Double Coverage 2013-11-15 by The Daily Texan

THE DAILY TEXAN PRESENTS

VOL. 8, ISSUE 11 NOVEMBER 15, 2013

UPHILL BATTLE page 12

• • • •

Walk to UT campus Fully equipped kitchen Parking included Near Hike and Bike trail along Austin’s Greenbelt

Austin Vacation Apartments “Finest place in town for the die-hard U.T. Fan!” 512-522-9521 BOOK ONLINE TODAY! austinvacationapartments.org

• • • •

Great Central Location Newly Renovated Onsite Salon and Spa Walk to restaurants, shops and the drag

2 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2013

THELINEUP 3

Shelby Tauber / Daily Texan file photo

As they do after every game, the Longhorns sing “The Eyes of Texas” following their 35-13 win over Kansas earlier this month. They host Oklahoma State this Saturday.

Cover photo: Sophomore running back Johnathan Gray / Elisabeth Dillon / Daily Texan Staff

PREVIEWS&NOTEBOOKS 8

HEISMAN WATCH

MATCHUPS

PLAYERS TO WATCH

POWER RANKINGS

GAMES TO WATCH

THE DAILY TEXAN PRESENTS

NOVEMBER 8, 2013

VOL. 8, ISSUE 10

7 9 12

Double Coverage Editor........Christian Corona Design Editor...........................Natasha Smith Photo Editor............................Elisabeth Dillon Writers..................................Garrett Callahan ..............................................Peter Sblendorio ................................................Evan Berkowitz .................................................Chris Hummer ............................................Cameron Kubena ....................................................David Leffler ..............................................Drew Lieberman ...............................................Darren Mitchell ...............................................Stefan Scrafield ....................................................Matt Warden ..............................................Rachel Wenzlaff

FRONT OF THE LINE

Manny Diaz wasn’t just the defensive coordinator. He was the linebackers coach. But, ever since he was replaced by Greg Robinson, the Longhorns linebackers have been lights out.

RIVALRY IN THE MAKING?

The rivalry between Texas and Texas A&M is quickly becoming a distant memory but have the Longhorns forged a new rivalry with Oklahoma State? Recent history suggests they have.

TOUGH SLEDDING

Texas has amazingly started 6-0 in Big 12 play but its last three regular season opponents are a combined 23-4 this season. Running the table will be tough for the Longhorns.

HORNS HURTING

David Ash hasn’t played in nearly two months and Jordan Hicks suffered an early season-ending injury for the second straight year. Who else has gone down for Texas this year?

WHO WILL TEXAS MISS MOST?

Texas picked up a big win over West Virginia last weekend but lost running back Johnathan Gray and defensive tackle Chris Whaley in the process. Who will the Longhorms miss most down the stretch?

EDITOR’SNOTE Texas’ improbable run for a Big 12 title continued in its first-ever overtime victory last weekend in Morgantown. Like he has done so many times in his career, Case McCoy came through when the Longhorns needed him the most. They may need him more now with Johnathan Gray and Chris Whaley sidelined for the rest of the season, especially since Texas begins a three-game gauntlet by hosting an 8-1 Oklahoma State team this weekend that has won in its last two trips to Austin.

3 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2013

Linebackers becoming crucial defensive asset By Peter Sblendorio @petersblendorio

When the Longhorns’ defense scuffled in games against BYU and Ole Miss to start the season, the linebackers were at the forefront of the issue. The same problems of missed tackles and failed assignments that plagued the unit last year seemed to reappear, and things got even worse when junior linebacker Jordan Hicks, the team’s leading tackler, went down for the season with a ruptured Achilles in just the fourth game of the season. As the season progressed, though, these struggles became nothing more than a distant memory for the Texas linebackers, and head coach Mack Brown believes the hiring of defensive coordinate Greg Robinson after Week 2 made all the difference.

“Greg is very simplistic, fundamentally sound,” Brown said. “He starts with stats every day and works very hard on angles. It’s tackling, pursuit angles and effort [with him], and he wants to free their mind to do that.” The biggest strides made by the Texas linebackers under Robinson came in stopping the run. After surrendering 550 rushing yards against BYU and 272 against Ole Miss, the Longhorns improved to second in the Big 12 in allowing just 123.3 rushing yards per game through their first six conference contests. The linebackers garnered much of the credit for this defensive turnaround, as their simplified approach under Robinson allowed them to fix their early-season issues and get the most out of their talent. Senior defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat said the

LINEBACKERS page 11

Elisabeth Dillon / Daily Texan Staff

PRACTICE YOUR Checkout DANCE.

Shop Spec’s for lower prices on our stadium-sized selection of wines, specialty beers, hard-to-find spirits and gourmet foods!

WINES · SPIRITS · FINER FOODS TEXAS SUPERSTORE SM

CHEERS TO SAVINGS! ® LOCATIONS ALL ACROSS CENTRAL TEXAS

(512) 366-8260 • specsonline.com Spec’s selection includes over 100 stores in Texas!

4 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2013

Elisabeth Dillon / Daily Texan file photo

Jackson Jeffcoat celebrates during Texas’ 41-36 win over Oklahoma State last year. The Longhorns are 23-4 all-time against the Cowboys but have not beaten them at home since 2008.

Longhorns, Cowboys forging fierce rivalry By Garrett Callahan @CallahanGarrett

Without question, there are many games on Texas’ schedule each year that are must-see events. While Oklahoma and the Red River Rivalry come in at the top of that list, many ignore the other team in the Sooner State. In the past few years, Oklahoma State has

turned into one of the more anticipated games in the season and this year’s contest fits right into that category. “I know the past few years there’s always been great games against OSU,” sophomore fullback Alex De La Torre said. “Last [few] came down to the very end and it has just become quite the rivalry. Same thing with really all the

Big 12 games.” Texas has won 13 of its last 15 meetings with the Cowboys. Overall it holds a 23-4 edge over their northern neighbors, with three of those losses coming in Austin. Last season, the matchup became a thriller when David Ash led his team in a late-game drive to take the eventual win. In addition to the

thrillers that have risen in the past few years, the Cowboys are composed of many native Texans. On their roster, 71 players are from the state of Texas, which adds bragging rights to this weekend’s game. “It’s two of the three top teams in the league right now,” head coach Mack Brown said. “Also the fact that Oklahoma usually has

so many Texas kids but Oklahoma State usually has more. And everyone says, ‘Why do we get behind Oklahoma State so many [times]?’ and I think its cause they’re exciting games, especially when they come down here they want to show momma how they can play in Austin. And me.” While there may be special circumstances surrounding

this game, the Longhorns aren’t entering this weekend any differently. “You play so many teams from Texas in the Big 12 so its kind of like playing another team from Texas,” senior defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat said. “They want to beat us. Everyone wants to beat us. That is just how the Big 12

RIVALRY page 15

5 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2013

Clint Chelf perseveres, climbs depth chart By Evan Berkowitz @Evan_Berkowitz

After redshirting, Clint Chelf stood on the sideline with a clipboard in his hands for two years learning from one of the greatest quarterbacks in school history — Brandon Weeden. He saw Weeden lead the Cowboys to national prominence. Many felt they deserved a shot at the 2011 BCS championship game. So when Weeden got drafted in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft, Chelf felt like it was his turn to lead the team he grew up watching from nearby Enid. But head coach Mike Gundy brought in the country’s No. 4 and 7 quarterback recruits, according to rivals. com, and declared an open competition for the starting quarterback job. “Go win the job,” Weeden texted Chelf, endorsing his back-up and best friend. But he didn’t. True freshman Wes Lunt won the job. The other freshman and the highest-rated recruit of the three, J.W Walsh, was named the back-up. “Clint probably knew the offense better than anybody in the room,” Weeden told The Sporting News this February. “His heart probably broke.” In the third game, Lunt went down with a leg injury. He was replaced by Walsh. Then Walsh went down with an injury. He was replaced by a banged-up Lunt. “My morale was obviously hurt,” Chelf said. “I wanted to play for Oklahoma State, but it didn’t seem like it was ever going to happen for me.” Chelf thought about transferring for his fifth year. He was tired of watching. Luckily for Gundy, though, Chelf stuck with it, because when

Stephen Spillman / Associated Press

Oklahoma State’s Clint Chelf looks for space away from Texas Tech’s Pete Robertson on Saturday, Nov. 2. Oklahoma State won 52-34. Chelf waited behind Brandon Weeden for two years before being passed up by freshmen J.W. Walsh and Wes Lunt last year, but now he’s the Cowboys’ starting quarterback.

