BASKETBALL _ BASKETBALL _ THE ARRIVAL _ VOLLEYBALL’S SEASON PREVIEWS RISES TOGETHER OF JOHN HARRIS 4TH STRAIGHT BIG 12 TITLE
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CONTENTS
Myles Turner and the Longhorns plan to set a higher standard this season.
FEATURES
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BASKETBALL
Leading Direction At the completion of the 2012-13 season, Longhorn fans questioned whether head coach Rick Barnes had the ability to turn around a program that had fallen from national prominence. Barnes proved he could, rebuilding the men’s basketball team on his “team-first” philosophy. With the Longhorns’ success from last season — in addition to their depth of talent coming into 2014 — the team was selected to finish second in the Big 12 and was ranked No. 10 in the AP preseason poll. With the 2014-15 season beginning, Texas looks to prove it is, once again, a top program.
27 FOOTBALL Far From Over The completion of the third quarter of the 2014 season proved that the Texas football team is finally reaping the benefits from the system implemented by head coach Charlie Strong and his staff. The Longhorns lost one game and won three over the course of four weeks. The loss to Kansas State was a gut check, with the Wildcats handing the Longhorns their first shutout at home since 2011. But the loss seemed to push the team in the right direction, as the Longhorns went on to defeat their first nationally ranked opponent at home since 2008. In this issue, associate editor Steve Habel recaps the games against Iowa State, Kansas State, Texas Tech and West Virginia.
42 BASKETBALL Rising Together Selected to win the conference championship this season, the women’s basketball team is prepared to meet such preseason expectations. Head coach Karen Aston returns 10 letterwinners this season, in addition to welcoming the No. 11 recruiting class in the nation. But the team’s depth isn’t the only thing that will guarantee the program success this season — the Longhorns’ chemistry and the team bond created with Aston’s system will push Texas to the next level.
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M A RK YO U R C A LE N D A R
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RO U N D U P
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S P I RI T O F T HE M O N T H
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M E D I A VO I C E S
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T HE HA B E O N T HE HO RN S
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I N S E A S O N — Football
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FI N A L S C O RE
COVER PHOTO: PATRICK MEREDITH/UNIV. OF TEXAS
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FIRST
LOOK After After aa monumental monumental 2014 2014 campaign, campaign, the the Texas Texas soccer soccer team team ended ended its its season season in in aa 2-1 2-1 NCAA NCAA loss loss to to No. No. 12 12 Notre Notre Dame Dame on on Nov. Nov. 21. 21. With With the the defeat, defeat, the the senior senior class, class, which which includes includes standouts standouts Sharis Sharis Lachappelle Lachappelle and and Brooke Brooke Gilbert, Gilbert, completes completes its its playing playing time time on on the the 40 40 Acres. Acres. The The group group led led the the Longhorns Longhorns to to 42 42 overall overall victories, victories, three three Big Big 12 12 Championship Championship semi-finals semi-finals and and back back to to the the NCAA NCAA Tournament Tournament for for the the second second time time in in four four years. years.
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CALENDAR MARK YOUR
DECEMBER 2014
WHAT’S GOING ON IN LONGHORN SPORTS
DECEMBER
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The women’s swimming & diving team is back in the pool on Dec. 4.
UT vs. UT Arlington 7 p.m.
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UT vs. New Mexico 7 p.m.
PR EVIOUS SPR EAD: BETHANY WALT ER /UNIV. OF TEXAS. THIS PAGE CLO CKWI SE F ROM TO P EFT: PATRICK MEREDITH/UNIV. OF TEXAS, PATRICK MEREDITH/UNIV. OF TEXAS, JESSE DROHE N, BETHANY WALTER/UNIV. OF TEXAS
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Texas Invitational All Day
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NCAA First & Second Rounds TBA
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Big 12 / SEC Challenge UT at Kentucky Lexington, Ky. 6 p.m.
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UT vs. Southern University 11 a.m.
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Hoosier Open Bloomington, Ind.
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NCAA Regionals TBA
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UT vs. Texas State 7 p.m.
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UT vs. Northwestern State 2 p.m.
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UT vs. Lipscomb 7 p.m.
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USA Diving Nationals Columbus, Ohio All Day
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UT vs. McNeese State 7 p.m.
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NCAA National Championships Oklahoma City, Okla. TBA
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UT vs. Long Beach State 7 p.m.
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Big 12 / SEC Challenge UT vs. Texas A&M Little Rock, Ark.
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UT vs. Stanford 6 p.m.
Will Chandler is ready to make an impact in his final season with the Longhorns.
Madisyn Cox looks to swim her way to another Big 12 title this season.
