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.
Texas football coach Tom Herman said the offensive line played better than he thought after watching the film during his Big 12 media conference call
— Anwar Richardson (@AnwarRichardson) September 28, 2020
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.
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.