Tag: Texas Longhorns vs Texas Tech Red Raiders

Texas Basketball: Three reasons for the loss to Texas Tech

Texas was handed their first Big 12 loss of the season on Wednesday by Texas Tech. Here are three reasons why the Red Raiders pulled it off.

Texas was handed their first Big 12 loss of the season on Wednesday in an instant classic by Texas Tech.

Transfer point guard Matt McClung played hero ball for the Red Raiders, hitting a game-winning jump shot with three seconds remaining in regulation.

It was a tale of two halves for the Longhorns. Shaka Smart’s team went into the locker room with a 10-point lead at the half. After the break, Texas Tech was the better team and rightfully went back to Lubbock with a win over the No. 4 team in the country.

It was a disappointing loss for Texas. There were multiple opportunities to put the game on ice late in the second half but the execution was not there. While losing one Big 12 game is not the end of the world, dropping one at home to an in-state rival is never a good feeling.

Here are three reasons Texas Tech was able to beat Texas.

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Texas Tech storms back in second half, hands Texas first Big 12 loss

UT’s perfect Big 12 record was going to come to an end eventually. Texas Tech came into Austin on Wednesday and will leave with a 79-77 win.

Texas’ perfect Big 12 record was going to come to an end eventually. Texas Tech came into Austin on Wednesday night and will travel back to Lubbock with a 79-77 win.

The Longhorns went into the locker room with a 10 point lead but it never felt like enough. Chris Beard’s squad was the better team throughout the second half, hitting timely shots and using the full-court press to their advantage.

Matt McClung played hero for the Red Raiders, hitting the game-winning field goal with 3.0 seconds left. He was the leading scorer across both teams and finished with 22 points on 6-14 shooting. Eight of McClung’s points came from the free-throw line.

Had Texas pulled it out, Greg Brown would have been the game MVP. The true freshman had eight of his nine points in the second half, including two three-pointers. He also drew two crucial charges and rejected four shots.

The Longhorns only got four points off the bench. Kai Jones, who has turned into one of Texas’ most important players, only got up two shots. Brock Cunningham and Donavan Williams both ended with eggs.

Free-throws also killed Texas on Wednesday. While they got to the line 31 times, they only made 18 of them. Jericho Sims missed two crucial free-throws with under a minute left, to keep it a two-point game. Texas Tech got a steal on an inbound to tie it before McClung hit the game-winner.

Texas now falls to 10-2 on the year, with both losses coming at home. The return trip to Lubbock on Feb. 27 should be a physical and emotional battle in the season finale.

Highlights

Next up – Kansas State on 1/16

Texas will next take the court on Saturday against Kansas State. The Wildcats are towards the bottom of the Big 12 rankings with a 1-4 record. Their only win has come against Iowa State, who is 0-5.

After the Longhorns’ loss to Villanova in December, they responded with a 21 point victory over Texas State. Look for a hungry Texas team this weekend.

Tom Herman discussed the offensive line performance, better than he thought

Texas Longhorns head coach Tom Herman spoke about the offensive line’s performance against Texas Tech.

There are a lot of storylines to unpack after the Texas Longhorns survived a 15-point deficit with just over three minutes left in the game. Sam Ehlinger rallied his team two touchdown passes and a two-point conversion sandwiched around an onside kick recovery. Needing to score fast and effeciently with the clock winding down, Yurcich abandoned the run and let Ehlinger go to work through the air.

However, one of the focal points after the wild 63-56 win was the offensive line for the Texas Longhorns. Ehlinger would be sacked four times during this game. The offensive line allowed 12 pressures total according to Pro Football Reference. That equates to pressure on 23.5% of drop backs. On the flip side the Red Raiders allowed zero sacks and pressure on 20% of drop backs.

Tom Herman spoke with the media on Monday and he weighed in on his offensive line.

While the argument can be made that he played better than he thought, there is really no excuse for this unit. Coach Herb Hand’s unit was getting beat consistently with just three man pressure. Late in the third quarter, the Red Raiders brought three men on a rush that forced Sam on the run where he threw his lone interception. The next drive Tech would take the lead 42-38 as they closed the third quarter.

