Tag: horns

Sunday Big 12 morning rush: Headlines from around the conference

The latest morning rush headlines from around the Big 12 including a local product heading to Kansas over Texas and Baylor.

Each morning Longhorns Wire will share the top stories from around the Big 12 Conference. For this edition of the Big 12 Morning Twitter, Sports Illustrated, and 247Sports provide the headlines.

Austin native K.J. Adams chooses Kansas over staying home

Austin Westlake power forward K.J. Adams decided to stay somewhat close to home and play basketball in the Big 12 conference. However, he didn’t choose to stay in his hometown of Austin, Texas. Instead he chose Kansas over Georgetown, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Baylor and yes Texas. The 2021 power forward is the 16th ranked power forward in the country and is set to play for the Jayhawks and Bill Self.

How Bringing in BYU Solves Every Big 12 Scheduling Dilemma

It was recently reported by Matt Mosely that the Big 12 wouldn’t consider bringing in Brigham Young University. However, desperate times call for desperate measures right? AllSooners of Sports Illustrated highlighted how adding BYU even for one season would fix their scheduling woes in 2020.

Start with the numbers: 10 games spread over 15 Saturdays, from Week 0 (Aug. 29) to Week 14 (Dec. 5), although there’s been much discussion about adding yet another week and pushing the regular-season finales to Dec. 12 — 16 weeks in all.

Try to keep the Thursday and Friday matchups where they are for TV purposes, and build around that if possible. With the final games on Dec. 12 and the Big 12 championship game pushed back to Dec. 19 (essentially what the Pac-12 announced on Friday), that would give every Big 12 team seven open dates to cope with positive COVID-19 test results if they happen, and thus manage rosters.

To start, do away with all existing non-conference games. Simple as that. Let the FCS and Group of 5 opponents figure out their own schedules.

Report: Big 12 closing in on preferred scheduling model for 2020

The Big 12 Conference is the last man standing so to speak. Commissioner Bob Bowlsby and the conference have yet to announce their 2020 schedule plans unlike their Power Five brothers. Jeff Howe of Horns 247 says that the announcement is coming in the next couple of days.

Texas has two Group of Five opponents left on the schedule, both of which are to be played at Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium: USF on Sept. 5 and UTEP on Sept. 19. If the league is planning on beginning league play in late September and goes to a plus-one scheduling model, the likely scenario would be the Miners coming to Austin to play the Longhorns before Texas opens conference play Oct. 3 with a road trip to K-State.

In theory, there’s a way Texas could play a full 12-game schedule. The Longhorns have the option to move their season opener to Aug. 29 (Kansas and Oklahoma are both due to kick off on the last Saturday in August) and they could potentially add an in-state opponent to fill the void created by the LSU cancelation, likely from Conference USA if Texas went down that road (the Jayhawks added a game with FCS Southern Illinois while the Sooners merely moved their game with Missouri State from September to August, which allowed them to begin preseason practice Friday).

Longhorns Profile Snapshot: No. 49 Ta’Quon Graham

LonghornsWire will be looking at each scholarship player listed on the Texas roster. Today, we will be looking at senior DE Ta’Quon Graham.

Going into the 2020 football season, LonghornsWire will be looking at each scholarship player listed on the Texas roster.

Over the summer, each profile will cover where the player is from, how recruiting websites rated them coming out of high school, and what role they will play for Tom Herman this season.

Today, we will be looking at senior defensive end Ta’Quon Graham.

Ta’Quon Graham, Defensive end

Height: 6-4 / Weight: 294

Class: Senior

Hometown: Temple, Texas

High School: Temple

HS ranking (247Sports): Four-star / No. 214 overall / No. 15 position / No. 29 in-state

HS ranking (Rivals): Three-star / No. 22 position / No. 56 in-state

Analysis: A member of Tom Herman’s first recruiting class in 2017, Ta’Quon Graham was the top defensive player in the class. Rated a four-star on the 247Sports composite, the defensive end has been a key member of the Texas defense the past two seasons.

Graham started in all 13 games last season on a defensive line that struggled. He finished with 31 tackles, 12 which for a loss, and 3.5 sacks. He finished second on the team in sacks, only behind Joseph Ossai.

Now, Graham is going to be the player who determines how much improvement the defensive line sees. Ossai is going to be consistent from the Jack position. If Graham can creep closer to double-digit sacks, the Longhorns will have a top defensive line in the Big 12.

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Tom Herman addresses areas where Texas QB Sam Ehlinger can improve

Texas head coach Tom Herman recently mentioned the two areas that he feels quarterback Sam Ehlinger needs to improve in.

Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger is without a doubt one of the most exciting players to watch in the country. Continue reading “Tom Herman addresses areas where Texas QB Sam Ehlinger can improve”

Saturday Big 12 morning rush: Headlines from around the conference

The Saturday Big 12 morning rush is here. Headlines are provided from USA TODAY Sports, Phil Steele and College Football News.

Each morning Longhorns Wire will share the top stories from around the Big 12 Conference. For this edition of the Big 12 Morning Rush USA TODAY Sports, Phil Steele and College Football News provide the headlines.

