Iowa State AD looks forward to leaving Longhorn Network

Iowa State athletic director Jamie Pollard implies Texas “can’t leave soon enough.”

We’re over a decade into the Longhorn Network but some haven’t accepted that reality. 365 Sports and Iowa State athletic director Jamie Pollard discussed playing on the Longhorn Network as a member of the Big 12.

Craig Smoak asked Pollard what his thoughts were on having to play on Texas’ personal network. Pollard responded, “Can’t leave soon enough.”

There is a legitimate gripe that Longhorn Network isn’t worth the purchase for non-Texas fans. It isn’t the first significant matchup Texas and Iowa State have played on the channel. Nevertheless, the Cyclones stand to lose a sizable allowance apart from the Longhorns moving forward.

To be clear, there’s nothing wrong with Pollard refusing the monetary relevance that comes with playing in the same conference as Texas. Even so, despite the brave face the league puts on, losing the Longhorns from the conference is going to hit Iowa State and others in the pocketbook.

Here’s a look at how some responded to Pollard’s statement.

PREVIEW: Texas vs Oklahoma State by the numbers

Texas faces an Oklahoma State team that has found its identity.

The Texas Longhorns face the Oklahoma State Cowboys on Tuesday night. On the surface, the game presents an opportunity for Texas to catch its breath. That might not be the case.

The Cowboys are playing better basketball of late as evidenced by their last two performances. Last week saw the Pokes defeat Iowa State and Oklahoma at home.

Iowa State is responsible for Texas’ third loss of the season after a dominant home win over the Longhorns. That the Cowboys could defeat a team of that caliber speaks to how seriously Rodney Terry’s team must take its next opponent.

Texas enters the game 5-2 in conference play in pole position at No. 2 behind Kansas State at 6-1. In a wide open conference, Tuesday night presents an opportunity to stay in the Big 12 regular season title race.

Here’s a look at how the teams match up.

How to watch, listen and stream Texas vs. UL Monroe

Here is how to tune into Texas’ season opener vs. UL Monroe.

Texas opens its 2022 campaign by hosting UL Monroe on Saturday. The new season provides Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns a fresh start after last year’s struggles.

Plenty of new faces will see the field for Texas in the opener. Highly touted quarterback transfer Quinn Ewers is set to start under center. Key defensive players Diamonte Tucker-Dorsey and Ryan Watts expect to play a major role this season.

Louisiana-Monroe enters this matchup coming off a 4-8 season in 2021. The Warhawks return a majority of last year’s production, including quarterback Chandler Rodgers and wide receiver Boogie Knight.

Texas needs to handle business under the lights before an anticipated Week 2 game against No. 1 Alabama.

Here is how to tune into Texas’ season opener on Saturday:

When: Saturday, Sept. 3, 7 p.m. CT

Where: Darrell K Royal Memorial Stadium (Austin, Texas)

TV Channel: Longhorn Network

Radio: Longhorn Radio Network – 104.9 The Horn

Live Stream: fuboTV (try it free)

Contact/Follow us @LonghornsWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas news, notes and opinions.

WATCH: Texas running backs coach Tashard Choice mic’d up at spring practice

Tashard Choice is bringing the energy to practice.

Steve Sarkisian turned to former Dallas Cowboys running back Tashard Choice after Stan Drayton departed to take the Temple head coaching job this offseason. Continue reading “WATCH: Texas running backs coach Tashard Choice mic’d up at spring practice”

How to watch, listen and stream Texas vs. Iowa State on Saturday

Texas looks to bounce back at home against Iowa State on Saturday.

Texas’ three-game win streak came to an end in a hostile environment against Texas Tech on Tuesday. Texas came out flat and was never able to recover, falling 77-64 in Lubbock.

Saturday presents an opportunity for the Horns to get back on track as No. 20 Iowa State comes to town.

The Cyclones got the better of Texas in their first matchup behind a stellar shooting performance from Gabe Kalscheur. It was a back and forth game but Iowa State ended up pulling away late for the 79-70 win.

For Texas to flip the script in this matchup they need to get a better performance out of their frontcourt. Timmy Allen and Christian Bishop combine for just 10 points while Tre Mitchell turned the ball over four times.

Here is how to tune in for this pivotal Big 12 conference matchup:

When: Saturday, Feb. 5, 1 p.m. CT

Where: Frank Erwin Center (Austin, Texas)

TV Channel: Longhorn Network

Radio: Longhorn Radio Network – 104.9 The Horn

Live Stream: fuboTV (try it free)

Contact/Follow us @LonghornsWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas news, notes and opinions.

WATCH: Chris Beard breaks down a funny fan reaction during film study

Chris Beard is finding creative ways to increase student engagement.

When Chris Beard took the Texas job during the offseason, one of his main priorities was to improve the home-court advantage. His goal was to start by finding ways to engage both him and the team with the student body, who has been lacking interest for some time now.

On Monday night against Sam Houston, the Horns played in front of the first “student only” crowd in program history. Beard started the night by hosting a “party at the tower” with free music, food and photo ops before the game.

The first-year head coach personally walked the students from the tower to Gregory Gym. Over 3,000 students packed the building creating an amazing atmosphere for a college basketball game.

On Wednesday, the Texas Men’s Basketball Twitter account began to have some fun with a specific fan wearing a Hawaiian shirt who was sitting behind the goal during Monday’s game.

Through the power of social media, the student was identified and invited to team practice on Wednesday by assistant coach Chris Ogden.

