Rather than battling for a spot in the Big 12 championship game, Texas is amid a meaningless game against Kansas State to close out the season.
The Longhorns are still trying to end what seems to be a never-ending losing streak against a really solid Kansas State team.
Up to this point, it has been a typical Texas game. The Longhorns build a lead after good displays of offense and defense, and then get in their own way to lose the lead.
Texas’ offense is clearly struggling with Casey Thompson at quarterback, but he is the only option they have right now. It has been a steady diet of Roschon Johnson out of the wildcat, which led to a touchdown on a very methodical drive.
Thompson is back to his normal self of forcing passes down field, as he threw a dreadful interception in the direction of Xavier Worthy who had no chance of catching it as it was under-thrown by about five yards. Even on Thompson’s touchdown pass, it was thrown into tight coverage to Cade Brewer who had to make a great catch to prevent the interception or overthrow.
Just when the defense was starting to get stops and look serviceable, Kansas State quarterback Will Howard took off for a 71-yard touchdown run that saw Texas safety BJ Foster give a pitiful tackle attempt.
The Longhorns defense made a few big stops on the next couple drives, and Jaylan Ford is looking very promising at linebacker, where he is filling in due to injuries to DeMarvion Overshown and Luke Brockermeyer.
This game could go either way, as Texas has been able to somewhat contain the Kansas State offense, but it all depends on if Casey Thompson can make a play.
The Longhorns trail 17-16 thanks to a field goal at the end of the half.
Key stats at the half
- Casey Thompson (QB, Texas): 10-14, 99yds, 1 TD, 1 INT
- Roschon Johnson (RB, Texas): 14 carries, 82yds, 1 TD
- Xavier Worthy (WR, Texas): 5 receptions, 56yds
- Will Howard (QB, KSU): 5-7, 32 yds
- Deuce Vaughn (RB, KSU): 12 carries, 70 yds, 1 TD