Tag: Keaontay Ingram

Texas Longhorns vs Iowa State: Running Backs Tale of the Tape

The Texas Longhorns defense will be tested in the run game against Breece Hall. Can this team be the first to slow him down?

The Texas Longhorns defense and Chris Ash are really going to be tested on Friday. With game-planning for the Cyclones, comes getting ready for the top running back in the Big 12 Conference. Breece Hall has been running through every defense that he has come across this season. Iowa State has been one of the more consistent running teams in college football this year.

The Longhorns have been on the other side, outside of Sam Ehlinger’s runs this year Texas hasn’t been consistent enough. With how Tom Herman’s offenses have operated the last three seasons. The team is ranked fifth in the Big 12 with 160.5 rushing yards per game in conference play.

The Iowa State defense allows just 104 yards per game and six total touchdowns. That ranks second in the conference in both. In conference play that number drops to 102 and five. Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson will be tested, awaiting to hear if Keaontay Ingram will be available this week.

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Bijan Robinson vs Breece Hall Comparison

Robinson vs Hall
6-0 Ht 6-1
222 Wt 215
Freshman Class Sophomore
51 Att 180
294 Yards 1,169
5.8 YPA 6.5
0 TDs 15
60 Touches 195
399 Yards 1,257

The Longhorns defense is allowing 130.3 yards rushing per game with 10 rushing touchdowns total. Hall has rushed for at least 100 yards and one touchdown in every game this year. In conference play, he has rushed for 130 yards and a touchdown in every game. Hall has scored at least two touchdowns in each of the last three games. Can Texas bottle up Hall and force Brock Purdy to throw the ball?

Against the Longhorns in Ames, Iowa last season, Breece Hall had 25 touches for 103 yards and no scores.

Edge: Breece Hall

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Texas Football: Bijan Robinson named Big 12 Newcomer of the Week

Standout freshman running back for the Texas Longhorns earned newcomer of the week honors. Bijan Robinson didn’t look like a freshman.

One of the big contributors in the Texas Longhorn’s 27-13 victory over West Virginia was Bijan Robinson. He set season high’s in rushing yards and yards from scrimmage. His 54-yard run to open the game set the Longhorns up deep in WVU territory for their first touchdown. Robinson was a highlight waiting to happen in this game.

Bijan showed why he was highly touted coming out of Arizona in the 2020 recruiting class. He averaged 9.4 yards per carry and 10.8 yards per touch. His 151 yards from scrimmage were the most by any Longhorn this season so far. His 113 yards rushing were the most by a Texas player this year, edging out Sam Ehlinger‘s 112 against the Oklahoma Sooners.

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After his performance, Robinson is now second on the team in rushing yards (294) and just behind Ehlinger (323). Bijan also leads the team in yards from scrimmage (399). It was clear on Saturday against the Big 12’s top rushing defense that they need to play him more. Robinson gives this team so much as a runner and receiver that you have to play him.

Head coach Tom Herman needs to lean more on the freshman moving forward. Especially while Keaontay Ingram continues to deal with a high ankle sprain and Roschon Johnson has dealt with the shoulder injury this year. They should ride the young back like Herman did back at Ohio State in the 2014 title run.

As the offensive coordinator at Ohio State, Herman’s star running back was Ezekiel Elliott. During that run he gave Elliott 20 touches per game for an average of 7.0 yards per touch. Herman did state he didn’t want to “overload” the freshman but he has been their most effective back this season when on the field.  Bijan averages 6.7 yards per touch in seven games.

Is it Bijan Robinson’s time to shine in wake of Ingram injury?

It was reported by head coach Tom Herman that Keaontay Ingram will miss time with a high ankle sprain. Is this Bijan Robinson’s opportunity?

When the top running back in the 2020 class signed his letter of intent with the Texas Longhorns there was plenty of excitement. Texas was able to keep Bijan Robinson away from the Ohio State Buckeyes, Southern California Trojans and the Alabama Crimson Tide. He only ended up taking visits to Texas, OSU and USC.

He was one of the highest touted running backs that signed with the Longhorns. In terms of all-time recruits, he ranked 13th in school history according to 247Sports Composite rankings. Only Jonathan Gray in 2012 ranked higher than Bijan. Easy to say the expectation level for Bijan was through the roof. Especially after you look at the records he set in Arizona. So is Robinson about to take hold of that running back position?

Last week in the wild win over Oklahoma State, Robinson ended up playing the most snaps of any running back. He has started the last two games but split time with Keaontay Ingram and Roschon Johnson. After Ingram’s injury, it was split between Bijan and Roschon, the former played the most snaps. He was in on 47 of 82 possible snaps. That is a play percentage of 57.3%. Johnson was in on 39% of the plays.

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Of the 47 snaps, Bijan touched the ball on 15 plays (32%). Roschon was the target on 28.1% of his opportunities. It is one thing to come in following an injury but when you know you are the guy, it gets a bit different. Johnson has been dealing with a lingering shoulder injury this year. Could be a reason that Robinson is seeing more opportunity. Against the Cowboys defense, Robinson averaged 4.5 yards per carry. With more carries as the weeks go by, it feels like he catching up to the speed of the game.

