Media/$9.95-er postgame analysis articles (Week 7)

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Collecting post-game $9.95-er articles from the blOU game here:

(Gerald Goodridge) No. 1 Texas 34, No. 18 Oklahoma 3: Three things we learned

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The No. 1 Texas Longhorns were heavy favorites in the Red River Showdown, which usually means things will get weird in the Cotton Bowl. In a game that always seems to buck the trend, a 31-point win bucked the trend in a new way, marking the second blowout of the No. 18 Oklahoma Sooners in three years. It wasn’t the cleanest game Texas has played this year, as the Longhorns struggled to get the offense going early in the rivalry matchup. However, smothering defense and patience kept Texas in the game and eventually turned it into a blowout.

Texas can win without Quinn Ewers at his best

The rust was evident in Ewers’ first game back from injury, missing two wide-open targets on the first two drives of the game, one of which was intercepted. While Ewers rebounded and finished the game 20-of-29 passing with 199 yards, a touchdown, and an interception, it still wasn't close to his best game. The Texas defense kept the Longhorns in the game as they struggled to find their rhythm, holding Oklahoma to two field goals — one missed — and a punt as the offense sputtered. After the made field goal, the offense put together an extended drive and scored its first of 34 unanswered points. The defense forced a pair of fumbles at the end of the first half and allowed the offense to put up another touchdown to take a 21-3 lead into halftime.

Texas is playing championship-level defense

Defensively, Texas was all over Oklahoma from the opening gun, bottling up their ground game and forcing Michael Hawkins, Jr. to beat them with his arm. Texas was able to key off on that and create havoc in the backfield, bringing the Sooners’ quarterback down five times, one of which was a turnover. Perhaps more important than how they played at the starting gun was how the defense played at the closing gun. Texas had the game well in hand with an opportunity to play backups with a 31-point lead. However, the starters came back out for what was effectively a garbage-time possession to keep the Sooners out of the end zone. Oklahoma finished the game averaging just 3.6 yards per play, the second time Texas has held the Sooners under four yards per play under Pete Kwiatkowski.

Quintrevion Wisner is RB1

The former three-star running back was the most effective option for Texas in the matchup, keeping the offense on schedule. The second-year back was both able to get tough yards and avoid negative plays, as well as cracking off two big runs. While one of those huge runs ended in a fumble-turned-touchdown, the offense came right back to him on the next drive and he did it again, this time tucking the ball for the final five yards. Wisner finished the day as the game’s leading rusher, turning in his first career 100-yard game after flirting with it against Mississippi State before the bye. He jumps to the front of the team rushing total with 270 yards, one yard ahead of Jaydon Blue on the year.

Sam Khan Jr.: Texas looks like complete package in Red River rout of Oklahoma

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DALLAS — No. 1 Texas defeated No. 18 Oklahoma 34-3 in the 120th edition of the Red River rivalry and first between the rivals as members of the SEC. After a slow start by Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers in his return from injury, the Longhorns found a rhythm and cruised to an easy victory. It was the defense that dazzled for Texas, featuring a pair of second-quarter forced fumbles on back-to-back plays that helped extend the lead entering halftime. The Horns held Oklahoma to 237 total yards and feasted in the offensive backfield, tallying 11 tackles for loss (five sacks) and those two turnovers.

Ewers finished 20-of-29 for 199 yards, one touchdown and one interception, plus another touchdown on the ground. Sophomore running back Quintrevion Wisner added 118 yards and a touchdown on the ground, crossing the century mark for the first time in his career. The top-ranked Longhorns improve to 6-0 (2-0 SEC) and host No. 5 Georgia next Saturday. The Sooners drop to 4-2 (1-2 SEC) and play South Carolina next week.

Ewers settles in after slow start in return

The first three series for Ewers left much to be desired. He hadn’t played a game since Sept. 14, when he suffered a strained oblique, and the layoff showed early on. He ran into pressure from a clean pocket on the first play, airmailed a pass on third down that got picked, then missed another open receiver on third down of Texas’ second drive — though there was pressure creeping in his face. Texas failed to score on its first three possessions. But on the game’s fourth drive, Ewers settled in, making the throws he made before his injury. Texas scored on three of its next four possessions — two of which were aided by Oklahoma fumbles — and the Longhorns were in full control.

