Tag: Texas Football

Texas’ series history against Baylor

Texas’ third most-played opponent, Baylor comes into Austin with only one loss. The Longhorns can make it five wins in a row on Saturday.

Texas and Baylor have been playing against each other for a long time, with the first game dating back to 1901. Only Texas A&M and Oklahoma have played the Longhorns more. The Bears are also the team Texas has beaten the most in their history. Dominating the series for years, the momentum swung towards Baylor in the first half of the decade. Now on a four-game winning streak and back in favor of Texas, they can add another win against an old rival on Saturday.

Here is the series record between the Longhorns and Bears:

All-time series record: Texas leads 78-26-4

Largest wins: Texas 77-0 in 1913, Baylor 50-7 in 1989

Latest Texas win: Oct. 13, 2018

Last season’s victory against Baylor was one that was led by then backup and now SMU quarterback Shane Buechele. Sam Ehlinger left the game injured in the first quarter and Buechele played well in this place.

Buechele was 20-34 with 184 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. His touchdown was a 44-yard deep throw to Collin Johnson who beat one on one coverage down the right sideline to give the Longhorns a 13-10 lead.

Where the Longhorns really succeeded though was on the ground. Keaontay Ingram had a season-high 110 yards on just 19 carries. Tre Watson contributed 41 yards and Texas rushed for 170 total yards. Lil’ Jordan Humphrey had the only rushing touchdown for the Longhorns, scoring on a wildcat formation touchdown.

Holding Baylor go 100 rushing yards, the Bears’ 88 rushing yards were third-fewest Texas allowed in the regular season. Quarterback Charlie Brewer led the Baylor in rushing with 22 yards. As for passing the ball, Brewer struggled, only completing 51% of his throws. His 240 yards, a touchdown, and an interception were apart of an offensive struggle for the Bears.

Texas won 23-17, making it four wins in a row against Baylor. It is the longest winning streak the Longhorns have had in the series since winning 12 straight from 1998 to 2009.

Latest Baylor win: Oct. 4, 2014

Ranked No. 7 at the time, Baylor was riding a 4-0 start with an average margin of victory of 41 going into the 2014 matchup against Texas. Under first-year Head Coach Charlie Strong, Texas was 2-2 and still trying to find themselves.

Both quarterbacks had an awful day, completing a combined 41% of their throws. Baylor’s Bryce Petty was 7-22 with 111 yards. Two of those seven completions were second-half touchdowns to Antwan Goodley and Corey Coleman. Texas’ Tyrone Swoopes was a little better going 16-34 with 144 yards, but he had two interceptions.

Both teams excelled running the ball, especially the Bears. Baylor’s Shock Linwood averaged 5.3 yards per carry, with 148 yards on 28 carries. Other running back Johnny Jefferson had 72 yards on 11 carries. Texas had Jonathan Gray and Malcolm Brown go for 134 yards on 24 carries, while Gray scored the Longhorns’ only points of the game.

In a low scoring affair, both offenses struggled to find points. The only scoring play of the first half was a first-quarter blocked field goal by Baylor and Terrell Burt returned it 62 yards to give the Bears a 7-0 lead.

Baylor beat the Longhorns 28-7, making it their second win in Austin since 2010. Before those two wins, it had been since 1991 that the Bears beat Texas on the road. Baylor ended the season 11-1 and just missed out on the inaugural College Football Playoffs, while Texas stumbled to a 6-7 season.

Texas will play Baylor on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CST on FS1.

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Former Longhorn Jordan Hicks continues his career year as he leads the NFL in tackles

Former Longhorn Jordan Hicks continues his career year as he leads the NFL in tackles

This past offseason, former Texas Longhorn Jordan Hicks was signed by the Arizona Cardinals to a 4-year, $34 million contract. Before that, Hicks played four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. Early into his tenure with the Cardinals, Hicks is having the best year of his career – and pacing the NFL in tackles.

Aug 8, 2019; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) during a preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Through 11 games, Hicks has tallied 111 tackles (66 solo), 1.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 3 interceptions, 8 tackles for loss, and 6 passes defended. He has already set multiple career highs, reaching a new best in tackles, forced fumbles, solo tackles, tackles for loss, and quarterback hits. As the unquestioned leader of the resurging Cardinals defense, Hicks has brought a hard-nosed Texas Longhorn attitude to Arizona.

