Legs Lift Longhorns at Lincoln
There were a few upsets in college football on Saturday. Notably, Nebraska fell 20-13 to unranked Texas at Memorial Stadium. Heisman hyped quarterback, Taylor Martinez and the number five Cornhuskers had 94 penalty yards and couldn’t stop the Texas rush in their bid to go 6-0 for the first time since 2001. The Longhorns were led by sophomore, Garrett Gilbert. Gilbert’s dazzling display behind center accounted for two rushing touchdowns as the visitors took a 17-3 advantage into the intermission. Garrett finished with 62 yards through the air and scampered for 71 more. Mack Brown’s Longhorns snapped a three game losing streak and improved to 4-2 overall in a rematch of last season’s Big 12 championship.
Justin Tucker’s 27 yard field goal five minutes into the first quarter put Texas on the board. The hosts couldn’t garner a first down on their first possession and fumbled the ball away on their second. Texas took full advantage of the Husker miscues. The Longhorns attacked with the run, unleashing their lanky quarterback to set up the first touchdown of the game. Gilbert raced three yards on the fifth play of a 21 yard drive to give the Longhorns a 10-0 lead midway through the opening quarter. The visitors’ dialed-up defense demolished the high octane, ambivalent Husker offense.
The Huskers scored early in the second quarter on Alex Henery’s 45 yard field goal, but the punted away their final two possessions of the quarter. The Longhorns’ defense smothered the mobile Martinez by employing two defenders on the freshman sensation. Martinez completed just 4-of-12 passes and was pulled from the game after rushing for a mere 21 yards. Texas’ passing game was nonexistent, but Gilbert did convert a crucial third down pass to set up a one yard touchdown run before the half. Gilbert found junior running back, Foswhitt Whittaker, for a 41 yard grab to extend the drive.
Tucker booted a second field goal to open the third quarter scoring and pad the visitor’s lead to 20-3. Nebraska, with Zac Lee replacing Martinez, managed a field goal late in the third to cut the deficit to two scores. Texas chewed up over three minutes of the clock and the Longhorn defense stopped Nebraska on fourth down with seven minutes to play. Eric Haag broke a school record with a 95 yard punt return for a touchdown. It was the Huskers’ only touchdown of the game and it occurred with 3:02 remaining in the contest. Texas recovered a key onside kick and were aided by a Nebraska penalty to snag a fresh set of downs. The nine point underdog Longhorns ran out the clock on a game they were never expected to win. Nebraska’s offense was held to 202 yards and Martinez was outrushed by Gilbert by 50 yards. You could argue Brown’s team beat the Huskers at their own game on Saturday.
Parting Points: Terrible day yesterday for this sports fan. First, the Yankees’ atrocious pitching continued as Phil Hughes was shelled in Texas. The Yankees couldn’t overcome a five run deficit for the second time in less than 24 hours. Then, the real heartache came after the Badgers from Wisconsin knocked out number one, Ohio State, in Madison. Bummer. Ever hear of a pass rush, Buckeyes?
Showing posts with label Texas Longhorns. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Texas Longhorns. Show all posts
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Friday, January 8, 2010
Alabama Adulation
The Texas Longhorns were touched up and taken down in more ways than one during Thursday night’s BCS college national championship. Crimson Tide linebacker, Eryk Anders forced backup quarterback, Garrett Gilbert, to fumble with 3:02 left in the game to help top-ranked Alabama win their eighth national title. The Tide rolled to a 37-21 victory and handed the Longhorns their first loss of the season. Texas starter and Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback, Colt McCoy, was bumped from the game on the Longhorns’ fifth offensive play. The senior was knocked out in the first quarter, and hardly a factor for Texas in his first return to the Rose Bowl since he was a redshirt freshman. The 14-0 Tide stormed to a 18 point halftime lead with McCoy nursing an injured shoulder on the sideline. The son of former NFL signal caller, Gale Gilbert, Garrett stepped up to nearly lead Texas back. The Longhorns came within three points midway through the fourth quarter before Alabama’s defense preserved the win.