Still, this was far from the cleanest game for Ewers. He had some errant throws in the second half and overall wasn’t as sharp as he was in September. Fortunately for the Longhorns, the run game got cranked up in the second half and helped Texas put the game out of reach for the struggling Oklahoma offense. This performance was good enough to beat the shorthanded Sooners. But Ewers and Texas’ offense will need to be much closer to peak efficiency to beat Georgia in a week. — Khan

Oklahoma’s offensive problems go beyond the quarterback

The Sooners’ true freshman quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. struggled throughout the game, going 19-of-30 for 148 yards, but nothing else worked for the Sooners either. The program’s top five receivers were out due to injury, including leading receiver Deion Burks who hasn’t played since September. Few players could get open downfield. Hawkins also rarely had time to even look deep, a place where he’s had success this season. The Longhorns overwhelmed an Oklahoma offensive line that has struggled this season. Oklahoma’s running game also generated nothing, with just 89 yards rushing. Despite Hawkins’ struggles, head coach Brent Venables didn’t turn back to Jackson Arnold, the former highly touted five-star quarterback who was benched against Tennessee earlier this year. — Vannini

Horns D stars in Big D

With the Longhorns offense opening with three empty possessions, Oklahoma could have seized early momentum. But Texas’ defense did the heavy lifting early to keep the Sooners from pouncing, and it paid off. Oklahoma was without five receivers and starting a freshman quarterback, and the Longhorns made sure to pressure Hawkins early and often. Texas’ defensive front shut OU’s run game down and kept Hawkins off balance, never letting him get completely comfortable or confident. Sophomore linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. and true freshman edge rusher Colin Simmons showed why they were former five-star recruits. Hill was all over the place, and Simmons showed great instincts while finding his way into OU’s backfield multiple times. Hill and Simmons were far from the only two to be impactful. Texas got contributions from across the board. The two early turnovers also proved pivotal, leading to 14 first-half Texas points.With multiple turnovers, double-digit tackles for loss and sacks galore, it was a dominant day for the Longhorns D. — Khan

Oklahoma’s defense wears down

The Sooners had survived this season on their stout defense, but Texas’ offense had too much firepower for OU. Late into the second quarter, with the score 7-3, Texas had just 90 yards of offense. But that changed quickly with a 44-yard catch-and-run by Texas receiver Ryan Wingo, followed by a 36-yard run by Texas’ Wisner, who fumbled into the end zone, but the Longhorns recovered for a touchdown. After Hawkins fumbled on the second play of the next OU drive, Wisner went 43 yards on Texas’ first play, making the score 21-3 and essentially putting the game out of reach before halftime. Oklahoma’s defense had allowed just 15 plays of 20-plus yards through five games. Texas had seven. The Longhorns leaned on the running game in the second half and finished with 177 rushing yards — Vannini

Texas now readies for its biggest SEC test yet: hosting No. 5 Georgia

There will be immense buildup for this clash between top-five teams, and it’s a chance for Texas to really stamp itself as the favorite in the SEC. The Longhorns have looked the part so far but have yet to be tested by an elite team. Georgia, with its collection of former four- and five-star recruits, has a roster that’s better than any the Longhorns have seen. But Texas may also be the best team the Bulldogs have seen, because the Longhorns look every bit as good — from size, speed and strength — up and down the roster. The Longhorns have to be cleaner offensively than they were on Saturday to emerge victorious, but this has all the makings of a heavyweight bout.

 

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Coach V: Texas holds court in the State Fair

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By Coach Venable: In some ways this was another brawl with the State Fair as a familiar background for the combatants. I love the hard hitting intensity displaced by two rivals that really do hate each other with a passion. After going toe to toe for sixty minutes one would think respect should be earned but the fact is they still hate the hell out of each other regardless of the final score. Best damn entertainment known to man is all this is. Period.

We played very well on defense from the get-go. There were several licks for justice struck. We did struggle with the familiar missed tackles but we were flying around swarming full boom three deep. We keep hearing it’s a deep roster all the time and today it was evident on defense but not so much on offense. It’s a genuine pleasure watching bodies being hurled with aggression at everything colored red in this setting. The beauty of the action was the direct hits scored especially on defense. RB’s, WR’s, TE’s and Hutson (54) were the only offensive roster moves used today.

Our offense took a few series to jump start but we did hang three quick sixes on them before the half. Our trigger man was a little wild and definitely antsy in the pocket till he figured out we would protect him so he could eliminate the jittery and get back to throwing darts to moving blurs once again. It didn’t exactly help that them land grabbers knew some of our playbook and stunted right into the teeth of our attack several key downs to stall our drive attempts. We immediately switched to big plays and cashed in big time while they staggered around from the haymakers effect.

I really appreciate our defensive approach. I strongly believe a new voice at LB has helped the returners grasp the concepts and the results have been gangbuster positive. I’m not positive but I strongly suspect our current DC and the new voice at LB are working together on game plan concepts and it’s definitely showing improvement across the three levels. I think the versatility of the entire group of defenders has allowed our brain trust to switch entire front alignments without making a substitution. This is invaluable and extremely confusing to our opponents offensive attack. The ability to counter such weapons as motion or reduced formations with our strongest personnel and trusted communication makes for a happy day.