Lunt went down with a head injury against TCU and Walsh wasn’t healthy, Chelf was ready. In the final six games, Chelf threw for 14 touchdowns, including a three-touchdown performance against Purdue in the Heart of Dallas Bowl. Walsh and Lunt were healthy for the final two, but Gundy stuck with Chelf. He went from third-string to MVP of the bowl win. “I’m very happy he decided to stay with us,” Gundy said after that game. “It’s not been

easy for him this season.” So finally, for the first time in his five years in Stillwater, it looked as though he wouldn’t have to worry about starting on the sideline. He clearly outplayed Walsh the prior year. Lunt opted to transfer to his hometown team, Illinois. “The way I look at it? It’s my job,” Chelf said after the bowl game. “It’s my spot right now.” And when Oklahoma State started this season against Mississippi State, Chelf trotted

out there as the starter. But, as planned, Gundy made the switch and put Walsh in at quarterback for the third drive of the game. Chelf didn’t play again in the season-opening win over the Bulldogs. Fast forward five weeks. After Walsh threw two interceptions in three drives against TCU, Chelf once again worked his way back to under center. And just like last year when he finally got a chance, he never looked back.

My morale was obviously hurt. I wanted to play for Oklahoma State, but it didn’t seem like it was ever going to happen for me. —Clint Chelf, Oklahoma State quarterback

Despite the coaches still not backing him fully as the best quarterback on the team, he’s started every game since, winning all three. The Cowboys have scored more than 42 points in all of them. He was named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week.

And the Longhorns know that, just because he was at one point a third-string quarterback, it doesn’t mean they can take him lightly. “The Chelf kid, he’s a talented quarterback,” senior defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat said.

6 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2013

Illustration by Albert Lee / Daily Texan Staff

Desmond ‘Tank’ Jackson returns to starting lineup

By Garrett Callahan @CallahanGarrett

Junior defensive tackle Desmond Jackson hasn’t had quite the season he wanted. After starting 11 games as a sophomore last year, the Houston native played the first nine games this season as a backup. But in Texas’ overtime thriller against West Virginia, defensive end Chris Whaley got carted off

the field with a season-ending knee injury, forcing Jackson to step in his place in the interior of the defensive line “I mean, the only thing I can do is just play my turn,” Jackson said. “That’s the bottom line. I’m not going to sit here and say I’m going to replace Chris because I can’t. Chris is his own type of person so the only thing I can do is just be the best person I can be and that’s me being

Desmond Jackson and playing the way that I play.” Although it wasn’t where he wanted to spend his junior season, Jackson believes that his time on the sideline has benefited him in a way that can only helped him as he tries to fill in for Whaley. “You know, I know for a fact that I haven’t had the season I’ve been really proud of, but I can honestly say this year has made me a better

teammate and to appreciate the work and the effort that my teammates have done,” Jackson said. “So when my opportunity came, I just wanted to make the most of it and just be able to help my teammates when they needed me the most.” While Jackson has tough shoes to fill, he has already proved he can become an

TANK page 16

7 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2013

Elisabeth Dillon / Daily Texan file photo

Senior Mike Davis races down the sideline in Texas’ 56-50 win over Baylor last year. After hosting Oklahoma State and Texas Tech, the Longhorns go to Waco to face the undefeated Bears.

Horns end regular season with three tough games By Peter Sblendorio @petersblendorio

During their six-game win streak to begin conference play, the Longhorns upset the No. 12 team in the nation and racked up three victories on the road. Despite these accomplishments, the Longhorns likely still haven’t faced their toughest stretch yet. This

figures to come in the next four weeks, when they take on No. 12 Oklahoma State, Texas Tech and No. 5 Baylor to close out the season. This trio of looming opponents combined for a stellar 23-4 record through the first 11 weeks of the season. Compare that to the 23-33 record compiled by the six teams that Texas beat during its current win streak,

and it becomes evident that Longhorns must continue to elevate their play in the final weeks for a chance at a Big 12 title. While the Texas players remain aware of the challenges awaiting them in their final three games, senior right guard Mason Walters said the team refuses to look too far ahead. Instead, they plan to prepare for one opponent

at a time. “You can’t think of it like ‘Man, you gotta beat them, then them, then them,’” Walters said. “You just gotta take it one game at a time. We’ve got Oklahoma State coming into our house, they’re a high-ranked team and we just have to focus on them.” The Longhorns realize they have their work cut out for them against Oklahoma

State, who sits third in the Big 12 with a 5-1 record in conference play. After losing their conference opener against West Virginia, the Cowboys reeled off five straight victories to move within a game of Texas and undefeated Baylor. With these three teams grouped so closely together in the standings, a loss in any of the remaining games

could greatly damage Texas’ title hopes. “The next game is all there is for us,” defensive coordinator Greg Robinson said. “And you know it’s one step at a time. I don’t see us having any issue about looking ahead to anything other than playing Okie State. I think they are looking forward to

TRIO page 11

8 8

HEISMAN WATCH

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2013

DREW LIEBERMAN DAILY TEXAN STAFF 1. FLORIDA STATE QB JAMEIS WINSTON (FR.) Last Week (W, 59-3, vs. Wake Forest) 17-for-28, 159 yards, 2 TD, INT (4 rush yards) Season: 166-for-240 (69.2%), 2,661 yards, 26 TD, 7 INT (157 rush yards, 3 TD) Winston grabbed the top spot after Mariota’s awful performance last Thursday night, but didn’t play like a Heisman favorite himself on Saturday. Going up against a below-average Wake Forest team, Winston struggled to move the ball as the Seminoles mostly relied on their six interceptions to score. Winston has thrown three touchdowns and three interceptions over the past two weeks, a sign he is either trying to do too much or defenses are starting to adjust to him. He is the clear Heisman favorite if the Seminoles win out, but his struggles as of late are alarming.

2. BAYLOR QB BRYCE PETTY (JR.) Last Week (W, 41-12, vs. Oklahoma): 13-for26, 204 yards, 3 TD (45 rush yards, 2 TD) Season: 135-for-202 (66.8%), 2,657 yards, 21 TD, INT (118 rush yards, 8 TD) Petty overcame a slow start to help his team dominate Oklahoma in what was supposed to be Baylor’s first test of the season. The Bears continue to roll as Petty adTeds to his impressive stat line. The Oklahoma game was the start of a five-game stretch against the other top four teams in the conference standings, which means Baylor’s remaining schedule will be a lot more difficult than their first seven games. If Petty can keep the Bears’ offense going, he may catch Winston, especially if Winston’s struggles continue.

