The No. 5 Texas Longhorns are cruising at halftime, leading the Texas State Bobcats 28-7, but everyone on the Forty Acres knows this game is just the warm-up act. With the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes coming to town next week, Texas is using this opener to show exactly what they’re made of and why those high expectations are real.
First Quarter Firepower and a Few Early Hiccups
Texas State actually kicked things off with a touchback, then managed a first down on three short passes. But that was about it before fifth-year defensive tackle Hero Kanu got in there with a tackle for loss, and pressured Bobcats quarterback Brad Jackson into a throwaway. Then came the first break for Texas: a bad snap led to a pathetic 17-yard punt from Texas State, giving the Longhorns sweet field position at their own 44-yard line. Boom! Senior running back Hollywood Smothers took the first touch, bounced it outside behind sophomore tight end Nick Townsend and junior wide receiver Ryan Wingo, made two defenders look silly, and ripped off a 45-yard gain. Two plays later, on 3rd and 5, junior wide receiver Cam Coleman just flat-out beat the jam at the line, left the corner falling, and snagged an easy six-yard touchdown grab for his first touch as a Longhorn.
Not everything was perfect, though. Texas State faced 3rd and 11, and sophomore cornerback Kade Phillips got flagged for pass interference down the sideline, giving the Bobcats a first down. They couldn’t convert, though, as senior linebacker Rasheem Biles kept contain on a scramble, and junior defensive tackle Alex January batted down a fourth-down pass. Texas then faced its own fourth down, and senior quarterback Arch Manning found Wingo on a wheel route, then connected with senior tight end Spencer Shannon for 11 yards for Shannon’s first career catch. On the very next play, Wingo went jet sweep, taking Manning’s pass for an eight-yard touchdown with Townsend and Shannon clearing the path. Texas State did manage another explosive play, a 25-yard scramble by Jackson to the Texas 5-yard line, but the first quarter ended on a one-yard gain.
Defense Tightens Up and Missed Opportunities for Bobcats
The second quarter started with the Texas defense flexing its muscles. Phillips, who had the earlier flag, broke up a pass in the end zone, and Kanu created quick penetration for a tackle for loss on 3rd and goal from the 4-yard line. Texas State tried a 24-yard field goal, but it sailed wide left. What a relief! The Longhorns offense then got back to work. Manning stood tall in the pocket, hitting Wingo for a 16-yard reception before Smothers found a seam outside for nine yards, showing he’s ready to run downhill. They are really piling it on.
The Longhorns are absolutely firing on all cylinders in this opener, building a huge lead as the first half winds down. While they’ve had a few penalties and a couple of plays given up, their offense looks explosive and the defense is coming up with big plays when it counts. They’ve still got the second half to finish out this game, but everyone knows all eyes are already on next week’s colossal matchup with the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes. Can they maintain this momentum and prove they’re a true contender? You bet your cleats they can!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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