Hits and misses from the film:

Hill (0) had his best game among several other dandies. I think it’s fair to say it’s fun watching Hill play the game—especially since he plays for us. Lefau (18) is a star in the making. I love watching him square the LOS. He’s well schooled in turning shoulders and his timing on scraping is extremely knowledgeable. Big hitter who didn’t make many mistakes.

Williams (2) was having a great game before being injured in the third quarter. He had five brilliant plays including a fumble causing big hit. He’s coming on strong—shame if he misses any more time. Guilbeau (3) had one big hit tackle. Steady and sound. Mukuba (4) had a quiet game but did have one alley tackle that was sweet. Muhammad (5) played well. Barron (7) played well. We have two really good corners and Holmes (9) isn’t far behind.

Moore (8) had an okay game. He missed tackles and assignments but hustled well—just needs a breakout game to relieve pressure (opinion). Simmons (11) was Simmons. Terrific. Taaffe (16) is the quarterback and sometimes enforcer for level three. One perfectly timed blitz garnered a 15 yard sack. Big time player.

McDonald (25) is fun to watch. Big, fast, and heavy hitter with a terrific attitude, makes for a future stud. Smith (26) is off the training wheels and no longer shooting blanks. We have three outstanding young LB’s with more on the way—-Hill is still only a sophomore half baked. Gbenda (33) is still a valuable piece. Bad roughing passer penalty hurt. Blackwell (37) had one good pursuit tackle from the edge. Features experience at all backer spots.

Broughton (45) had another great game. He’s worth watching from start to finish. He supplies pressure from inside and a four technique, hits and slides with suddenness, and hustles till the whistle every down. I think he’s been our most consistent defender for the season. Sorrell (88) would be MVP many weeks but he must settle for very good again this week. Great sack (Broughton pressure) and played the option well.

Burke (91) and Vasek (92) are future studs. Both had sacks, both played with great technique, and both provided outstanding snaps and good pass rush. Collins (95) is a consistent performer who always has a couple of wow plays mixed in with a big play attitude. Lole (99) and Norton (15) both make the most of their reps every week. Lole is very active and a big play waiting to happen.

Bolden (11) had the biggest play of the game. He’s fun to watch in a heart-attack kind of way. Wisner (26) had his banner day period. You gotta love his desire to excel and his attitude toward the game is stronger than rent. Wingo (5) is already a great player. No stage is too big for him. I know I’m old fashioned and a hard ass but not getting Ryan 10 touches a game is a criminal offense in my courtroom. Come on Sark—make it happen for the bleacher bums—anybody else happen to see the block he got on Wisner’s TD run?

Helm (85) had another breakout game. Blocking is good, catching is really good, and yards after catch is simply terrific. Sanders who? Ewers (3) wasn’t as sharp as we expect every week—but he delivered at the right time. Moore (0) had another good game. He helps in so many ways he’s very valuable. Bond (7) hurt early. Manning (16) looked ready to play or celebrate—whichever came first.

Niblett (21)—obviously a terrific teammate—finding snaps at a foreign position is superb. Blue (23) had a decent game but lacked star power results. Campbell (52) had good game—lost one bull rush bad—good pull block—good GL block. Hutson (54) gets a few reps in both halves at RG but hasn’t been seen at LG or OC yet. Williams (56) is making the game look easier—love he came to Quinn’s rescue (all did) but he got the penalty.

Majors (65) is the calming influence each week. Good snaps are taken for granted—he’s a terrific center. Conner (76) had another good game but still lacks punch in short yardage. Banks (78) is steadily moving up the charts—he’s definitely the man. Davis (81) had one reception and a few good blocks.

Georgia for all the marbles. We are good enough to win this game period. Just for fun—Over/under on how many times I see Bevo chase that little dawg this week?

Sam Khan Jr.: No. 1 Texas hasn’t peaked yet. What will everyone else do when it does?

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DALLAS — The starting quarterback, returning from a multi-week injury absence, threw an interception on the first drive. The running backs’ ball security issues resurfaced in the second quarter. Another episode of inaccuracy from the quarterback cut short a potential second-half scoring opportunity in the red zone. There was plenty about No. 1 Texas’ performance to criticize, and none of it mattered, as the Longhorns dominated No. 18 Oklahoma 34-3 on Saturday in a game that could have easily been worse than the Cotton Bowl scoreboard indicated.

It was far from a perfect display, and that may be the scariest part for the rest of the SEC. Texas, flaws and all, is still dominant. The Longhorns (6-0, 2-0 SEC) still have plenty of room for improvement. “Our best ball is yet to come,” Texas safety Michael Taaffe said. Let’s first be frank about the teams the Longhorns have faced so far. None of them would be considered elite. Two were ranked at the time they played — Michigan and Oklahoma — but both had major flaws, particularly in the passing game.