Devin Duvernay does not make the cut as a Biletnikoff semifinalist

Despite the outstanding season, Devin Duvernay was not named a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff. The snub was “shocking” to Tom Herman.

The Biletnikoff semifinalists were announced on Monday morning and Texas wide receiver Devin Duvernay did not make the cut. Only one receiver from the Big 12 made the cut and it was Oklahoma’s CeeDee Lamb.

To this date, Duvernay has 87 catches and 1,017 receiving yards. Both of those numbers lead the Big 12 and are ahead CeeDee Lamb. Outside of the conference, his 87 catches rank second in the country and his receiving yards are eighth. Here is how he stacks up to the other semifinalists:

What he does not have like most of the other receivers is receiving touchdowns. All but four of the Biletnikoff semifinalists have double-digit touchdowns receptions, while Duvernay only has seven.

“You’re telling me he’s not one of the 20-best wideouts in the country? That’s a shame,” Head Coach Tom Herman said.

Herman also added that it is “shocking” that Duvernay was left off the list. While it is shocking, everyone knows how important he has been to this team this season. With other star wide receiver Collin Johnson missing time throughout the season, Duvernay has stepped up and become one of the best players for Texas.

Duvernay will need to step up big time again on Saturday, as the Longhorns have the chance to spoil Baylor’s College Football Playoff dreams.

Texas will face Baylor on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CST on FS1.

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Earl Campbell named as a finalist for the NFL 100 All-Time Team

Longhorn Legend Earl Campbell has been named as a running back finalist to make the NFL 100 All-Time Team

In celebration of the NFL’s 100th season, they are releasing what the league considers to be the 100 greatest players and 10 greatest coaches in league history. Longhorn Legend Earl Campbell has been named as a running back finalist to make the team.

Campbell was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991 after a career totaling 9,407 rushing yards, 74 touchdowns, 806 receiving yards. The only thing more legendary than Earl Campbell’s NFL career was his career as a Texas Longhorn. Campbell won the Heisman Trophy in 1977 and was a two-time All-American. In his four-year career at Texas, Campbell ran for 4,443 yards and 40 touchdowns – including his monster 1977 Heisman season, when he ran the ball 267 times for 1,744 yards and 18 touchdowns.

There are 24 RB finalists listed, and 12 will make the final cut. Campbell is listed alongside great backs such as Marcus Allen, Jim Brown, Eric Dickerson, Marshall Faulk, Walter Payton, Barry Sanders, LaDainian Tomlinson, and more.

Three reasons Texas lost to Iowa State

A disappointing loss against Iowa State, a lot went wrong for the Longhorns. The offense struggled and two mental errors cost Texas.

For the fourth time this year, Texas is on the losing side in frustrating fashion. Suffering a soul-crushing defeat to Iowa State on Saturday, a lot went wrong for the Longhorns. Offensively struggling all game and a couple of mental errors is the difference between a disappointing season and one with potential still in sight.

Here are three reasons Texas lost to Iowa State:

The offense’s poor play

Throughout the season, the Texas offense has been a strong suit for the team and the defense was the reason for the losses. Against Iowa State, the script was flipped. The Longhorns punted the ball a total of nine times and eight of them were after the offense went three-and-out. The inability to move the ball was something Texas had not shown all season.

Running backs Roschon Johnson and Keaontay Ingram struggled, combining for 14 carries and 27 yards. Quarterback Sam Ehlinger had the same amount of rushing yards as the two combined but on 12 carries. Even when designed plays were called for Ehlinger to run it, he got stuffed.

Throwing the ball, Ehlinger only completed 55% of his passes. In the first half, he was only able to get out 12 attempts due to the constant three-and-outs. He has been the glue to this offense all year and when he does not play well, the entire offense suffers. That was evident in Saturday’s loss.

