Double Coverage 2014-11-14 by The Daily Texan

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COVERAGE Friday, November 14, 2014

MALCOM IN THE MIDDLE

PAGE 10

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Friday, November 14, 2014

FEATURES

Led by defensive tackle Malcom Brown, the Longhorn pass rush has been virtually unstoppable this season. PAGE 10 The bond between coach and player is unique, and the Texas staff seems to be building a strong one. PAGE 11

Amy Zhang | Daily Texan Staff

QUICK HITS Keys to the Game PAGE 4 By the Numbers PAGE 5 Matchups PAGE 7 Stock Up, Stock Down PAGE 9 Players to Watch PAGE 12 Big 12 Notebook PAGE 14 Big 12 Power Rankings PAGE 17 Heisman Watch PAGE 18

After hardly seeing the field in his first two seasons, Seth Jacobs is taking advantage of his opportunity. PAGE 12

EDITOR’S NOTE In a matchup of the Big 12’s two most desperate teams, Texas travels north to Stillwater to take on Oklahoma State this weekend. The Longhorns and Cowboys are both only a win away from bowl eligibility, but, with equally challenging opponents left on their respective schedules, the two teams essentially face a must-win situation this weekend. Will Texas be able to overcome the frigid conditions, or will Oklahoma State emerge victorious and squash the Longhorns’ bowl dreams? Stefan Scrafield, Double Coverage Editor

DOUBLE presents

COVERAGE Vol. 9, Issue 11

Friday, November 14, 2014

Writers: Evan Berkowitz Garrett Callahan Nick Castillo Daniel Clay Jori Epstein Sebastian Herrera Drew Lieberman Jacob Martella Peter Sblendorio

Double Coverage Editor...............................................................................Stefan Scrafield Design Editor................................................................................................Omar Longoria Photo Editor..................................................................................................Shelby Tauber Copy Editor............................................................................................................Taiki Miki

Friday, November 14, 2014

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Sarah Montgomery | Daily Texan Staff

New head coach Charlie Strong has changed the culture in Austin since arriving in January. His hard-nosed approach is finally paying off, as Texas has put together back-to-back wins.

New approach paying off for Strong and Co. By Garrett Callahan Daily Texan Columnist @CallahanGarrett

When Charlie Strong upset

n West Virginia at the helm of ll Louisville in 2011, his players

hoisted him up and sent him crowd surfing in the locker room to celebrate the win. It was one of his first signature victories with the Cardinals, whom he would lead to two ten-win seasons and a couple bowl victories, including a Sugar Bowl win, in four seasons. Three years later, in his first season at Texas, he faced West Virginia again — this time in a burnt orange mock turtleneck — and was faced with the challenge of beating a top-25 team, something the Longhorns hadn’t done at home since 2008. After knocking off the Mountaineers again, it was déjà vu for Strong, who was hoisted up in the Texas locker room and sent crowd surfing once again. The celebration was a sign that Strong had claimed his first signature win at Texas and

is starting to turn around a program that has been mediocre over the past four seasons. “For us to go out and get a win like that where we’re at and what we’re trying to develop and really get our program started here, it’s a very gratifying win,” said Shawn Watson, assistant head coach for offense. Watson came with Strong from Louisville, where, over the course of three years, he helped form a team that went from 4-8 the year before they arrived to 12-1. Ten games into the 2014 season, it is easy to see that the Longhorns are starting to buy into what Strong is selling and that the change he made at Louisville is starting to be made here in Austin. Strong’s players have long claimed to have witnessed an attitude change since he arrived at Texas, but, on the field, that change hasn’t been so visible. Through the first twothirds of the season, the Longhorns failed to produce a complete game in all three phases, and consistent mistakes cost the team an opportunity to turn a couple

close losses into victories. But, as the season progressed, the team did also. On Saturday, it was easy to see the fire and passion Strong has created. Although the offense struggled in the second half, it did enough early on to give the Longhorns a lead they would not relinquish. And on the defensive side of the ball, where Strong is at his best, the Longhorns had one of their best performances of the season. Even with time running out and the victory having been sealed, Texas produced a goal-line stand to prevent the Mountaineers from closing the gap, showing the desire of a changed Longhorn team. While the victory was just the Longhorns’ fifth of the season and the first time that they have claimed two consecutive wins this year, it marked a significant leap for Texas. It proved that Strong is starting to impact the culture and attitude around the Longhorn program and that his players are starting to buy into his winning formula.

Friday, November 14, 2014

KEYS TO THE GAME By Daniel Clay @Dclay567

HOT REED The Texas secondary showed exponential growth against West Virginia last week. Part of that may be because senior Quandre Diggs finally lined up as a cornerback, rather than a run-stopping nickelback. But the biggest reason for the improvement may not come from the secondary at all, but rather from the increased pressure created by the defensive line, most notably from senior defensive end Cedric Reed. Reed was supposed to spend this season terrorizing quarterbacks before heading to the NFL, but the senior had just one-and-a-half sacks before erupting for three more plus a safety and a forced fumble last week. Cowboy junior quarterback Daxx Garman is not a threat to run, which means Reed will be able to pin his ears back and rush the passer without having to worry about the quarterback scampering for a big gain. A disruptive pass rush will help the secondary turn in another strong performance and punch Texas’ ticket to the postseason.