But that’s not Texas’ problem. The Longhorns can only play the schedule they’re given. And there will be challenges ahead, with No. 5 Georgia visiting the Forty Acres next week, a season-ending showdown looming with rival Texas A&M — the only 3-0 SEC team at the moment — and sneaky-tough trips against better-than-expected Arkansas and Vanderbilt sandwiched in between.

In the meantime, we can only measure Texas on what we’ve seen against everyone that has lined up across from them, and so far, it’s pretty damn good. “I think sometimes people look at the score and it’s like, ‘Well, the offense needed to go score 50 points for it to look the way it’s supposed to look,’” Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said. “When you play great defense and you hold a team to three points, 34-3 is a heck of a win in this type of ballgame.”

Texas could have easily found itself in an early hole after a rough opening quarter as quarterback Quinn Ewers shook off the rust from a multi-week oblique injury absence, but the Longhorns’ dominant defense lifted them up. Sure, the Sooners entered with a true freshman starting quarterback and down five receivers, but Oklahoma had found a way to climb out of a double-digit fourth quarter lead at Auburn.

“This is football. Injuries are part of the game,” Oklahoma coach Brent Venables said afterward. “We’ve got good players. They’re young. They don’t have the same track record necessarily, but we’ve got good, capable players.”

Texas did what it was supposed to do given the situation, suffocating the Sooners and never letting up. The Longhorns harassed quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. all day, finishing with 11 tackles for loss and five sacks. They clogged up the middle of the field in the passing game, forcing Oklahoma to attack mostly the perimeter. They rarely allowed yards after contact.

Linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. and edge rusher Colin Simmons led the way, but the depth of Texas’ talent was on full display: 26 players recorded a tackle on Saturday.

“We don’t ever want to be one-dimensional,” Sarkisian said. “We want to have the ability to play well in all three phases and … if one of those phases might be a little off, like the offense was early, the defense and special teams can continue to play really well until that phase gets itself going. And we felt like we built a team to do that.”

The Longhorns can win by hanging half-a-hundred. They can win with dominant defense. Their special teams can change the game; Silas Bolden showed off the return prowess that made him an attractive prospect in the transfer portal out of Oregon State. Whatever style a team wants to play, Texas can match it punch-for-punch.

After the Longhorns held the Sooners to just three points on their first three possessions, the offense got going. Ewers settled in, firing a strike to DeAndre Moore while on the run then hitting tight end Gunnar Helm for a touchdown pass to get Texas on the board.

Texas forced consecutive fumbles and took full advantage. The running game got going as sophomore Tre Wisner and the Longhorn offensive line imposed its will. Wisner showed patience in traffic and ripped off a 36-yard second-quarter run that led to a touchdown after he fumbled only to have a hustling Bolden jump on the ball in the end zone.

Sarkisian, showing his trust in Wisner, went back to him for the first play of the next series. Wisner rewarded him with a 43-yard touchdown run and a 21-3 lead that was more than enough. Wisner finished with a career-high 118 yards.

Ewers wasn’t using his injury absence as an excuse for his uneven performance. “I should have definitely made those throws,” he said afterward. “I’m not going to tell you it’s rust because I practiced the last two weeks. It’s solely on me.” But Texas is well-stocked at the position regardless, as backup Arch Manning showed in his two-and-a-half games in place of an injured Ewers.

This Texas team is loaded with speed, size, strength and depth. And it has yet to play its best football. The Longhorns know it, and that heartens Sarkisian, who witnessed a fun yet focused postgame locker room.

“We enjoyed the win … But it’s almost like our team knows there’s more work to do,” Sarkisian said. “Two years ago when we won the Golden Hat, you would have thought we won the Super Bowl. This year, it was like, ‘OK, we got the Golden Hat back, let’s put it in the trophy case, let’s keep grinding, let’s keep going.’ I think that’s the mentality of our team.”

There’s a balance between fun and focus. Sarkisian, who said earlier in the week that he had never had a Fletcher’s Corny Dog — the iconic State Fair of Texas food item — entered the postgame news conference holding one in his left hand and yelled, “I got my corn dog, y’all,” to the assembled media. His review: “It’s amazing.”

The players had fun, too, with Hill taunting former Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield on social media afterward and Sarkisian jokingly putting his face in his hands when Hill was asked about it. But Texas center Jake Majors, with a bandage over the bridge of his nose and dried blood underneath, best embodied his team’s postgame mentality. It wasn’t all smiles. It was businesslike.

“We have so much (room to grow),” Majors said. “We have a lot of football left. The good teams enjoy the win more than the great teams. The great teams move on. That’s what we want to be.” The top-ranked Longhorns are great, but they still can be better. And that’s pretty scary for the rest of the SEC and the rest of the country.