LONGHORNS REPORT CARD
How Texas (8-4) graded out in its 42-24 loss to Kansas State:
because Case McCoy (26 of 34 for 314 yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions) exceeded expectations and actually outplayed Collin Klein for parts of the game doesn’t mean he had a great night. McCoy’s highs: The 17 straight completions, his guiding Texas to a secondhalf lead and some clutch third-down conversions. His lows: Two picks that resulted in two Kansas State touchdowns, a costly intentional grounding penalty that took away a possible field goal and a fumble. Johnathan Gray was the lone Longhorn with double-digit carries, but he averaged only 2.4 yards, and both Malcolm Brown (7-40-1) and D.J. Monroe (1-46) outgained him. Joe Bergeron’s final line wasn’t good (1 carry, 3 yards) but it was an important firstdown conversion run; he ended up injuring his shoulder and did not return. Brown took over his usual short-yardage duties. Brown, who missed the TCU game, looked good running again and also was a factor in the passing game, with six catches for 43 yards and a touchdown. Mike Davis wore Jeremy Hills’ No. 5. That’s about all we can say about his game, which was quiet (3 catches, 18 yards). Jaxon Shipley was McCoy’s favorite target. They hooked up five times for 68 yards and a touchdown. Cayleb Jones had two touches — one run, one catch — and both went for first downs. Maybe Marquise Goodwin’s bad thumb played a part in his fumble, but either way, the fumble hurt as it led to a missed field goal.
the Horns put up a good fight. Let’s go bowling. A comparison of the Horns statistically from 2012 to 2011, through 12 games, based on per-game averages: Total offense Pts scored Pts allowed Yds allowed Passing TDs/INTs Rushing 441.0 36.1 29.4 412.2 247-365-3,180
23/10 461-2,112-31 404.0 28.4 23.2 315.3 192-334-2,323
15/18 500-2,086-17 Better Better Worse Worse Better Better Better Case McCoy threw for 314 yards and 2 touchdowns against Kansas State. On a night when protecting the quarterback was critical — David Ash’s bad ribs meant Texas’punter, Alex King, was the emergency quarterback — McCoy was sacked five times. The right side of Texas’line had pass protection issues. Donald Hawkins was flagged for a leg whip. Part of Gray’s and the running game’s issues were because Texas’ line had problems getting a push and opening lanes. Texas fared better when running wide.
Dorsey didn’t play, and Alex Okafor, while playing a handful of snaps, was limited with a bad ankle. The game ultimately was won because the Wildcats were able to control the clock and move the ball with their running game, powered by Klein and John Hubert, who scored three touchdowns. That’s why the Longhorns were unable to hold that 17-14 third-quarter lead. As the game went on in the second half, Texas’ front looked tired and generated less of a pass rush. LINEBACKERS: Steve Edmond and Peter Jinkens finished tied for second on the team in tackles, with five apiece. Jinkens stood out on defense; he had Texas’lone sack and was a physical