KEEP ON RUNNING Sophomore quarterback Tyrone Swoopes played terribly last week. Swoopes completed just over a third of his passes and revived his early-season tendency of throwing dangerously inaccurate deep balls. For the first time this season, the running backs showed that they can win a game on their own. Junior Johnathan Gray became the second Longhorn to eclipse the century mark in rushing yards this season, and senior Malcolm Brown followed up his hundred yard performance against Texas Tech with a 90-yard effort against the Mountaineers. Swoopes cannot be relied upon to consistently move the ball down the field, and Oklahoma State’s star defensive end, sophomore Emmanuel Ogbah, and lockdown corner, junior Kevin Peterson, will only make things harder for the sophomore. Another dominant rushing performance by Texas’ backfield tandem would cover up Swoopes’ weaknesses and propel the Longhorns to another conference victory.

STAY FOCUSED This Saturday’s game is a must win for the Longhorns. Charlie Strong’s team needs one more victory to gain bowl eligibility, and, if Texas cannot beat the Cowboys on the road, it will have to win on Thanksgiving against a TCU team with national title aspirations. The Longhorns have had a bad habit of losing their focus in some of the most important games this season. It started with a 41-7 blowout against BYU, continued with the comical gaffe during the coin toss against UCLA and culminated in a penalty-riddled loss to the hated Oklahoma Sooners. The Longhorns cannot afford to make any mental mistakes against an Oklahoma State team that almost knocked off Florida State to start the season. Swoopes, in particular, will have to make sure to stay calm, work through his progressions and deliver accurate balls. If he can stay focused and the rest of the team can avoid costly penalties, Texas has a chance to use this week’s game to sneak into a bowl game.

Friday, November 14, 2014

37-23-2

Texas’ all-time record in the 11th game of the season, a win percentage of 59.7 percent. The Longhorns have dropped all three previous such games when entering with a record of 5-5.

23-5

BY THE NUMBERS @DrewLieberman

The number of sacks allowed by Oklahoma State’s offensive line, most in the Big 12, through the first nine games of the season. In January, the Cowboys’ offensive line coach, Joe Wickline, left for Texas. Under Wickline, the ‘Pokes allowed the fewest sacks in the conference in four of the past five seasons.

32-18

The average score of games in the series, in Texas’ favor. On the road, Texas averages 40 points per game against the Cowboys, who average 26 points per game when hosting the Longhorns.

143

The amount of plays of 10+ yards allowed by the Cowboy defense, third most in the conference, through nine games this season. In comparison, the Texas defense has only allowed 123 plays of 10+ yards through 10 games.

The conversion rate of the Longhorns on third down, last in the conference. The Cowboys only convert 35 percent of their third down attempts, which is second worst in the Big 12. But in conference play, Oklahoma State is only converting 31.1 percent of its attempts, which is last in the Big 12, while the Longhorns are converting 34.9 percent of their attempts, which ranks ninth in the conference.

78.9%

Number of points per game the Longhorns have surrendered in their five away games — fewest in the conference and seventh-best in the nation. However, the Longhorns only score 20.3 points per game away from home, which is tied for 101st in the nation and second fewest in the Big 12.

Wide receiver

The record of the road team in games between Texas and Oklahoma State since 2007. During that stretch, both teams have won three times on the road. Neither team has won at home since 2008, when the Longhorns defeated the Cowboys.

32.7%

17.4

Marcus Johnson

6-1

By Drew Lieberman

The all-time series record between the Longhorns and the Cowboys, in Texas’ favor. The Longhorns hold a 7-1 advantage on the road and have won their last seven games in Stillwater.

90.3%

The red zone completion percentage of sophomore quarterback Tyrone Swoopes, second best in the nation. On 19 pass attempts inside the opponent’s 20, the sophomore has thrown eight touchdowns and just one interception.

The number of touchdowns Texas has scored in the third quarters of its last eight games. Over that stretch, the Longhorns did not score more than three points in a third quarter and were shut out in the quarter five times.

1997

The last year Texas and Oklahoma State met with neither team ranked in the top 25. The Cowboys convincingly won that matchup, 42-16.

The Cowboys’ red zone scoring percentage, second most in the Big 12. The Longhorn defense surrenders a score on only 72.7 percent of possessions in the red zone, which is second best in the conference and fifteenth in the nation. In conference play, the Longhorns have surrendered a score in only 16-of-25 trips inside the 20, which is the sixth-best rate in the country.

2-5

Texas’ all-time record against Oklahoma State when entering the game with more losses than the Cowboys. But the Longhorns are 6-0 against Oklahoma State when both teams enter with the same number of wins.

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MATCHUPS

Friday, November 14, 2014

By Daniel Clay @dclay567

Advantage: OSU

Until last week, the Texas running game’s Achilles heel was, literally, junior Johnathan Gray’s injured Achilles. His performance against West Virginia confirmed that Gray has finally healed and regained the explosiveness that makes him the most talented back on the team. Senior feature back Desmond Roland is averaging just 3.9 yards per carry on the season. His backup, junior Tyreek Hill, won gold in the 200-meters at the 2013 Big 12 Indoor Championship, and his excellent patience and receiving skills have helped the junior speedster earn more carries.

The offensive coordinators have been slowly incorporating offensive weapon Daje Johnson into the game plan. The junior could bring a huge boost to this offense with his ability to make plays after the catch. Seniors John Harris and Jaxon Shipley can always be counted on for a solid game. Elusive junior wideout David Glidden leads the Cowboy receiving corps. The junior has a team-leading 419 receiving yards and has emerged as Garman’s No. 1 target. 6-foot-4-inch sophomore receiver Marcell Ateman also adds a nice downfield threat to the Cowboy offense.

Advantage: Texas

Junior Daxx Garman has been fairly mediocre this season. The pocket passer has completed just over 50 percent of his passes and has thrown eleven touchdowns and as many interceptions. Texas’ huge upset win over West Virginia overshadowed Tyrone Swoopes’ terrible game. The sophomore gunslinger completed a dismal 37.9 percent of his passes for just 124 yards.

