The Daily Texan Double Coverage 2019-11-08 by The Daily Texan

T H E D A I LY TEXAN PRESENTS

Double Coverage

VOL. 14 ISSUE 9 | NOV. 8, 2019

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Friday, november 8, 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

N O. 1 6 K A N S A S S TAT E AT T E X A S

TEXAS

KANSAS STATE

TEXAS

N O. 2 L S U AT NO. 3 ALABAMA

ALABAMA

LSU

ALABAMA

LSU

ALABAMA

LSU

N O. 4 P E N N S TAT E AT NO. 14 MINNESOTA

PENN STATE

N O. 1 8 I OWA AT NO. 13 WISCONSIN

WISCONSIN WISCONSIN WISCONSIN WISCONSIN WISCONSIN WISCONSIN WISCONSIN WISCONSIN WISCONSIN

N O. 1 2 B AY L O R AT T C U I OWA S TAT E AT NO. 9 OKLAHOMA

CAMERON PA R K E R

BAYLOR

TCU

BAYLOR

TCU

BAYLOR

OKLAHOMA OKLAHOMA OKLAHOMA OKLAHOMA OKLAHOMA OKLAHOMA OKLAHOMA OKLAHOMA

BAYLOR OKLAHOMA

N O. 1 9 WA K E F O R E S T AT VIRGINIA TECH

VIRGINIA TECH

WAKE FOREST

VIRGINIA TECH

WAKE FOREST

NO. 15 NOTRE DAME AT D U K E

NOTRE DAME

DUKE

NOTRE DAME

M I S S O U R I AT NO. 6 GEORGIA

GEORGIA

M A RY L A N D AT N O. 1 O H I O S TAT E

OHIO STATE

LAST WEEK’S RECORD OVERALL RECORD

5–5 40–30

4–6 36–34

5–5 41–29

4–6 37–33

5–5 38–32

5–5 41–29

5–5 42–28

4–6 43–27

5–5 45–25

DOUBLE COVERAGE Double Coverage Editor Design Editor Photo Editor Copy Editor

Marcus Krum Maria Perez Joshua Guenther Megan Shankle

EDITOR’S NOTE It’s do-or-die for the Longhorns at this point. After a much-needed bye week, this week is a litmus test for the Texas defense – was the poor play really just due to injuries to the secondary? Or is this defense just not talented enough to succeed? If Texas is going to turn it around, it’s going to start at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium Friday against Kansas State. We’ll see what this team is really about.

Writers Daniela Perez Donnavan Smoot Myah Taylor Stephen Wagner

Clark Dalton Wills Layton Cameron Parker

Marcus Krum, Double Coverage Editor

double coverage

BIG 12

Yes, the mighty Sooners lost two weeks ago. But that isn’t enough to topple them from the No. 1 spot in the rankings. That being said, bumpy roads potentially lie ahead. Oklahoma faces pesky Iowa State, travels to Waco and then plays a young TCU team and a hot Oklahoma State team to finish the season.

4. TEXAS LONGHORNS

3. KANSAS STATE WILDCATS Calling the Wildcats “hot” would be an understatement. After dropping their first two Big 12 games, Kansas State has scorched their way back into the Big 12 Championship Game conversation with three straight victories, including taking down then-top six Oklahoma 48-41 in a game that wasn’t even as close as the final score suggests.

POWER RANKINGS

1. OKLAHOMA SOONERS

Another week, another drop for Texas in the rankings. The Longhorns put together a lackluster performance on both sides of the ball in a 37-27 loss to TCU two weeks ago. After a bye week, several starters in the Texas secondary will be back from injury. We’ll see in the next few weeks if the problems in the Texas defense stem from injury or something deeper.

7. TCU HORNED FROGS After knocking off formerly-ranked Texas in what looked like a turnaround win, the Horned Frogs are in trouble. They fell to Oklahoma State last week and, maybe more importantly, potentially lost freshman quarterback Max Duggan to injury. If Duggan can’t suit up this week, redshirt freshman Matthew Downing will be the only healthy passer on the roster.