3. TEXAS A&M QB JOHNNY MANZIEL (SO.) Last Week (W, 51-41, vs. Mississippi State): 30-for-39, 446 yards, 5 TD, 3 INT (47 rush yards) Season: 230-315 (73.0%), 3,313 yards, 31 TD, 11 INT (611 rush yards, 8 TD) In what could be his final game in College Station, Manziel tied a career-high in touchdown passes while surpassing the 400-yard passing mark for the fourth time this season. He’s surpassed his number of touchdown passes from a year ago and is less than 400 yards away from his 2013 passing yard total. His rushing numbers are way down from last year, but he has made up for it with more efficient passing. With games at LSU and Missouri left on the schedule, Manziel still has enough time to impress voters enough to claim his second Heisman.

4. OREGON QB MARCUS MARIOTA (SO.) Last Week (L, 26-20, at Stanford): 20-for-34, 250 yards, 2 TD Season: 164-for-259 (63.3%), 2,531 yards, 22 TD (494 rush yards, 9 TD)

5. ARIZONA RB KA’DEEM CAREY (JR.) Last week (L, 31-26, vs. UCLA): 28 attempts, 149 yards, TD (1 reception, 2 yards) Season: 216 attempts, 1,221 yards, 11 TD (19 receptions, 133 yards)

Mariota struggled against a stout Cardinal defense, but didn’t throw an interception, making it 11.5 games since he was last picked off. Mariota played his worst game of the year and, with the loss, Oregon is out of the national title race as of right now. Still, his numbers alone merit him consideration in the Heisman race, and if Florida State and Stanford both fall in the regular season, the Ducks could be back in position to play for the national title despite the loss. His team may not control its own destiny but Mariota is still very much in the Heisman hunt.

Carey continues to put up impressive numbers but lost a fumble in the UCLA end zone early in the second half that prevented the Wildcats from cutting the deficit in half. Despite the fumble, Carey’s numbers the past two seasons are probably the best of any running back in college football. With games against Oregon and at Arizona State, there are still a few opportunities left on the schedule to help Carey impress voters.

9 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2013

NO RED FLAG HERE

Style,

Shelby Tauber / Daily Texan Staff

Texas’ band, “The Showband of the Southwest,” takes the field before the Longhorns’ game against Kansas earlier this month. Texas hasn’t lost to the Jayhawks since 1938.

s expres

from

e tion fe

a reserv plus a

rvic bus se

u love... o y s m a to the te d e t c e n Stay con Scan now to save!

Daily, express bus service for travel to/from Austin, Dallas/Ft. Worth and San Antonio for as low as $1*! *plus a reservation fee

stay connected

Bailey 44 Mother Denim Haute Hippie Étoile Isabel Marant Graham & Spencer Elizabeth and James Textile by Elizabeth and James Cut25 by Yigal Azrouël Levi's Made & Crafted Engineered Garments Rag & Bone Steven Alan Equipment Joie Vince A.P.C. Our South Congress location is a one-of-a-kind shopping destination with the best mix of contemporary and modern designer collections for women. Tailgate refreshments all weekend long. SO CONGRESS BY GEORGE

FLAGSHIP BY GEORGE

MENS BY GEORGE

1400 SO Congress Austin, Texas 78704 512.441.8600

524 NO Lamar Austin, Texas 78703 512.472.5951

Mon-Sat, 11-7 Sunday, 12-6

Mon-Sat, 10-7 Sunday, 12-6

ByGeorgeAustin.com

10 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2013

10 LB Jordan Hicks (Jr.) Hicks missed the final 10 games of the 2012 season with a hip injury, earning him a medical redshirt before this season, only to be knocked out for the rest of the season with a torn Achilles four games into this year. The Texas defense has adjusted much better to his absence this season than it did last year, but Hicks has still been sorely missed.

INJURY REPORT

OT Josh Cochran (Jr.) Cochran missed spring practice with a fractured leg but, after starting all 13 games last year, started the first three games year... before sustaining a shoulder injury that has kept him out of the last six games. He is out again this week against Oklahoma State.

DT Chris Whaley (Sr.) Whaley became the heart and soul of this Texas defense over the last few weeks, scoring key touchdowns against Oklahoma and Kansas while constantly finding his way into opposing backfields. But he was carted off the field in the first quarter of last week’s win after suffering a seasonending knee injury. Desmond Jackson quickly picked up two sacks and a forced fumble in Whaley’s place but even Jackson admitted that Whaley is irreplaceable.

OG Mason Walters (Sr.) Walters was a game-time decision before Texas’ Big 12 opener against Kansas State with a knee injury. He started in that game and has started every game since. In fact, Walters has started each of Texas’ 47 games over the last four seasons. He is considering having postseason surgery to repair his knee but, for now, Walters is playing through the pain.

QB David Ash (Jr.) For the first time in his career, Ash came into this season as the unquestioned starting quarterback. It took a concussion in the fourth quarter of Texas’ loss to BYU to knock Ash off the top of the depth chart. He returned two weeks later against Kansas State, only to be knocked out with yet another head injury. Ash needs a week between when he’s medically cleared and when he can suit up again. He can get a medical redshirt if he’s not cleared by season’s end.

LB Tevin Jackson (Jr.) Jackson has played in nearly every game since coming to Texas in 2011 but didn’t crack the starting lineup until last season, starting the final two games of the year against Kansas State and Oregon State, making a career-high seven tackles in the Alamo Bowl win over the Beavers. But he suffered a torn left ACL in the win over Kansas two weekends ago and is also out for the season.

RB Johnathan Gray (Jr.) Gray was on his way toward turning in the first 1,000-yard season by a Texas running back since Jamaal Charles in 2007 before rupturing his right Achilles tendon last week. Losing Gray is a big blow to a Longhorns offense that relies on their running game so much but backups Malcolm Brown and Joe Bergeron are more than capable of picking up the slack.

OT Kennedy Estelle (So.) Estelle was the highest-rated offensive line prospect to sign with Texas before last season and has filled in admirably for Cochran in the each of the last six games. But he went down with a hip injury against West Virginia and fellow sophomore Sedrick Flowers replaced him for the second half. Co-offensive coordinator Major Applewhite indicated Tuesday that Estelle should be ready to go this week. —Christian Corona

Student Leasing - Now pre-leasing for 2014 Specializing in West Campus Free Locating Service 512-897-0009 24thstreetrealty.com

Apartments • Houses • Condos • Duplexes Right Above Starbucks

We’ll find you a great place to live!

11 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2013

LINEBACKERS continues from page 3 linebackers became fed up with the criticism surrounding them at the beginning of the year, and he believes they continue to use this as motivation. “They were tired of hearing things about how they weren’t doing very well,” Jeffcoat said. “There were little things that had to get corrected, and they got it right. They’re playing their butts off, flying around, making plays all over the field. They just wanted to show what they could do.” Junior linebacker Steve Edmond has been in the middle of the defensive turnaround, leading Texas with

63 tackles and seven passes defended while sharing the team-lead with two interceptions. Edmond emerged as the leader of the unit once Hicks went down, and he credits the chemistry between the linebackers for their recent production. “It’s our pride that we put into our practice,” Edmond said. “It’s like a brotherhood we’ve got going on. We’re just always pulling for each other.” In addition to Edmond, sophomore linebacker Dalton Santos continues to make significant contributions. Santos joined the starting lineup following the injury

TRIO

THREE-GAME GAUNTLET

continues from page 7 playing them.” While each of Texas’ final three opponents figures to present a formidable challenge, head coach Mack Brown does not believe his players need to adjust their mindset or change their preparation from what they have done all season. “You are who you are,” Brown said. “What we’ve told them is you have to keep improving each week if you’re going to win the championship. We told them at halftime Saturday night [against West Virginia] ‘If you’re a championship team, you’ll win this game.’ We don’t have wiggle room. You don’t have room to have a setback.” With their perfect start in conference play, the Longhorns possess the luxury of controlling their own destiny to close out the season. Winning each of the remaining games would clinch a Big 12 title for Texas, but a loss against any of the conference heavyweights remaining on the schedule could prove to be detrimental.

