Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger and Jack linebacker Joseph Ossai each delivered clutch performances to power the Longhorns over No. 6 Oklahoma State in overtime.
Texas is a legitimate contender for the conference title if it can defeat West Virginia, Kansas, Iowa State and Kansas State. The Longhorns are one game behind the Big 12 leader.
For the third time this season, Texas was forced to play in extra time. The Longhorns are 2-1 in contests that have gone into overtime, the loss coming to Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry.
Let’s take a look at the Studs and Duds from Texas’ thrilling upset win over Oklahoma State.
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Studs
Joseph Ossai
Jack linebacker Joseph Ossai had one of the best defensive performances in Texas history. He’s without a doubt the top stud this week. He totaled 12 tackles, six tackles for loss, three sacks and a forced fumble. He had the game-winning sack of Oklahoma State quarterback Spencer Sanders in overtime.
Jake Smith
Jake Smith led Texas in receiving with seven receptions for 70 yards and one touchdown. When the game was on the line near the end of regulation, Ehlinger found Smith on fourth-and-7 for the go-ahead touchdown. Smith’s health will be pivotal in Texas’ success moving forward.
D’Shawn Jamison
Defensive back D’Shawn Jamison compiled two total tackles and one pass defended in this particular contest, but his performance on special teams was critical. Jamison housed a 100-yard kick return for a touchdown in the third quarter when Texas was trailing by 11 points.
Sam Ehlinger
Although quarterback Sam Ehlinger continues to have accuracy issues — primarily downfield — he puts the team on his back in crucial moments. He has single-handedly put Texas in position to win every game. Ehlinger went 7-for-9 with two pass touchdowns in the fourth quarter and overtime against Oklahoma State.
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Duds
Josh Thompson
Defensive back Josh Thompson allowed three receptions for 57 yards and one touchdown. He gave up two first downs to the Cowboys and was Texas’ lowest graded defensive player of the game according to PFF.
Derek Kerstetter
Center Derek Kerstetter continues to have lapses in each contest. He’s committed several unnecessary penalties this season and again drew attention for all the wrong reasons against Oklahoma State. Kerstetter muffed a snap to Sam Ehlinger which resulted in a fumble. The snap never even reached the hands of the quarterback.
Chris Ash
Defensive coordinator Chris Ash certainly has this defensive unit improving week by week, but he could not find an answer for Oklahoma State wide receiver Tylan Wallace. Texas chose not to double the Cowboys’ top receiver, and he responded with 11 receptions for 187 yards and two touchdowns. Each of his receptions went for a first down or touchdown.
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