It’s Week 11 and the Bears are still undefeated. Yeah, you read that right. Last week’s 17-14 win over West Virginia didn’t do much to solidify confidence in the team, but head coach Matt Rhule’s squad still hasn’t lost. Like Oklahoma, the money will be made in the last four weeks of the season.

5. IOWA STATE CYCLONES

6. OKLAHOMA STATE COWBOYS

It was hard to differentiate between No. 5 and No. 6. On the one hand, Oklahoma State won the head-to-head between these two last week. On the other, Iowa State’s only other losses came to No. 18 Iowa and No. 12 Baylor. There’s clearly no use in trying to make any sense of the Big 12.

Talk about a team that’s hard to read. The Cowboys started off 1–3 in the Big 12 with a lone win over Kansas State. Now they have back-to-back victories, redshirt freshman quarterback Spencer Sanders is improving each week and they find themselves ranked No. 23 in the College Football Playoff rankings. Leave it to head coach Mike Gundy to pull off a wacky season like this.

8. TEXAS TECH RED RAIDERS Texas fans know all too well that life is never good when you lose to Kansas. Tech took a trip to Lawrence, Kansas, two weeks ago and came back empty-handed. It’s not a good look for the Red Raiders, but there’s still hope for the future due to the fact that they’ve beaten Oklahoma State and should’ve beaten Baylor.

2. BAYLOR BEARS

9. KANSAS JAYHAWKS In a week where the Jayhawks sold out a football game (!), they were simultaneously brought back down to Earth. Kansas State rolled over Kansas 38-10, but that’s not to say there haven’t been at least incremental improvements from head coach Les Miles. A Big 12 victory, even if it’s over Tech, is a step in the right direction.

10. WesT VIRGINIA MOUNTAINEERS The Mountaineers are not in as bad shape as it may have seemed, but a loss to Baylor last week doesn’t do anything to help them in the rankings. They’re now on a five-game skid with their last win Sept. 21 over … Kansas.

BesT BETs for WEEK 11 By Cameron Parker After an absolutely brutal Week Nine, I’d like to let y’all know I’m returning refreshed and focused. I had a closed-door, players-only meeting, got some things aired out and I’m excited to go 1–0 this week. Or 4–0. And as a reminder, 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. Last Week: N/A (Bye Week) Total: 15–8 No. 16 Kansas State at Texas(-7)

The last few weeks have been rough for Texas head coach Tom Herman and defensive coordinator Todd Orlando.

Fortunately for the latter, four key defensive starters should make their return this week against Kansas State after a much-needed bye week. I’m of the opinion that the poor form we’ve seen over the last month is due to injuries and inexperience, but with sophomore safeties Caden Sterns, B.J. Foster and DeMarvion Overshown back we’ll start to see a revamped Texas defense. Still, Kansas State has a dynamic rushing attack, and we’ve seen what running quarterbacks have done against Texas, healthy or not. Let’s hope head coach Chris Klieman won’t be a thorn in Texas’ side like former head coach Bill Synder was. Pick: Kansas State(+7) Marquee Matchup of the Week No. 2 LSU at No. 3 Alabama(-6.5)

The statistic you’ll hear way too much this week? LSU hasn’t beaten Alabama

@camerondparker

since 2011. Every year this rivalry is hyped up, and then we watch the Tigers get slaughtered. But this year might be different because of one dude: senior quarterback Joe Burrow. LSU has faced three Top-10 opponents this year and is 3–0. Alabama? One Top-25 opponent this year who was — hold on, I’m laughing hysterically — Texas A&M. LSU has certainly faced a more difficult schedule than Alabama, and Burrow is healthier than junior quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Pick: LSU(+6.5) Lock of the Week No. 12 Baylor(-2) at TCU

Thinking about changing “Lock of the week” to “What Big 12 team will screw me over this week?” With news of TCU senior quarterback Alex Delton transferring and the health of freshman quarterback Max

Duggan up in the air, Baylor at -2 is a steal. Maybe Vegas is thinking Baylor will be caught looking ahead to next week against Oklahoma. Let’s see if the Cameron jinx on picking Big 12 games ends this week. Pick: Baylor(-2)