BYU out for Big 12 if needed for 10-game conference schedule, per report

One idea that we were tossing around was the thought of adding BYU to the Big 12 Conference for one season. A very similar move that the ACC pulled by adding Notre Dame to their entire schedule. However our colleagues at Sooners Wire says that isn’t on the table.

The hot idea to mention was BYU. And that didn’t even reach the rumor phase of social media this time around.

During the last two rounds of realignment for the Big 12, BYU was a common name, but the conference never got to the point to invite or accept the Cougars bid to join.

Phil Steele releases Big 12 order of finish predictions

The annual Phil Steele magazine is out and he laid out just how he interprets the Big 12 finishing in 2020.

College football analyst Phil Steele made his predictions for the 2020 college football season, including the Big 12. And those rankings reflect the potentially wild nature of the conference; Steele has three teams tied for one spot.

Steele’s 350-page season preview is available exclusively at Books-A-Million and Barnes & Nobles book stores or online at PhilSteele.com. Known as “the book experts can’t do without,” Steele’s magazine is celebrating its 26th anniversary as one of the most accurate — and certainly information-packed — preseason previews in the country.

(1) Oklahoma

(2) Texas

This year they return 16 starters including QB [Sam] Ehlinger, a deeper stable of RB’s and a defense that is even more [experienced] than 9 [returning starters] with a lot of players having experience due to ’19’s injuries.

(3) Oklahoma State

(4) Texas Christian

(5) Iowa State

(6) West Virginia

(T-7) Texas Tech

(T-7) Baylor

(T-7) Kansas State

(10) Kansas

Big 12 Rankings: 2020 CFN Five Year College Football Program Analysis

Our colleagues at College Football News performed a five-year analysis on the 10 Big 12 programs to come out with an average ranking. Here is how they are laid out.

(1) Oklahoma: 142.10

(2) Texas: 86.01

Texas has won just 53% of its Big 12 games over the last five years? Seriously? The mere 13 drafted players are almost as embarrassing, but the huge Attendance Score of 9.49 and huge Elite Win Score helped provide the bump.

(3) Oklahoma State: 84.31

(4) Texas Christian: 83.06

(5) West Virginia: 74.45

(6) Baylor: 70.18

(7) Kansas State: 62.38

(8) Texas Tech: 56.12

(9) Iowa State: 51.81

(10) Kansas: 16.46

Big 12: Split on schedule options, Presidents to decide Monday

The Big 12 Conference has yet to decide on their schedule for the upcoming season but clarity is coming on Monday.

On Thursday afternoon the Southeastern Conference announced they would be going to a conference only schedule in 2020. This created a domino effect for the Big 12 as they cancelled their media day. It was also reported that an emergency meeting was called to determine how the conference would proceed with the 2020 football season.

Dennis Dodd of CBS Sports reported on Friday that the league was split with what the season would look like.

The Big 12’s athletic directors were split Friday while meeting to recommend which scheduling model the conference should use in a 2020 season that remains in flux amid the coronavirus pandemic. The conference is currently considering two primary options: a complete 12-game season or a 10-game schedule including one nonconference opponent, several league sources tell CBS Sports.

In the 12-game model, the Big 12 would play its nine league opponents in its traditional round-robin format along with three nonconference opponents. In the 10-game model, it is believed the Big 12 would play its conference schedule along with one nonconference game that would take place before the league slate begins, likely on Sept. 19 or Sept. 26.

The other Power Five conferences are set to begin on September 26th, so it would make sense for the Big 12 to follow suit. The question remains now if they will be the only conference to attempt to play a full 12-game schedule amid the pandemic.

The Pac-12 Conference was the latest to announce their schedule starting on September 26th. If the Big 12 decides on a 12-game schedule it would likely start earlier. It remains to be seen what Monday’s meeting could bring for the conference. Oklahoma and Kansas  have already moved up their opening game to week zero in an attempt to jumpstart the season.

If the Big 12 goes with a conference-only schedule, it would play the fewest games (nine) of any Power Five league. That could potentially leave the conference at a competitive disadvantage in regard to the College Football Playoff.

Look: Texas Longhorns new helmets revealed

With the coronavirus pandemic many new guidelines have been put in place. The Longhorns revealed their helmets with new splash guards.

The upcoming season for the Texas Longhorns will be one like we’ve never seen before. The coronavirus pandemic has led to many changes. Some schools are offering online courses for students who don’t want to risk contracting COVID-19. Social distancing measures have been put in place where students and faculty alike are not to be within six feet of each other where possible. Everywhere you go there are people wearing masks. One of the big questions was how do they protect the players?

In Major League Baseball they have tried masks, playing in empty stadiums and limited physical touch in celebrations. As for the NBA and NHL, they are playing in a bubble environment. So measures could they take in football? Well masks seemed to be one way. For this upcoming season the Longhorns will be wearing Schutt helmets with custom visors. Texas football shared photos of the new helmets on Twitter.