Number two Texas jumped out to a six point lead in the first quarter. Mack Brown’s kicker, Hunter Lawrence, booted a pair of field goals within a minute of each other to give the Longhorns an advantage heading into the second quarter. Texas did a stellar job sacking Alabama’s Greg McElroy three times on the first two Tide possessions. The Longhorns’ defense pressured McElroy up front to keep the snazzy backfield from running and hold ‘Bama scoreless for fifteen minutes. The Tide aggressively attacked McCoy for no gain with 10:54 in the first, inevitably putting an end to the quarterback’s college run. Nick Saban’s heavily favored Tide didn’t score until the second quarter. Alabama lit up the scoreboard four times before the half. They posted 24 points by running, kicking and intercepting the football. McElroy’s 23 yard pass to Julio Jones put Alabama on the Texas 12 yard line before the first quarter whistle. It was the only catch made by the sophomore, but one that set up the Tide’s initial touchdown. Heisman winning running back, Mark Ingram, managed to score one of his two touchdowns from two yards out to trim Texas’ lead to one. The Tide’s physical offense ran for 206 yards, including 116 from Ingram. Trent Richardson also eclipsed the 100 yard mark, giving the Tide a 14-6 lead on a 49 yard surge with under eight minutes in the half. Texas was unable to do much without their All-American quarterback in the first half. Austin native, Gilbert was picked off four times and lost a fumble in the defeat. The Tide defense rattled the 2008 national high school player of the year. Senior defensive back, Javier Arenas, intercepted the inexperienced Gilbert twice. Ingram and Richardson exchanged rushes at the two minute mark to set up Leigh Tiffin’s 26 yard field goal with .30 seconds in the second. The final touchdown of the half came on a Gilbert misfire. The floundering offensive line failed to stop lineman, Marcus Dareus, from snatching a shovel pass and returning it 28 yards the other way.
The Longhorns showed some life late in the third quarter. Gilbert got in sync with his offense and found a rhythm to deliver a 59 yard drive, resulting in a Texas touchdown. Talented Texas receiver, Jordan Shipley’s 44 yard catch with 1:31 remaining in the third made it a 24-13 Tide edge. Gilbert threw a second touchdown pass to the smooth-running Shipley for a 28 yard score in the fourth quarter. The backup’s arm was successful in converting the two-point to Dan Buckner as the Longhorns suddenly trailed by a field goal. Following an Alabama punt, the stage was set for some Texas drama in Pasadena. The Longhorns needed Gilbert to be a crunch time quarterback in the biggest way. He had his shining opportunity late in the game after Alabama was charged with a holding penalty. On the next play, Gilbert was stripped of the football at the Longhorns’ seven yard line with three minutes left in the season. The fumble-forcing sack from Arenas was recovered by Courtney Upshaw, and the Tide rocked the Rose Bowl from that point on. Three plays later, Ingram was in the end zone for the second time of the night. Richardson finalized the score with his second touchdown after Gilbert’s fourth interception. Although the Texas freshman showed improvement and confidence in the second half, the Alabama defense was too much for the Longhorns to handle. The quarterback was left unblocked on blitzes by the third ranked defense in runs allowed. Gilbert completed a respectable 14-of-30 passes for 130 yards in the second half. McElroy needed just 58 yards through the air to earn the title because Saban’s running game was terrific and the defense dominant. Ingram joined Matt Leinart as the only other Heisman winner to prevail in a BCS title game. The win marked the first championship for the Tide since 1992 and another SEC title stamp. The conference has claimed the last four BCS championships games.
Parting Points: USF football coach, Jim Leavitt, was let go following an investigation he allegedly struck one of his players. Recently fired, Mike Leach, is accusing Texas Tech of libel and slander. The Seattle Seahawks axed Jim Mora after one season and a four game losing streak to end the year. What a day to be a coach! At least it was a good one for Nick Saban.