OPPONENT

to Hicks, and he stands fifth on the team with 46 tackles and fourth with six tackles for a loss. While Hicks remains unable to assist the Longhorns on the field, his impact continues to be felt. Brown said Hicks was receptive to Texas’ midseason change at defensive coordinator, and he believes the junior linebacker played a major role in getting his teammates to buy into Robinson’s scheme. “Jordan Hicks really helped the linebackers give Greg a chance,” Brown said. “I had a good visit with Jordan and I said, ‘This guy’s got a great resume, what

RECORD

RESULT

vs. Oklahoma State

8-1 (5-1)

vs. Texas Tech

7-3 (4-3)

at Baylor

8-0 (5-0)

Combined Record

23-4 (14-4)

Mojitos, Sangria & Margaritas!! “One of the best Mexican Restaurants in Texas” ~Texas Monthly Dinner Everyday @ 5pm Brunch Sat/Sun @ 11am **Free valet Parking** 512-320-8226

360 Nueces St. on 3rd St, Austin

JORDAN HICKS BY THE NUMBERS 2013 WITH HICKS

WITHOUT HICKS

2012 WITH HICKS

WITHOUT HICKS

Total yards allowed per game

466.0

335.4

328.3

425.9

Points allowed per game

28.0

22.0

16.0

33.2

Turnovers forced per game

2.3

2.6

2.7

1.3

Tackles for loss per game

5.0

7.4

6.3

7.7

Sacks per game

1.5

4.0

2.3

2.7

Passes broken up per game

4.0

2.3

happened is tough, but you get the guys to buy in here,’ and he did. He’s been as instrumental in helping Greg move forward with the linebackers as anybody.”

Robinson succeeded in quickly turning around the Texas’ defense, and the improved play of the linebacker unit remains a significant reason for that. Should the

linebackers maintain their high level of production, they can continue to put their slow start to the season further towards the back of their minds.

WHO WILL TEXAS MISS MOST? JOHNATHAN GRAY

Gameplan predicated on Gray By Christian Corona Double Coverage Editor @ChristianC0rona

Like Joe Bergeron last season, Malcolm Brown has been the thunder to Johnathan Gray’s lightning. But with Gray sidelined for the rest of the year with a ruptured Achilles tendon, Brown and Bergeron are the top two Texas tailbacks. And, as nature tells us, there is no thunder without lightning. Texas’ offense is at its best when it has a reliable running game to set up its passing attack. Run the ball, run it some more and then take a shot downfield. Without Gray, it becomes much more difficult to execute that gameplan effectively. Brown had become the Longhorns’ short-yardage running back this year, a role that Bergeron thrived in last season when he ran for 15 touchdowns. “It’s obviously a big impact just because he’s been running really well for us, doing great things,” junior center Dominic Espinosa said. “But I think we have amazing backs back there with Malcolm Brown and Joe Bergeron. You can’t deny that they’re going to step in and do a great job.” Case McCoy has passed for eight touchdowns this year, averaging 35 yards on those scoring strikes. Three of them came last weekend against

West Virginia, including a 49yard bomb down the sideline to Mike Davis. The Mountaineers led by 10 points before that third-quarter touchdown, their biggest lead of the game. But Texas erased that deficit and went on to pick up its first overtime win in program history. McCoy was praised for his three touchdowns, tying a career high, but that’s not possible without the threat of a dynamic running game causing West Virginia to stack the box, allowing McCoy taking well-timed and well-thrown shots downfield. Is that threat still there without Gray? Yes, but not nearly as much. Gray is the one that could bounce it outside with Brown and Bergeron getting yards between the tackles.McCoy has an unquantifiable moxie that makes it easy for his teammates to rally around him and gives him the ability to come through when it matters most. But he needs a great supporting cast to be productive – a brick wall for an offensive line, a dynamic group of tailbacks and a stingy defense. Losing Chris Whaley for the

rest of the season deals a big blow to that defense. But the rest of the defensive linemen’s performance doesn’t depend on Whaley like the rest of the running backs’ performance depended on Gray. Jackson Jeffcoat and Cedric Reed will still be the best 1-2 pass rush punch in the Big 12, possibly the country. Desmond Jackson, who notched two sacks and a key forced fumble after replacing Whaley last weekend, should have no problem taking over for the converted running back, especially since he made 11 starts last year. Whaley’s absence also doesn’t shift as much as responsibility as Gray’s absence does. Now, more of the offensive onus falls on McCoy, which is not necessarily a good thing. Going into halftime against West Virginia, McCoy had one touchdown pass and five interceptions over the last 11 quarters. That’s someone you want to set the offense up for, not someone you want actually setting up the offense. And it’s a lot harder to do that with Gray walking around with crutches and a boot.

JOHNATHAN GRAY CARRIES

YARDS

YPC

Johnathan Gray

159

780

4.9

Rest of Texas RBs

232

996

4.3

(above) Chris Whaley returns a fumble for a touchdown during Texas’ win over Kansas, his second score of the year. Whaley suffered a season-ending injury against West Virginia. (right) Johnathan Gray breaks free for a long run against Iowa State. He ran for 89 yards and what would be his last touchdown of the year in the 31-30 win over the Cyclones. Photos by Elisabeth Dillon Daily Texan Staff

Longhorns lose leader in Whaley When Chris Whaley toppled after a West Virginia player collided with his knee, Texas fans held their breath in collection. When the cart came out to remove Whaley from the field, people had to think the worst. But when Whaley, a former running back who transformed his entire career through hard work and perseverance, started to cry as the cart steered him off the field, it sent a collective shudder through Longhorn Nation. There’s nothing worse than seeing a player’s season end on a seemingly innocent play. And for it to happen to someone with a personality like Whaley’s, it’s crushing. “It was devastating for me,” junior defensive tackle Desmond Jackson, who replaced Whaley, said. “It hit my heart once I saw him get carted off and he was crying.” This came from the player who’s starting job Whaley snagged at the beginning of the season, and the sentiment

is shared throughout the team. The injury could not have happened to a more beloved player. He’s a team leader and the emotional cornerstone of the defense. It’s tough to fully describe the repercussions of Whaley’s loss emotionally, but that’s not even taking into consideration Whaley’s significant onfield production. The senior is the anchor of the Longhorns’ defensive line, providing a quicker, agile complement to sophomore Malcom Brown at defensive tackle. Brown eats up blockers with his 6-foot-4, 305-pound frame, providing Whaley, with his running backlike quickness, one-on-one opportunities to rush the passer. Whaley’s thrived in his role. In nine games, he totaled 25 tackles, five tackles for loss, two sacks, one interception and a pair of memorable touchdowns. These are numbers not easily duplicated, even for a player as experienced as Jackson. The junior started 11 games last season, and showed flashes of brilliance against West Virginia last week with a career-high two sacks.

He’s a capable replacement, but not ideal. Jackson, who is nicknamed “Tank” for a reason, is a traditional nose tackle, but will be forced to play out of position next to Brown. This may not seem like a huge issue. Each defensive lineman is cross-trained, but it will hinder the Longhorns’ strongest unit — something that could be devastating for a defense that’s struggled this season and is about to enter a stretch against three of the most potent offenses in the FBS. Whaley, like Johnathan Gray, who is also out for the season following the West Virginia game, will be with the team constantly for the remainder of the season. Their leadership will still be important, but it’s not nearly as effective on the bench as it would be in the fourth quarter after making a huge sack. Whaley is now rolling around campus on a scooter, and it’s easy to envision him delivering impassioned speeches to his teammates from a low vantage point. But no speech can plug the hole his 6-foot-3, 295-pound frame creates on the defensive line.

