Tag: Big 12 Football

Sam Ehlinger and Drew Brees share Alamo Bowl history

Texas’ win over Utah was the second-largest upset in Alamo Bowl history. The largest upset was in 1998 when Drew Brees defeated No. 4 KSU.

Going into Tuesday’s Alamo Bowl, Utah was ranked No. 11 in the College Football Playoff standings. Texas took care of business against the Utes, pulling out a dominating 38-10 victory. It was the highest-ranked team the Longhorns had beaten unranked since last season’s victory over No. 17 TCU.

It was also the second-largest upset in the history of the Alamo Bowl. The largest upset in 1998 when now New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees defeated No. 4 Kansas State.

Both Ehlinger and Brees attended Westlake High School in Austin, TX. The now Texas quarterback graduated in 2016, while the former Purdue signal-caller graduated in 1996.

Purdue won the 1998 Alamo Bowl 37-34 after the Wildcats lost in the Big 12 championship in double overtime. Much like the Longhorns, the Boilermakers were able to take advantage of a team off an emotional loss.

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WATCH: Zach Shackelford leads post Alamo Bowl ‘Texas Fight’

Under Tom Herman, it is tradition to sing the fight song together in the locker room after a win. Watch the team sing after the Alamo Bowl.

Under Head Coach Tom Herman, after every victory, it is a tradition for the entire team to sing the school fight song together in the locker room. After Tuesday’s win over Utah, it was no different for the Longhorns, gathering to belt the words out.

Led by senior captain Zach Shackelford, it was the final time he and other seniors would have the opportunity to sign the fight song. After another emotional bowl win for the Longhorns, it was a loud and proud version of ‘Texas Fight’.

You can watch it here:

It was the final time seniors like Shackelford, Devin Duvernay, and Collin Johnson would ever play with the Longhorns logo on their helmet. It was important to send them on their way out with a win and that is exactly what Texas was able to do.

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Utah QB Tyler Huntley: “We took it more as a vacation”

During bowl season, the big question is how much motivation each team has. After losing the Pac 12, the same question was asked about Utah.

Every year during bowl season, the big question for some teams is how much motivation each team has and how it will positively or negatively affect them. In last year’s Sugar Bowl, many said the only reason Texas was able to get a victory over Georiga is that the Bulldogs wanted to be in the College Football Playoff, not the Sugar Bowl.

The same was thought after it was announced that Utah would be playing against the Longhorns in the Alamo Bowl. Just like Georgia, the Utes lost in their conference championship game and missed out on the College Football Playoff.

After losing the Alamo Bowl, Utah quarterback Tyler Huntley used that excuse, saying the Utes “took it more as a vacation.”

Texas dominated most of the game on both sides of the ball but especially on the defensive side. The Longhorns held running back Zach Moss to 57 rushing yards and Huntley to under 150 passing yards.

Even if Utah did use their trip to San Antonio as a vacation, they could have had a better showing than what happened. Dominated on both line of scrimmages, killing their drives through penalties, and losing their temper is what cost the Utes the game.

Not being unprepared.

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Alamo Bowl halftime recap

In a great position to win their third straight bowl, if UT can replicate their first half in the second half, they will pull out a victory.

After a solid first quarter for the Longhorns, the second quarter started out even better with a 71-yard punt return from D’Shawn Jamison, setting Texas up inside their own 10-yard line.

Two plays later, Collin Johnson broke wide open in the back of the end zone, giving the Longhorns their first touchdown of the night. It was Johnson’s first score since the Kansas State game.

Utah’s offense remained stalled to start out the second quarter, only gaining 25 yards on eight plays. Two sacks from Ta’Quon Graham and Joseph Ossai mixed with a false start from the offensive line forced the Utes back.

After only throwing for 33 yards in the first half, Ehlinger finally found his groove throwing the ball down the field. First, Johnson had a big play for 23 yards and then Devin Duvernay got a 40-yard reception down the sideline.

The Longhorn got cute on the next play, as Duvernay lost eight yards on a reverse. That play killed the Texas drive, making it 4th and 2 after Ehlinger managed nine yards on third down.

Tom Herman decided it was worth to go for it, but after good pressure from the Utes, Ehlinger threw an interception to Utah’s Javelin Guidry. Originally called a drop, the referees reviewed it, putting the Utes on the one-yard line.

Getting the first turnover of the game, Utah finally started to get their offense rolling to close the half. A big 26 yard run from running back Zach Moss got the Utes into Texas territory for the first time.

Just when it started to go well for them, an ineligible man downfield and an intentional grounding penalty killed the drive. They were forced to punt for the fifth time.

Texas is playing really well, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Shutting an explosive Utah offense was not something expected from the Longhorns, but is no doubt welcomed. Besides the turnover, everything has gone right for Sam Ehlinger and the offense.

In a great position to win their third straight bowl game, if Texas can replicate their first half in the second half, they will pull out a victory.

You can catch the second half of the Alamo Bowl on ESPN.

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WATCH: Collin Johnson scores Texas’ first touchdown

After only being able to kick an FG in the first quarter, Sam Ehlinger was able to find Collin Johnson in the endzone in the second quarter.