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UT vs. Rice 7 p.m.
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UT vs. Rice 7 p.m.
INFORMATION IS BASED ON AVAILABLE SCHEDULES AT PRESS TIME AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. CHECK WWW.TEXASSPORTS. COM FOR UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION
Demarcus Holland and the Longhorns take on the SEC on Dec. 5. DECEMBER 2014
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ROUNDUP DECEMBER 2014
VOLLEYBALL’S BIG 12 TITLE // ASH’S FAREWELL NOTE // THE LOSS OF A TEXAS ICON
JI M S IGM O N/UN IV . OF TE X AS
TITLE HOLDERS: Texas volleyball won its fourth-consecutive Big 12 Championship with its defeat of No. 24 Oklahoma, 3-2 (22-25, 25-18, 21-25, 25-17, 15-5) on Nov. 15 at the McCaslan Fieldhouse. The win marked the Longhorns’ fifth title in the last six years, their eighth Big 12 title overall and 21st conference championship. The win also was Texas’ sixth over a ranked opponent this year (6-0) and its 15th-consecutive Big 12 road victory. Senior Khat Bell led the Longhorns with a season-high 15 kills on a .483 hitting percentage. Senior Haley Eckerman posted 15, hitting .225 and sophomore Chiaka Ogbogu added 12 kills, hitting .526. Sophomore Chloe Collins recorded a seasonhigh 31 assists, while freshman Cat McCoy and junior Amy Neal had 18 and 11 digs, respectively. Junior Molly McCage led the Longhorns in blocks with a career-high 11 —the most blocks by any Texas player this season. As a team, Texas outhit its 21st opponent this year with its .322 hitting percentage to OU’s .229. The Longhorns also out-blocked the Sooners, 13.0 to 4.0.
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ROUNDUP
FOOTBALL
CLOWN SUITS
TX FOOTBALL BY THE NUMBERS
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Number of offensive touchdowns allowed by the Texas defense in the opening quarter this season (vs. Iowa State).
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The team has two alumni on the coaching staff. Defensive coordinator Vance Bedford was a cornerback (1977-’79, ’81) and Les Koenning coaches the position he played (1978-80) — wide receiver.
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The Longhorns have three BCS Bowl victories in four appearances, including winning the 2005 National Championship.
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Number of career starts the offensive line had registered entering the BYU game (Kent Perkins – 2; Sedrick Flowers – 2; Marcus Hutchins – 1).
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ON THE RECORD: HE UNIFORM craze is sweeping college football, with some schools seemingly trotting out in a different combination every week. In all, 75 schools are wearing different uniforms this year compared to last. Steeped in tradition, the Texas Longhorns are not one of those schools and defensive coordinator Vance Bedford had his own take on wearing alternative uniforms. “Absolutely, 100 percent NO,” he stated. “We’re the University of Texas. When we wear our whites, it’s as pretty as any uni-
form out there.” “When Texas walks out there, with that logo and that uniform, you know who they are,” Bedford added. “If you look at USC’s uniforms, you know who they are. If you look at Notre Dame, you know who they are. It’s nothing personal. I just don’t need all that stuff. Give me the nice, clean-cut stuff and let’s go play football.” There’s no question that having different looks excites fans and recruits, but the classic burnt orange and white is still one of the best in college football. USA Today ranked the Longhorns No. 3 in regards to the top college football uniforms. But what schools ranked ahead of Texas? The Oregon Ducks — known for their cutting-edge, ever-changing combinations — ranked higher than the Longhorns. Just don’t tell Bedford that the Ducks look better in their clown suits.
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“He’s kind of stocky. He’s a strong guy.” – JORDAN HICKS on lifting head coach Charlie Strong in the locker room after the West Virginia game
“I’m very superstitious. I have to have two thin wristbands on my legs and I have to have high socks that I can pull down and scrunch up. What’s really been my main thing is having the long shirt under my jersey. That’s something I’ve been wearing for the last two years. If I don’t have that, I just feel weird out there.” – QUANDRE DIGGS on superstition
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Shipley ranks No. 6 in school history in career receiving yards (2,410).
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Cedric Reed has started 27 straight games, which leads the team.
Jordan Hicks has 11 career double-digit tackle games.
Malcom Brown has 24 career tackles for loss, which ranks second on the team among active players (Cedric Reed – 31).
As of Oct. 26, the Longhorns’ strength of schedule is 47th in the FBS, according to NCAA. org. The past and future opposition has a winning percentage of .548 (40-33).
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Tyrone Swoopes had his streak of 77 passes without an interception snapped vs. Baylor. That is the 10th-longest streak in school history.