Advantage: Texas

Defensive end Cedric Reed resuscitated his draft stock with a career day against West Virginia. The senior notched three sacks — double his season total — forced a fumble and was responsible for a safety. When Reed is playing well, Texas may have the best front four in the country. The Cowboys’ defensive live does a great job of getting into the backfield. Sophomore defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah has been a nightmare for opposing offensive linemen. The sophomore is fourth in the nation with 14.5 tackles for loss and leads the team with nine sacks.

Advantage: Texas

Jordan Hicks has proven that he is the rock in the middle of this Texas defense. The senior outside linebacker has a teamhigh 130 total tackles and is showing just how great he can be when he stays healthy for a full season. Middle linebacker Ryan Simmons is one of just seven Cowboys with at least 13 starts under their belt. The junior has been the leader of the Cowboy defense, accruing a team-high 57 solo tackles and helping hold opposing rushers to under four yards per carry.

Advantage: OSU

Safety Jordan Sterns leads the defense with 69 total tackles, but his signature is the big play. The sophomore has forced two fumbles and blocked two kicks on the season. Junior Kevin Peterson is challenging Diggs for the title of the conference’s best cover corner. Texas’ secondary looked like a unit headed for collapse. Then, defensive coordinator Vance Bedford moved senior Quandre Diggs from nickel to corner last week. The switch helped hold West Virginia quarterback Clint Trickett to a season-low 5.1 yards per attempt.

Advantage: Texas

This unit might finally be hitting its stride. Texas produced a 100-yard back for the second consecutive week, and, in recent weeks, Swoopes has had plenty of time to work through his progressions. Oklahoma State’s inexperienced offensive line has struggled since the departure of Joe Wickline, current Longhorn offensive line coach. The Cowboys have rushed for just 3.7 yards per carry as a team and have already conceded 25 sacks.

Advantage: OSU

Special teams have been the strength of this year’s Cowboy team. Senior punter Kip Smith averages 40.3 net yards per punt and is a candidate for the Ray Guy Award, given to the nation’s top punter. The Cowboys have also blocked a conference-best four kicks this season. Junior kicker Nick Rose badly missed yet another field goal against West Virginia. This unit can reliably be counted on to produce at least one major mistake per game and fail to produce big plays.

Friday, November 14, 2014

SCENARIOS

By Nick Castillo @Nick_Castillo74

Texas Wins … If the Longhorn running game sustains its success. Over the past two games, running backs – senior Malcolm Brown and junior Johnathan Gray – combined for 192 rushing yards against Texas Tech and 191 yards versus West Virginia. If the running game can be as efficient against Oklahoma State, the Longhorns will win. … If the offensive line continues to improve. Throughout the season, the offensive line has been ravaged by injuries and suspensions and has struggled to cope at times, but it appears as if the line has finally taken a decisive step in the right direction. With the improvements in the line’s play, the running game has finally taken off and will be a key to Texas winning its game against the Cowboys. If the line keeps getting better, Texas will have a shot at taking down the Cowboys and securing bowl eligibility.

Amy Zhang | Daily Texan Staff

Running backs Malcolm Brown (28) and Johnathan Gray have been the driving force behind Texas’ current win streak. After a slow start to the season, the two backs have found their stride in the final third of the season, thanks to improved blocking.

… If Texas can get off to a hot start. Texas’ fast start against West Virginia was big. It set the tone for the game, and, if the Longhorns can replicate that fast start, they will be in a good position to beat Oklahoma State.

… If the defense has a strong performance. The Longhorn defense played a good game against the Mountaineers. Texas held West Virginia to a 17 percent third-down conversion rate. The Mountaineers average 34.1 points per game, but Texas held them to only 16. Additionally, the Longhorns forced two turnovers. If the defense plays as well as it did against West Virginia, it should ease the Longhorns past Oklahoma State.

Handcrafted

IMPORTED

TEXAS

TRIPLE GOLD WINNER

All The Way From Texas Loses … If sophomore quarterback Tyrone Swoopes performs poorly. If Swoopes throws a few interceptions or isn’t able to find a rhythm against Oklahoma State, it will be a long night in Stillwater, Oklahoma. … If the running game is stuffed. If Texas is unable to run the ball effectively against the Cowboys, it won’t have a shot at winning and will put its bowl hopes in jeopardy. … If Oklahoma State is able to penetrate Texas’ defense. If the Longhorns allow the Cowboys to get into an offensive rhythm, Texas will not beat Oklahoma State. … If Texas’ special teams continue to make mistakes. If Texas’ kickoff and punt units struggle again, and Nick Rose continues to miss field goals, Texas will struggle Saturday.

Friday, November 14, 2014

STOCK UP, STOCK DOWN By Evan Berkowitz @Evan_Berkowitz

Stock Up: Johnathan Gray Gray finally had the kind of game Texas fans have been waiting for this year. He had ten carries for a whopping 101 yards and three touchdowns, giving Texas its second consecutive week with a 100-yard rusher. His 39-yard touchdown run set the tone in the second quarter, and the 40-yarder on his next touch set up his one-yard touchdown run. He then iced the game with a fifteen-yard touchdown scamper.