After only being able to kick a field goal in the first quarter, Sam Ehlinger and the offense was able to find the endzone early in the second quarter.

D’Shawn Jamison set the Longhorns up in a good position after a 71 yard punt return, going all the way down to the Utah six-yard line. Two plays later, Ehlinger found Collin Johnson wide open to give Texas a 10-0 lead.

The Longhorns have started out well against the 11th ranked Utes, getting good pressure on the defensive side of the ball. The offense is getting put in good positions and must continue to execute when given the opportunities.

Texas is currently playing Utah on ESPN.

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Alamo Bowl First Quarter Recap

Texas has played well so far. If the defense continues to play this way, the offense will have a great chance to win it for the Longhorns.

To start the game, Texas won the toss and elected to receive. Putting Sam Ehlinger and the offense on the field immediately, the Longhorns started out strong with a deep shot to Collin Johnson for 34 yards down the middle.

From that point on, Keaontay Ingram was solid in the run game, getting Texas down to the Utah 10 yard line. On third down, Ehlinger got away with a throw, as Utah more than likely should have had a pick-six.

Cameron Dicker hit a 29-yard field goal to put Texas up 3-0.

With Utah getting the ball for the first time, they got a first down via a Tyler Huntley throw to Cole Fotheringham on their first play. Texas forced a punt three plays later after stuffing running back Zach Moss and quarterback Tyler Huntley.

Texas got the ball back after a Utah punt and was not able to do much. Only gaining a first down through a Ute penalty, second and third down was dominated by the Utah defensive line, getting to Ingram and Ehlinger behind the line of scrimmage.

Zach Moss started to do Zach Moss type things for the Utes to open up their second drive, gaining 11 yards on the first two plays. Utah went to the passing game after that but found little success. Devonta’e Henry dropped a swing pass from Huntley that could have gone a long way. The Longhorn defense continued their strong start, forcing another punt.

Roschon Johnson got in the action to start the third drive, getting 21 yards throughout the entire drive. Texas could not capitalize on his gains though, punting for the second time after a Brennan Eagles screen pass forced a 4th and 11.

After getting away with a field goal on their first drive, Texas is lucky to be up 3-0 in this game. The defense has been outstanding so far, limiting Tyler Huntley to what he can do in the passing game. If they continue to play this way throughout the entire game, the offense will have a great chance to win Tom Herman’s third consecutive bowl game.

Texas stats

Sam Ehlinger: 2-6 33 yards

Keaontay Ingram: Five rushes, 20 yards

Roschon Johnson: Three rushes, 21 yards

Collin Johnson: One catch, 34 yards

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Twitter prepares for Alamo Bowl

If Texas can win, it will be a second straight year with a huge bowl win. Here is how Longhorn Twitter is preparing for the Alamo Bowl:

Texas will take the field for the final time in the 2019 season as they face the Utah Utes in the Valero Alamo Bowl. The Longhorns finished the regular season with a 7-5 record, while Utah made it all the way to the Pac 12 championship game, but lost to Oregon, making them 11-2.

Tonight’s game will be a big one for both teams as a win would give them momentum going into the 2020 season. If Texas can win, it will be a second straight year with a huge bowl win to end the season.

Here is how Longhorn Twitter is preparing for the Alamo Bowl:

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Tim Beck to be hired as North Carolina State Offensive Coordinator

There are reports that Tim Beck will be leaving Texas to become OC at NCSU. The announcement will be made after tonight’s Alamo Bowl.

After the season finale against Texas Tech, the Longhorns announced that Tim Beck would be removed from his role as the offensive coordinator. He was kept on the staff as the quarterback coach.

Zach Barnett of footballscoop.com is reporting that Beck will be leaving Texas to accept the position as the offensive coordinator at North Carolina State. Currently in his third season with the Longhorns, the announcement will be made after tonight’s Alamo Bowl.

This will be Beck’s fourth offensive coordinator job in Divison 1 football. Previously the OC at Nebraska, the co-OC at Ohio State, and the job he just lost at Texas, Beck will take on a new conference in the ACC.

The Wolfpack are off a disappointing 4-8 season in which they only averaged 22 points per game. Playing in the ACC Coastal, Beck will be facing off against former Longhorn Head Coach Mack Brown every year.

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Three reasons Texas will win the Alamo Bowl

Seen as underdogs, Texas is going to need a lot to go their way to win the Alamo Bowl. Here are three reasons Texas will win against Utah.

Wrapping up the third season under Head Coach Tom Herman, the Longhorns are in their third consecutive bowl game. While it is not exactly where Texas wants to be, after not even going to a bowl game for the final two years of Charlie Strong, it can be seen as an accomplishment.

Seen as the underdogs in the Alamo Bowl against Utah, the Longhorns are going to need a lot to go their way to win this game. Things have gone their way before the game has even kicked off, as they should have the home field advantage and star wide receiver Collin Johnson is expected to return for the game.

Here are three reasons Texas will win the Alamo Bowl against Utah:

Home field advantage

Whenever you play a bowl game in your home state, a huge crowd in your favor is expected. That is especially true when the venue you are playing in is around an hour and a half drive. The Longhorns should have a huge crowd in attendance for Tuesday’s Alamo Bowl against Utah. The Utes should have a decent-sized crowd themselves but will be hard to outnumber the following Texas will have.

