls on passing plays, Lee is still a player the Longhorns should try to limit on Saturday.

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Linebacker

In Kansas’ matchup against the Sooners, senior Kamara made three solo tackles and one sack for a loss of eight yards. Before the Jayhawks played Oklahoma, Kamara had recorded 2.5 sacks and 10 solo tackles. The last few weeks have seen junior quarterback Sam Ehlinger sacked frequently. To avoid drive-killing negative plays, the Longhorn offensive line must key in on Kamara to give Ehlinger enough time to make plays.

Double coverage

HEISMAN WATCH

By Stephen Wagner @stephenwag22

rocky higine

/ the daily texan staff

Week Seven of the college football season saw key matchups across the board as all four of the candidates were tested by Top-25 teams. While Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa, Oklahoma’s Jalen Hurts and LSU’s Joe Burrow showed out under the spotlight, Sam Ehlinger and the Texas offense laid an egg against a much-improved Oklahoma defense. But as one superstar slips from the race, another enters in his place. Here’s who to watch out for in Week Eight:

Tua Tagovailoa — Quarterback, Alabama

Tagovailoa passed his first test of the season in the Tide’s 47-28 win over an Aggie squad desperate for a win against a ranked opponent. The junior sensation and Heisman front-runner broke AJ McCarron’s school record for passing touchdowns after throwing his 78th career touchdown in the first quarter. Tua finished with 293 yards and four touchdowns as Alabama earned its first victory over a ranked opponent this season. Don’t expect any changes to Alabama’s stellar season this week as they welcome one of the worst Tennessee teams in recent memory to Tuscaloosa. Jalen Hurts — Quarterback, Oklahoma

Through six games, Hurts has put up stellar numbers and performances, but was still missing a true Heisman moment for his résumé. Playing in his first Red River Showdown Saturday afternoon, Hurts delivered his Heisman moment. The graduate transfer quarterback’s MVP performance was marked by a spectacular behind-the-back move where he escaped a sack, scrambled out of the pocket and connected with junior wide receiver CeeDee Lamb for a 13-yard completion. Despite Hurts’ Red River magic, the quarterback had his worst statistical performance of the season. He turned the ball over in the red zone twice, finished with a season-low 82.8 quarterback rating and threw for a

measly 235 yards in an otherwise statistical blowout against Texas. Hurts still made an important Heisman statement in his biggest game this season, but he won’t be tested again until the Sooners travel to Waco in November to play the Bears, now ranked 18th. Joe Burrow — Quarterback, LSU

Senior Joe Burrow has stuffed the stats in every category of the Heisman race — he’s shredded two Top-10 opponents in primetime, he’s broken school passing records and trails only Washington State’s Anthony Gordon in total passing yards on the season. Burrow threw for fewer than 300 yards for the first time since Week One, but boasted an incredible quarterback rating of over 98 in the Tigers’ prime-time win over the Florida Gators. Week in and week out, Burrow continues to solidify himself as an LSU great. The suspense is building as LSU’s meeting with Alabama approaches — Nov. 19 could easily shape up to be a No. 1 vs. No. 2 battle. For now though, LSU fans will have to be content with shredding the SEC West every week. Expect nothing less this week as the Tigers face off against a disappointing Mississippi State team.

Jonathan Taylor — Running back, Wisconsin

While the top three candidates have spent the first half of the season jockeying for the title, Jonathan Taylor has quietly slipped into the Heisman conversation with six games of efficient running. The junior running back sits at third in the nation in rushing yards and averages a whopping 6.4 yards per carry, although that was hindered slightly by a modest performance against Michigan State. Taylor currently leads the nation in touchdowns (14), and leads the Wisconsin charge as the Badgers try to muscle their way into playoff contention. Taking on a bottom-dwelling Illinois team in Week Eight, expect another huge performance from Taylor this Saturday.

Friday, October 18, 2019

Texas By Wills Layton | @willsdebeast

Last week, the Longhorns fell to the Oklahoma Sooners in the 115th edition of the Red River Rivalry. There were some bright spots, such as the defense showing up to play despite several injuries to key contributors. However, the offense struggled to score on a generally porous defense. The Longhorns were constantly deep within its own territory, and struggled to get anything going offensively. This week, Texas will try to get back on track against the Kansas Jayhawks. Here’s how the game against Kansas could go:

wins if ... the offense gets back on track.

Heading into last week, most people assumed the game would result in a shootout between two high-octane offenses. However, out of the gate the Longhorns suffered several quick three-and-outs. While the offense recovered a bit in the second half, it was too little too late. The offense is capable of much more, having scored at least 36 points in every other game this season. Led by junior quarterback Sam Ehlinger, freshman running back Roschon Johnson and senior receivers Devin Duvernay and Collin Johnson, the team should be poised and ready for a resurgence against the Jayhawks.

loses if

FOR FALL

2020

Longhorns could be looking at another disappointing result.

… Roschon Johnson takes a step back.

The freshman has been one of the best stories in Longhorn football. He has quickly adjusted after transitioning from quarterback to running back, and has led the team in rushing for the past two games with over 200 combined yards of rushing offense. He has arguably performed better than sophomore running back Keaontay Ingram, and has provided a spark on offense for weeks. In the game against Oklahoma, his 57-yard run led to the first touchdown of the game that he also scored, and finally got the offense into some kind of rhythm. The offense would suffer if Johnson were to take a step back, which could lead to trouble against Kansas.

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While the offense was scrambling to produce any points, the defense was fighting hard to make sure Texas wouldn’t be out of the game. Forcing two turnovers in the red zone allowed the Longhorns to have a chance to make a comeback, and the depth in the secondary proved up to the task against graduate transfer quarterback Jalen Hurts. While Kansas’ offense is not nearly as formidable as the Sooners’ offense, it should not be taken lightly. Senior quarterback Carter Stanley put up three touchdown passes on the Oklahoma defense, and strayed from turnovers. An undisciplined effort on the defensive side of the ball could lead to an early deficit that would be difficult to overcome. If the team suffers from a letdown after last week’s loss, the

/ the daily texan staff

SSppeeed edwwaayy

… the defense regresses.

joshua guenther

Freshman running back Roschon Johnson breaks free in Texas’ 34-27 loss to Oklahoma at the Cotton Bowl. Johnson had eight carries for 95 yards and a touchdown in the loss.

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Sophomore running back Pooka Williams Jr. did something no Longhorn could do against Oklahoma, rushing for over 120 yards against the Sooners in the week before the Red River Rivalry. Last year, Williams ran for over 100 yards and a touchdown against Texas in a tense game the Longhorns had to win in order to advance to the Big 12 Championship Game. As a proven force of nature in the rushing game, Williams could be trouble for a Texas defense that was just gashed by the Sooners’ running offense. If the Longhorn defensive line, led by senior Malcolm Roach and freshman standout Keondre Coburn, can shut down Williams and help out the

short-handed secondary, it will be much easier to pull off the win.

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... the defense can stop Pooka Williams Jr.

12-

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