Stock Down: Charlie Strong If it wasn’t apparent in the UCLA game, Texas has looked confused when it has a lead late in games. Ultimately, that confusion comes down to the head coach. Despite a large lead and the clock in its favor, the Longhorns still put the ball in sophomore quarterback Tyrone Swoopes’ hands. Not only did Swoopes fail to complete any of his fourth quarter passes, he rarely ran down the play clock, even when the game clock was running. Why was Swoopes snapping the ball with fifteen seconds left on the play clock and a large lead? In addition to the poor clock management at the end of the game, Strong could have ended the first half differently. With West Virginia pinned deep in Longhorn territory with just under a minute remaining, Strong refused to call a time-out to get a shot at a late field goal. Although his team is looking better, his clock management skills can definitely improve.

Stock Up: Cedric Reed The senior defensive end was an absolute beast Saturday. There’s a reason he was the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week, Athlon National Defensive Player of the Week and a nominee for the Capital One Cup Impact Performance of the Week. He had a career-high three sacks, a safety, four tackles for a loss and a forced fumble to go along with his two quarterback hits. The defensive end changed the game for the Longhorns and set the tone in one of Texas’ best defensive performances to date.

Stock Down: Tyrone Swoopes He’s not a closer, at least not yet. When Texas put the ball in his hands in the fourth quarter, he could not deliver. He had seven pass attempts in the final fifteen minutes. Six of those fell incomplete, while the other team caught the only completion. In the second half, he completed just 2-of-14 pass attempts. For the third week in a row, he looked sluggish and overwhelmed. His consecutive stellar performances against Oklahoma and Iowa State are starting to look like flukes. In the three outings since he “turned the corner,” he has completed just 46.8 percent of his passes.

Amy Zhang | Daily Texan Staff

Running back Johnathan Gray turned in his best performance of the season last week, rushing for 101 yards and three touchdowns on just 10 carries against West Virginia.

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Friday, November 14, 2014

Stron

Jenna VonHofe | Daily Texan Staff

Defensive tackle Malcom Brown has been the most consistent member of Texas’ potent defensive line in 2014. Brown, a junior, has recorded 62 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks this season. As a unit, the Longhorn defense has wreaked havoc on opposing quarterbacks, averaging three sacks per game.

Potent Texas pass rush a team effort By Drew Lieberman @DrewLieberman

Over the years, Texas fans have grown accustomed to gaudy statistics from the team’s pass rushers. In 2008, defensive end Brian Orakpo led the team with 11.5 sacks. In 2012, defensive end Alex Okafor recorded 12.5 sacks, and, last season, defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat led the team with 13 sacks. The above examples blow sophomore defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway, who leads Texas with five, out of the water. Despite the lack of individual production, the Longhorns are averaging three sacks per game in 2014 — their highest average over the first 10 games of a season since 2008. This is largely a result of consistency and depth along the defensive front, as seven different players have dropped the quarterback at least twice. Despite none of the players recording elite num-

bers, the Longhorns have proven they have an abundance of talent leading the way on the defensive side of the ball this season. Senior linebacker Jordan Hicks is finally healthy and has acted as the quarterback of the defense. “Just think about the term linebacker,” said Vance Bedford, defensive coordinator and secondary coach. “It means he is half of a lineman and half of a defensive back. He’s in the middle of our defense and controls our defense.” With 110 tackles on the year, Hicks is tied for the most by a player in a power-five conference. He has also picked off two passes and has recorded 1.5 sacks. But Hicks does not lead strictly by example. He is extremely vocal, which is a very important characteristic of a linebacker. “You need a guy who can do it by example but also a person who’s vocal,” Bedford said. “Jordan Hicks has been that guy for us this year.”

Despite receiving many accolades, such as being named a semifinalist for the Bednarik Award, Hicks is quick to tell you his success is not all his own doing. “I haven’t had a perfect game out there, never will, but I feel like I’m playing my best ball, and, obviously, I have a lot of confidence right now and a lot of credit to the guys in front of me,” Hicks said. “Having Hassan Ridgeway and Malcom Brown ahead of me is kind of nice.” Brown, a junior defensive tackle, has arguably been Texas’ best player this year, and the coaches have taken notice of his performance. “I think he’s at an All-American level,” head coach Charlie Strong said. “The way he’s playing, it’s amazing. It’s fun to watch.” Brown is tied for second on the team with 4.5 sacks, but his impact on the field goes beyond his

BROWN page 16

The relationship legiate level is unlik Many college ath cause of their ability coach who recogniz the opportunity to g Coaches often act who come from tou to players outside th teachers on it. But these coaches livelihoods depend not uncommon for narian. They often s letes, pushing them athletes expect it. Therein lies the face each day. They players and push the while maintaining whom players feel c Mack Brown, for as anyone at findin quarters of his tenu a happy-go-lucky so to win for him. But final four years on c cused of being too s The hiring of Cha thing soft on the 40 stilling his core val abide by them. Bein was that Strong’s no the team’s veterans ian to quickly lose th However, much a his staff appear to h his team’s struggles game, Strong’s playe for the new regime. “[The coaches] re person he is,” senior think they can relate “The way they a Brown, entrance to Athletics Center req had all such barrier door policy among stop by whenever th That’s just one ex built a strong repert “I can tell you, I’ right now and look things I wasn’t able It speaks wonders

ng bond developing between staff, players

y Stefan Scrafield @StefanScrafield

between a player and coach at the colke any other bond. hletes are able to attend school only bey to play a sport, and, typically, it is their zed that talent and provided them with gain a post-secondary education. t as father, or mother, figures for athletes ugh upbringings and are usually mentors he field of play, just as much as they are

s are paid to do what they do, and their on the success of their athletes, so it’s them to play the role of harsh discipliscream and holler at their student-athm to their absolute physical limits. And