Image courtesy of Patrick Conn

The offensive line needs to fix some of their issues with Texas Christian and Oklahoma looming on the schedule. If the Longhorns want to take the Big 12 Championship for the first time since 2009, then fixing the protection is going to be monumental.

PFF pass blocking grades against Texas Tech

Lineman Grades
Junior Angilau 79.1
Samuel Cosmi 77.2
Christian Jones 75.8
Denzel Okafor 75.1
Derek Kerstetter 50.7

The only member of the offensive line not credited with a sack given up in the Tech game was Denzel Okafor.

Texas Longhorns Football: Three reasons for the win over Texas Tech

It was tighter than expected but UT found a way in the Big 12 opener. Here are three reasons UT was able to get a victory over Texas Tech: 

Saturday’s win against Texas Tech was nervy, shocking, and an emotional rollercoaster throughout. Up by as much as 10 points with under one minute left in the third quarter, Texas somehow found itself down by 15 with just over three minutes left in the fourth quarter.

One improbable comeback later and the Longhorns found itself with a 1-0 conference record for the fourth consecutive season. Tom Herman became the first Texas coach to accomplish the feat since John Mackovic did it from 1992-1995 in the Southwest Conference.

A lot had to go right for Texas to pull a win out of their hat, requiring some clutch plays coming from both the offense and defense. Even Cameron Dicker’s magical right foot had to get involved.

It was tighter than expected but the Longhorns found a way in its conference opener. Here are three reasons Texas was able to get a victory over Texas Tech on Saturday:

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Texas vs Texas Tech: 3rd Quarter recap

The third quarter recap between the Texas Longhorns and Texas Tech Red Raiders. Tech takes the lead 42-38.

The second half didn’t start off very well for the Texas Longhorns. After forcing a three and out, D’Shawn Jamison muffed a punt that gave the Red Raiders a touchdown. Tech came within three. The Tech offense couldn’t do much on their next possession.

After forcing another three and out from the Texas defense, the Red Raiders set to punt it away deep in their own territory. The Texas special teams unit returned the favor of a blocked punt. Texas defensive back Tyler Owens broke through and blocked the Austin McNamara punt. The late arrival to the 2020 recruiting class JahDae Barron picks it up and scores from a yard out.

The Red Raiders offense starting driving down the field after the touchdown. The drive broke down and Trey Wolff attempted a 46-yard field goal that went wide right. That set up Texas in good field position. The Longhorns offense however went backwards on the following series and ended up punting the ball away.

As the third quarter starting winding down, T.J. Vasher started to heat up for the Red Raiders offense. He scored on a catch and run on third down where the Longhorns couldn’t wrap up. The yards after the catch has been costing the defense on Saturday afternoon.

On third down, Sam Ehlinger throws his first pick on the season. The Red Raiders on the very last play of the quarter answered with a touchdown to take the lead. 42-38.

Stats through the third quarter:

Ehlinger- 17/26, 148 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT

Ehlinger- 8 carries, 55 yards, 1 TD

Schooler- 6 rec, 30 yards, 1 TD

Moore- 2 rec, 42 yards, 1 TD

Texas Longhorns vs Texas Tech Red Raiders: First half recap

Texas heads into the locker room leading Texas Tech on the road, 31-21. The Longhorns’ defense has forced two turnovers via interceptions.

Texas heads into the locker room leading Texas Tech on the road, 31-21.

The Longhorns rolled in the first quarter, leading 17-7. Matt Wells’ squad performed better in the second quarter, with both teams scoring 14 points.

Sam Ehlinger has been the star of the show for the Longhorns, doing it both in the air and on the ground. The senior quarterback finished the half with 130 yards and two touchdowns on 14 of 18 passing. Running the ball, Ehlinger has seven carries for 54 yards.

Keaontay Ingram has become the feature back, having eight carries for 28 yards. Roschon Johnson has a rushing touchdown, while Bijan Robinson has gotten two carries. Tom Herman has identified equal distribution between the three running backs as a key to the Texas offense.

Defensively, Texas secured its second and third turnover of the season with two second-quarter interception off Alan Bowman. After winning the starting strong safety position, Chris Brown is showing his ability early in the year with a takeaway. Chris Adimora secured his first interception of the year.

