Somehow, someway, Texas found a way to lose to Iowa State. A game that mirrored last season’s loss, the Longhorns fall to 5-3 on the season after the 23-20 loss. With the win, the Cyclones are now one step closer to their first conference championship since 1912.
Cameron Dicker had the opportunity to tie the game as the clock expired but barely missed it to the left. While it will be the moment remembered, it is far from the reason Texas lost.
Once again, fourth-quarter management from Tom Herman was a major factor. With 4:04 left, the offense got the ball back with the opportunity to put the game on since. Instead, deep shots on second and third down only took 20 seconds off the clock.
Texas led 20-10 with 7:30 left in the third quarter and didn't score again.
— Patrick (@PatSportsGuy) November 27, 2020
The Longhorns’ defense was solid all day but broke when the game was on the line. Containing Breece Hall for all four quarters is nearly impossible. He squeaked into the endzone for the game-winning touchdown.
Sam Ehlinger leaves Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium for the final time with a loss. The senior quarterback did not look like a third-year starter all day. Overthrows and poor decisions in the pocket cost Texas in the end.
After 10 first-quarter carries, Bijan Robinson only touched the ball six more times. At the time, Robinson was averaging 4.3 yards per carry and working well on the outside. Putting the game in the hands of a struggling quarterback instead of the hot hand makes little to no sense.
Now, the Longhorns will be looking forward to Kansas State and Kansas with nothing else to play for. The Big 12 championship is out of the question, even if Oklahoma or Iowa State drop another game. Herman will likely end his tenure in Austin without a conference championship.
The season began with expectations, hope, and excitement. Once again it will end with disappointment, frustration, and question marks. Athletic director Chris Del Conte will have to answer them once the season ends on Dec. 12.