Degenerate Gambler Bet of the Week Appalachian State at South Carolina(-5)

These next three games are critical for the job security of Will Muschamp, South Carolina’s head coach. Meanwhile, Appalachian State continues to have a solid program including a win over North Carolina earlier this year. With Texas A&M and Clemson ahead of them, I think the Gamecocks will be caught looking ahead and potentially fall into a trap. These are the types of games the Mountaineers always seem to win. Pick: Appalachian State(+5)

Friday, november 8, 2019

Heisman watch By Stephen Wagner

Week 10 didn’t add much to the conversation, with all four of our front-runners enjoying a bye week. But as our candidates gear up for the final stretch of the season, the matchups are starting to intensify. Week 11 is set to produce one of the greatest events in college sports: a regular season No. 2 vs. No. 3 matchup between LSU and Alabama. For the second time this rocky higine

/ the daily texan staff

@stephenwag22

year, two of our top contenders will face off, this time in the lion’s den of Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Here’s what to watch for in Week 11:

Tua Tagovailoa Quarterback, Alabama

Game seven of the World Series. Overtime in the Super Bowl. Penalty kicks in the World Cup. Only a handful of sporting events are analogous to the

elitism of a regular season No. 2 vs. No. 3 matchup. Although the College Football Playoff ranking lists LSU and Alabama as No. 2 and No. 3, respectively, the AP and Coaches’ polls still list both schools as the top two. College football fans across the nation will turn their TVs to CBS for the 2:30 p. m. slot to watch the top-two Heisman candidates square off. H E I S M A N PAGE 10

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double coverage

Senior de more defe

blaine young

/ the daily texan staff

Sophomore running back Keaontay Ingram (26) is embraced by teammates after a touchdown in Texas’ 50-48 victory over Kansas on Oct. 19. Senior receiver Collin Johnson (9) has been a part of the leadership council that has tried to lead a Texas turnaround after Week Nine’s loss to TCU.

leadership takes no breaks By Donnavan Smoot | @Dsmoot3D

were conc the produ served as team to st Texas h leadership of team b nect betwe er players. the time th ers inside foster rela “In ord establish tionships Sam Ehlin

Friday, november 8, 2019

joshua guenther

/ the daily texan staff

efensive lineman Malcolm Roach (32), sophomore defensive back D’Shawn Jamison (5) and sophoensive back Anthony Cook (4) celebrate during Texas’ 50-48 win over Kansas on Oct. 19.

hen Texas walked off the field in Fort Worth two weeks ago, heads were hung low and frustrations were running high. Texas had just suffered its second loss in three games. While there cerns and issues pertaining to uct on the field, the bye week a time for the leadership of the tand out. head coach Tom Herman and his p council went back to the basics building after sensing a disconeen the veterans and the youngs. He reminded the veterans that hey have with the younger playe the building should be used to ationships. der to be a leader you have to relationships, and those relatake time,” junior quarterback nger said. “Those relationships

should already be instilled in order to lead during times of adversity. So when you have that relationship, you can have great conversations with the people that you’re trying to lead and help them understand that.” The relationships that matter the most come from the top and trickle down. From the coaching staff’s perspective it’s Herman, but on the players’ side these relationships start with a player-led leadership council. Each member is appointed by the staff, with the decisions stemming from a combination of reliability and a player’s ability to “take care of your business.” The expectation for those on the council is to be a bridge between the younger players and the veterans. In 2018, those bridge players were Ehlinger and then-junior offensive lineman Zach Shackelford. They served as the missing link between the freshman and senior leaders such as

former tight end Andrew Beck. “They have been building a relationship with us,” said freshman defensive lineman Keondre Coburn said about the

In order to be a leader you have to establish relationships, and those relationships take time.” SAM EHLINGER quarterback

joshua guenther

/ the daily texan staff

Junior quarterback Sam Ehlinger goes in for a handshake after Texas’ 36-30 win over Oklahoma State on Sept. 21. Ehlinger has served as a leader for younger Texas players since he took over as the starter in 2018.