The helmets have been fitted with a custom Nike visor that goes to the bottom of the face mask. It does have holes at the bottom to allow for breathing and hopefully won’t fog up the mask so players can see. It remains unclear at this point as to how the players will adjust to the new visors. With fall camp just around the corner as teams prepare for the season, we should get some idea as to how well these visors will work.

The new splash guards look good but it remains to be seen how well they will protect these athletes once they get on the field.

Jake Smith sports a new jersey number

Texas’ offense is set to have a breakout season. One of the candidates to have the biggest role is WR, Jake Smith, will have a new number.

Texas’ offense is set to have a breakout season with new offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich. One of the candidates to play the biggest role is wide receiver, Jake Smith.

Dawning No. 16 during his freshman season, the now sophomore will have a new number on his jersey this season. Smith will be switching to No. 7 and sharing the number with junior safety Caden Sterns.

Smith caught 25 passes for 274 yards and six touchdowns last season. With Devin Duvernay off to the NFL, the sophomore is going to become Texas’ main slot receiver. He and Jordan Whittington will fight for playing time, but Smith has a year of experience.

The taking of No. 7 explains why graduate transfer Tarik Black will be wearing No. 0 for Texas. During his three seasons at Michigan, Black wore No. 7. Now, he will be the first player to ever sport the unique number for the Texas Longhorns.

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Locked on Longhorns Podcast: LSU game cancelled, Big 12 plans

Friday’s Locked on Longhorns podcast discusses the LSU-Texas cancellation and what are the Big 12’s plans moving forward?

Friday’s Locked on Longhorns is packed full of schedule news, recruiting and who should be on the Mount Rushmore of Big 12 running backs and more.

  • SEC officially announces a conference only schedule, LSU-Texas now cancelled.
  • Big 12 virtual media day cancelled.
  • What will the Big 12 do in terms of the schedule and when will it be announced?
  • Jake Smith and Tarik Black will have new jersey numbers in 2020
  • The NCAA will allow social justice patches
  • New helmets
  • Which Longhorns are featured on the Mount Rushmore of Big 12 running backs?
  • Tom Herman’s ambiguous tweet
  • Texas earns blue chip commitment for 2022

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Two Longhorns listed among ‘Mount Rushmore’ of Big 12 backs

Texas has had their fair share of top running backs but where do they rank among the ‘Mount Rushmore’ of Big 12 running backs?

During one of the weirdest offseasons in recent memory, the amount of football news has been minimal. Well expect for the constant updates on conference scheduling, COVID-19 updates and award watchlists. One good topic of conversation revolves around the “Mount Rushmore of” insert topic here. Heartland College Sports gave their Mount Rushmore of Big 12 running backs.

What they said

TEXAS RUNNING BACK RICKY WILLIAMS (1995-1998)

Even though Ricky played his freshman season in the Southwestern Conference, it would be insane to leave him off this list. From his sophomore season in 1996 to his senior season in 1998, he was arguably the best running back in college football during that time. Not only is Ricky the all-time leading rusher at Texas but he is the second all-time leading rusher in Big 12 history rushing for over 5,200 yards and 64 rushing touchdowns. However, do not forget that he almost racked up nearly 1,000 receiving yards as well. Oh yeah, in case you forgot, he won the Heisman trophy back in 1998.

TEXAS RUNNING BACK CEDRIC BENSON (2001-2004)

I feel like people sometimes forget just how good Cedric Benson was in college. From his freshman season in 2001 to his senior year in 2004, Cedric rushed for at least 1,000 yards and in his final three years in Austin, he never rushed for less than 1,293 yards in a season. And due to Ricky Williams playing a year in the Southwestern Conference, Cedric Benson is the all-time leading rusher in Big 12 history with 5,540 rushing yards and 69 rushing scores.

It should really come as no surprise to see both Ricky Williams and Cedric Benson are both part of the Mount Rushmore of Big 12 running backs. Williams an obvious member given how dominant he was and the fact that he won a Heisman. Benson is the all-time leading rusher in Big 12 history and he was one of the most consistent backs each and every season.

Texas lands first commitment of 2022 class in four-star receiver

Texas has landed their first commitment of the 2022 recruiting class with Phaizon Wilson. A four-star WR, Phaizon chose UT over Texas A&M.

Texas has landed their first commitment of the 2022 recruiting class with Phaizon Wilson. A four-star wide receiver from Lancaster, Texas, Phaizon chose the Longhorns over Texas A&M.

Tom Herman’s great run in the state of Texas begins with Phaizon and will continue through the 2022 class. Once again, Herman finds a way to beat Jimbo Fisher and the Aggies for an in-state blue-chip prospect.

Rating
Stars Overall State Position
247 4 – 35 38
Rivals – – – –
ESPN 4 243 34 32
247 Composite 4 245 55 31
Vitals
Hometown Lancaster, Texas
Projected Position Wide receiver
Height 6-4
Weight 210
Recruitment
  • Offered on April 23, 2020
  • No visit yet
Offers (16 total)
  • Alabama
  • Arkansas
  • Flordia
  • Kansas
  • Missouri
  • Ole Miss
  • SMU
  • Texas
  • Texas Tech
  • Texas A&M
Crystal Ball

No crystal ball at the time of posting

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