Photo Courtesy: Aaron Meullion-USA TODAY Sports
On Saturday, the Texas Longhorns looked to show the college football world that they are deserving of the hype. After eight months of waiting following their CFP Semifinal loss, the Longhorns hosted the Colorado State Rams and butted their way to a 52-0 victory.
After a sluggish start to the game by the Texas offense, Quinn Ewers and his transfer-studded receiving core turned on the jets in the second quarter. In fact, Longhorns wideout Matthew Golden was on the receiving end of two second quarter touchdown passes. Along with Golden, Isaiah Bond was also able to find the end zone following the 2-minute warning. Did you think I was done? Afterwards, in the third quarter, Silas Bolden found the end zone on a crafty 5-yard touchdown pass from Arch Manning (Manning’s first collegiate touchdown pass).
While the offense got better with time, the Texas defense was a constant. To begin, Colorado State redshirt sophomore quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi had a rough go of things. Against the Longhorns, Fowler-Nicolosi threw for just 59 yards and an interception. Texas’ secondary play was highlighted by defensive back Jahdae Baron’s beautiful center field-esque interception grab in the second quarter. And while the Longhorns defense did not ultimately sack Fowler-Nicolosi, the Rams quarterback looked just as comfortable as the Longhorns fans sitting in the 94 degree weather.
For Longhorns fans, Saturday’s matchup was a chance to enjoy themselves. For the first time since 2004, they were able to enjoy a season-opening shutout. Next weekend, you can watch the Longhorns take on Michigan at the Big House in Ann Arbor. Kickoff from the Big House is scheduled for 11 A.M. (CT), in a game which will air on FOX.