First Quarter:
Well, not an ideal start if you are a Longhorns fan with a Quinn Ewers interception on the opening drive, followed by a Dillon Gabriel touchdown rush for the Sooners. The interception by the Longhorns sophomore quarterback was easily telegraphed by the Oklahoma defense as Ewers stared down his man for a few seconds. Of course, the turnover battle is always crucial in the Red River game.
I highlighted special teams as one of the key X-factors for today’s game and that seems to have paid off today, for better and for worse. A Kitan Crawford punt block, picked up for a touchdown by Malik Muhammed, was a huge play for the Longhorns when the momentum was all in Oklahoma’s favor. However, later, a running into the kicker penalty against the Longhorns extended a Sooners drive on offense.
Through one quarter of play, it seems like Texas has been their own biggest enemy, setting up Oklahoma for a touchdown off of the Ewers pick, and their final drive of the quarter was aided by the aforementioned penalty.
Second Quarter:
So far, the Longhorns have been efficient on fourth down attempts, converting on all three tries. This time, the gamble paid off in big fashion as Quinn Ewers found tight end Gunnar Helm on a touchdown pass.
The Longhorns defense has certainly not been playing their A-game albeit, the offense has also certainly not played complementary football. There has been many missed tackles and, overall, too many big plays.
Halftime Thoughts:
The story of the game has been self-inflicted wounds for the Longhorns. Trailing 20 to 17 at the half, Sarkisian would likely give his team a grade of a C or D. However, for Texas fans that can be good or bad, they have kept it close while playing far from their best. If positive adjustments are made, this game will have an entertaining finish.
Third Quarter:
The Longhorns defense has simply been unable to stop the Sooners offense as more time has gone by. Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel has been methodical in the pocket against the Texas zone and has had his pickings.
It is important for the Longhorns to try to chip a little bit away, on every play, versus trying to do too much. Quinn Ewers was trying to do too much on a rushing attempt and was popped on a big hit, fumbling the football, and giving Oklahoma great field position.
Fourth Quarter:
What a game so far? Texas opens the final quarter of action down seven points with the ball. Sarkisian and the Longhorns have to be methodical if they want to exit Saturday’s contest undefeated.
Usually, I do not question Steve Sarkisian’s play calling as he is a genius on the offensive side of the ball, but running the jumbo package at Oklahoma’s 1-yard line for three plays in-a-row is questionable. This package keeps Texas’s key playmakers, such as Xavier Worthy, off of the field and limits the team’s versatility.
What a performance by the Longhorns offense to answer the call and find the end zone with a 29-yard Jonathon Brooks touchdown rush. However, unfortunately for Longhorn fans, the Sooners answered with a touchdown of their own. Quite simply, disappointing play by the Texas secondary to allow Oklahoma to march down the field so fast.
The Longhorns did not play great, but they had a chance to win. Ultimately, all aspects of the game needed to improve for Texas as Dillon Gabriel crushed the dreams of many with a game-winning touchdown pass.