In a similar situation early in the year, Texas played a “neutral site” game against Rice at NRG Stadium, home of the Houston Texans. While Rice is located in Houston, the support was mainly for Texas fans. Utah has a bigger undergrad population and more likely more alumni, it will not be able to balance out Texas fans. Having a virtual home game will keep the Longhorns competitive throughout the game.

Collin Johnson is back

For most of the season, Texas has been without star wide receiver Collin Johnson. After deciding to skip the NFL and come back for his senior season, Johnson has only played in six games this season. He has been effective in those six games, having at least five receptions in four games. He last played against Kansas State in November, where he had seven catches for 110 yards and a touchdown.

Even if he does not make an impact with the ball in his hand, he is something Utah will have to think about. His presence in the lineup takes the pressure off other receivers like Devin Duvernay. Johnson may not be 100% but as this will be his final ever time to play in a Longhorn’s uniform, expect him to make a significant impact.

Recent bowl success

Under Tom Herman, the Longhorns are 2-0 in bowl games. The last Texas coach to win their first two bowl games with the program was Blair Cherry back in 1947 and 1948. Playing in the 2017 Texas Bowl, the Longhorns took care of old Big 12 opponent Missouri, 33-16. Last season, Texas got a huge win in the Sugar Bowl against sixth-ranked Georgia, 28-21. Herman has gotten the team to play well for the big occasion.

With this being the 11th Power 5 opponent (12th if you count BYU) they have faced this year, they are not stranger to tough competition. However, this will be the most prestigious bowl game the Utes have played in since defeating Alabama in the 2008 Sugar Bowl. The Longhorns have been on a big stage before and will be ready to play. Having that advantage over Utah will give Texas the ability to compete with the Utes.

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Alamo Bowl Comparison: Line of Scrimmage

Most games in college football are won at the line of scrimmage. Here is a comparison of Texas’ and Utah’s offensive and defensive lines:

Most games in college football are won and lost at the line of scrimmage. Having offensive lineman that can block and give time for plays to develop is just as crucial as getting pressure from your defensive line to disrupt what the other team is doing.

That will be no different for this year’s Alamo Bowl when Texas faces Utah. The Utes have some of the best units on the line of scrimmage in the country and have the opportunity to give the Longhorns some problems. Both units considered weaknesses for Texas, if they are not able to hold their ground, it could be a long night.

Here is a comparison of Texas’ and Utah’s offensive and defensive lines and how they matchup against each other:

Texas’ offensive line vs Utah’s defensive line

The second most sacked quarterback in the Big 12, Ehlinger has taken some shots from opponent defensive lines this season. The worst came against Oklahoma when the Sooners were able to record nine sacks from eight different players. The Longhorns offensive line has given up a lot but still has been above average throughout the season.

As for Utah’s pass rush, they have gotten to the quarterback 29 different times this season. Senior defensive end Bradlee Anae is second in the Pac 12 with 12.5 sacks after leading the conference last season. The run defense has also been excellent, only giving up 56 yards per game. After going quiet against a very good Oregon offensive line in the Pac 12 championship, the Utes will be looking for redemption.

Who has the advantage?

Utah’s defense was the best in the Pac 12 and it all started on the line of scrimmage. They have the advantage, but it is not like the Longhorns have gone against bad defensive lines all season. The offensive line for Texas should be prepared for whatever is thrown at them, but if mistakes are made, the Utes will capitalize quickly.

Quarterback Sam Ehlinger may have to do some scrambling throughout the game. Extending plays with his feet and running for a few first downs or finding receivers will be critical. Utah will more than likely have good pressure throughout the entire game, but if Ehlinger can be as clutch as we know he can be, Texas will be just fine.

Texas’ defensive line vs Utah’s offensive line

From a pass-rushing standpoint, the Longhorns have struggled this season, only having 22 sacks this season, the third-fewest in the conference. While the unit as a whole is young, it has still struggled this season, especially in the Big 12. With a defensive line led by senior Malcolm Roach, Texas has a tough test against the Utah offensive line.

The reason running back Zach Moss is having such success this season is because of space the Utah offensive line is giving him. A big, physical group led by left tackle Darrin Paulo, the Utes have one of the best offensive lines in the country. Only allowing 21 sacks this year, only one team in the Pac 12 gave up less. From a running perspective, they average 214 yards per game, the best in the conference. The offensive line has been the key to this success, giving Moss and quarterback Tyler Huntley the opportunity to make plays.

Who has the advantage?

The defensive line has been a weakness for Texas this season while Utah’s offensive line has been one of their strengths. The Utes have the advantage going into the game as it is one of their strengths against one of Texas’ weaknesses, but the Longhorns have an opportunity to flip that.

The matchup between the Longhorns defensive line and the Ute offensive line will be one of the most critical in this game. If Texas is able to get constant pressure, it will disrupt everything Utah has planned offensively. Limiting Moss and forcing Huntley into some early throws would give the Longhorns a great chance to win.

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