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Texas’ 102 appearances in the BCS standings were the most of any team in
THIS S PREAD CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: PATR ICK MEREDITH/ UNIV. OF TEXAS , PATRI CK MEREDTHI/UNIV. OF TEXAS, JIM SIGMON/UNIV. OF TEXAS, UT ATHLETICS PHOTOGRAPHY, JES SE D ROHEN, JESSE DR OHEN
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Jaxon Shipley ranks No. 4 in school history in career receptions (207).
A SECOND CHANCE: If he could turn back time, Ricky Williams said he would choose not to play professional football.
A DIFFERENT PATH
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OOKING BACK, Ricky Williams isn’t sure what he would do after winning the Heisman. He’s sure of this, however: He wouldn’t play professional football. In an interview that aired on the NFL Network, Williams said that after winning the Heisman he still had a world of opportunity to explore, including finishing his degree and traveling the world. But not playing professional football seemed illogical at the time. “I decided to play football because that seemed like the next logical choice,” Williams said. “Some people are built for the NFL; I don’t think I was a person who was built for success in the NFL.” Drafted by the Saints in 1999 and traded to the Dolphins in 2002, Williams had an unconventional career in the NFL. He announced his retirement from the league in 2004. During that year, Williams studied yoga and holistic medicine. He returned to Miami for the 2005 season and rushed for 743 yards in 12 games. In 2006, he played for the Toronto Argonauts in the CFL and then played three more seasons for the Dolphins. He rushed for 1,121 yards in 2009 before finishing his career with two years in Baltimore. Despite all this, Williams put together a long, largely successful, career. But many people questioned whether his heart was really in the game, even after he returned from his hiatus. Williams’ comments highlight the pressure that comes with having an identity as a football player — especially if your personal views don’t align with those perceptions.
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FOOTBALL
ROUNDUP
DECEMBER 2014
BIG THINGS COME IN SMALL PACKAGES
QUANDRE DIGGS’ football presence is an imposing one. His actual height? Not so much. Head coach Charlie Strong gave Diggs quite the “insult-compliment” about his diminutive size in a recent press conference. “For his size, he plays big and smart,” Strong said about Diggs. The 5’10” senior cornerback got wind of the comment and fired a tongue-in-cheek shot response to his coach. “Coach Strong is always talking about me being short but I’m the same height as him. Dude a funny lil fella!” he said on Twitter. His height aside, Diggs is having a solid senior campaign. He has three interceptions on the season and is a pass deflection away from being on the school’s top-10 list. Not to mention, the “short” defensive back packs a huge punch.
FATHER FIGURE THE SCAR ACROSS the bridge of Steve Edmond’s nose came from a shotgun. One of his father’s buddies came over to show off a new firearm when he was 7 or 8. The boy was offered a chance to shoot. The kickback got him good. The mark that remains provides proof Edmond is, as his teammates say, one unapologetic
country boy. But maybe that’s why he and Charlie Strong — who’s a country boy himself — get along so well. But in Strong, Edmond has also found a coach he can call a father figure. “He made me grow up,” Edmond said, “respect people, go to class, be accountable.” He hasn’t had this kind of
A STRONG BOND: Steve Edmond found himself a role model in head coach Charlie Strong.
DECEMBER 2014
a bond since high school, when Daingerfield High defensive coordinator Jimmy Irvin helped Edmond survive the roughest year of his life. Edmond lost his father, Steven Edmond Sr., on Jan. 30, 2009, after a long bout with multiple sclerosis. Then his uncle, Victor, was hit by a drunk driver while heading back from one of Edmond’s state playoff games. He passed on Dec. 2, 2009. Through those rough months, Irvin was always there. Two months after his uncle passed, Edmond found himself with the Longhorns. He’s experienced a revolving cast of coaching figures in his college years, but he’s grateful it all led to Strong. “Coach Strong and coach Irvin are the same. You can talk to them about anything,” Edmond said. “They’re always going to hold you accountable. I love playing for those two guys.”
