Big 12 Report: As Texas prepares for Red River, wounded Sooners eye an upset

This week Texas hosts Iowa State. The game marks the anniversary of one of the most painful losses of last year’s 5-7 season.  The Longhorns led 7-3 at the half last season, but conceded 27 second half points as the Cyclones dominated the second half.  Coach Steve Sarkisian says that the mental approach of this year’s squad is more process driven and will lead to a different outcome this time around, “Our players are really buying into the idea that let’s go play the way we’re capable of playing and let’s go finish the way we’re capable of finishing.”

Iowa State enters the game with an 0-3 record in conference play, and head coach Matt Campbell knows the Cyclones have their work cut out for them, “We’ve played a lot of good Texas teams since we’ve been here and I would say this is the best we’ve played,” he said.

At this point in the season Texas’ record is 4-2.  This is the same record the Longhorns posted at this point last year.  Coming off of two convincing wins the Texas has momentum and appears to be a different team, but the toughest stretch of games lies ahead.  

For its performance against Oklahoma in the Red River Showdown last week Texas was awarded the Cheez-It Bowl National Team of the Week. Texas defeated the Sooners 49-0, shutting out Oklahoma for the first time since 1965, and handing the Sooners their first program shut out since 1998.

Redshirt Freshman quarterback Quinn Ewers was awarded Big 12 Newcomer of the Week after completing 21 of 31 passes for 289 yards and four touchdowns.  Ewers returned after missing three weeks due to an injury suffered against Alabama.  

Around the Big 12

In the only matchup of ranked teams in conference play last week TCU outscored Kansas 38-31.  The Horned Frogs were led by quarterback Max Duggan who threw for 308 yards and 3 touchdowns. Kansas’ starting quarterback Jalon Daniels left the game after suffering a shoulder injury.

Oklahoma State outlasted Texas Tech 41-31. Tech quarterback Behren Morton completed 39 of 62 passes for 379 yards, and the Red Raiders led 31-23 in the third quarter, but the Cowboys scored the final 18 points to secure the win. 

A Chris Tennant field goal with 7:14 to play stood up as the game winner as Kansas State edged Iowa State 10-9. Adrian Martinez continued his strong play for the Wildcats passing for 246 yards and rushing for another 77.  The lone touchdown came on an 81 yard touchdown pass to Phillip Brooks.