leadership council. “They really talk to us every day before we get to practice. Before we step on the field, (senior defensive lineman Malcolm) Roach is always saying, ‘Let’s go. Let’s get a 1–0 mindset.’” The expectation for the leaders is to be unified with younger players both inside and outside the building. Only three members of the leadership council live on campus, however, which leaves a gap — geographically and mentally — between the council and many of the players that stay on campus. “If someone’s talking to you, and the only time he’s talking to you is when he needs you to practice hard or needs you to perform in a game that doesn’t have a lot of value,” senior wide receiver Collin Johnson said. “I always continue to try to check on them and make sure they’re good, so when I try to lead them they listen.” Johnson said part of the problem

is that once players are seniors, they forget what it was like to be a freshman. They forget the initial shock of being in a new environment with a foreign playbook and a workout regime that is more intense than they’ve ever experienced before. “I just think coming as a freshman … obviously people are going to be a little nervous (and) struggle with confidence,” senior wide receiver Devin Duvernay said. “Just connect with them more, just try to be around them (and) … keep them upbeat (is) pretty much our main job.” With all the injuries Texas has endured, the youth and inexperience that was a question mark coming into the season is being thrust onto the field and into the heat of competition. Showing their unwavering confidence and support of these young players doesn’t start and end on Saturdays. For the Longhorns, it’s about being there for them every day.

double coverage

Notes from the opponent By Marcus Krum

austin311.org

The Daily Texan spoke with assistant sports editor Nathan Enserro of The Kansas State Collegian. The Daily Texan: Something everyone’s been talking about is how hot this Kansas State team is right now. What is the confidence level around the locker room you’ve seen this week heading into Texas? Nathan Enserro: (Head) coach (Chris) Klieman has really stressed one week at a time. Kind of putting away everything that you’ve done in the past and just focusing on the next week. So I feel like the team has a lot of momentum, but maybe the focus isn’t necessarily on keeping momentum. They call themselves not a results-based program but a progress-based program, and so they’re focused on just getting better every day. From talking to players it feels like they’ve really bought into that. DT: How have you seen this team progress since the loss to Baylor a month ago? NE: The offensive line play (is) so much better. I don’t know if something just clicked, but they have been dominating that Baylor game. DT: So that combined with what (junior) Skylar Thompson can do from the quarterback position, what kind of matchup do you think the mobility of Thompson presents to a Texas defense that has really struggled at times with mobile quarterbacks this season? NE: (Former head coach Bill) Snyder was really into running the quarterback. That had been a huge part of the offense for pretty much as long as I’ve been alive. And that’s not what Klieman wants to do. But as the season progressed, they have started to use Skylar more and more. Against KU, they finally brought out the option which has never been one that offensive coordinator Courtney Messingham

@marcuskrum

has really ran. They did it really effectively, and I think Skylar Thompson is the kind of runner where he’ll break out into open space and then all of a sudden you’re like, “Where did he go?” DT: Obviously the big win was the Oklahoma win for Kansas State. What do you think went right offensively that Kansas State has been able to carry into the rest of the season? NE: Specifically in the Oklahoma game, Courtney Messingham called a really good game. If you go back, it seems like every time Oklahoma was trying to be really aggressive in one aspect, (Kansas State) had the perfect counter to whatever Oklahoma was trying to do. And I think that is what went the best on offense in that game. And I think just having the confidence in the coaching staff and the confidence in the line and the running backs and the quarterback — everybody trusting each other is what this offense does best. DT: You talked about buying in earlier. With the new coaching regime, how do you think the buy in has been this year, and what has that done with the team as they’ve gone along in the season? NE: The beauty of (Klieman’s) personal philosophy is that it’s really similar to what Bill Snyder wanted to do, but just more modern. Klieman has a lot of the same core philosophies, but it’s just something that’s easier for players to relate to. And so they really bought into the whole — they call it “pound the stone,” and it’s really cheesy but it works. The players have really kind of bought in, or at least the players that we’ve gotten to talk to are really into Coach Klieman, and they love the coaching staff. They love the philosophy, (and) they love getting better every day which was a perfect kind of transition and a perfect step philosophywise.

