Texas fans and media react to a 16-3 first half lead against Rice

After an abysmal performance by the Longhorns offensive line, Texas leads 16-3 at halftime.

The Texas Longhorns have kicked off the season for 2023. The Texas offense was well below standard in the first half.

To start the game, Texas failed to secure a first down in the first series. Compounding the issue, Sarkisian went for it on fourth and two from his own 33-yard line only to fail to convert.

The Texas offensive line and overall pass protection was poor at best in early action. So, too, was blitz pickup from the Texas backfield. The running back unit will need to figure out how to put together a competent performance in its second game against Alabama.

Xavier Worthy, Jonathan Brooks and Jordan Whittington were seemingly the lone bright spots for the Longhorns on offense, but the defense did its job. Defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski suffocated the Rice offense in the first quarter before the Owls got loose on a mesh crossing route. The fun stopped there for Rice.

Texas leads 16-3 at halftime. Here’s a look at how Texas faithful took in the game.