Texas hangs on, tops Tulsa 28-21

After a disappointing loss to Maryland in Week 1, it was imperative for the Texas Longhorns (1-1) to find a way to beat the Tulsa Golden Hurricane (1-1) in its home opener.  Texas didn’t win with style, or grace, but managed to defeat the Golden Hurricane in unimpressive fashion 28-21 in front of 90,563 fans at Darrell K. Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday night.

Despite the lackluster manner in which his team won, head coach Tom Herman says the program will enjoy the victory:

Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger threw for 237 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 54 yards in the win. True freshman running back Keaontay Ingram continued to impress as he saw more playing time, carrying the ball 10 times for 67 yards.  Ingram sustained a knee injury during the game and will be evaluated tomorrow, according to head coach Tom Herman.

Golden Hurricane quarterback Luke Skipper overcame a sluggish start and managed to lead Tulsa back into the game in the 4th quarter. Skipper passed for 153 yards and a touchdown. Running back Shamari Brooks accounted for the team’s other two touchdowns, with rushes of four and one yards, respectively.

On the first play from scrimmage, Caden Sterns intercepted Tulsa quarterback Luke Skipper, putting the Longhorns in position for their first score of the night. Sam Ehlinger went to work quickly, finding LJ Humphrey for 37 yards and setting the Longhorns up at the Tulsa 1 yard line.  On the next snap, Ehlinger found the end zone on a keeper, and Texas took a 7-0 lead over Tulsa.

Texas running back Keaontay Ingram scored the second touchdown of the quarter, taking a handoff from Ehlinger for a 29-yard touchdown with 1:58 left.

LJ Humphrey would propel Texas to a 21-0 lead with 3:28 left in the first half, hauling in Ehlinger’s pass and shaking off Tulsa defenders for a 40-yard touchdown score.

The Golden Hurricane missed three field goal attempts in the first half, and Texas took a 21-0 lead into the locker room.

Late in the 3rd quarter, Golden Hurricane quarterback Luke Skipper converted a 4th & 6 to set up a four-yard touchdown run by Shamari Brooks.

After three quarters of play, Texas held a 21-7 lead over Tulsa.

Skipper would lead Tulsa to a quick score to start the 4th quarter, finding Keylon Stokes for 48 yards down to the Texas 1-yard line. Shamari Brooks would punch it in for his second touchdown of the night.

Texas increased its lead to 28-14 with 6:25 remaining in the game on Sam Ehlinger’s 11-yard touchdown pass to Tre Watson.

Tulsa wouldn’t go away quietly.

Another big pass from Skipper to Keenen Johnson at the 4:53 mark went for a 35-yard touchdown, narrowing Texas’ lead to 28-21 over Tulsa.

The Longhorns would end the game with possession at the Tulsa 15 yard line in victory formation.

Game Notes

• Lil’Jordan Humphrey led the Longhorns in receiving with a career-high 109 yards on 7 receptions. His 40-yard touchdown reception was the longest of the night for Texas.
• The Longhorns put up 478 yards of offense compared to Tulsa’s 353 yards.
• Grad transfer running back Tre Watson rushed for 75 yards on 18 carries. Watson led the Longhorns in rushing.
• The win over Tulsa marked Tom Herman’s 30th win as a head coach.
• Safety B.J. Foster joined Caden Sterns in recording his first career interception as a Longhorn.
• Along with Keaontay Ingram, linebacker Anthony Wheeler exited the game due to injury. Wheeler suffered an eye injury and was unable to return.

The Longhorns will face USC next Saturday at Darrell K. Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium at 7:00 PM.