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ROUNDUP
BASKETBALL/ SWIMMING/ SOCCER
SW I M M I NG
WORLD COMPETITORS USA SWIMMING announced
that six current and former Texas swimmers earned positions on U.S. rosters for three international meets slated for next year. Senior Clay Youngquist will compete at the 2015 FINA World Championships, followed by the 2015 World University Games where sophomore Jack Conger and juniors Matt Ellis and John Murray will join him. Texas Exes Jimmy Feigen and Michael McBroom will join Youngquist at the World Championships while Feigen will also compete at the 2015 Pan American Games. An 11-time All-American, Youngquist will compete in the 800meter freestyle relay at the World Championships set for Aug. 2-9, 2015, in Kazan, Russia. He’ll also compete
in the 200-meter freestyle at the World University Games set for POOL SHARK: Clay Youngquist July 4-11, 2015, will travel to Russia in Gwangju, and South Korea to compete at the South Korea. international level Conger will join next summer. Youngquist in South Korea as a participant in Feigen will join the 400 freestyle relay the 100-meter freestyle. Conger won at the World Championships after gold in the 200-meter backstroke at taking on the 100-meter freestyle the 2013 World University Games. a month prior at the Pan American Ellis, one of the world’s Games in Toronto, Ontario. top-10 swimmers this year in the McBroom, the current 100-meter butterfly, will compete American record holder in the 800in the same event in South Korea. A meter freestyle and a former NCAA versatile sprint threat, Murray will champion, will take on three distance head to South Korea as a participant events — the 400-meter, 800, and on the 400-meter freestyle relay. 1500-meter freestyles — at the Olympic silver medalist World Championships.
S OCCER
NATIONAL COVERAGE: Isaiah Taylor is bringing national attention to the Texas basketball program.
COVER BOY
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OPHOMORE POINT GUARD Isaiah Taylor appeared on the regional cover for a recent issue of Sports Illustrated. Texas was one of five schools selected for a regional cover in the magazine’s annual college basketball preview issue, joining Arizona, Duke, Kentucky and Wisconsin. Subscribers and newsstands in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, New Mexico, Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Idaho, New Mexico and Wyoming will receive the regional issue. Taylor is one of 36 players named to the preseason 2015 Bob Cousy Collegiate Point Guard of the Year Award. The annual honor, named for Hall of Famer and former Boston Celtic Bob Cousy, recognizes the top point guard in men’s college basketball. Taylor, who earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention and Big 12 All-Newcomer Team honors last year, led the team in assists (4.0 apg) and ranked second in scoring (12.7 ppg) while averaging a team-best 30.1 minutes per contest in 2013-14. — ANDY GONZALEZ
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RICE COOKER ABBY SMITH
TEXAS SOCCER made its first visit to the NCAA Tournament since 2011 count in a major way by rolling past Rice in first round action, 3-0. Texas moved on to face off against nationally ranked Notre Dame, who defeated the Longhorns 2-1. Senior midfielder Sharis Lachappelle was credited with the match-winner against Rice as she scored at the 28:48 mark. Freshman forward Olivia Brook and sophomore midfielder Julia Dyche added second-half scores on their seventh (team-high) and third goals of the cam-
paign, respectively. Junior goalkeeper Abby Smith recorded her ninth solo shutout of the year, tying Dianna Pfenninger’s school record for all-time single-season shutouts. Texas out-shot Rice by a commanding 21-8 margin, including 9-1 over the second 45 minutes of play. The three-goal margin of victory tied for the second largest in any NCAA Tournament match in program history, equaling a 3-0 triumph over North Texas at home during the opening round of the 2004 event. “I’m proud of this program and all the young ladies that are on our squad,” head coach Angela Kelly said. “We responded in the second half and scored a goal in the first five minutes, and that was critical. We were more disciplined in the attack as well in the second half. Credit to Rice, they’re a great team and well coached. They had us on our heels in moments of the match, which is what you’re expecting in the first round. I’m really pleased with the outcome.”
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TRACK & FIELD/ VOLLEYBALL
CONTINUED TRADITION HOT SHOT: Ryan Crouser heads into the 2014 season with three individual titles in the shot put.