Friday, november 8, 2019

OPPONENTS to watch

9 By Myah Taylor

@t_myah

After an ugly loss to TCU before the bye week, the Longhorns have a chance for redemption against a red-hot Kansas State team. With convincing victories over Kansas and then-No. 5 Oklahoma, the No. 16 Wildcats have emerged as contenders in the Big 12. Meanwhile, Texas’ Big 12 Championship hopes are hanging by a thread with two conference losses on the season. When the Longhorns play Kansas State at home Saturday, they’ll be faced with talented rushers and impactful defensive players. Here are four Wildcat players to watch against Texas this weekend:

NO. 34

NO. 99

NO. 10

NO. 56

james gilbert

trey dishon

skylar thompson

wyatt hubert

Running back

Texas will be met with not just one prolific rusher Saturday, but two. Senior James Gilbert has been a productive piece of the Wildcat offense. On 100 attempts, the dominant back has rushed for 558 yards and five touchdowns. Against Oklahoma, Gilbert dismantled the Sooner defense, averaging 8.1 yards on 13 carries for 105 yards and a touchdown. The Texas secondary can record interceptions, force fumbles and engineer solid goal-line stands. But tackling has been the Longhorns’ Achilles’ heel. Throughout the season, the Texas defense has missed crucial tackles that have led to huge plays for opposing offenses (see Texas’ missed tackles on Oklahoma wide receiver CeeDee Lamb in the Red River Showdown). When Gilbert comes out of the backfield Saturday, the Texas defense must be in agreement on at least one thing — wrap him up and bring him to the ground.

all photos copyright kansas state athletics, and reproduced with permission

Defensive tackle In Texas’ last three games, junior quarterback Sam Ehlinger was sacked 13 times, including 9 times against Oklahoma. Dishon will look to add to that number Saturday. The senior has recorded three sacks this year and 10 solo tackles, but the numbers don’t fully explain Dishon’s impact. The Horton, Kansas, native is perhaps the biggest difference-maker on the Wildcats’ defensive front. Dishon is often double-teamed, which creates opportunities for his teammates to record tackles and make big plays. Dishon will present a challenge for Ehlinger, who hasn’t been able to stay off the ground recently, and for an offensive line that has dissolved at times under heavy defensive pressure.

Quarterback

Junior Skylar Thompson is having a career year. Thompson has led the Wildcats to a 6–2 record this season, throwing for 1,336 yards and seven touchdowns in the process. However, the Longhorns should be more mindful of what he can do on the ground. After being shredded by both the Kansas and TCU offenses, the Texas defensive front must re-evaluate its handling of opposing rushers. Last week at Kansas, Thompson rushed for 127 yards and three scores. Against Oklahoma, the dual-threat quarterback did even more damage, rushing for four touchdowns in Kansas State’s upset win. Texas will be faced with a dilemma Saturday — stop Thompson or fall behind early.

RECYCLE your copy of

Defensive end

As a redshirt freshman last year, defensive end Wyatt Hubert earned Freshman All-American honors. Hubert has had quite the showing this season too. With a forced fumble, four sacks — including one on Oklahoma quarterback Jalen Hurts — and 14 solo tackles, Hubert has emerged as an impact player on the Wildcat defense. The same Kansas team that scored 48 on the Texas defense was held to 10 last weekend at home, and Hubert had a lot to do with that. As the Longhorn secondary continues to underperform, the offense will need to pick up the slack. If Texas can’t plan for Hubert in its offensive schemes, it’s going to be a long game for the Longhorns.

