Report Card: Texas Longhorns Vs Oklahoma State Cowboys

Sept 29, 2012; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State quarterback J.W. Walsh (4) is sacked by Texas Longhorns defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat (44) during the second half at Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-US PRESSWIRE

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The game is over and the grades are out. How did each position group do in Saturday’s win against the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Find out in this week’s Texas Longhorns report card.

Quarterbacks

David Ash isn’t going to be perfect his whole career, but I wanted to see 2 things: 1) How he would handle throwing an interception and 2) Could he lead a game winning drive? He responded very well after the interception and he had ice water in his veins on that final drive. That deserves an A in my book.

Grade: A

Running Backs

Although Malcolm Brown was knocked out in the first quarter, Jonathan Gray filled in nicely for the Longhorns. That is the type of depth that you need at running back and at every position. Now only 136 yards rushing and 3.2 yards per attempt. Need to work to get that to 4 per attempt but I don’t believe it was all on the running backs. Either way, solid showing for the running backs

Grade: B

Wide Receivers

Jaxon Shipley had 3 touchdown receptions and Mike Davis made huge catches all throughout the game. Add in “wide receivers” Daje Johnson and DJ Monroe were key contributors on this team during the game. Marquis Goodwin had a good game as well. They were the difference in this game.

Grade: A

Tight Ends

DJ Grant made a huge, clutch catch on 4th and 6 to help lead the Longhorns to victory. That was the only time Longhorn fans heard from the tight end position. Which if they aren’t missing blocks, that is a good thing. I will give a C+ helped by the big catch by DJ Grant.

Grade: C+

Offensive Line

They protected Ash all night long and gave him the time to find receivers. The offensive line did a great job once again and they get another tip of the hat from me. Good job men.

Grade: A

Defense

Well, that isn’t the defense people wanted to see. Still better than most teams in the Big 12 but it needs more work. Tackling is still an issue and they are also getting trucked while tackling as well. I understand spread offenses are tough to stop, and they made a stop and held them to a field goal when they needed to, but still huge runs by Oklahoma State (which happened last year as well) were too easy. Manny Diaz got worked in this game and that has to change this week. No more excuses, this defense has way too much talent to be giving up 582 yards of total offense.

Grade: D

Special Teams

Alex King averaged 38 yards per punt but did pin the Cowboys back inside their 20 3 times. Kickoffs were questionable at best and Nick Jordan didn’t even attempt a field goal. I was very disappointed in the Longhorns’ special teams.

Grade: C-

Coaching

Pretty simple today:

Grade: Offense: A Defense: D

Overall

Survive and Advance. This was the first of 3 big games for the Texas Longhorns and they needed this win. I don’t care about the controversy with the touchdown. No clear recovery so even if their was a clear angle that showed Bergeron didn’t cross the goal line, it would have been 3rd and Goal. The game was ugly at times and gut wrenching as well, but it doesn’t matter. A win is a win. That’s enough of me.

Grade: B+

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