ROUNDUP
DECEMBER 2014
2014 TEXAS THROWERS ACHIEVEMENTS
VOLLEY B A LL
THE FUTURE OF TEXAS VOLLEYBALL TEXAS VOLLEYBALL signed Micaya
White, Yaazie Bedart-Ghani and Morgan Johnson to its 2015 class. These three additions give Texas another opportunity to have the top-ranked recruiting class in the country and its 10th top-five signing class since 2003. “This is an impact class,” head coach Jerritt Elliott said. “These play-
RYAN CROUSER: NCAA shot put champion indoor/outdoor, Big 12 shot put champion indoor/outdoor, Big 12 discus champion CLINT HARRIS: 2013 Big 12 discus champion (redshirt 2014 outdoor)
THIS SPREAD CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: COURTESY SPORTS ILLUSTRATED, BETHANY WALTER/UNIV. OF TEXAS, PATRICK MEREDITH/UNIV. OF TEXAS, COURTESY ALY FLANINGAN/CENTENNIAL H.S., COURTESY MADDIE LEE/CENTENNIAL H.S., BETHANY WALTER/UNIV. OF TEXAS
WILL SPENCE: USTFCCCA AllAmerica second team, 16th in shot put at NCAA Championship FABIAN JARA DOHMANN: Big 12 javelin champion, 18th at NCAA Championship
ers will come in and compete from day one. Our strong veteran nucleus will teach and push them to be better players each day they step into our gym. It’s always exciting to have players that will continue the rich tradition of Texas volleyball.” White, a 6’1” outside hitter from Frisco, Texas, was the fourth-ranked player on the Prep Volleyball 2015 Senior Aces list. She was named an Under Armour High School All-American, a Club Volleyball All-American, a Prep Volleyball Junior Top 35 Finalist and one of Volleyball Magazine’s 30 Underclassmen to watch. Bedart-Ghani, a 6’4” out-
OH CAPTAIN, MY CAPTAIN: Stephens, along with Stephanie Ceo and Rachel Scott, will serve as the team captains this season.
side hitter from Los Angeles, Calif., was the fifth-ranked player on the Prep Volleyball 2015 Senior Aces list. She
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also was named an Under Armour High School AllAmerican, one of Volleyball
INCE MARIO SATEGNA joined the Texas track & field coaching staff in
the fall of 2003, the throwers and combined events groups have combined to win a total of nine NCAA titles. Now with Sategna leading the entire program as head coach, he and his staff continue to see great potential for these two areas for the 2015 season. Ryan Crouser had one of the most dominant seasons in school history in 2014 when he won the NCAA crown in the shot put, both for indoors and outdoors. He broke the school record in both as well. He now holds three individual titles in the event. New throwers will have plenty to learn from Crouser and the rest of the leaders of this year’s squad. Senior Clint Harris, a former Big 12 champion, and Will Spence, an NCAA qualifier, as well as Big 12 javelin champion Fabian Jara Dohmann, all return for the 2015 season. Throwers were missing from the women’s squad, but that hole has been filled by two athletes who assistant coach Ty Sevin said should be considered among the top freshmen in the nation. “We have two of the top shot putters in the country that came in this year with Lauryn Caldwell and N’Dia Warren-Jacques,” Sevin said. “We have great leadership on that team. We have people who can come into every event and win. We feel like we filled all the spots we needed to fill with our incoming freshmen and the future looks bright.”
Magazine’s 30 Underclassmen
MICAYA WHITE
to watch and was named to the 2012 Junior National AllTournament Team for Long Beach Mizuno.
MICAYA WHITE
Johnson, a 6’2.5” middle blocker from DeSoto, Texas, was the 11th-ranked player on the Prep Volleyball 2015 Senior Aces list. She was also named an Under Armour High School All-American, a Prep Volleyball First-Team AllAmerican, a USA Volleyball First-Team All-American and
WELCOME TO THE FOLD: A highly rated recruit, outside hitter Micaya White will join the Longhorn squad next fall.
one of Volleyball Magazine’s 30 Underclassmen to watch.
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UTSA ROUNDUP
UTSA
CALENDAR
LUCKY SEVEN: Mike Medrano’s 16th-place finish at the Conference USA Championships pushed the Roadrunners to the No. 7 position in the team standings.
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3: at Northern Arizona, Flagstaff, Ariz. 8:30 p.m. 6: at Washington State, Pullman, Wash., 2 p.m. 15: at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Corpus Christi, 7:30 p.m. 20: at TCU, Fort Worth, 7 p.m. 30: vs. Cameron, 1 p.m. W BASKETBALL
2: at UTA, Arlington, 7 p.m. 4: vs. Texas State, 7 p.m. 19: vs. Houston, Lubbock, 3 p.m. 20: at Texas Tech, Lubbock, 2 p.m. 21: vs. Nicholls, Lubbock, Noon 28: vs. South Dakota, 2:30 p.m. 29: vs. SIU Edwardsville, 2:30 p.m.