I’m excited for wildcard weekend; here’s a tune to pump you up too- “Wild nights” by John Mellencamp
Number two Texas jumped out to a six point lead in the first quarter. Mack Brown’s kicker, Hunter Lawrence, booted a pair of field goals within a minute of each other to give the Longhorns an advantage heading into the second quarter. Texas did a stellar job sacking Alabama’s Greg McElroy three times on the first two Tide possessions. The Longhorns’ defense pressured McElroy up front to keep the snazzy backfield from running and hold ‘Bama scoreless for fifteen minutes. The Tide aggressively attacked McCoy for no gain with 10:54 in the first, inevitably putting an end to the quarterback’s college run. Nick Saban’s heavily favored Tide didn’t score until the second quarter. Alabama lit up the scoreboard four times before the half. They posted 24 points by running, kicking and intercepting the football. McElroy’s 23 yard pass to Julio Jones put Alabama on the Texas 12 yard line before the first quarter whistle. It was the only catch made by the sophomore, but one that set up the Tide’s initial touchdown. Heisman winning running back, Mark Ingram, managed to score one of his two touchdowns from two yards out to trim Texas’ lead to one. The Tide’s physical offense ran for 206 yards, including 116 from Ingram. Trent Richardson also eclipsed the 100 yard mark, giving the Tide a 14-6 lead on a 49 yard surge with under eight minutes in the half. Texas was unable to do much without their All-American quarterback in the first half. Austin native, Gilbert was picked off four times and lost a fumble in the defeat. The Tide defense rattled the 2008 national high school player of the year. Senior defensive back, Javier Arenas, intercepted the inexperienced Gilbert twice. Ingram and Richardson exchanged rushes at the two minute mark to set up Leigh Tiffin’s 26 yard field goal with .30 seconds in the second. The final touchdown of the half came on a Gilbert misfire. The floundering offensive line failed to stop lineman, Marcus Dareus, from snatching a shovel pass and returning it 28 yards the other way.
The Longhorns showed some life late in the third quarter. Gilbert got in sync with his offense and found a rhythm to deliver a 59 yard drive, resulting in a Texas touchdown. Talented Texas receiver, Jordan Shipley’s 44 yard catch with 1:31 remaining in the third made it a 24-13 Tide edge. Gilbert threw a second touchdown pass to the smooth-running Shipley for a 28 yard score in the fourth quarter. The backup’s arm was successful in converting the two-point to Dan Buckner as the Longhorns suddenly trailed by a field goal. Following an Alabama punt, the stage was set for some Texas drama in Pasadena. The Longhorns needed Gilbert to be a crunch time quarterback in the biggest way. He had his shining opportunity late in the game after Alabama was charged with a holding penalty. On the next play, Gilbert was stripped of the football at the Longhorns’ seven yard line with three minutes left in the season. The fumble-forcing sack from Arenas was recovered by Courtney Upshaw, and the Tide rocked the Rose Bowl from that point on. Three plays later, Ingram was in the end zone for the second time of the night. Richardson finalized the score with his second touchdown after Gilbert’s fourth interception. Although the Texas freshman showed improvement and confidence in the second half, the Alabama defense was too much for the Longhorns to handle. The quarterback was left unblocked on blitzes by the third ranked defense in runs allowed. Gilbert completed a respectable 14-of-30 passes for 130 yards in the second half. McElroy needed just 58 yards through the air to earn the title because Saban’s running game was terrific and the defense dominant. Ingram joined Matt Leinart as the only other Heisman winner to prevail in a BCS title game. The win marked the first championship for the Tide since 1992 and another SEC title stamp. The conference has claimed the last four BCS championships games.