CHRIS WHALEY TACKLES

TFL

SACKS

INT

Chris Whaley

Rest of Texas DTs

CHRIS WHALEY

By Chris Hummer

Daily Texan Sports Editor @chris_hummer

MATCHUPS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2013

CAMERON KUBENA DAILY TEXAN STAFF

QUARTERBACKS After throwing an early interception against West Virginia, Case McCoy threw for three touchdown passes, including the game-winner in overtime. McCoy also had a crucial fourth-down completion to junior Jaxon Shipley on the last drive of regulation. After throwing five interceptions in a three-game stretch, McCoy has recollected himself. Oklahoma State’s Clint Chelf has started the last three games since leading the Cowboys to a 24-10 win over TCU. Chelf helped hand Texas Tech their second loss of the season by scoring four touchdowns, including a 67-yard touchdown run that put the game away in the third quarter. He is the type of dual-threat quarterback that can give Texas trouble.

ADVANTAGE

DEFENSIVE LINE

RUNNING BACKS The Longhorns were dealt a huge blow when Johnathan Gray left the game with a season-ending Achilles injury against West Virginia. Losing the Big 12’s third-leading rusher will increase the role of Malcolm Brown, who has 379 yards and seven touchdowns in the last three games. Joe Bergeron will have an opportunity to prove himself. Desmond Roland exploded for 219 yards and four touchdowns against Iowa State three weeks ago. Roland has since scored five touchdowns, including a three-score performance against Texas Tech. Jeremy Smith has had a limited role since early October with just 16 carries in the last three games.

ADVANTAGE

LINEBACKERS

Cowboys sack leader and former minor leaguer Tyler Johnson doesn’t have a sack in the last three games. He stole 94 bases in the Angels’ farm system and leads a defense that has the 10th-most tackles for loss in the country. Texas will be without its leading scorer, defensive tackle Chris Whaley, who is out for the year with a knee injury. Junior Desmond Jackson, who had two sacks against West Virginia, takes his place. The Longhorns’ defensive line notched six sacks last week and forced five forced fumbles, recovering two. Jackson Jeffcoat and Cedric Reed are both second in the Big 12 with seven sacks apiece on the season.

The Longhorns gave up 40 points to West Virginia, as many as it gave up in the previous three games combined. They struggled in the red zone but Steve Edmond sealed the win with an interception in the end zone in overtime. Oklahoma State has the nation’s No. 27 run defense, along with the No. 11 red zone defense in the country. Kansas State, the only one of the Big 12’s four best rush offenses to force Oklahoma State this year, ran for 133 yards on the Cowboys in a 33-29 Oklahoma State win. Shaun Lewis leads the Cowboys linebackers with 33 solo tackles on the season and has three interceptions on the year.

ADVANTAGE

WIDE RECEIVERS If Oklahoma State’s Josh Stewart, who is questionable with an ankle injury, doesn’t play, Tracy Moore becomes the Cowboys’ top wideout. Moore has 110 yards and three touchdowns in the last two games, including a 77-yard, twotouchdown performance in the 42-6 win over Kansas last week. Jhajuan Seales and Charlie Moore have a combined for 612 yards and four touchdowns. Jaxon Shipley caught his first touchdown pass of the season and made a game-saving fourth-down catch against West Virginia. Senior Mike Davis caught made a key 49-yard touchdown catch in that game as well. With five receivers each with at least 300 yards this year, McCoy has plenty of weapons.

OFFENSIVE LINE Oklahoma State has allowed only one sack in the last three games but didn’t see a pass rush like it’ll see against Texas during that stretch. The Cowboys have six more rushing touchdowns than Texas despite running the ball nearly 50 fewer times, with more than 90 percent of those scores coming in the red zone. The Longhorns have allowed just two sacks in their last five games but could have trouble against a Cowboys defense that has seven sacks in the last four games. Texas has rushed for more than 200 yards per game over the last five weeks but will sorely miss Gray against the country’s No. 27 rush defense.

ADVANTAGE

DEFENSIVE BACKS

SPECIAL TEAMS

Mario Alford’s 72-yard touchdown catch last week was the first touchdown pass Texas gave up in four weeks. Paul Millard threw for 259 yards, snapping a four-game streak of holding quarterbacks to less than 200 yards passing. Texas had not yet faced any of the Top 4 passing teams in the Big 12. Oklahoma State’s 16 interceptions are the seventh-most in the nation, four of them coming from senior Justin Gilbert. The Cowboys have just the nation’s No. 84 pass defense but can take advantage of an interception-prone McCoy.

Texas had a punt blocked for a safety on its first possession against West Virginia and are among the 10 worst kick return coverage teams in the country, allowing a 43-yard return against the Mountaineers. Gilbert, who returned a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown last week against Kansas, did the same the last time Oklahoma State visited Austin. The Cowboys’ kick coverage team allows less than 20 yards per return and they blocked a Texas Tech punt that allowed Oklahoma State to take a commanding 21-0 lead.

ADVANTAGE

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2013

PLAYERS TO WATCH

MATT WARDEN DAILY TEXAN STAFF

RIVALRY

continues from page 4

Elisabeth Dillon / Daily Texan file photo

Oklahoma State’s J.W. Walsh looks downfield while scrambling during the Longhorns’ 41-36 win in Stillwater last year. Walsh threw for 301 yards and three touchdowns in the game.

QB J.W. Walsh (So.)

Sophomore quarterback J.W. Walsh got well-acquainted with the Longhorns last season, passing for 301 yards and two touchdowns in the Cowboys’ narrow 41-36 loss. Walsh has passed for a team-high 1,333 yards and nine touchdowns through eight games this season. He is also the third-leading rusher for the Cowboys with 294 total yards and three touchdowns. Walsh is a very mobile quarterback, something the Longhorns traditionally struggle with, and will look to use every part of his game to pick them apart. His five interceptions reveal that he is prone to making mistakes under pressure and Texas should look to swarm him every chance it gets.

LB Caleb Lavey (Sr.)

Coming off of an impressive offensive performance against West Virginia, the Texas offense is feeling good about its ability to put up points. Oklahoma State, though known for its own high-powered offense, has the athletes to slow down this Longhorns offense. The leader of this defense is senior linebacker Caleb Lavey. Lavey leads the Cowboys this season with 68 tackles and is second on the team with 2.5 sacks and three interceptions. Lavey has showcased the ability to do anything that’s needed on the defensive side of the ball and will likely be the key component in marginalizing the Longhorns’ running game. He doesn’t rush the passer very much so Texas should look to keep him blocked at the second level to clear space for Malcolm Brown to lead the charge in leading rusher Johnathan Gray’s absence.

WR Josh Stewart (Jr.)

Much like mobile quarterbacks give the Longhorns trouble, diminutive receivers seem to give them just as much trouble. At 5-foot10 and only 180 pounds, Josh Stewart fits the bill. Stewart leads the Cowboys with 40 catches for 502 yards and two touchdowns this season. The quick junior is also a threat on special teams, returning two punts for touchdowns this season and averaging 18.2 yards per return. Stewart can elude any Texas defender in open space so the Longhorns should look to wrap him up to prevent big gains. He can catch, he can run, and he can make people miss. Stewart will be the main player to look out for in this matchup.

is. Everyone is very competitive with each other. Its just going to be an exciting game and were excited for them to come in here.” There may not be a distinct rivalry between the Cowboys and Longhorns yet, but this game will still feel like one. Texas has three more games on its schedule that it needs to close out before it can celebrate and Big 12 championship and the seniors on this team have that one goal in mind. “It would mean a lot for those guys [seniors],” junior defensive back Quandre Diggs said. “They got the opportunity to beat them last year. It’s not like they haven’t beat them, but they’ve got two more home games. We want to close out strong for those guys because those guys have done a lot for this program.”

