Thoughts and Takeaways: Texas overpowers Texas Tech

Texas opened Big 12 play with a statement, blowing out an overmatched Texas Tech squad while putting up 70 points. It was a welcome sight after the Longhorns were dominated offensively just 2 weeks ago in Fayetteville. Steve Sarkisian never let off the gas and the Texas defense made enough plays to put the game out of reach early. Here are some quick thoughts and takeaways from a solid Texas victory:

• Texas Tech had some people fooled entering Saturday, including myself. I mentioned in my game preview that it appeared the Red Raiders had an improved defense this year but they showed very little fight yesterday. Texas ran for over 6 yards per carry and the offensive line had by far their best game of the season. Bijan Robinson, Roschon Johnson and Keilan Robinson combined for 243 yards on 35 carries. Steve Sarkisian and Kyle Flood leaned on the outside running game all afternoon and it resulted in a monster game. A lot of credit should go to the coaching staff for making some necessary adjustments over the last few weeks.
• Not only did the offensive line have their best run blocking game of the season, but the pass protection looked much improved from what they showed against Louisiana and Arkansas. Casey Thompson had plenty of time to throw when dropped back to pass and it resulted in more explosive plays in the passing game as he was able to his second and third reads.
• Thompson had his first major hiccup of the season when he forced a throw into the endzone on 3rd down in the 3rd quarter. This will certainly be a learning moment as it was not a good decision with the Longhorns already in range for a field goal. Outside of interception, Thompson had a very strong day (18/23 for 303 yards and 5 TD’s). Steve Sarkisian mentioned after the game that they are still looking to connect on some deep throws, so expect that to continue to be an emphasis as the season progresses.
• On the surface, 35 points and 520 yards allowed is a not a very good day for the Texas defense. Despite the big numbers, there were some good performances and positive takeaways. Josh Thompson had a beautifully timed pick-6 where he baited Tyler Shough into a throw and jumped the route. Luke Brockermeyer also had the first interception of his career and had another active game with 4 tackles.
• Another positive takeaway was a solid performance from the Texas defensive line. The Longhorns defense held Tech to under 4 yards per carry and had also several disruptive plays in the passing game. Alfred Collins had a good day after a slow start to the season, picking up his first sack and adding a tackle for loss. Moro Ojomo continues to be the most consistent DL on the team and T’Vondre Sweat flashed several times as well.
• On the negative side, Texas gave up 392 passing yards and it was not a good day for several of the DB’s not named Josh Thompson. The Longhorns gave up passing touchdowns of 40, 69 and 75 yards. D’Shawn Jamison, Brenden Schooler and BJ Foster did not have very good days. The game script certainly was not favorable to DB’s with Texas holding a big lead the majority of the afternoon, but the Longhorns showed some things on film that upcoming opponents are going to test.

Bonus Big Picture Takeaway

• The Big 12 is wide open right now. Oklahoma and Iowa State, who were widely thought to be the two favorites in the conference, both have not looked good to start the season. Iowa State lost their conference opener to Baylor yesterday and Oklahoma has struggled against Tulane, Nebraska and West Virginia. Texas still has a lot they need to clean up if they hope to compete for a conference championship, but the opportunity is there for the Longhorns to make some noise over the next few months.