challenge coaches around the country must each find a way to motivate their em to improve and produce on the field, their respect and serving as a leader comfortable approaching off the field. ormer Texas head coach, was as good ng that balance through the first threeure in Austin, developing a reputation as outhern gentleman, whose players loved t, as his teams failed to produce in his campus, Brown was all of a sudden acsoft on his guys. arlie Strong symbolized the end of any0 Acres, as he quickly went to work, inlues and removing anyone who didn’t ng the opposite of Brown, the initial fear o-nonsense approach would rub some of the wrong way, causing the disciplinarhe locker room. as when Brown first arrived, Strong and have found the perfect balance. Despite s and the possibility of missing a bowl ers continue to preach their admiration

espect each and every guy by the type of r defensive back Quandre Diggs said. “I e to everybody just by the way they act.” act” is much different this year. Under the coaches’ wing of Moncrief-Neuhaus quired a code. Upon his arrival, Strong rs removed, opting instead for an openhis coaches and encouraging players to hey please. xample of how the new staff has quickly toire with its players. ’m about to go sit in those guys’ office k at some film.,” Diggs said. “There are to do my first three years here.” s that Diggs and his fellow seniors have

COACHES page 16

Above: Senior defensive end Cedric Reed celebrates with his coaches after another great defensive play. Texas’ veterans have quickly adjusted to the new coaching staff and appear to be enjoying the change of pace. Left: Head coach Charlie Strong talks to his defense before it takes the field. Strong’s coaching style is much different from his predecessor, Mack Brown’s, but his players seem to be reacting well to the no-nonsense approach and appreciate the new regime’s family approach.

Photos by Sarah Montgomery Daily Texan Staff

Friday, November 14, 2014

PLAYERS TO WATCH By Peter Sblendorio @petersblendorio

Quarterback Daxx Garman In his first five games of the season, all wins, Garman passed for 10 touchdowns against five interceptions. However, in his last three games, all losses, Garman has thrown just one touchdown pass compared to a whopping six picks. The most obvious reason for this turnaround is that none of his first five opponents are currently above .500, while his last three foes are all at least 6-4. Regardless, Garman has shown flashes of brilliance, although he has yet to do it against a quality defense. That doesn’t bode well for him this week, against a Texas defense that leads the Big 12 in passing yards per game, limiting opponents to just 184.4.

Running back Desmond Roland

Photo by Bruce Waterfield | Oklahoma State Athletics

Oklahoma State’s Seth Jacobs, seen here taking down Kansas running back De’Andre Mann, is having a breakout year after hardly playing in his first two seasons with the Cowboys. Jacobs has racked up 53 tackles through nine games.

Cowboys’ Jacobs seizing opportunity By Jori Epstein @JoriEpstein

At season’s start, sophomore linebacker Seth Jacobs was excited. Coming off a redshirt freshman season in which he saw limited action in six games, Jacobs had earned a starting spot for 2014. His team was facing defending champion Florida State Seminoles in the season opener, so the stakes were high for his first start. He longed for success for personal reasons, too. For the first time since early the previous season, Jimmy and Tracy Jacobs had flown in from California to see their son compete. “They caught a redeye,” Jacobs told The Daily O’Collegian, Oklahoma State’s student newspaper, at the time. “It’s not an easy

trip, so I’m thankful they were able to come.” Jacobs turned in a great performance in front of his parents, racking up seven tackles. He also snatched one of the Cowboys’ two interceptions from Jameis Winston, reigning Heisman Trophy winner. Although the Cowboys fell short, 3731, it was likely the team’s best performance of the season. And, Jacobs was able to execute before his parents. “It was definitely something I’ll remember for the rest of my life,” Jacobs told The Daily O’Collegian. “It’s great sharing that moment with them, and them just talking to me hoarse, losing their voice from the game, yelling for me.” But the Cowboys’ season may have peaked there. Now, having lost three consecutive games by at least

24 points, the Cowboys hope to come off a muchneeded bye week with a win against Texas. “This open week was really nice,” Jacobs said. “It gave me, and our other players that are fighting injuries, the chance to come back and rehabilitate and rest and get quality reps for guys who don’t play a lot. It was a productive week. The weekend was relaxing, and it was just good.” Jacobs’ injuries on the season include persistent shoulder pain and the need for five stitches in his chin against TCU. But Jacobs doesn’t use pain as an excuse or a way out. Through nine games, he has still managed to rank third on the team with 53 tackles and shares the team lead with two interceptions. “It’s just one of those

things that you have to do,” Jacobs said. “You have to look to the guys next to you; these guys are hurting as well. It’s more about what it comes down to.” For defensive coordinator Glenn Spencer, physicality is what “it” comes down to. Oklahoma State defenders will look to stifle Texas’ much-improved run game, particularly the backfield combination of senior Malcolm Brown and junior Johnathan Gray. The duo combined for 191 rushing yards last week, moving Brown into 11th all time on Texas’ career rushing list. Spencer says Brown’s and Gray’s play have “really picked up,” reflecting their willingness to carry the team on their shoulders. “We got two really

JACOBS page 16

Roland has seen a considerable drop in production from last season. After averaging 4.6 yards per carry in 2013, he’s managed just 3.9 yards per carry this year and is on pace for a major dip in rushing yardage and touchdowns. Still, he’s Oklahoma State’s most dangerous back. He leads the team with 512 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on the ground, and he’s rushed for at least 84 yards in five of the seven games he’s played in this season. But, a year ago, Texas held Roland in check for the most part, limiting him to just 59 yards on 19 carries. Considering Oklahoma State’s recent struggles in the passing game, the Cowboys would certainly welcome a strong performance from their senior running back this week.