Parting Points: USF football coach, Jim Leavitt, was let go following an investigation he allegedly struck one of his players. Recently fired, Mike Leach, is accusing Texas Tech of libel and slander. The Seattle Seahawks axed Jim Mora after one season and a four game losing streak to end the year. What a day to be a coach! At least it was a good one for Nick Saban.
I’m excited for wildcard weekend; here’s a tune to pump you up too- “Wild nights” by John Mellencamp
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Hook 'em Horns
An Arlington upset-special is on the agenda when 9-3 Nebraska clashes with Colt McCoy and the undefeated Texas Longhorns Saturday night. The Huskers hope to squander the third ranked Texas’ national title hopes in tonight’s Big 12 Championship game on the road. The conference has a heartbreaking history of stunning upsets. Eight years ago, the Longhorns’ chances of a title ended with a loss to Colorado. Last season, Texas watched Oklahoma play for the Big 12 championship even though the Longhorns beat the Sooners during the regular season. Nebraska’s anticipated title run in 1996 was halted by an upset loss to Texas. The comparisons between 1996 and 2009 are eerie. In 1996, the Huskers were the nation’s number three team but fell 37-27 to Texas in the conference title game. You can be sure Nebraska is looking to avenge for that loss thirteen seasons ago. Do the 21st ranked Huskers have what it takes to shake up the college football world?
Senior signal caller, McCoy’s Heisman candidacy is on the line along with the Longhorns’ shot at a national title game appearance. McCoy represents everything great about college football and is well deserving of the award. He empowers the offense and is an electric charge at the helm. However, Texas has been untested for the most part this year. Mack Brown’s team will get a dose of SEC-like defense when Nebraska visits Arlington this evening. The Huskers showcase a championship-caliber defense. Ndamukong Suh is the defensive leader at the tackle position. Suh is drawing his own Heisman votes because of his monstrous and effective physical style and oomph. McCoy will have to keep an eye on 300 pound Suh and do his best to keep the ball as far away as possible from the tackle. The Texas quarterback is a talented and gifted guider with the ball. McCoy is a hard worker but the Longhorns have struggled and appeared vulnerable since their Thanksgiving meeting with Texas A&M. The Huskers have four All-Big 12 players in Suh, tackle Jared Crick, safety Larry Asante and cornerback Prince Amukamara. Crick, a sophomore, will challenge the dual-threat McCoy. The Husker defense has merited serious attention and likely won’t let McCoy run through them like he has against opponents all season. Texas has struggled to run consistently and Nebraska’s interior defense should wreck havoc in shutting them down. Jordan Shipley is just a smidgen and smear in McCoy’s receiving corps. Shipley heads Texas’ talented offense with 99 catches. He has six teammates with 25 or more receptions this year. Protecting McCoy is the main concern for the offensive line which has allowed 21 sacks. Suh and Crick have a combined 16.5 for Nebraska. The Texas pass offense must take care of business if McCoy is to have a shot at the title game against either Florida or Alabama. A Texas loss would probably relegate the Longhorns to a coveted at-large candidate, and leave a vacancy for Nebraska in the Fiesta Bowl. Nebraska can pull off the monumental upset if they win the turnover margin by rattling the passer and controlling the line of scrimmage.
It shouldn’t be a problem for Texas to contain the Big 12’s eleventh ranked offense in Nebraska. The Huskers may be the best in the conference, and third best nationally, with 11 points per game on defense, but Nebraska’s offense isn’t scoring points. Junior passer, Zac Lee, has been productive against opponents when his offense protects him. The Huskers are solid in pass protection. Wideout, Niles Paul is a downfield threat. Niles leads the club with 35 receptions. Texas’ secondary has been exposed as of late, but the defense still ranks second highest in interceptions. The Longhorns do have another thing on their side coming into Saturday’s sweltering and significant showdown. Bo Pelini’s team has a running game that plays into the hands of Texas’ defense. Roy Helu is healthy again for Pelini’s backfield and quarterback Lee. Lee has thrown for just under 2,000 yards and Helu has scrambled for 1,111. Rex Burkhead, a true freshmen runner, is a second serious option. Burkhead garnered a 100 yard effort last week against Colorado. Only three teams have managed 100 yards or more against this Longhorns defense, however. They even limited UTEP’s nationally ranked rusher, Donald Buckham, to 46 yards. Texas is first in the nation in run defense. In other words, the Huskers would have more luck running through a brick wall at Cowboys Stadium.
