Back on track: 5 observations from Texas’ 55-14 win over Kansas

Texas rebounded from a difficult loss and trounced Kansas on the road 55-14. The Longhorns delivered a complete performance led offensively by Bijan Robinson, who scored two rushing touchdowns in the first quarter to set a tone that he would continue, finishing with 243 yards rushing and a total of four scores. The Texas defense also delivered another strong performance holding the prolific Kansas offense to 14 points. With the win, Texas improves to 7-4 on the season and will wrap up the season next week versus Baylor.

Ground and pound: Texas came out committed to the running game. In the first two series against Kansas, Bijan Robinson had more rushing yards than he did in the entire game last week against TCU. The Longhorns jumped out to a 14-0 first quarter lead, and Robinson scored both touchdowns. The hits kept coming in the second quarter as Robinson finished the half with 172 yards rushing and three touchdowns, and Texas boasted a 31-0 halftime lead.

Picking up where they left off: The Texas defense began the Kansas game, where they ended the TCU contest, making plays. In the first quarter, the Jayhawks could only muster 44 yards of total offense, were only successful on one of four third down conversions, and Texas stuffed Kansas on a fourth down attempt at midfield. The Texas front has become a force, racking up tackles for loss and consistently forcing offenses into long-yardage situations. The Texas defense also forced an interception late in the second quarter, leading to a touchdown as the first half ended.

Comfort zone: Offensively, Texas looked much more comfortable. One of the goals of the offensive game plan was obviously to allow Quinn Ewers to have easy success. Screen passes and clean reads off RPO’s allowed Ewers to put together completions and develop a rhythm without putting too much on the young quarterback’s plate. The effective running game also allowed Ewers to throw the ball away when his read was not there, and for the first time in weeks, the game was not on his shoulders.

The whole enchilada: This was the most complete performance by the Longhorns this season. Kansas is a quality team that has been competitive in every conference game this season and has scored points in bunches. Texas blitzed the Jayhawks and never let them into the contest. From start to finish, the Longhorns dominated every phase of the game. Texas is a program under construction, but performances like the one delivered Saturday show that the renovation is close to completion, and once the transformation is finished, Texas will be a force to be reckoned with.

Bijan for Heisman: Texas running back Bijan Robinson is one of the best players in college football. He has a rare combination of speed, power, and quickness that will surely make him an early pick in the NFL draft next spring. Today Robinson rushed for four touchdowns and 243 yards and did most of his damage in the first two and a half quarters. What makes Robinson even more special is that he can turn in these numbers when everyone in the stadium knows he is getting the carry. He may not get invited to New York at season’s end, but Bijan has turned in a stellar season that is certainly worth some consideration and serious recognition.