Wide receiver David Glidden Despite his small 5-foot-7-inch, 185-pound frame, Glidden has emerged as Oklahoma State’s go-to receiver this season. He leads the Cowboys with 31 receptions for 419 yards, and he already has five games with at least four catches. Glidden hasn’t proven to be much of a scoring threat — he’s only scored one touchdown this season — but he’ll likely receive a considerable number of targets. Still, he’s yet to top the 100yard receiving plateau in his career, and that streak is likely to continue against Texas’ stout pass defense.

Kicker Ben Grogan Grogan has arguably been Oklahoma State’s most consistent player this season. He’s perfect on extra point attempts at 28-for-28, and he’s nailed 18-of-23 field goal tries so far. He’s been automatic inside 29 yards, having gone 6-for-6, but his most impressive stat is his 4-of-6 mark from beyond 40 yards. He’s been especially good since the start of conference play, going 10-for-12 on field goals and 3-for-3 beyond 40 yards in his first six Big 12 games. If this game comes down to the final possession, the Cowboys should feel confident having Grogan attempt a potential gamewinning kick, a luxury the Longhorns don’t have.

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Friday, November 14, 2014

By Jacob Martella @ViewFromTheBox

Oklahoma QB Knight out for Saturday Redshirt freshman quarterback Cody Thomas will finally see some significant playing time for the Sooners on Saturday against Texas Tech. Oklahoma’s usual starter, sophomore Trevor Knight, went down with an injury to his shoulder and neck in the fourth quarter of the Sooners’ loss to Baylor and was on the ground for about 10 minutes before being stretchered off. The ensuing MRIs and X-rays were negative, but Knight did not practice Monday and the team announced Thursday that he will not play this weekend. Thomas has only completed 7-of-16 passes this season for 50 yards and an interception. Gary Patterson campaigning for TCU There’s still a little less than a month until the College Football Playoff committee decides the four teams that will get to play in the inaugural playoff, but TCU head coach Gary Patterson has already begun campaigning for his team to be in it over Baylor. Despite having lost, 61-58, on the road to the Bears, Patterson said, after the win Saturday against Kansas State, he has no issue arguing for his Horned Frogs. “To me, it’s you play who you play and how you do it,” Patterson said. “I don’t see how any of the games they have left would mean any more than the games we have.” The toughest remaining game on TCU’s schedule is at Texas on Thanksgiving night, while Baylor will have one last chance to impress the committee at home against Kansas State on Dec. 6.

Shelby Tauber | Daily Texan Staff

Oklahoma will be without its starting quarterback, Trevor Knight, against Texas Tech on Saturday. Knight injured his shoulder and neck in the fourth quarter of the Sooners’ loss to Baylor last weekend. Knight has struggled to live up to expectations in 2014, completing just 58 percent of his passes and tossing nine interceptions in nine games.

Kansas coach approves goalpost celebration Kansas football has had difficulty finding a win in the Big 12 over the past few years, so it didn’t surprise too many when, after the Jayhawks beat Iowa State, the school’s students rushed the field, tore down the goalposts and carried parts of them out of the stadium. Although he hopes the program will one day move past that point, interim head coach Clint Bowen said he was fine with what the students did. “For people to go out there and be able to enjoy a Kansas victory was good

to see,” Bowen said. “It was good to see the students having fun; it was good to see our players having fun.” Kansas football fans likely won’t get the chance to celebrate like that again for a while, as the team’s last home game comes Saturday against playoff contender TCU. Pair of Bears receive Big 12 honors The Baylor offense had a field day against Oklahoma on Saturday, scoring 48 points and defeating a ranked opponent on the road for the first time

since 1991. For their effort, two Bears were recognized with Big 12 weekly honors. Sophomore receiver Corey Coleman was named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week after totaling 15 catches for 224 yard and two touchdowns — both career highs. Redshirt freshman kicker Chris Callahan was named the Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week after accounting for 12 of the 48 points. Callahan was 2-for-2 on field goals and nailed every extra point. He has made his last 12 field goal attempts. Cedric Reed, Texas

For people to go out there and be able to enjoy a Kansas victory was good to see. It was good to see the students having fun; it was good to see our players having fun. —Clint Bowen, Kansas football head coach

senior defensive end, rounded out the awards, earning the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honor. After a slow start to his senior campaign, Reed broke out of the slump with

12 total tackles — including four for loss — three sacks and a forced fumble in the 33-16 win over West Virginia. He also recorded a crucial safety late in the game.

Friday, November 14, 2014

GAMES TO WATCH

By Jacob Martella @ViewFromTheBox

No. 1 Mississippi State at No. 5 Alabama

No. 16 Nebraska at No. 20 Wisconsin

Bryant-Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, Alabama Saturday, 2:30 p.m. CBS

Camp Randall Stadium Madison, Wisconsin Saturday, 2:30 p.m. ABC

The wild West division of the SEC, which has been incredibly unpredictable this season, has arguably its biggest game of the season this weekend, with what might end up being the de facto division championship game. Mississippi State has had a dream season so far, going 9-0 and posting three straight wins against then-ranked opponents, the biggest being a 3823 win over then-No. 2 Auburn. Junior Heisman hopeful Dak Prescott has led the way for the Bulldogs with 2,231 passing yards, 18 passing touchdowns and another 11 on the ground. But Alabama, despite not being the same as the team that won back-to-back titles, has managed to hang around in the top ten in the rankings. Senior quarterback Blake Sims has been steady overall with 2,243 passing yards, 17 touchdowns and just three interceptions. The winner will have the inside track to get into the SEC title game and be the conference’s representative in the playoffs.