Deshaunte Jones’ 75-yard touchdown

Going into halftime, Texas finally got some momentum, scoring a touchdown in 30 seconds to cut the Iowa State lead to three before the break. Texas kicked the ball off to start the second half and ruined all the momentum they had built up. On the first play of the third quarter, Purdy escaped pressure by scrambling to his left, launched the ball downfield, and found a wide-open Deshaunte Jones.

Without this total collapse in the secondary, Iowa State is going for a game-winning touchdown instead of a field goal in their final drive. The Cyclone offense struggled the rest of the second half, kicking two field goals, punting the ball four times, and turning it over on downs once. If the Longhorn defense does not allow that touchdown, the game could have been different.

Jumping offsides on the field goal attempt

After scoring touchdowns on two straight offensive possessions, the Texas offense went three-and-out (again), giving Iowa State the ball back with three minutes left in the game. After a couple of big plays from Brock Purdy and a pass interference call against Caden Sterns, Texas stopped the Cyclone offense and forced a field goal with two minutes and 16 seconds left in the game. Theoretically, that would have been enough time for Ehlinger to go win the game for himself.

However, Joseph Ossai jumped offsides on the field goal attempt, giving Iowa State a fresh set of downs from the Texas 20. Using their timeouts on the previous three plays, the Longhorns had no way of stopping the clock to give themselves an opportunity to win the game. The Cyclones were able to drain the clock down to four seconds before Connor Assalley hit the game-winning field goal from 36 yards.

This loss was a detrimental one to the Longhorns who are nearly out of the Big 12 Championship discussion. A miracle would be required and is looking more and more unlikely. Beating Iowa State would have allowed the Longhorns to control their own destiny, but now can only play the role of spoiler to Baylor.

Texas will face Baylor on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CST on FS1.

Texas opens up as underdogs against Baylor

The Texas Longhorns have opened up as 4.5-point underdogs against the Baylor Bears

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The disappointing 2019 season for the Texas Longhorns is nearing the end, and this coming Saturday, they will visit Waco to play the Baylor Bears.

Both teams are coming off of disappointing losses. Texas lost on a last-second field by Iowa State and Baylor blew a huge lead against Oklahoma. But with the Texas loss, the Big 12 Championship teams are nearly locked up, with the game likely to be played between Baylor and Oklahoma.

Texas still has a chance to make the playoffs, but A LOT would have to go right. They would have to start with a win over Baylor this weekend. The Bears have opened up as a 4.5-point favorite (spread). The money lines for Baylor and Texas are -115 and -106, respectively.

You can catch the game this Saturday, November 23rd, at 2:30 PM CT.

Odds via BetMGM. Access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated 11/18 at 4:00 p.m. ET.

“Want to get in on the action? Place your bet now at BetMGM.” 

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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AP poll: Longhorns unranked

Texas falls out of the AP top 25 poll after losing to Iowa State. After getting back into the top 25 last week, Texas only lasted one week.

Texas fell out of the AP poll Top 25 after losing on the road to Iowa State. The Longhorns stint in the top 25 only lasted one week after being ranked No. 22. 

Here is the new top 25:

1) Louisiana State

2) Ohio State

3) Clemson

4) Georgia

5) Alabama

6) Oregon

7) Utah

8) Oklahoma

9) Penn State

10) Florida

11) Minnesota

12) Michigan 

13) Baylor

14) Wisconsin

15) Notre Dame

16) Auburn

17) Cincinnati

18) Memphis

19) Iowa

20) Boise State

21) SMU

22) Oklahoma State

23) Appalachian State

24) Texas A&M

25) Virginia Tech

Others receiving votes:

Indiana 47, Iowa State 31, Virginia 23, Navy 13, Air Force 12, Pittsburgh 9, San Diego State 7, USC 6, Washington 6, Texas 4, Illinois 1

Georgia takes over in the top four, as they jump Alabama after narrowly defeating Auburn on the road. 

Oklahoma had an incredible comeback win against Baylor, being down as much as 28-3. The Sooners came back to win 34-31 and jumped up two spots to No. 8. The Bears surprisingly only dropped one spot to No. 13. 

Oklahoma State is the only other Big 12 team ranked, jumping up three spots to No. 22. Iowa State (31) and Texas (4) also received votes.