CROSS COUNTRY
LOST OPPORTUNITY
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BY STEPHEN WHITAKER
loss to Rice in Houston on Nov. 8, the UTSA football team was defeated for the seventh time this season and for the third game in a row. For many who thought the team would make a run not only for a bowl game but also for the Conference USA West Division Championship and a date with the East champion on Dec. 6, the loss concludes a far fall from preseason predictions. At 2-7 as of Nov. 9, the Roadrunners have set the school mark for most losses in a season, making a bowl trip in their first season as FBS members an impossibility for 2014. When the season started with a 27-7 win over Houston, the sky seemed the limit for the Roadrunners. A week later, a close home loss to Arizona gave the fans in San Antonio hope that the team might be on its way to something special. Unfortunately, the loss to Arizona was the first of four in a row, quickly turning a 1-1 season into 1-4 and making it difficult for the Roadrunners to reach six wins and become bowl eligible. Things looked good for UTSA after it snapped the four-game losing streak with a gutsy 16-13 win over Florida International in the homecoming game in October. The upward climb was short-lived, however. The win was followed by losses to Louisiana Tech, UTEP and Rice. The Roadrunners’ worst loss came against UTEP, where the Miners shut out UTSA 34-0. The Roadrunners had only 70 yards of total offense and two first downs in that game. UTSA had to hand off the quarterback duties to Austin Robinson after injuries sidelined senior Tucker Carter and freshman Blake Bogenschutz. For the Roadrunner football team, the future isn’t as bright as it seemed just two months ago.
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VOLLEYBALL LAST SEASON the Roadrunner volley-
ball team continued to show that it’s a program to be reckoned with as it coasted to a 13-1 record in Conference USA. UTSA also won the conference tournament before bowing out to Texas A&M in the NCAA tournament. This season, the Roadrunners picked up exactly where they left off. As of Nov. 8, the team was 13-0 in conference play. UTSA has won 24 straight conference games, with its last loss coming Oct. 13, 2013, to Middle Tennessee State. As of Nov. 8, the team has a 17-7 record with three regular season games remaining. Should the Roadrunners win the conference, it would mark the first time in school history that any team sport made consecutive NCAA tournaments.
Stephanie Wangui led their respective teams to seventh-place finishes at the Conference USA Championships on Nov. 1. Medrano finished 16th in the men’s race with a time of 25:05.8 on the 8,000-meter course. Wangui finished 10th in the women’s race with a time of 17:20.7 on the 5,000meter course. Middle Tennessee State won the women’s championship followed by Rice and North Texas. North Texas won the men’s championship followed by UTEP and Middle Tennessee State.
SET EXPECTATIONS: The UTSA volleyball team is undefeated in conference play and looks to return to the NCAA tournament for its second consecutive season.
ALL PHOT OS : COUR TESY JEFF HUEHN/UTSA ATHLETICS
MIKE MEDRANO and
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UTA
DECEMBER 2014
UTA ROUNDUP M BASKETBALL TWO MAVERICKS earned preseason All-Sun Belt Conference accolades this fall — senior guard Lonnie McClanahan was named to the league’s first team and senior guard Jamel Outler was named to the third team. McClanahan is UTA’s returning leader in scoring (14.0 points per game in 2013-14), rebounds (4.1) and assists (3.5). Outler scored in the double digits 18 times last season. “It’s well deserved for both players,” head coach Scott Cross said of the preseason respect shown to McClanahan and Outler. “They each had very good junior seasons. We’re counting on both to do big things for us this season. It’s nice they received recognition for their hard work.” Meanwhile, the Mavericks were picked to finish fourth in the conference’s preseason poll — a fact acknowledged by Cross, but one he pays little attention to. “Preseason rankings mean absolutely nothing,” Cross said. “They’re just fun to talk about. It doesn’t matter if we’re picked first, last or fourth — if the guys can use it for motivation, that’s great. We’re going to get back to work to try to win a championship this year.”
THE AMAZING RACE: The women’s cross country team picked up its fifth league title this season. Katelyn Hayward led the Mavericks with a fifth-place finish.
LEADERS OF THE PACK
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COURTESY ELLMAN PHOTOGR APHY/UTA ATHLET ICS
BY STEVE LANSDALE HE UT ARLINGTON women’s cross country team won its fifth league title
— and first since 2001 — at the Sun Belt Conference Championships on Nov. 2. UTA finished with 51 points, edging Appalachian State (which finished second with 60 points) and Arkansas State (64). “The ladies executed a race plan perfectly and had a heroic effort,” coach John Sauerhage, the Sun Belt Conference Coach of the Year, said. “They deserve to be champions. I couldn’t be any prouder of them.” Katelyn Hayward finished the 5K course fifth overall, in 17:16.5, to earn All-Sun Belt honors. Teammate Gabriela Alfonzo finished sixth in 17:17.4, earning second-team All-SBC honors. Ashly Wright joined Alfonzo on the second team after finishing eighth (17:26.7), while Hannah Nilsson was named third-team all-conference after placing 11th (17:35.8). The men finished third, behind conference champion South Alabama and runner-up Appalachian State. Craig Lautenslager led the injury-depleted Mavericks, finishing third (24:43.5) and marking the second year in a row in which he has finished among the top three at the Sun Belt Conference meet.