UT-OSU RIVALRY HOME YEAR

RESULT

ROAD YEAR

RESULT

2011

L, 38-26

2012

W, 41-36

2010

L, 33-16

2009

W, 41-14

2008

W, 28-24

2007

W, 38-35

2006

W, 36-10

2005

W, 47-28

2004

W, 56-35

2003

W, 55-16

2002

W, 17-15

2001

W, 45-17

2000

W, 42-7

1999

W, 34-21

1998

W, 37-34

1997

L, 42-16

1996

W, 71-14

1968

W, 31-3

1967

W, 19-0

NEUTRAL YEAR

RESULT

1963

W, 34-7

1920*

W, 21-0

1944

L, 13-8

1916**

W, 14-7

1922

W, 19-7

1918

W, 27-5

*Played in Dallas **Played in San Antonio

1917

W, 7-3

BIG 12 POWER RANKINGS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2013

STEFAN SCRAFIELD DAILY TEXAN STAFF

BAYLOR

TEXAS

3 4 5

Despite their offense getting all the attention, the Bears’ defense has been equally as impressive. Last Saturday’s win over Oklahoma was the sixth time this season that Baylor has held its opponent to 14 points or less and the Bears rank in the Top 10 in the country in six different statistical categories, including total yards allowed and total points allowed.

The Longhorns won their first overtime game in program history last weekend but the bigger news came the following day, when running back Johnathan Gray and defensive tackle Chris Whaley were ruled out for the season. There’s never a good time to lose two of your best playmakers but, with Oklahoma State rolling into town this weekend, the timing couldn’t be worse.

OKLAHOMA STATE The Cowboys have improved each week since losing to West Virginia, but these last three games will be the true test. After facing only one ranked team through their first nine games, the Pokes play each of their last three games against ranked opponents — Texas, Baylor and Oklahoma.

OKLAHOMA After showing some promise against Texas Tech, the Sooners took a huge step back in the blowout loss to Baylor last weekend. Blake Bell has failed to live up to the expectations his predecessors set for him and his offense continues to sputter. With a couple tough road games left on the schedule, it could get worse for Bob Stoops and Co.

KANSAS STATE

In true Bill Snyder fashion, the Wildcats just keep getting better and better. Kansas State, who has yet to lose a game by more than 10 points this year, has now won three in a row. With games against TCU, a struggling Oklahoma team, and Kansas left on the schedule, an 8-5 finish is not out of the question.

TEXAS TECH

WEST VIRGINIA

TCU

KANSAS

A few weeks ago the Red Raiders’ neutral-site showdown with Baylor this weekend looked like it would be for first place in the Big 12. Now? Texas Tech looks like nothing more than a stepping stone along Baylor’s march to the top of the college football world.

Morgantown lived up to its reputation as one of the toughest places to play last weekend, with the Mountaineers nearly pulling off another major upset at home. It was a tough pill to swallow for West Virginia, but a couple wins against Kansas and Iowa State to end the season will send them to a bowl game.

It was a struggle, but the Horned Frogs were able to eek out a win at Iowa State last weekend, keeping their bowl dreams alive. But, with a road trip to Kansas State this weekend and a game against Baylor to finish the year, those dreams could become nightmares in a hurry.

We didn’t expect much from the Jayhawks offense this year, but nobody could have predicted this. Since defeating South Dakota in the first week of the season, Kansas has yet to score 20 points in a game. Oh, and consider this stat: Now in his seventh season as an FBS head coach, Charlie Weis has yet to win a conference game.

IOWA STATE It’s not the way any team wants to be known, but the Cyclones have got to be the best one-win team in the country. Last week’s devastating loss to TCU was the fifth time this year that Iowa State has lost by eight points or less.

TANK continues from page 6 impact player. Against the Mountaineers, he recorded eight tackles and two sacks to help guide Texas to its sixth straight win. Nicknamed “Tank” for his strong build and tough nature, the 6-foot-1, 301-pound Jackson has continuously proved he had the potential to make an impression

on his teammates. “I knew Tank had it in him the whole time,” junior defensive end Cedric Reed said. “I was just waiting for him to have a game like that. He’s one of the strongest guys in the weight room and one of the hardest workers and I knew as soon as he had a chance he’d take it and he’d cherish it. There

was a couple times I watched him, I’ve seen him just throw a couple guys out of the way. He was throwing guys.” Beyond the field, Jackson has earned his nickname for his continuous work ethic that never stops. “They call him ‘Tank’ for a reason,” Mack Brown said. “He loves to play. He’s one of

those [players] that has the motor running all the time and he practices like that.” There are a variety of reasons to like Jackson, whether it’s his talent, hard work, or maybe even his last time. “[I like him because] his last name ends in ‘s-o-n’ like me,” defensive coordinator Greg Robinson said,

I knew Tank had it in him the whole time... He’s one of the strongest guys in the weight room and one of the hardest workers and I knew as soon as he had a chance he’d take it and he’d cherish it. —Cedric Reed, junior defensive end

laughing. “He’s getting an opportunity and he’s a good

football player. And I just see that he is just developing.”

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2013

STOCK UP/STOCK DOWN

DAVID LEFFLER DAILY TEXAN STAFF

WR Mike Davis (Sr.)

Well, hello there Mr. Davis. Apparently he saw himself on the “Stock Down” portion of last week’s segment and decided to do something about it — and boy, did he. The senior wideout had his best game in conference play, breaking out for 91 yards on three catches, none bigger than the 49-yard touchdown he reeled in with 4:15 remaining in the third quarter. With Oklahoma State in town for a game with huge conference title implications, the Longhorns need Davis to have an encore performance.

WR Jaxon Shipley (Jr.)

While Davis is more of a home run threat, Shipley has fortified his role in this offense as “Mr. Reliable.” He was the man of the hour in Saturday’s game against West Virginia, recording his first touchdown of the season on an acrobatic catch in the corner of the end zone before hauling in a nine-yard pass on 4th-and-7 to give the Longhorns a crucial first down. If Davis can stretch the field against the Cowboys and draw some double teams in the secondary, Shipley should have a field day.

S Adrian Phillips (Sr.)

After a couple of subpar games in which he didn’t tackle well, Phillips came back strong against the Mountaineers, recording eight solo tackles and his second interception of the season. Although the Longhorns gave up 40 points on Saturday, just imagine how many they would have allowed Phillips not made those plays in one-on-one situations.

RB Johnathan Gray (So.)

Gray was the Longhorns’ primary offensive weapon heading into the West Virginia game, averaging over 20 carries and 90 rushing yards per game in Big 12 play. Unfortunately, he suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon on a 6-yard catch and is now lost for the rest of the season — a crushing blow for this team. With their most talented player now on the sidelines, how will this this offense respond?

DT Chris Whaley (Sr.)

If Gray’s injury wasn’t costly enough for the Longhorns, Whaley’s surely is. The senior defensive tackle had shown a knack for making big plays but is now done for the season after injuring his knee against the Mountaineers. This defense will need someone to step in and fill the massive void that Whaley’s absence creates.

CB Duke Thomas (So.)

Surrounded by Phillips, senior cornerback Carrington Byndom and standout junior cornerback Quandre Diggs, Thomas is by far the least experienced member of the Longhorns secondary. Although he has mostly played well, he also gets burned at times. On Saturday, he got burned — badly. With Texas nursing a four-point lead in the fourth quarter, Thomas got beat on an inside move by West Virginia’s Mario Alford, who blew past him for an easy 72-yard go-ahead touchdown. It didn’t cost Texas the game, but it could have. Thomas has to play smarter.