Robinson still has the fewest carries of the backs and Sam Ehlinger, but has the second-highest yards per carry. It seems that the coaching staff likes to use him between the 20’s. However, when the team approaches the red zone and goal to go situations it is Ingram or Johnson. Given Bijan’s receiving ability, he should get more looks and that may just happen while Keaontay recovers from the high ankle sprain.

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Texas HC Tom Herman provides injury updates ahead of West Virginia game

Texas head coach Tom Herman provided injury updates on Keaontay Ingram, Isaiah Hookfin, Jordan Whittington and Brenden Schooler.

Texas will be without starting running back Keaontay Ingram for the foreseeable future. Continue reading “Texas HC Tom Herman provides injury updates ahead of West Virginia game”

Texas Longhorns vs Oklahoma State: First quarter recap

The Texas Longhorns-Oklahoma State Cowboys first quarter recap. The Longhorns are looking to play spoiler in the OSU bid for the CFP.

The Texas-Oklahoma State matchup started with the Longhorns offense taking the field first. Bijan Robinson started the offense with back to back runs to get them to the Texas 45-yard line. The drive stalled after Sam Ehlinger was stopped at midfield on third and long forcing the punt for the Longhorns.

After a two-yard run by Chuba Hubbard, Spencer Sanders found Tylan Wallace on a catch and run for a first down. One play later the Cowboys were at midfield on the offense. After a first down catch and run, Jacoby Jones gets called for a roughing the passer penalty, Oklahoma State drives deep into Texas territory. Sanders finds Wallace for the first score to give the Cowboys an early lead 7-0.

In typical Texas fashion they are called for a delay of game on the first play of the drive. More familiar failures for the Longhorns. On third down, Ehlinger finds Jake Smith but a drop forces another punt from the Longhorns. The Cowboys would get the ball back for their second possession up 7-0.

The Oklahoma State offense fumbles the exchange to Hubbard and the Longhorns jump on the ball. The Longhorns recover the ball to start in the redzone. Ehlinger finds Jake Smith to get first and goal at the five-yard line. Keaontay Ingram get the ball to the one, then punches it in to tie up the game.

On the play prior to the touchdown run, Ingram’s ankle was rolled up on and would head to the locker room for evaluation. On third and eight for the Cowboys, D’Shawn Jamison extends the drive for Oklahoma State on a pass interference call. The Longhorns defense responds with sacks by Joseph Ossai and Jones to force a Cowboys punt. Texas takes over with 5:55 remaining in the quarter.

The Texas starts with back to back carries to Roschon Johnson before taking a shot downfield to Brennan Eagles where Ehlinger overthrew him. The Cowboys were offsides to give a free first down. Facing a third and one, there was a snap issue from Derek Kerstetter that forced another punt.

After Joseph Ossai reads the quarterback and brings him down to force a third down play. The defense gives up a big play on a screen play where multiple Longhorns missed a tackle opportunity to bring LD Brown down. After a big play to Landon Wolf, Sanders finds him again wide open in the endzone after the rub route ran to perfection. 14-7 Oklahoma State.

As the quarter came to the close, Ehlinger started to get into a rhythm as he finds Eagles and Smith on back to back plays.

Stats:

Ehlinger 3-7 40 yards

Robinson 5 carries, 39 yards

Smith 2 receptions, 29 yards

 

Texas Longhorns vs Oklahoma State: RB Tale of the Tape

Two teams that want to run the football in the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Which back wins in the tale of the tape?

This game features two teams in the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma State Cowboys that believe in running the football. The difference is the execution. The Cowboys feature a two-headed monster in Chuba Hubbard and LD Brown. The Longhorns were expected to roll with the three-back rotation of Keaontay Ingram, Roshon Johnson and Bijan Robinson. Unfortunately for Texas not all three have been available for each game with fumble issues, and injuries to Roschon and Bijan.

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Running Back Tale of the Tape

Looking at the projected starters for this one. How do they stack up in the running game and total touches overall.

Ingram vs Hubbard
6-0 Ht 6-0
222 Wt 208
Junior Class Junior
51 Carries 94
245 Yards 478
4.8 YPC 5.1
0 TDs 5
62 Touches 97
348 Yards 492
1 TDs 5

Back up Tale of the Tape

Johnson-Robinson vs Brown
59 Carries 37
265 Yards 227
4.5 YPC 6.1
2 TDs 1
66 Touches 40
338 Yards 256
3 TDs 1

Oklahoma State has the clear advantage when it comes to the run game. Hubbard started off the season slow but he has started heating up for the Cowboys offense. Brown does his job when called upon to relieve Chuba. As a whole the OSU offense ranks 19th in yards per game at 216.3 yards per game. Texas is 42nd with 174.8 yards per game. Ehlinger accounts for 34% of their output.

