(Photo: above) Texas senior Jackson Jeffcoat sacks TCU quarterback Casey Pachall in the third quarter of the Longhorns' 30-7 win over the Horned Frogs
Nothing was able to stop the Texas Longhorns (5-2, 4-0) in their 30-7 victory over the TCU Horned Frogs Saturday night – and Sunday morning – as they remain undefeated in the Big 12 alongside sixth-ranked Baylor (7-0, 4-0). Here’s a closer look at how the Horns were able to pull out the big win, and how this momentum will carry over into their remaining Big 12 games against Kansas, West Virginia, Oklahoma State, Tech and Baylor.1. Texas’ Defensive Line Was On Point
Yes we’re talking about the same defensive line that was -- just weeks ago -- the focus of much scrutiny, led by then-Defensive Coordinator Manny Diaz, and pretty much the laughing stock of the 2013 “good-gone-bad” programs. However in Texas’ 30-7 win over TCU, it was clear that the Longhorn Defense was there to put an end to all the trash talk. Greg Robinson had the defense in full control of the field, limiting TCU to just 45 yards on the ground, and senior Jackson Jeffcoat finished with three tackles and two sacks.
2. McCoy (and the rest of the Texas Offense) Showed Up To Play
McCoy led the Longhorns for the fourth straight game in a row as David Ash is still out with a concussion, and he did so with a pretty nice showing compared to past weeks. He threw for 228 yards and although it wasn't a perfect showing… 9-19 passing with two interceptions... he did connect on a few impressive deep pass attempts, something we hope to see much more of in upcoming weeks. All in all it was good enough for the blowout win and to throw some momentum on the tracks as the Big 12 gauntlet ensues.
3. Taking Advantage of Early Turnovers
One play after TCU’s first-quarter midway fumble was recovered by safety Adrian Phillips, Malcolm Brown was able to drive it in to bring Texas up 7-0. At first the affects didn't appear too monumental, but when the Texas defense was playing like they were, making it nearly impossible for TCU to put any points on the board, this turnover was a hole the Horned Frogs weren't getting out of.
4. Overcoming the Rain Delay
Whether or not this was a huge contributing factor to the Longhorns’ win, it surely did not have the same affects as it did weeks ago in Texas’ unexpected 19-point loss to BYU. I’m not sure if anyone else was worried, but I sure was glad the team was able to stay strong after the three hour holdup. So how did the Horns manage to make so much of the delay that had them playing past midnight? Head coach Mack Brown couldn't have said it better… “They've all had a goal and a dream to play on Sunday, and now they've done it."
Making It Count: How Texas Can Finish Off Strong in Conference Play
First, Texas needs to utilize its returning starters as it has been these past few weeks. The defense needs to keep the stops coming and continue to put up big numbers like they did against TCU. Controlling the line of scrimmage is a must, and if they can continue to adapt to the different pass and run games they’ll be key in pulling out the big wins. McCoy needs to continue being a leader on offense; with the very unlikely chances Ash will be returning this season – and that assumption even more so solidified after Tyrone Swoopes’ redshirt was burnt late in the fourth – connections and confidence are a must. Last but not least, Mack Brown has made a great turn around after starting 1-2, but even so he has spent 15 seasons in Austin, Texas and his reign is certainly coming to an end in somewhat of a near future. If nothing else, these men will be playing for Coach Brown and doing everything in their power to give him one last conference title if he decides to step down anytime soon.
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