Outside of the interceptions, the Longhorns defense has struggled. Texas Tech quarterback Alan Bowman is having a stellar day, having 172 yards on 22 attempts. Bowman’s three first-half touchdowns are more than he had against Houston Baptist on Sept. 12.

First half stats

Sam Ehlinger: 14 of 18, 130 yards, and two touchdowns. Seven carries for 54 yards and a touchdown

Keaontay Ingram: Eight carries for 28 carries

Joshua Moore: Two receptions for 42 yards and a touchdown

Alan Bowman: 15 of 22 with 172 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions

KeSean Carter: Five receptions for 70 yards and a touchdown

Highlights

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Texas vs Texas Tech: How to watch, BetMGM odds, game picks

How to watch, stream and listen to the Texas Longhorns vs Texas Tech Red Raiders. Also the betting odds and game picks.

It is finally to stop with all the game previews. The kickoff between the Texas Longhorns and Texas Tech Red Raiders is almost upon us. This is the first Big 12 Conference game for both teams. Both teams came out victorious in their opener, which means only one of these two teams will leave with a perfect record in tact.

How to watch

Time: 2:30 PM CDT

Location: Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, TX

TV: Fox

Stream: Fox Sports Go App

Listen: 104.9 FM in Austin

For more Texas Longhorns Radio Network affiliates

Betting Odds

These betting odds are according to BetMGM .

Picker UT (-17.5) at TTU ATS Record UT at TTU Winner Overall Record
Patrick Texas 9-7 Texas 11-5
Cami Texas 6-10 Texas 11-5
Griffin Texas 7-9 Texas 11-5

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Factors in the game

X Factors Offense Defense
Patrick Keaontay Ingram Caden Sterns
Cami Roschon Johnson DeMarvion Overshown
Griffin Sam Ehlinger Chris Adimora

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Texas Longhorns three defensive keys to the game

With the Texas Longhorns set to kick off against Texas Tech in less than 24 hours, we look at the defensive keys to the game.

After looking at the offensive keys to the game, the focus turns to the defensive side of the ball. Much like on offense with Tim Beck, the Longhorns also made a change at defensive coordinator with Chris Ash. Todd Orlando was relieved of his duties prior to the Alamo Bowl. Ash brought in his own staff but kept defensive line coach Oscar Giles.

Joseph Ossai

The Longhorns made the change in defensive philosophy to help generate more pressure on the opposing offense. More importantly at the quarterback position. Joseph Ossai was the top defensive player in sacks with most of his production coming in the bowl game.

This year Ossai will be playing as the pass rusher hybrid “Jack” for Ash’s defense. He will need to test to the Texas Tech offensive line that surrendered three sacks to Houston Baptist. Look for Ossai and Ash to dial up the pressure in the Big 12 opener.

Caden Sterns

Sterns burst onto the scene as a freshman. During his first year, he blocked one field goal against USC that led to a touchdown for the Longhorns. On top of that play he snagged four interceptions that led the team. In 2019 he wasn’t the same player. He dealt with some injuries down the stretch.

A more focused Sterns should have a bigger impact on the defense. With a team that spreads the ball around as much as Tech, Sterns on the back end will be key with stopping these ball carriers in space. Plus if he can find a way into the passing lanes and bring one down would be icing on the cake.

D’Shawn Jamison

Last season was Jamison’s first year as a starter on the defensive side of the ball. He played wide receiver as a freshman. In his first full year on the other side of the ball, Jamison led the team in interceptions. That included a highlight reel interception against the West Virginia Mountaineers.

With a high flying attack in the passing game, Jamison will need to be on top of his game. The Red Raiders have a plethora of pass catchers who can make plays at any moment. Look for Jamison to take one of those options away. Also he could be a factor in the return game.

Texas Longhorns Football: Team notes before Texas Tech

Tom Herman met with the media on Tuesday afternoon ahead of the Big 12 opener against Texas Tech. Here are team notes before the matchup.

Tom Herman met with the media on Tuesday afternoon ahead of the conference opener against Texas Tech. The head coach provided injury updates, how Texas will line up from a personnel standpoint, and how the Longhorns are dealing with COVID-19 and traveling for the first time this season.

