Texas Longhorns vs Kansas State Wildcats: First quarter recap

Texas’ day has started well, leading Kansas State 17-7. Both the offense and defense have been dominant, doing whatever they want.

Texas’ day could not have gotten off to a better start, leading Kansas State 17-7 at the end of the first quarter. Both the offense and defense have been dominant, doing whatever they want.

Starting with quarterback Sam Ehlinger, who is seven of nine with 87 yards. He has connected with four different receivers, with redshirt freshman Jordan Whittington leading the way.

On the ground, both Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson have found the endzone. It was the first touchdown of Robinson’s young career in his ninth game. Johnson notched his fourth total score of the year.

A huge question coming in was Texas’ offensive line and how they would hold up. With Samuel Cosmi opting out of the season in preparation for the NFL Draft, the blockers needed a shakeup. Derek Kerstetter has slid back to right tackle while true freshman Jake Majors is at center.

So far, no problems for Sam Ehlinger when dropping back to pass. Offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich has done an excellent job moving the offensive line around to make sure Kansas State’s pass rush is not effective.

Defensively, the Wildcats have moved the ball, especially on the ground. Quarterback Will Howard leads the way with 40 yards on four carries. However, the electric shake and bake power of running back Duece Vaughn broke Texas’ defense late in the quarter.

Jerrin Thompson, another true freshman, came up big with his first career interception. With Caden Sterns also opting out for the NFL Draft, Thompson was dubbed as his replacement. He did walk off the field slowly after Kansas State’s touchdown but has made a huge impact early.

First-quarter stats

Sam Ehlinger: Eight of 10 for 98 yards

Roschon Johnson: Five carries for 40 yards and one touchdown

Jordan Whittington: Two receptions for 35 yards

Duece Vaughn: One carry for 19 yards and a touchdown

Highlights