5 overreactions to Texas football’s contentious win over Iowa State

No edge rusher/defensive end will be able to consistently beat Kelvin Banks for the rest of the Big 12 slate

One aspect of this game that shouldn’t go unnoticed is the play of the offensive line in pass protection. This was one of the better performances of the season so far, especially for the interior offensive line in pass pro. And the offensive tackles continued to perform at a high level in pass pro.

But that is nothing new for the standout offensive tackle duo of senior Christian Jones and true freshman Kelvin Banks Jr.

The duo of Jones and Banks have performed at an All-Big 12 caliber level this season, especially in pass protection. And that level of play continued in this game against the Cyclones.

In fact, Banks was the highest-graded Big 12 offensive tackle in pass blocking in Week 7. And the Texas offensive line rang in at No. 3 in the Big 12 in terms of effectiveness rating in pass protection, at 94.6.

PFF has the Texas offensive line allowing three quarterback pressures and no sacks against Iowa State. I counted three or four plays where Ewers came under some type of pressure, but there weren’t many occasions where he was close to being brought down.

It’s also big to note that the offensive line didn’t allow any hits on Ewers. Avoiding hits and sacks will be key moving forward for Ewers, who could be more at risk for injury after he suffered the sprained clavicle against the Alabama Crimson Tide on Sep. 10.

All in all, I love the way that the offensive line is performing in pass protection lately. Banks, in particular, is one shining star for this offensive line. He was often matched up with star Iowa State edge rusher/defensive end Will McDonald in pass pro. And he didn’t allow a single quarterback pressure in this game, let alone in his matchups with McDonald.

It’s worth noting that the one quarterback pressure that McDonald had in this game ties for his lowest total on the season so far. Texas also limited McDonald to the lowest pass-rushing grade in almost a full season.

I have plenty of confidence that Banks will continue to hold his own, no matter who he is matched up against among Big 12 edge rushers/defensive ends.