Overall the edge is to Oklahoma State, the Longhorns and head coach Tom Herman want to run the ball efficiently. That might be the tallest of tasks this week against the Cowboys defense. They give up 127 yards rushing per game. Overall they have the 19th ranked defense in the country.

Those number could be inflated due to playing Kansas and West Virginia. Against the Iowa State Cyclones that defense gave up 185 yards to Breece Hall. He did have one run that went for 70 yards. Outside of that run that still accounts for 6.1 yards per carry.

For Texas to beat Oklahoma State they will need a balanced attack and that starts with the running back stepping up.

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Texas Longhorns vs Baylor Bears: Halftime recap

After being down 3-0 at the end of the first quarter, Texas has responded and goes into the locker room with a 13-3 lead.

Who says the Big 12 is all about offense? After being down 3-0 at the end of the first quarter, Texas has responded and goes into the locker room with a 13-3 lead.

Sam Ehlinger has picked it up, finally finding the endzone through the air. The senior quarterback is eight of 13 with 146 yards. Ehlinger connected with Joshua Moore for the first touchdown of the game.

Keaontay Ingram has gotten the majority of the carries on the ground, gaining 31 yards. Sophomore Roschon Johnson has yet to get a touch after suffering a shoulder injury against Oklahoma.

The biggest story for the defensive is the health of Joseph Ossai. Playing the Jack position, Ossai headed back to the locker room in the final minute of the second quarter.

Missed opportunities on the defensive end remain crucial for the Longhorns. B.J Foster, Chris Brown, and D’Shawn Jamison have all dropped interceptions. For a team that is desperate for turnovers, Texas must take advantage of Charlie Brewer’s mistakes.

First-half statistics

Sam Ehlinger: Eight of 13 with 146 yards and one touchdown

Keaontay Ingram: Eight receptions for 31 yards

Joshua Moore: Two receptions for 45 yards and one touchdown

R.J. Sneed: Four receptions for 62 yards

Cameron Dicker: Made all three kicks, long of a 41-yard field goal

Highlights

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Texas Longhorns vs Baylor: Three key offensive players

We highlighted three key offensive players for the Texas Longhorns. Each one needs to step up and help the team defeat the Baylor Bears.

On Saturday the Texas Longhorns are sending their offense on to the field to attack the Baylor Bears defense. That side of the ball has been good averaging a FBS-best 49.5 points per game. They are also the 12th highest in total offense.

It all starts with the quarterback Sam Ehlinger. Can the Longhorns be more consistent than they have been over the last couple weeks? Against Oklahoma the Longhorns were held scoreless in the first and third quarters. Against TCU they had spells of 10 plus minutes without being able to move the ball and put points on the board.

The offense is as guilty as the defense for this issues that have repeatedly bit this team. There are three players who need to step up on Saturday for this team to win.

Next, three key offensive players against Baylor

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Texas Football: Five areas of improvement on offense for Saturday

The Texas Longhorns have plenty of areas of improvement across the board. Longhorns Wire highlights five areas on the offensive side.

When your football team is losing football games, it is all bad right? Every glaring detail becomes magnified but for good reason. When a team as talented as the Texas Longhorns start losing games, then the finger pointing begins. This team is talented but there isn’t just one area of emphasis that needs to be fixed.

To quote Shrek “it has layers.”

On the offensive side of the ball it starts with quarterback Sam Ehlinger. He has been the savior at times, see Texas Tech for example. He has also been the guy that shoulders the blame due to how the game ended, see Oklahoma. It isn’t fair for him to carry all of it around with him. There are several issues on the offensive side of the ball.

Here are five areas the Longhorns need to improve on against Baylor.

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Three reasons Texas lost to Oklahoma in the Red River Shootout

It was a frustrating game for the Texas Longhorns as they fell to their rivals 53-45 in an overtime thriller. Our three reason for the loss.

There is a lot to unpack from the Texas Longhorns 53-45 loss to the Oklahoma Sooners on Saturday. Despite falling down by double-digits twice against Oklahoma, Texas was able to fight and claw back into the game. The Longhorns needed this game but ultimately fell short to their rivals to the north.

Early on in this game, it didn’t look much like a shootout given that the game went into halftime tied at 17. Then again tied at 31 as the fourth quarter came to an end. It looked like the Sooners would win the game with under five minutes remaining and a two touchdown lead. However, quarterback Sam Ehlinger and the Longhorns had other ideas.

Clinging to a lead late, the Sooners had an opportunity to put the game away as Texas had no timeouts left. All Oklahoma needed was a first down or two to milk the clock. On third down Lincoln Riley dialed up a pass that fell incomplete. With two minutes remaining, they gave Sam Ehlinger all the time he needed to force overtime in this game.

In the extra session the Longhorns weren’t able to do enough and some mistakes cost them dearly. Texas tried to mount a comeback again in the fourth overtime, they fell short once gain. We breakdown three reasons why the Longhorns lost to Oklahoma.

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