Who starts at running back?

Going into the season, Keaontay Ingram and Roschon Johnson were seen as running back 1A and 1B with true freshman Bijan Robinson closely behind. In the season opener against UTEP, Johnson got the official start instead of Ingram.

However, Ingram was the team’s leading rusher, having nine touches for 44 yards. Johnson ended with eight carries for 38 yards and a touchdown.

When head coach Tom Herman was asked about the decision, he said there is nothing to read into. Offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich still wants to make sure all three running backs get an equal amount of carries.

Going into Texas Tech, all three backs are going to be healthy and ready to go. Robinson will be getting his first Big 12 conference play action, while Johnson will be remembering his three-touchdown day against the Red Raiders last season. Ingram will be hoping to remain Texas’ leading rusher.

The beauty of having three capable running backs is the ability to keep everyone fresh when needed. Watching how often Ingram, Johnson, and Robinson are used down the stretch will show who Herman has the most faith in.

Slot receiver injuries

A one-two punch of Jake Smith and Jordan Whittington in the slot was supposed to be the most exciting dynamic of the wide receiver group. Now, both are dealing with injuries and could be out for multiple weeks.

For the redshirt freshman Whittington, he had surgery on a torn lateral meniscus suffered against UTEP. He had surgery this week and it “went well”. Whittington will be out three to four weeks, coming back as late as the Oct. 31 matchup against Oklahoma State.

Smith did not play against the Miners, dealing with a hamstring injury in practice. Herman said the sophomore is still rehabbing and is going to be in practice on Wednesday. His availability for Texas Tech is still unknown but he is listed as the starter on the depth chart.

Use of 12 personnel

With Smith and Whittington dealing with injuries, Herman acknowledges it will change up the offensive gameplan. If healthy, Sam Ehlinger would love have to have three wide receivers on the field at once but that may not be the case against Texas Tech.

12 personnel, one running back and two tight ends, will be used a lot more on Saturday. All four tight ends in Cade Brewer, Jared Wiley, Malcolm Epps, and Brayden Liebrock got snaps against UTEP and will be doing the same in Lubbock.

Brewer is seen as the biggest threat in the pass game and the starter. The senior caught a wide-open 20-yard touchdown in the season opener. He also added two more catches for a total of 40 yards.

Epps would prove to be an interesting option as a former wide receiver. He spent the 2019 season as an outside receiver but moved to tight end thanks to his 6-6 244 pounds frame. He could provide a downfield threat if called upon by Ehlinger.

COVID-19 protocols on the road

Texas will be dealing with its first road game of the season on Saturday. With that comes rules and regulations surrounding the coronavirus pandemic. The Longhorns have been one of the few teams in the country to not have any complications with the virus.

Herman talked about steps the team will make the ensure all the players remain healthy and are able to play against Texas Tech.

First, Texas will have to strategically place people on the airplane to Lubbock. According to Herman, if someone tests positive for COVID-19 after the flight, everyone within two rows, in front of and behind, will not be able to play against the Red Raiders.

Next, nobody will have a roommate the night before the game. Every player will be by themselves to make sure people are as distanced as possible. This is nothing new for Texas players and staff, as the same occurred at home on Sept. 11.

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What we learned from Texas Tech vs Houston Baptist

Texas opens Big 12 conference play against Texas Tech on Saturday. Here is what we learned from their season opener against Houston Baptist:

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Big 12 conference play is finally here and to open, Texas will be traveling to Lubbock to face off against Texas Tech. After the one nonconference matchup designated by the conference, both the Longhorns and Red Raiders are 1-0.

Matt Well’s squad like Texas played on Sept. 12 and had a bye week. Texas Tech will be playing in its second home game of the year after hosting Houston Baptist. Favored by nearly 40 points according to BetMGM, the Red Raiders needed a two-point conversion stop to earn a 35-33 victory.

With a full two weeks to learn from Texas Tech’s matchup, Tom Herman is going to realize he needs to attack offensively. The Huskies themselves, an FCS program, had an incredible day against the Red Raider’s defense.

Here is what we learned from Texas Tech’s season opener against Houston Baptist:

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