DOWN

GAMES TO WATCH

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2013

RACHEL WENZLAFF DAILY TEXAN STAFF

Texas Tech vs. No. 4 Baylor Overall 7-3

Overall 8-0

AT&T Stadium, Arlington Saturday, 6 p.m. TV: FOX

The Bears are looking to creep one game closer to a Big 12 title while the Red Raiders are trying to pull themselves back together. Baylor is coming off a huge, confidencebooting, 29-point win against Oklahoma, re-igniting its already strong momentum, while the Red Raiders have lost three straight games. Baylor has one of the top offenses in college football led by Heisman hopeful, quarterback Bryce Petty, who’s passed for 2,657 yards and 21 touchdowns. But the freshman quarterback duo of Baker Mayfield and Davis Webb have tag-teamed their way into making Texas Tech the No. 1 passing offense in college football, throwing for a combined 4,082 yards and 24 touchdowns. Expect this to be a high-scoring game.

No. 25 Georgia vs. No. 7 Auburn Overall 6-3

Overall 9-1

Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn Saturday, 2:30 p.m. TV: CBS

Auburn’s impressive 9-1 record and Georgia’s losing its chance at a championship are two of college football’s biggest surprises this season. The Tigers have a chance at a SEC title and may be Alabama’s biggest road block on its way to the national championship game. But a loss to the Bulldogs would erase those hopes. Auburn quarterback Nick Marshall isn’t as polished as you would expect for a team with a 9-1 record, but the dual-threat quarterback has been doing enough to pull out wins. Georgia’s Aaron Murray is more efficient, but this game is Georgia’s last chance to prove itself before its disappointing season ends.

No. 5 Stanford vs. USC Overall 8-1

No. 23 Miami vs. Duke

Overall 7-3

Overall 7-2

Los Angeles Coliseum, Los Angeles Saturday, 7 p.m. TV: ABC

After a demoralizing loss to Notre Dame, USC’s season looked like a lost cause but the Trojans rallied to win three consecutive games and revived their chances at a Pac-12 Championship appearance. The Cardinal are coming off of a monumental win against Oregon. USC’s Cody Kessler has completed 64.3 percent of his passes for 1,977 yards and 12 touchdowns while Stanford’s Kevin Hogan has completed 60.5 percent of his passes for 1,596 yards and 13 touchdowns. Since Lane Kiffin’s firing, USC has been one of the most consistent teams defensively, but Stanford has proved its defense won’t lie down and let offenses run over it. If Stanford can hold Oregon scoreless for three quarters, USC’s offense shouldn’t present it many problems.

Overall 7-2

Wallace Wadium Stadium, Durham Saturday, 2:30 p.m. TV: ESPNU

Both the Hurricanes and the Blue Devils are 7-2 overall and 3-2 in ACC play. Miami had a flawless 7-0 record until Florida State demolished it. The Hurricanes went back to Miami and suffered another tough loss to Virginia Tech. Miami gained 352 total yards against the Hokies but ran for only 28 yards. The Hurricanes muffed a punt, a kickoff, and had a punting miscue in their latest loss. Duke’s season is almost opposite of Miami’s. The Blue Devils started the season off 2-2, but are on fire right now after winning five straight games. Duke still isn’t perfect, though. They will need to control their turnovers to out score an injury-depleted Miami offense.

PARTY PERFECT F E AT U R I N G

PARTY TRAYS & BOX LUNCHES

19 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2013

DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T GIVE UP BIG PLAYS The Oklahoma State offense is ranked No. 13 in the nation for a reason: it can score points in bunches. The Cowboys have two dual-threat quarterbacks they rotate in and out every game to ensure the offense never loses momentum. The Longhorns will give up points to the Cowboys but they must prevent big plays to keep Oklahoma Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s confidence as low as possible. Rushing the passer would be a good start as the quarterbacks are turnover-prone but tackling will be the key. As simple as it sounds, Texas must be on its toes the entire game and make the Cowboys work for the points they get.

t *OEJWJEVBM MFBTFT t MPDBUJPOT CMPDLT GSPN DBNQVT t $BCMF BOE JOUFSOFU JODMVEFE t IPVS mUOFTT GBDJMJUZ t *OEJWJEVBM MFBTFT t MPDBUJPOT CMPDLT GSPN DBNQVT t $BCMF BOE JOUFSOFU JODMVEFE t IPVS mUOFTT GBDJMJUZ

PUSH THE TEMPO In addition to being the No. 13 scoring offense in the country, Oklahoma State also possesses the No. 20 scoring defense in the country, allowing just 19.7 points per game. Texas needs to quicken the tempo on offense to open up easy opportunities to score points. The Cowboys do a good job of neutralizing their opponentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; strengths, with the exception being their loss to West Virginia, in which they gave up 30 points. Texas does its best work on offense when carrying the ball more than 40 times so look for Malcolm Brown and Joe Bergeron to break out in this game with at least 20 carries apiece. Texas needs to keep the tempo moving by rotating players in and out at positions they can afford to do so, like the running back position.

SWARM THE PASSER Although the Oklahoma State signal-callers possess dual-threat capabilities that usually gives the Longhorns trouble, Texas can neutralize this by rushing the passer often, something it does better than most teams in the country. When J.W. Walsh and Clint Chelf are pressured they tend to make mistakes, as evidenced by their combined nine interceptions this season. If Texas can get in the backfield and make the Oklahoma State quarterbacks throw the ball in a hurry, the scoreboard may look a bit different than the Cowboys are used to seeing it.

DAILY TEXAN FLICKR ACCOUNT Check out the best football photos from this season

flickr.com/thedailytexan

Download our Free iPhone App Download our Free iPhone App

www.quartersoncampus.com www.quartersoncampus.com 512-531-0123

20 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2013

Oregon’s Mariota good to go this weekend By Stefan Scrafield @stefanscrafield

Just a week after playing with a partial strain to his MCL, Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota says he’ll be good to go this weekend against Utah. Mariota’s Heisman chances took a big hit last week when the Ducks lost, 26-20, to Stanford. The redshirt sophomore was clearly bothered by the injury throughout the game, rushing for negative yardage after a few sacks. It was reported shortly after the game that he had suffered the knee injury prior to the game. He is still wearing a brace in practice but when asked if he’d play this week, Mariota responded, “for sure.” Mariota has passed for 22

touchdowns without being picked off in 327 attempts this year, a Pac-12 record for the most pass attempts in a season without an interception. He has also rushed for 495 yards and nine touchdowns. Sheriff reveals former South Carolina player shot himself in arm A sheriff revealed Tuesday that former South Carolina running back Kenny Miles shot himself in the arm, despite Miles stating earlier that he was shot during a robbery. Miles, who will now be charged with filing a false police report, shot himself Nov. 4 in an industrial park parking lot. No further information was released as to what he was doing at the time he shot himself or if any other criminal activity

Need to have your wisdom teeth removed? We have a research study. Right now, PPD is looking for qualified participants for a post-surgical pain relief research study of an investigational medication. Surgery for qualified study participants will be performed by a board certified oral surgeon. Receive up to $1,000 upon study completion and the surgery is performed at no cost.

was involved. The Lawrenceville, Ga. native spent most of his career with the Gamecocks as a backup to current NFL running back Marcus Lattimore. He racked up 1,341 yards and four touchdowns over the course of his South Carolina career. Florida starting QB a game-time decision against South Carolina Florida starting quarterback Tyler Murphy is expected to be a game-time decision against South Carolina this week, according to offensive coordinator Brent Pease. Murphy originally sprained his right shoulder against LSU last month. He has played in each of Florida’s three games since, but said he landed on the shoulder in their last game against Vanderbilt and likely made it worse. His shoulder is still sore and could keep him on the sidelines this weekend. The junior has completed 60.5 percent of his passes

Jeff Chiu / Associated Press

Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota fumbles the ball as he is tackled by Stanford linebacker James Vaughters on Thursday, Nov. 7. Oregon recovered the ball. Stanford won 26-20.

with six touchdowns and five interceptions so far this year. Nebraska’s Martinez unlikely to return this year According to his father, Taylor Martinez will

not play again for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Martinez’s father, Casey Martinez, stated that the senior quarterback has a “debilitating injury” near the ball of his left foot that likely won’t be fully healed until February or March. Martinez was injured in the first week of the season and, despite playing in a few games since, has been unable to return to full strength. The California native finishes his collegiate career with 7,258 yards passing, 56 touchdowns and 29 interceptions. He also rushed for 2,975 yards and 31 touchdowns.