The “Hawaiian shirt kid” made it to the Erwin Center where Chris Beard analyzed some of his best reactions with the entire team. Beard thanked him for his support of the program and was treated to a nice standing ovation from the team.

Watch the full film breakdown here:

Contact/Follow us @LonghornsWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas news, notes and opinions.

Texas Basketball: Tre Mitchell leads Horns past Northern Colorado 62-49

The Horns bounce back as Tre Mitchell leads Texas past Northern Colorado 62-49.

Texas bounced back from their loss to No. 1 Gonzaga with a solid 62-49 win over Northern Colorado.

Tre Mitchell was the star of the show for the Horns tonight. He showed off his unique offensive skill set scoring 16 points with four offensive rebounds.

Mitchell got going early on this three-ball assisted by Courtney Ramey:

He was not the only member of the Texas frontcourt to have a big day. Timmy Allen had 10 points along with a team-high eight rebounds. Allen has now scored in doubles figures in back-to-back games.

Rebounding has been an issue during the first two games, but Texas showed improvement in that department tonight.

Winning the rebounding matchup was vital for Texas as they had a bit of an off-shooting night. The Longhorns shot a season-low 42% on field goals and were only 4-18 from behind the arc.

Despite the win, Chris Beard was disappointed in the second half performance. Texas was outscored 34-25 including a Northern Colorado 8-0 run with three minutes left in the game.

The new-look Longhorns are still trying to find an identity on both sides of the ball. Tonight was a step in the right direction.

Texas will now prepare to play San Jose State on Saturday at the Erwin Center.

Texas Football: Three more kickoff times, TV information announced

ESPN announced plans for Arkansas and the RRS. FOX and Longhorn Network joined the party Thursday, announcing three more UT kickoff times.

When you’re in the middle of the offseason, any kind of news makes the season feel closer and closer. Especially with Texas expecting to have 100% capacity this fall.

ESPN announced plans for the Arkansas matchup earlier this month, along with Red River Shootout TV information. On Thursday, FOX and Longhorn Network joined the party, announcing three more Texas kickoff times.

Prepare yourself for a scorcher, because the Longhorns will open their season on Sept. 4 against Louisiana at 3:30 p.m. FOX will have the broadcast, directly following Penn State-Wisconsin’s Big Noon kickoff.

Longhorn Network will get its nonconference game two weeks later when Rice comes to Darrel K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on Sept. 18. As usual, a night kickoff will be in store. Mark your calendars for 7 p.m.

The whirlwind of Thanksgiving weekend opponents continues with Kansas State coming to Austin. FOX moved the game from Saturday to Friday (Nov. 27) as expected, with an early 11 a.m. turkey hangover kickoff.

Here is Texas’ football schedule, with TV information and kickoff times so far. All times are CST:

  • Sept. 4 vs Louisiana – 3:30 on FOX
  • Sept. 11 at Arkansas – 7 p.m. on ESPN
  • Sept. 18 vs Rice – 7 p.m. on LHN
  • Sept. 25 vs Texas Tech – TBD
  • Oct. 2 at TCU – TBD
  • Oct. 9 vs Oklahoma – TBD on ABC/ESPN
  • Oct. 16 vs Oklahoma State – TBD
  • Oct. 30 at Baylor – TBD
  • Nov. 6 at Iowa State – TBD
  • Nov. 13 vs Kansas – TBD
  • Nov. 20 at West Virginia – TBD
  • Nov. 26 (Fri) vs Kansas State – 11 a.m. on FOX

Contact/Follow us @LonghornsWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas news, notes and opinions.

WATCH: LHN takes you behind the scenes of traveling during a pandemic

Longhorn Network and Chief of Staff for the Texas football program, Fernando Lovo, take you behind the scenes of traveling to Texas Tech.

We’re all in uncharted territory in regards to the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue reading “WATCH: LHN takes you behind the scenes of traveling during a pandemic”

Former Texas star Earl Thomas’ future with Baltimore is now uncertain

Former Texas safety Earl Thomas’ troublesome offseason may cause the Ravens to release him before the season begins.

Former Texas safety Earl Thomas may be released by the Baltimore Ravens after a troublesome offseason.

In April 2020, Thomas was held at gunpoint by his wife, Nina Heisser, after an alleged cheating scandal. In the court documents, Heisser alluded to the fact that Thomas had began drinking on a consistent basis.

His erratic behavior has unfortunately continued throughout Ravens camp. According to CBS Sports NFL reporter Jason La Canfora, Thomas’ participation in position meetings has been an issue.

It’s not just the off-field problems.

On Friday, Thomas was involved in a physical altercation on the field with fellow safety Chuck Clark. Several teammates believe that Thomas was in the wrong for the scuffle.

It appears that the Ravens could make a final decision on Thomas’ future as soon as Saturday. It’s not likely to end well considering the team’s leadership council does not want to tolerate that type of behavior.

The potential for team discipline such as a suspension has seemed likely, but it’s possible that Thomas’ career as a Raven could be over completely.

It can’t be an easy decision considering Thomas is a three-time first-team All-Pro and one of the most talented and productive safeties in the NFL. On top of that, his contract has more dead money right now than the Ravens have cap space.

Oddly enough, another former Longhorn could fill in for Thomas should he continue his career elsewhere. Ravens players have voiced confidence and strong support for DeShon Elliott.

Elliott was drafted by Baltimore in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. The rising safety compiled six tackles last season before being placed on injured reserve due to a knee injury.