To say the Big Ten has flown under the radar this season would be an understatement. The conference has had only one real showcase game, which came last week when Ohio State dismantled Michigan State and possibly cost the conference a spot in the playoffs. But Nebraska and Wisconsin have quietly worked their way into the middle of the rankings and will square off in the most underrated game of the weekend. Nebraska has put together a pretty solid season, aside from a five-point loss to Michigan State. Wisconsin has had a similar year, with a loss to LSU to start the season and a bad loss at Northwestern. This should be an interesting game, pitting the Cornhuskers’ 10thranked scoring offense against the Badgers’ third-ranked scoring defense.

No. 9 Auburn at No. 15 Georgia Sanford Stadium Athens, Georgia Saturday, 6:15 p.m. ESPN At one point, this appeared to be a preview of the SEC title game. Auburn was poised to find a way to survive the brutal West division, and Georgia was head and shoulders above the rest of the East. But, after a couple tough losses, there’s a very real chance neither team will make it into the conference championship game. The Tigers could not hang on to the ball to save their playoff lives late last week against Texas A&M, in another cataclysmic upset in the SEC West. Georgia, without suspended junior running back Todd Gurley, has struggled, most notably falling to Florida two weeks ago. The Bulldogs need to win this game to have a shot at making the SEC title game, and, although both teams are out of the national championship hunt, there’s still a lot to play for in this one.

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Friday, November 14, 2014

Cedric Reed (88) and Duke Thomas (21) are among several Longhorns who have had success shutting down opposing running backs and getting to the quarterback this season.

Amy Zhang | Daily Texan Staff

It didn’t take long for head coach Charlie Strong and his staff to gain the respect of their players, who are enjoying the accessibility the new regime has provided to them.

COACHES continues from page 11 Amy Zhang Daily Texan Staff

BROWN continues from page 10 personal stats. Brown often draws double teams from the opposing offensive linemen, which helps explain why his numbers are not as dominant as his talent might suggest. He also has the potential to become a top pick in the

2015 NFL Draft and have a long, successful NFL career. “If you ask me right now, I think the young man is a first round pick,” Bedford says. Other players, such as senior defensive end Cedric Reed, have also made their presence felt on the unit.

Reed is coming off the best game of his career, during which he tripled his sack total for the season. Reed and the defense’s ability to pressure the quarterback could be on display again in Stillwater, Oklahoma, this weekend against

a Cowboy offensive line that allows three sacks a game to conference foes, most in the conference. That’s something worth remembering as, since sacks became an official stat, the Longhorns have not lost to Oklahoma State when they win the sack battle.

JACOBS continues from page 12 physical practices last week,” Spencer said. “We got to concentrate on Texas’ favorites and their run game. We put a lot of emphasis on playing physically, so I think it was a good fundamental week.” Come Saturday, Jacobs and the Cowboy defense will look to convert that physicality into success on the field. It’s senior night, and, with bowl eligibility on the line, the team recognizes the gravity of this game. “We go into every game knowing that it’s important,” Jacobs said. “These last couple of games, we haven’t been as successful and executed as well as we wanted to. Each game is very important, and that’s been stressed throughout the year.”

already bought into the new regime’s hard-nosed style. After spending several years playing for a man who couldn’t be more different, the team’s veterans have quickly adjusted to Strong and company’s different approach. “They do a good job of letting everybody know that they truly care about you, that they want to relate to

you,” said senior linebacker Jordan Hicks, who spent four years playing for Brown. It’s a unique relationship, the one between player and coach, but Strong and his staff seem to have rapidly established a good one, and the players appreciate it. “It’s important to have that relationship with your coach,” Diggs said. “We don’t take that for granted.”

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Friday, November 14, 2014

BIG 12 POWER RANKINGS By Evan Berkowitz @Evan_Berkowitz

No. 4

TCU

Oklahoma State

No. 7

Baylor

Texas

Kansas State

Texas Tech

Oklahoma

Iowa State

West Virginia

The Horned Frogs proved Saturday that they are the head of this class, absolutely mashing a solid Kansas State team. With just Kansas, Texas and Iowa State left on the schedule, it’s looking very likely the Horned Frogs will represent the Big 12 in the first College Football Playoff. After a full year of struggles, Trevone Boykin is now a Heisman contender. Most important for him and TCU, he is limiting his turnovers. In 350 attempts, he has thrown just four picks, compared to 23 touchdowns.

With a statement win at Oklahoma on Saturday, the Bears have shot their way up the rankings. They have just one loss, to West Virginia, and have an offense that’s No. 1 in the nation, averaging more than 50 points per game. If they run the table — which includes a home contest against Bill Snyder’s Kansas State Wildcats — they will win the Big 12, as they own the tiebreaker because of the win over TCU. Will that be enough for the committee to bump them ahead of the Horned Frogs?

The Wildcats’ shot at a Big 12 crown and a spot in the final four went crashing to the ground, as TCU drove them out of Fort Worth. Kansas State, normally so disciplined, committed five penalties for 68 yards, as they lost both the turnover and penalty battles. A better ground game could help them out, but, for now, they are fighting for a better bowl game and hoping to play spoiler against Baylor in their final game of the season.

There is talk of firing head coach Bob Stoops in Norman. While there’s no way he will actually get canned, that speaks volumes to how disappointing this season has been for the Sooners. They have won all the games they should have won, but they have lost to all three ranked opponents. Without a statement game left on the schedule, Oklahoma is going to end the season as a disappointment.

The Mountaineers looked terrible against Texas. But that’s just one game, and they have looked good otherwise. What hurt them specifically against Texas was their 3-for-17 conversion rate on third downs. Without first downs, it’s hard to win. But there were positives from the game: receiver Kevin White caught 16 passes, and Clint Trickett completed over 73 percent of his balls. This team is still good and shouldn’t be taken lightly.