Baylor’s Briles gets 10-year extension Baylor head coach Art Briles has led the Bears to an 8-0 record for the first time in school history, and now he’s being rewarded for it. The university’s regents approved the deal Wednesday but financial details weren’t revealed, as is standard practice for the private university. The deal will come into effect next season, running through 2023. Briles has led an unprecedented turnaround, turning the Bears from Big 12 doormats into perennial contenders. In six years as head coach, he has posted a 41-30 record.

NEXT ISSUE NOVEMBER 27

Texas vs. Texas Tech For information, call

512-462-0492

Text “PPD” to 48121 to receive study information

21 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2013

Underdogs once again, look for Longhorns to upset Pokes By Darren Mitchell @texansports

Texas’ victory last week over West Virginia wasn’t pretty, but it showed the team’s resilience. It showed how much heart this Longhorns team has. Unfortunately it also showed how many bum knees and Achilles tendons they have, too. Both running back Johnathan Gray and defensive tackle Chris Whaley, two leaders on the team, are out for the season. Despite that, I’m just not ready to bet against the Case McCoy magic yet. He continues to somehow find ways to pull out close games. Oklahoma State is 8-1, but

they haven’t played any of the other big boys (Baylor, Oklahoma and, yes, Texas) in the Big 12 yet. It won’t be easy, but the Longhorns can pull off the upset at home. Oklahoma State at Texas (+3) Lock of the Week Ohio State (-33) at Illinois Thanks to Florida State and Alabama, the undefeated Buckeyes are currently on the outside of the national championship picture looking in and that means they have an incentive to run up the score. In their last two games they have done just that, beating Penn State, 63-14, and Purdue, 56-0. Illinois has yet to win a Big 10 game and lost at home

to Michigan State by 39 points three weeks ago. The Fighting Illini are ripe for the picking and Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer isn’t above inflating the margin of victory to impress the pollsters and computers that decide who plays in the big game. Thirty-three is a big point spread, but the Buckeyes are fully capable of covering and have every reason to try and do so. Upset Alert Houston (+16) at Louisville Teddy Bridgewater is a fantastic player, but the excitement surrounding his NFL prospects have caused his Louisville team to become overrated. This spread is way

too high. The Cardinals only won by 14 points against Kentucky and Rutgers. They beat a winless Connecticut team by just 21 points last week. Houston is a sneaky good club. Their only losses are on the road against Central Florida, who beat Louisville on the Cardinals’ home turf, and at home by one point to BYU. The Cougars also demolished the same Rutgers squad that Louisville struggled against. Houston has a chance to pull off the upset outright, but even if they don’t, they definitely should at least come within 16 points.

Michael Conroy / Associated Press

Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller prepares to throw a pass against Purdue on Saturday, Nov. 2.

Darren’s record: 13-14 (.481) Last week: 2-1

Texas needs to limit big plays, win in red zone By Ryan Haddox @The_Real_RH

Texas wins if… it wins in the red zone. A week ago in Morgantown, the Longhorns came away with three points on three of their first four trips to the red zone. The defense rose to the occasion and kept the team around until the offense could get its feet underneath it, but they won’t have that luxury this week with the Cowboys. Both Texas and Oklahoma State are each averaging about 440 yards per game on offense and are each allowing around

385 yards per game. One of the biggest differences between the two teams is their red zone performance — Texas has scored 17 touchdowns in 31 red zone trips (54.9 percent) while Oklahoma State has scored 31 touchdowns in 48 trips (64.6 percent) to the red zone. Texas is eighth in the Big 12 in red zone defense and Oklahoma State is second. The Longhorns will need Case McCoy to hit a couple deep shots and the defense will need to force turnovers. If Texas punches it in the end zone when it gets to the red zone, it should be

in good shape to continue their improbable quest to a Big 12 championship. Texas loses if… it allows explosive plays. The formula for the Longhorns over this incredible six-game win streak has been a thing of beauty. With the way the offense is currently constructed, which is to run first and pass second, they cannot afford to fall behind by too many points. Texas has played with a lead through most of this winning streak, and they need to continue that trend Satur-

day. Oklahoma State is known for their high-flying air attack, and the Cowboys have averaged 41.8 points per game in their last five victories. It can be quick, amassing points in the blink of an eye. The Longhorns will have to do everything in their power to eliminate the big plays, because they simply don’t have the offensive firepower to stand toeto-toe with an offense like the Cowboys in a shootout. Texas loses if it lets the Cowboys put points on the board quickly because the Longhorns offense can’t keep up.

house mexmarts

exican

artini

onday

409 w. 30th 6 blocks from ut campus

monday

-wednesday show us your stub & we’ll hook you up!

service

industry

night

FREE FOOD & FUNEVERYONE’S INVITED!

TAILGATE AT MLK & BRAZOS

PRESENTED BY

DON’T MISS OUR LAST 2 TAILGATES OF THE SEASON!

OKLAHOMA STATE ON 11/16

& A SPECIAL THANKSGIVING TAILGATE FOR

TEXAS TECH ON 11/28

FREE FOOD AND DRINK WITH A SPECIAL THANKS TO:

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Carter Goss Broadcast Manager & Sponsorships P 512.475.6721 E cartergoss@austin.utexas.edu

visit us at www.utexas.edu/tsm

The Daily Texan • TSTV • KVRX • Texas Travesty • Cactus Yearbook

TEXAS T STUDDEIN ME A

TEXAN STAFF PICKS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2013

CHRISTIAN CORONA

GARRETT CALLAHAN

PETER SBLENDORIO

EVAN BERKOWITZ

CHRIS HUMMER

DAVID LEFFLER

DARREN MITCHELL

STEFAN SCRAFIELD

MATT WARDEN

6-4

7-3

8-2

6-4

5-5

Overall Record

54-36

59-31

53-37

54-36

56-34

61-29

52-38

Oklahoma St. vs. Texas

Texas 28-20

Texas 30-24

Texas 41-38

Texas 30-27

Texas 31-28

Texas 34-28

Texas 34-31

Texas 27-24

Oklahoma St. 45-42

Washington vs. UCLA

UCLA

Washington

UCLA

Washington

UCLA

West Virginia

UNC vs. Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh

UNC

Pittsburgh

Georgia vs. Auburn

Auburn

Georgia

Auburn

Georgia

Duke

Miami

Duke

Miami

Michigan

Northwestern

Michigan

Northwestern

Michigan

Michigan State

Nebraska

Michigan State

Kansas State

TCU

Kansas State

Stanford

Last Weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Record

West Virginia vs. Kansas

Miami vs. Duke

Michigan vs. Northwestern

Michigan State vs. Nebraska

TCU vs. Kansas State

Stanford vs. USC

S:9.75”

With NFL Mobile,

NEVER BE WITHOUT FOOTBALL.

DOWNLOAD NOW Airtime, message & data usage applies for app download & use. Available on select smartphones. Subscriptions required for video content on all devices. Coverage not available everywhere. © 2013 Verizon. Google and Android are trademarks of Google. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Windows and Windows logo are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.