Double coverage heisman

continues from page

Tagovailoa, who is returning from an ankle injury, is reportedly good to go in Alabama’s highest-ranked matchup of the year. Expect an instant classic in Tuscaloosa with Tagovailoa leading the way. Joe Burrow Quarterback, LSU

LSU heads into Tuscaloosa on a slightly different foot than Alabama, and with different questions to answer. The Tigers have passed every test they’ve faced through their first eight games, knocking off three opponents ranked in the top 15. Now, for their next magic trick, they’ll try to end an eight-game losing streak to the Tide. Led by Burrow, LSU’s questions center around its inconsistent defense against a potent Alabama squad. Can Burrow continue his

hot streak against a perennially elite defense? Will Tagovailoa exploit the Tigers’ inconsistent defense? The game of the year is just around the corner. Justin Fields Quarterback, Ohio State

Ohio State controversially climbed to the top of the season’s first College Football Playoff rankings Tuesday evening. It holds every quality of a top-ranked team — including a Heisman-caliber quarterback. Sophomore Fields and the Buckeyes have yet to face a major test. Their toughest games so far have been against a Cincinnati team now ranked inside the Top 20 and a home blowout over Wisconsin. Fresh off a bye week, the dominating Buckeyes welcome the skidding Maryland Terrapins–who are 1–6 in their last seven games– to Columbus, Ohio. Fields can expect nothing less than a field(s) day against

the Terrapins, who have been outscored 164-59 in their last four games. The two schools have only met five times, but Maryland is still without a win against Ohio State. Don’t expect that to change Saturday. Jalen Hurts Quarterback, Oklahoma

A loss to unranked Kansas State before Oklahoma’s bye week didn’t help Hurts’ Heisman ballot, which was already teetering on the edge of contention with front-runners Burrow and Tagovailoa. While Hurts has the stats of a Heisman winner — among the top in quarterback rating, total yards and touchdown-interception ratio — his résumé was dealt a serious blow by a relatively shaky performance against the Wildcats. It’s hard to imagine Hurts bringing home the hardware without a ghastly performance from either Tagovailoa or Burrow.

GAMES to watch By Clark Dalton | @Clarktdalton1T

no. 2 lsu at no. 3 alabama 2:30 p.m., CBS

For the past decade, LSU has been “next year’s champions” in the SEC West. Despite having rosters stacked with future NFL superstars, the Tigers have failed to knock off the Crimson Tide year after year. However, it may be the Tigers’ turn this year thanks to the electric play of senior quarterback Joe Burrow. Burrow has thrown 30 touchdown passes, changing the face of an offense that was stuck in the

Stone Age. Alabama is sharp once again, averaging 49 points per game. Yet there are lingering questions surrounding the health of junior quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Tagovailoa just underwent another emergency ankle surgery and is likely to play this week, but it’s not clear if he is at 100%. The matchup will be a clash of strong teams with high stakes creating a playoff-like atmosphere.

no. 4 penn state at no. 17 minnesota 11:00 a.m., ABC

The last time the Golden Gophers won a National Championship, man had not yet set foot on the moon. However, head coach P.J. Fleck has brought Minnesota back into national contention. The Gophers’ offense is averaging 430 yards per game, and the defense has stifled the passing attack by allowing only 166 yards per game. Even though Minnesota has played well, not everyone is buying into the hype. Penn State

hopes to confirm the criticisms and prove they belong in the top four. The Nittany Lions are undefeated, averaging 39 points per game and presenting one of the best offenses the Gophers have faced all season. Sophomore quarterback Sean Clifford is also beginning to mature with a passer rating of 165. Two teams who both have Big Ten championship hopes on the line sounds like a classic waiting to happen.

no. 19 wake forest at virginia tech 2:30 p.m., ACCN

The Demon Deacons have some unique ingredients that have brewed a winning recipe. Junior quarterback Jamie Newman has completed 67% of his passes, igniting the aerial threat. Sophomore wide receiver Sage Surratt is among the best receivers in college football. Surratt is currently fourth in receiving yards with

948 yards and nine touchdowns. Virginia Tech is starting to regain a sense of identity after the Frank Beamer era. The Hokies are 5–3, and are in third place in the ACC Coastal Division. After a dogfight against Notre Dame where they only lost by one point, a win against a hot team could be a statement.