BASEBALL
CALENDAR
UT ARLINGTON will remain a visible part of the
DECEMBER 2014
M BASKETBALL
2: at Texas, Austin, 7 p.m. 6: vs. Weber State, 2 p.m. 13: at UC Irvine, Irvine, Calif., 9 p.m. 20: vs. Howard Payne, 2 p.m. 30: vs. Georgia Southern, 7:15 p.m. W BASKETBALL
2: vs. UTSA, 7 p.m. 4: at Kansas State, Manhattan, Kan. 7 p.m. 13: at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Corpus Christi, 7 p.m. 17: vs. McMurry, 7 p.m. 21: at North Texas, Denton, 3:30 p.m. 30: vs. Georgia Southern, 5 p.m.
Major League Baseball landscape this season with the announcement that former UTA pitcher Steve Foster has been named pitching coach of the Colorado Rockies. Foster heads to the Rocky Mountains from Kansas City, where he served as the special assistant to the general manager and pitching coordinator for a Royals team that made it all the way to the World Series this season. Two years prior, Foster was the Royals’ bullpen coach, the same position he held from 2007-09 for the Florida (now Miami) Marlins. Foster also played briefly in the Major Leagues before his playing career was cut short by injuries. He pitched in 59 major league games, splitting six decisions and posting an ERA of 2.41.
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SPIRIT OF THE MONTH / ALUMNI
SPI R I T OF T H E MON T H
ALUMNI BAND BY SARA BETH PURDY
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the Longhorn Alumni Band will travel to London to represent Texas and its alumni as one of the U.S. entries in the annual London New Year’s Day Parade. Over 150 members of the Longhorn Alumni Band (LHAB) will be in attendance. The parade began in 1987 and each year around 10,000 people participate with contingents from around the world. Less than 25 percent of the participants are from the U.S. Each year the New Year’s Day Parade raises more than 1.5 million pounds ($2.3 million) for London-based charities. “The Longhorn Alumni Band is delighted to HIS DECEMBER,
receive this invitation,” current Longhorn Alumni Band President Nefertiti Williams said. “This will be an historic event because it’s the first time LHAB has traveled internationally as a group to perform.” Spectators along the parade route will get to hear the traditional Longhorn songs including the Yellow Rose of Texas, Wabash Cannonball, Taps (Texas Fight) and The Eyes of Texas. H.M. the Queen’s Lord Lieutenant for Greater London formally invited the Longhorn Alumni Band. The chance to participate in this event is by invitation only. There’s no audition and no application. Paula Crider, professor emeritus and former Longhorn Band director, nominated the Longhorn Alumni Band. “We have people who go out to find the best marching bands in the country and the Texas Longhorn Alumni Band [is] the best that we’ve found,” said
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Duncan Sands, former Lord Mayor of Westminster. The Longhorn Band’s famous bass drum, Big Bertha, will also make the journey across the pond. With Big Bertha, which is considered the world’s largest bass drum, the Longhorn Alumni Band will lead the New Year’s Day Parade. “The Director of Bands, Jerry Junkin, and the Director of the Longhorn Band, Rob Carnochan, have been instrumental in obtaining permission for Big Bertha to attend,” Williams said. “The President’s office and Butler School of Music have been supportive as well.” The Longhorn Alumni Band, which began in 1964, is composed of former Longhorn Band members. With thousands of members, it’s the largest organization of its kind in the world. LHAB supports the Longhorn Band in numerous ways, including a scholarship fund for current band members. Every year the Longhorn Band and Longhorn Alumni join together and perform a halftime show at a home football game. In additional to the parade and concert performance at the National Portrait Gallery, LHAB members will get to tour Windsor Castle and Greenwich, as well as visit the Tower of London and view the Royal Crown Jewels. The parade route begins in front of the Ritz Hotel in Piccadilly and will end at the Clock Tower in Parliament Square. The Metropolitan Police have estimated in years past that almost 750,000 people witness the parade live and millions more watch from around the world. Several news stations, including BBC, SKY and ITV, will broadcast the parade internationally. American news stations including FOX, NBC and CBS are expected to air the satellite feed throughout the United States. The parade starts at 6 a.m. CST on New Year’s Day. “Being selected to participate and march before the Queen is an honor,” Williams said. “It’s true what they say, ‘What Starts Here, Changes the World.”