Texas will travel to face No. 13 Baylor on Saturday. 

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Amway Coaches Poll: Texas falls out

Texas lost a rough one to Iowa State on a game-winning field goal last night. It caused the Longhorns to fall out of the Amway Coaches Poll.

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Iowa State beat Texas 23-21 last night on a game-winning field goal as time expired from Connor Assalley. It was the Longhorns fourth loss and dropped them out of the Amway Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Minnesota fell four spots to No. 11 after losing on the road to No. 20 Iowa. The Gophers and Baylor were two 8-0 teams that fell last night, as the 13th ranked Bears lost at home to No. 7 Oklahoma.

Below is the latest Amway Coaches Poll in its entirety, voted on by 65 FBS head coaches.

1) Louisiana State

2) Ohio State

3) Clemson

4) Georgia

5) Alabama

6) Oregon

7) Oklahoma

8) Utah

9) Penn State

10) Florida

11) Minnesota

12) Michigan

13) Baylor

14) Wisconsin

15) Notre Dame

16) Auburn

17) Cincinnati

18) Memphis

19) Boise State

20) Iowa

21) Southern Methodist

22) Appalachian State

23) Oklahoma State

24) Texas A&M

25) San Diego State

Schools dropped out

No. 21 Navy; No. 23 Texas; No. 25 Indiana

Others receiving votes

Virginia Tech 46; Air Force 43; Indiana 39; Navy 25; Virginia 20; Louisiana Tech 10; UL Lafayette 8; Pittsburgh 7; Southern California 3; Wake Forest 2; Temple 1; Kansas State 1

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Texas vs Iowa State: Game recap

Today’s loss to ISU drops Texas to 6-4 and out of the Big 12 title race. While the defense played well, the offense was not good enough.

With four seconds left in the game, Iowa State’s Connor Assalley hit a game-winning field goal, handing the Longhorns their fourth loss of the season. The Cyclones used Brock Purdy’s 354 yards to win 23-21.

The story of the game was Texas’ inability to move the ball on offense, especially in the first half. The Longhorns punted the ball nine different times, including eight three-and-outs. Only four of Texas’ drives lasted longer than three plays, three of which ended in touchdowns.

Sam Ehlinger completed 55% of his passes, going 22/40 with 273 yards and a touchdown. Wide receiver Devin Duvernay was clutch down the stretch, picking up first downs to keep Texas drives alive. He ended with a game-high nine catches and 107 yards.

Iowa State made a huge stop with three minutes left in the game, making Texas punt the ball back and giving them a chance to win. Lining up for a field goal with two minutes and 16 seconds left, Joseph Ossai jumped offsides, giving Iowa State a first down.

That penalty is ultimately what lost the game for Texas, giving Iowa State the ability to drain the clock out and hit the game-winning kick as the clock expired. The Cyclones move to 6-4 and above Texas in the Big 12 standings.

While the Longhorns are not eliminated from the Big 12 championship race, it is highly unlikely. The Longhorns would need to win out, have Iowa State to lose one more time to either Kansas or Kansas State, and have Baylor lose their final three games.

Texas closes the season out on the road to Baylor and at home against Texas Tech and is playing for a better bowl game at this point. It has been a rough season for the Longhorns and today’s game against Iowa State was their final chance to prove themselves.

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WATCH: Texas takes lead over Iowa State after incredible Ehlinger TD pass

Watch as Texas Longhorns quarterback Sam Ehlinger gives his team their first lead over Iowa State with an incredible touchdown pass

As the announcer said, what a difference the legs of Ehlinger can make.

Trailing 20-14 on 4th & goal with less than six minutes to go against Iowa State, Texas QB Sam Ehlinger had to escape multiple Cyclone pass rushers and finally found receiver Malcolm Epps in the endzone for the touchdown.

Ehlinger made this play happen. He used his great scrambling abilities to keep the play alive and was finally able to find an open receiver for six. Kicker Cameron Dicker made the extra point to put the Longhorns on top for the first time all game, 21-20.

Ehlinger now has three touchdown passes on the day to go along with 273 passing yards and this incredible play:

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