Game Awards: Baylor
The Texas defensive line continued their dominance this season. Photo: Chris Jones, USA Today
Position Group of the Game
Defensive Line - Led by Byron Murphy and T’Vondre Sweat, the Texas D line dominated the game from the start. Combining for 6 tackles for loss on the night, including 4 sacks - this group was not to be stopped. Texas also allowed only 60 rushing yards on 31 carries for the game, thanks in large (no pun intended) part to this unit. The big boys up front have been asserting themselves all season for the Longhorns, and are a major reason for the 4-0 start. Many great championship teams have a dominant defensive line, and Texas at least has that part of the recipe without question, in our search for a conference title or more.
Ja’Tavion Sanders had another huge game after going MIA against Wyoming. Photo: Ricardo B. Brazziell, Austin American-Statesman
Offensive Player of the Game
Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE (Jr.) - Sanders hauled in a team-leading 5 catches for 110 yards. This included a reception from Xavier Worthy on a double pass, and a one-handed snag over the middle from Ewers for a huge gain of 49. JT is a matchup nightmare for defenses, and if utilized properly he can be near unstoppable. He is also instrumental as a blocker - springing Ewers for his second quarter touchdown run.
Johntay Cook has totaled 3 catches for 77 yards thus far in his true freshman season for Texas. Photo: Will Gallagher, Inside Texas
Newcomer of the Game
Johntay Cook II, WR (Fr.) - Johntay!! We finally let Cook, well, cook as he hauled in a beautiful long ball from Ewers on a 51-yard completion that set up the Longhorns’ final touchdown of the night. It was great to see the true freshman get involved for his first significant play this year. Many fans have been anticipating his arrival as a big weapon in this offense and on this play we got a glimpse of just that.
Byron Murphy was in the Baylor backfield all night. Photo: Tim Warner, Getty Images
HIM of the Game - This award goes to the player showing the most toughness, grit, and true Texas Fight in a winning effort
Byron Murphy II, DT (Jr.) - Murphy was an absolute monster, fighting off blocks and disrupting plays early and often for the Horns. He finished the games with 4 solo tackles, with 3 of them being tackles for loss including 2 sacks. Byron is developing into one of the premier interior defensive linemen in the conference and possibly in the nation. Byron Murphy is HIM!
Hook ‘em