Parting Points: Song of the day- “Ordinary Miracle” by Sarah Mclachlan
Bearcats-Panthers today at noon…
It’s about time the Nets recorded a victory!
Senior signal caller, McCoy’s Heisman candidacy is on the line along with the Longhorns’ shot at a national title game appearance. McCoy represents everything great about college football and is well deserving of the award. He empowers the offense and is an electric charge at the helm. However, Texas has been untested for the most part this year. Mack Brown’s team will get a dose of SEC-like defense when Nebraska visits Arlington this evening. The Huskers showcase a championship-caliber defense. Ndamukong Suh is the defensive leader at the tackle position. Suh is drawing his own Heisman votes because of his monstrous and effective physical style and oomph. McCoy will have to keep an eye on 300 pound Suh and do his best to keep the ball as far away as possible from the tackle. The Texas quarterback is a talented and gifted guider with the ball. McCoy is a hard worker but the Longhorns have struggled and appeared vulnerable since their Thanksgiving meeting with Texas A&M. The Huskers have four All-Big 12 players in Suh, tackle Jared Crick, safety Larry Asante and cornerback Prince Amukamara. Crick, a sophomore, will challenge the dual-threat McCoy. The Husker defense has merited serious attention and likely won’t let McCoy run through them like he has against opponents all season. Texas has struggled to run consistently and Nebraska’s interior defense should wreck havoc in shutting them down. Jordan Shipley is just a smidgen and smear in McCoy’s receiving corps. Shipley heads Texas’ talented offense with 99 catches. He has six teammates with 25 or more receptions this year. Protecting McCoy is the main concern for the offensive line which has allowed 21 sacks. Suh and Crick have a combined 16.5 for Nebraska. The Texas pass offense must take care of business if McCoy is to have a shot at the title game against either Florida or Alabama. A Texas loss would probably relegate the Longhorns to a coveted at-large candidate, and leave a vacancy for Nebraska in the Fiesta Bowl. Nebraska can pull off the monumental upset if they win the turnover margin by rattling the passer and controlling the line of scrimmage.
It shouldn’t be a problem for Texas to contain the Big 12’s eleventh ranked offense in Nebraska. The Huskers may be the best in the conference, and third best nationally, with 11 points per game on defense, but Nebraska’s offense isn’t scoring points. Junior passer, Zac Lee, has been productive against opponents when his offense protects him. The Huskers are solid in pass protection. Wideout, Niles Paul is a downfield threat. Niles leads the club with 35 receptions. Texas’ secondary has been exposed as of late, but the defense still ranks second highest in interceptions. The Longhorns do have another thing on their side coming into Saturday’s sweltering and significant showdown. Bo Pelini’s team has a running game that plays into the hands of Texas’ defense. Roy Helu is healthy again for Pelini’s backfield and quarterback Lee. Lee has thrown for just under 2,000 yards and Helu has scrambled for 1,111. Rex Burkhead, a true freshmen runner, is a second serious option. Burkhead garnered a 100 yard effort last week against Colorado. Only three teams have managed 100 yards or more against this Longhorns defense, however. They even limited UTEP’s nationally ranked rusher, Donald Buckham, to 46 yards. Texas is first in the nation in run defense. In other words, the Huskers would have more luck running through a brick wall at Cowboys Stadium.
Parting Points: Song of the day- “Ordinary Miracle” by Sarah Mclachlan
Bearcats-Panthers today at noon…
It’s about time the Nets recorded a victory!
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