The bye week should have helped the Cowboys figure out what had been going wrong in their threegame losing streak. Unfortunately for them, they may have the toughest remaining Big 12 schedule. They get Texas at home this week before finishing at Baylor and Oklahoma. Oklahoma State’s game against the Longhorns may determine which one of these two will make a bowl game.

Sophomore quarterback Tyrone Swoopes’ poor play is preventing the Longhorns from moving up this list. But the Texas defense is for real. It shut down a high-flying West Virginia offense with an incredibly dominant performance. The secondary prevented the big play, while the defensive line made plays all afternoon.

The Red Raiders’ defense is still awful, and their offense isn’t good enough to make up for it. A week for quarterback Davis Webb to get healthy will benefit the Red Raiders immensely. Unfortunately, it won’t matter against Oklahoma. They have one winnable Big 12 game left, against Iowa State, as they fight to avoid finishing at the bottom of the league.

The Cyclones had their worst loss of the season against Kansas in one of college football’s most meaningless games of the season. Regardless, they are still ahead of Kansas in the rankings. There’s a good chance they will be the only winless team in Big 12 play, and that can be attributed largely to their almost-as-bad-as-Texas Tech defense. They allowed 514 total yards against Kansas and did not force a single turnover.

Kansas

The Jayhawks proved all of us wrong. With an “upset” over Iowa State, they ended their Big 12 winless streak. That’s still just their second conference win in four years for a reason: they aren’t good. But they head into basketball season with a football win, and that’s all anyone will remember, as they shift their focus to hoops in Lawrence.

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HEISMAN WATCH

Friday, November 14, 2014

By Sebastian Herrera @SebasAHerrera

1. Oregon QB Marcus Mariota Last week (W, 51-27, vs. Utah): 17-for-29, 239 passing yards, 3 passing TDs, 114 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD 2014: 2,780 passing yards, 29 passing TDs, 2 INTs, 524 rushing yards, 8 rushing TDs

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If there’s one safe bet to be made in the midst of college football’s unpredictable regular season conclusion, it should be made on the Oregon Ducks. The Ducks’ last two regular season contests come against Colorado and Oregon State — two teams that Oregon should brush off with ease. An equally safe bet can be made on Mariota’s performance against the lesser opponents. It would be shocking if the junior does not tear apart both defenses and add more accolades to his already impressive Heisman résumé. Mariota and the Ducks look like serious championship contenders right now, and, at least for the near future, Mariota’s Heisman lead appears safe.

2. Mississippi State QB Dak Prescott Last week (W, 45-16 vs.Tennessee-Martin): 14-for-23, 206 passing yards, 2 passing TDs, 54 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD 2014: 2,231 passing yards, 18 passing TDs, 7 INTs, 779 rushing yards, 11 rushing TDs

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To say that this is an important week for Prescott’s Heisman hopes would be a major understatement. On Saturday, the breakthrough player of the year will lead his first-ranked Bulldogs into Tuscaloosa for the game of the week against Alabama. And although the Tide have been shaky this year, they’ve been absolutely dominant at home. Beating them there takes mistake-free play from a quarterback, and then some. Prescott has struggled with consistency in recent weeks, but he turned it around last Saturday against Tennessee-Martin. Prescott’s greatest responsibility will be to take care of the ball, and, if he can’t do that, the Bulldogs are certain to lose, eliminating any chance he has of winning college football’s most prestigious award.

3. Wisconsin RB Melvin Gordon Last week (W, 34-16, vs. Purdue): 25 rushing attempts, 1 rushing TD, 44 receiving yards, 1 receiving TD 2014: 198 rushing attempts, 1,501 rushing yards, 19 rushing TDs, 2 receiving TDs It’s easy to take Gordon’s performance for granted because he’s been so consistent, and his impressive numbers have become the expectation. But what Gordon has accomplished this season has been spectacular. Gordon is at, or near, the top of every rushing statistic, including the most important one: total rushing yard. It takes just one play to realize why Gordon is the Wisconsin offense’s most important piece. There’s no reason to believe that he won’t finish strong in the Badgers’ last two regular season games and put a stamp on one of the greatest running back campaigns in recent history.

4. TCU QB Trevone Boykin Last week (W, 41-20, vs. Kansas State): 23-for-34, 219 passing yards, 1 passing TD, 123 rushing yards, 3 rushing TDs 2014: 2,691 passing yards, 23 passing TDs, 4 INTs, 546 rushing yards, 7 rushing TDs Boykin has delivered when the pressure has been greatest. Last week, he did it again in what was supposed to be a close contest against Kansas State, in which Boykin easily led the Horned Frogs to a blowout win. Without Boykin, TCU probably wouldn’t even be relevant, let alone in the College Football Playoff conversation. The former receiver has done everything and more to make up for TCU’s poor defense, single-handedly dragging his team to a 9-1 record and a chance to play for a national championship.

5. Alabama WR Amari Cooper Last week (W, 20-13 (OT), vs. LSU): 8 receptions, 83 receiving yards, 1 receiving TD 2014: 79 receptions, 1,215 receiving yards, 10 receiving TDs Aside from a dropped pass late in the fourth quarter that could have made things easier for the Tide last week, Cooper turned in another impressive performance against a solid LSU defense. Having such a major impact is nothing new to Cooper, who is having as good a season as an Alabama receiver ever has. He’s second in the nation in receiving yards and near the top in every other category, but, more importantly, he’s the most important element of Alabama’s offensive attack. As the Tide find themselves fighting for a spot in the final four, nobody will be as vital in getting them there as Cooper.

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