Texas Football: Longhorns grow up in 2OT win vs. K-State
In past years, the Texas Longhorns likely would have lost their Big 12 home opener against Kansas State on Saturday.
However, the Longhorns grew up and found a way to beat Kansas State 40-34 in double overtime at home in Austin. [ Full Box Score ]
True freshman Sam Ehlinger led the way with 380 yards passing, 107 yards rushing, and two TDs on the night.
But, it was one final play that showed why this Texas team is different.
Only needing a field goal to win the game in the second OT, the Longhorns went for a TD from the 1 yard line. Chris Warren was initially stuffed, but he kept moving his feet, the offensive line joined the party, and half of the offense on the field pushed Warren into the endzone for the decisive TD.
It was a great team moment that embodies what Tom Herman has been preaching since he stepped foot in Austin 10 months ago.
Herman has tried to instill a “4th and 1” mentality in this team and they finally displayed it in victory.
Sure, this was 3rd and Goal with the Longhorns just needing a field goal to seal the game if Warren were unable to score on third down. But, this was about more than just kicking a chip shot field goal. It was about sending a message about the Longhorns being more physically tough than their opponent.
This version of Texas Football is tough. pic.twitter.com/yYxZM28dbe
— Hook'em Headlines (@HookemHeadlines) October 8, 2017
Texas Longhorns Overcome Mistakes in Victory
More from Texas Football
- Texas Football: Quinn Ewers joins 7-Eleven Cleat Crew for charity event
- Texas Football: 4-Star A&M OT commit officially visiting for KU game
- How to watch Texas football vs. Baylor: TV, stream, game time
- Texas Football: Predicting each remaining 5-Star commit for Horns this fall
- Texas Football: Top 5 defenders during nonconference play
Texas could not run the ball at times. The Longhorns defense was carved up and could not stop the Wildcats’ rushing attack at other times. But, the defense made just enough plays to buy time for the offense to rally.
Sam Ehlinger threw an interception on the Longhorns’ first offensive play of the game. But, he did not make many mistakes the rest of the way.
Included was not being sacked at any point in the game. The very young and injured offensive line did their part keeping Ehlinger clean, but the freshman QB used his legs to escape blitzes throughout the game.
The running game still wasn’t there with any consistency. Just look at this stat line from the three RBs:
- Toneil Carter: 6 rushes for 32 yards
- Chris Warren: 7 rushes for 14 yards
- Kyle Porter: 7 rushes for 13 yards
But, the RBs rushed for three TDs, including Warren with his game-winner in double OT, and Warren caught a pass for a TD.
The key for Texas going forward will be finding a way to consistently run the ball. On this night, though, the Longhorns improved to 2-0 in the Big 12 conference.
DKR was ROCKIN' tonight.@TexasFootball took down K-State in double overtime 40-34.
— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) October 8, 2017
Highlights 👇 pic.twitter.com/5UeNPynPSA
The Longhorns got to 2-0 thanks to some toughness learned through the difficulties of past seasons and their double OT loss to USC in September.
Texas just was not going to lose this game against Kansas State. Now, it looks like this is Sam Ehlinger’s team after Shane Buechele stood on the sideline recovering from injury.
Will it be Sam Ehlinger vs. Oklahoma next Saturday in Dallas at the Cotton Bowl? We’ll see what Tom Herman decides.