Kansas State Game Recap and TCU Preview
Texas survived in overtime on a 4th down goal line stand to improve to 8-1. Photo: Tim Warner, Getty Images
Kansas State Recap
Wow, what a crazy, crazy game! The Longhorns SURVIVED a 4th down attempt by Chris Klieman and Kansas State to try to win the game on a walk off touchdown. Ultimately denied by the Texas defense both in coverage and with pressure on QB Will Howard, it was the culmination of a furious comeback attempt by the Wildcats - or, more accurately, an attempt by Texas to throw the game away.
The Horns led 27-7 with only seconds remaining in the 3rd quarter. With a quick Will Howard touchdown drive, the purple guys had cut the deficit to 13 entering the 4th. That’s when the Longhorn offense coughed up turnovers in their own end on back-to-back possessions - an egregious interception thrown by Maalik Murphy followed by an uncharacteristic fumble from RB stud Jonathon Brooks.
Howard answered both with quick touchdowns, and the Wildcats needed just a PAT to take the lead. Only they fumbled the snap, and the game remained tied. Perhaps that was just the momentum swing back that Texas needed to stop the bleeding. Murphy and Baxter led a drive down the field for a Bert Auburn field goal to take the lead 30-27. Kansas State followed with a great chance inside the Texas red zone, only to settle for 3 - which they missed! From just 27 yards!
However, Texas with a chance to end the game instead went 3 and out and punted back to Will Howard and co., who answered for the tying field goal sending the game into overtime.
This was a game that felt like 5 games.
After the final Howard pass fell incomplete, Longhorn players and fans alike exhaled with jubilation - the game was won, however ugly, and the dream season was still alive. Onto the next.
Final score: 33-30 Texas
Adonai Mitchell has taken an increased role in the offense with QB Maalik Murphy. Photo: Ricardo B. Brazziell, Austin American-Statesman
TCU Preview
The Longhorns come in at 8-1 and at the top of the Big 12 standings, having rebounded with 3 consecutive wins since the defeat in Red River. TCU comes in at 4-5 having lost 4 of their past 5 contests. They sit 9th in the conference. Kickoff is at 6:30pm in Ft. Worth on Saturday. The game will be televised on ABC.
Quinn Ewers returns as the starting QB for the Longhorns taking on TCU. Photo: Jay Janner, Austin American-Statesman
He’s baaaack.
Quinn Ewers returns after 2 games away due to an injured throwing shoulder. In his place, Maalik Murphy led the Longhorns to a 2-0 record, not including the last quarter of a win over Houston. We are grateful for his contributions and willingness to step in when he was needed! It’s clear Murphy has great talent and football potential - and these games were probably valuable reps for him going forward. Still hopeful for the future of this team with Murph at the helm as he continues to grow and develop. For now, we will see Ewers back in action - an exciting development for Texas over the final stretch of this season.
3 games remain in the regular season - beginning with the Horned Frogs on Saturday. In 2022, Texas fell 17-10 at home, in what might have been Ewers’ worst game as a Longhorn. It was a cold November game dominated by defense, with the Horns only getting in the end zone via a late scoop ‘n score.
This game should be much different.
The Longhorns have scored at least 30 points in every game this season, averaging 34 ppg during Ewers’ absence. TCU is allowing 38 ppg over their last two Big 12 games. It’s setting up to be a more high scoring game, as the Horned Frogs have some offensive firepower through their aerial attack, an area of weakness for the Texas defense.
TCU will likely be playing with backup QB Josh Hoover, who has had mixed success on the year with 7 TDs and 7 INTs in 5 games of action. That being said, he has not been able to lead the Frogs to many wins, going 1-3 as a starter. Expect the Texas defensive front to get after it this game and put a lot of pressure on Hoover to get rid of the ball and make errant throws. With the Longhorn defense seemingly healthy, the outlook seems very good for some turnovers here.
Texas looks to improve to 9-1 and keep their hopes alive for a Big 12 championship and College Football Playoff berth. Photo: Eric Gay, Associated Press
Prediction
With the highly anticipated return of #3 for the Longhorns, I expect the offense to get into gear and keep any upset effort by TCU at bay. The Texas defense does its thing and holds the opposing offense to under 20 points, as the Longhorns get the final say in what’s been a difficult Big 12 rivalry with the Horned Frogs. Sayonara to the hypnotoad.
Texas 34, TCU 17
Hook ‘em