wyoming at no. 22 boise state 9:15 p.m., ESPN

Now you may be surprised to see this matchup on the list, but this game actually has a big impact on the national picture. Boise State is 4–0 in conference play and 7–1 overall, meaning a New Year’s Six bowl is still somewhat in the realm of

possibility. Given the Broncos’ magic in the past, this creates an interesting scenario. Wyoming is in the same division as the Broncos, and is currently sitting at 6–2. If the Cowboys can pull off the upset, it could cause chaos.

no. 12 baylor at tcu 11:00 a.m., FS1

Baylor is still undefeated, but the wins have not come easily. Last week the Bears beat West Virginia by just three at home. Junior quarterback Charlie Brewer has played well, but so has TCU freshman quarterback

Max Duggan. The Horned Frogs have liked playing in Fort Worth, where they are 3–1. Thanks to both teams’ improved passing attacks and an energetic home crowd, it’s time for another Big 12 slugfest.

Friday, november 8, 2019

Texas

By Wills Layton | @willsdebeast

After following up the close win over Kansas with a loss to TCU, the Longhorns fell out of the Top25 rankings for the first time this season. With Baylor remaining undefeated and Oklahoma looking like it may run the table, the Big 12 Championship Game is unlikely to become a reality for Texas unless it turns things around fast. However, the season is not over. With one more win, the Longhorns will become bowl eligible for the third time in as many years. Here’s how the game against Kansas State could go:

wins if...

loses if...

2020

defensive coordinator Todd Orlando. … special teams underperform.

Against TCU, a gutsy fake-punt by sophomore punter Ryan Bujcevski earned the Longhorns a first down. However, that same play also cost Bujcevski his clavicle. The “Next Man Up” philosophy will apply as the team has to have a punter. Junior kicker Chris Naggar will likely take over for the rest of the season, and will have to make sure he is up to the task. Sophomore kicker Cameron Dicker has been solid so far this season, most recently kicking the game-winner against Kansas. The return teams have struggled with ball security all season. If Texas allows missed kicks, muffed punts and lost opportunities due to special teams, the home fans may leave Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium disappointed.

E 24th St

E 22nd St

Mart in

Luth er

K i ng

E 21st St

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The Texas defense has struggled mightily at times this season, and the offense has been able to bail them out several times. However, third-and-long continues to treat the Longhorns poorly, and it did so again late in the loss to TCU. After the third-and-17 call against LSU, the defensive play-calling has been under question. Additionally, the team’s recent poor performance is hurting the program. In the past three weeks, several defensive commits from the 2020 recruiting class have decommitted. After a promising start to the season, recruits are starting to worry about the stability of the program and the defense. If the Texas defense can’t perform against the Wildcats and the team loses a second consecutive game, the seat could get even hotter for

FOR FALL

W 15 th St

Jacin

… the defense cannot compete with another Big 12 offense.

/ the daily texan staff

Speedway

… the running game gets back on track.

joshua guenther

Sophomore kicker Cameron Dicker tries a field goal during Texas’ 34-27 loss to Oklahoma Oct. 12. Dicker has been a bright spot on a shaky special teams unit this season, making 10 of 13 field goals on the year.

San

The four-interception effort against TCU was shocking for several reasons. The most interceptions Ehlinger had thrown in a game previously was two. He did an excellent job of protecting the ball all of last season with only five interceptions. The four interceptions killed any momentum the team could build, and gave TCU the chance to pull off the upset. If Ehlinger can get back to playing smart football and help Texas win the turnover battle, the Longhorns pull off the win at home.

For whatever reason, the Longhorn offense seemingly abandoned the run game in Fort Worth. Texas led after halftime, and could have continued to pound the ball to control the clock and eliminate the risk of throwing interceptions. Against Oklahoma, the Texas offense got a spark and got back into the game with freshman running back Roschon Johnson’s 57-yard run in the third quarter. Against LSU, Johnson and sophomore running back Keaontay Ingram both allowed the offense to have more balance, which allowed the Longhorns to score at will on the now-No. 2 team in the country. If Texas can get back to running the ball more consistently against the Wildcats, it could be in a good position to win.

Guadalupe St

… Sam Ehlinger can get back to turnover-free football.

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