Texas was fortunately able to get back into the win column after defeating Baylor 27-16.
It was a must-win game for Texas in order to keep up with the Big 12 title race. After suffering back-to-back conference losses to unranked opponents, the Longhorns were finally able to close out a game.
It wasn’t necessarily a dominant performance. However, there were several notable improvements on each side of the ball. The self-inflicted wounds that hindered Texas in each of their two losses were minimal against Baylor.
Texas ended the contest with five penalties. Prior to the meeting with Baylor, the Longhorns were averaging 10 penalties per game. The defensive unit was able to get off the field and Texas’ offense took much better care of the football.
The positives certainly outweigh the negatives. Let’s take a look at the Studs and Duds of Texas’ crucial win.
Studs
Sam Ehlinger
Ehlinger accounted for three total touchdowns against the Bears. In their two losses this year, Ehlinger wasn’t able to challenge teams down the field. He accounted for 161 of his 270 yards by throwing the ball down the field beyond 20 yards.
Once again Ehlinger was the top running threat with two more rushing touchdowns on the season. As a whole, he has accounted for 24 touchdowns this year. His seven rushing touchdowns matches his number from last season.
Joshua Moore
Moore has been one of the bright spots on this offense this year. He only caught two passes but they were crucial and tough grabs. He climbed the ladder to haul in one of Ehlinger’s deep passes to set up a touchdown pass. The other was Ehlinger’s only touchdown pass of the game. He continues to be the top receiver on the team.
Jared Wiley
With a lack of consistency in the passing game, tight end Jared Wiley’s athleticism needs to be used more. He’s provided several big-time plays for the Longhorns. He has six receptions this year and is averaging more than 24 yards per reception.
Joseph Ossai
Ossai was the highest graded defensive player according to PFF. Despite missing most of the second half, he finished second on the team in quarterback pressures.
Duds
Pass Rush
Outside of Joseph Ossai, Texas hasn’t been able to consistently pressure the opposing quarterback. Moro Ojomo led the team in pressures with four, followed by Ossai. Against another poor offensive line, the front for the Longhorns can’t seem to generate much pressure outside of one or two players. When facing Oklahoma State on Saturday, the pass rush has to find a way to disrupt the quarterback.
Derek Kerstetter
For the second straight week, Kerstetter committed a bonehead penalty in a crucial moment of the game. In the Red River Rivalry two weeks ago, he arguably cost Texas four points on the board.
Kerstetter committed a similar penalty (unsportsmanlike conduct/personal foul) against Baylor which forced Texas to face a fourth and 17 instead of fourth and short.
Secondary
The secondary has certainly improved, but the reason they’re listed on the Duds this week is due to several dropped interceptions. They were much better in coverage in this game, Baylor’s offense wasn’t able to find any traction until the fourth quarter. However, the defense needs to find a way to create turnovers and take advantage of those opportunities with some big matchups coming up.