The Texas Longhorns fell back to .500 on the season with a 24-20 loss to #16 West Virginia on Saturday, which is also their first loss at home this season. It wasn't pretty for much of the game, but Texas did give themselves a chance to win - but just couldn't convert. Here are three things we learned from the game:
3) D'Onta Foreman is amazing
Foreman continued this outstanding stretch of games, rushing for 167 yards on 35 carries. It was the 11th straight game in which he has rushed for 100 yards, tying Earl Campbell's school record. Foreman's Heisman stock will likely go down because of the loss, but make no mistake about it - Foreman has been the best running back in the country this season.
2) The defense is finding its stride
It's amazing how far this group has come in just a few weeks. Going up against an explosive offensive like West Virginia, the Longhorns allowed just 383 total yards and forced four turnovers. That may seem like a lot of yards allowed, but WVU came into the game ranked 10th in total offense, averaging 511 yards per game. Add in the fact that the Longhorns have had serious problems forcing turnovers last season, and it was an impressive performance and a step forward for this defense.
1) The offense has to get batter at finishing drives
The defense certainly gave the offense the chance to win the game, but they couldn't capitalize. Despite out-gaining West Virginia 536-383, getting 33 first downs and possessing the ball for nearly 10 minutes, they only put 20 points on the board. Why? Well, they turned the ball over three times themselves, and only converted 5/17 third-down attempts. That, plus the fact they ended three of their drives with field goal attempts instead of touchdowns, explains why they were held in check.
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