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? DAVID THOMAS FOOTBALL (2002-05) TEXAS
TIGHT
end David Thomas played four seasons for the Longhorns and was a member of the 2002 recruiting class, which included eight NFL draft picks and four All-Americans. Thomas was a four-star player coming out of high school, according to many popular online recruiting websites. He held offers from Oklahoma, Texas A&M and Texas Tech before committing to Texas. Thomas attended Frenship High School in Wolfforth, Texas. He played three different positions for the Tigers, including running back, linebacker and tight end. He helped lead Frenship to the state semi-finals in 2000. While at Texas, Thomas was a member of the 2005 National Championship team that defeated the USC Trojans at the Rose Bowl, 41-38. He caught a game-high 10 receptions for 88 yards in that win. His best statistical season was in 2005 when he hauled in 50 receptions for 613 yards and caught five touchdowns. In 2004, Thomas caught 25 passes for 430 yards and five touchdowns. In the 2004 and 2005 seasons, he was named to Academic All-Big 12 First Team. Thomas holds several school records at Texas, including receptions, yards and touchdowns by a tight end. He finished his career with 98 receptions for 1,367 yards and 15 touchdowns. The New England Patriots selected Thomas in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft with the 86th overall pick. He caught his first NFL touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars in his rookie season on a 22-yard pass from Tom Brady. Thomas was traded to New Orleans in 2009 for a sixthround draft choice. He posted his best NFL season in his first season with the Saints, finishing with 35 receptions for 356 yards and one touchdown. He went on to play four seasons for the Saints and earned a Super Bowl ring in 2009. Thomas caught one pass for nine yards in Super Bowl XLIV. The Saints terminated Thomas’ contract in 2013. Thomas now works in Austin as a risk advisor for Texas Associates and is also an analyst for the Longhorn Network.— TAYLOR GRAFFT
CLOC KWIS E FR OM LEFT: UT ATHLETICS PHO TOGR APHY, UT ATHLETICS PHO TOGRAPHY, JIM SIGMON/UNIV. OF TEXAS
DECEMBER 2014
=
ROUNDUP
MEDIA VOICES
JOHNNY WALKER REVIEW FORMER LONGHORN GREAT JOHNNY WALKER GIVES HIS THOUGHTS ON THE FOOTBALL TEAM’S ABILITY TO TURN THE 2014 SEASON AROUND AND EARN A BOWL GAME BID.
H
ORNS ILLUSTRATED: Were you surprised by the team’s ability to put together a winning streak after the Kansas State game?
No. Charlie Strong and his staff have done a great job preparing the Longhorns. The team had to go through some growing pains early in the season. One thing I’ve always said is that if we could get the offense going, if we can score early, we could get some wins. We’ve seen the defense dominate; winning just came down to the offense putting some points on the scoreboard. JOHNNY WALKER:
HI: Will the win over
West Virginia be this season’s signature win?
That was a big time win. I don’t think many people expected them to win and I definitely didn’t think they would dominate the way they did. Texas left no question as to who was the better team that day. The win was a signature win but it was also a statement game. I would love to see this team play some of the teams they lost to earlier in the season.
FROMLEFT: JESS E DROHEN, UT ATHLET ICS PHOT OGRAPHY
JW:
HI: What did you think of Strong’s five game statement?
Strong means business. He said everything that needed to be said and he has backed up everything. There’s no question that this team has improved over the course of the season, especially on the defensive side. This is the most dominant I’ve seen a Texas defense play in years. They’re one of the best defenses in the Big 12 and should be one of the best defenses in the country.
JW:
HI: What do you like
most about this year’s defense? JW: They don’t miss tackles.
In regards to the players, Jordan Hicks has lived up to the expectations that everyone set for him. Malcom Brown is one the best defensive lineman in the country. Vance Bedford’s defense has allowed him to establish his dominance on the field. One player that really impressed the most, and it’s a shame he got hurt, is Jason Hall. To be able to come in as a true freshman at defensive back, and play one of the most difficult positions, solidified him as a top defensive back in the country coming into next year. HI: And the offense?
If there were any questions about Tyrone Swoopes’ maturity and his level of play, he has shown that he’s here to stay. He continues to get better each week. Given the circumstances, I can’t think of a better quarterback. He had offensive line issues, running game issues, receivers going in and out — he didn’t really have a go-to-receiver at the time. I don’t think people realize just how much work he’s put in to get where he’s at today. JW:
HI:: How crucial was it for this team to qualify
for a bowl game?
It’s huge, especially for a team that’s developing an identity. This is a great opportunity to practice and get better. Strong pretty much summed it up when he said, “This team will never lose five games again.” That just let’s you know this program is moving forward in the right direction.
JW:
JOHNNY WALKER’S RESUME • Played football and baseball at Texas from 1987-90 • Two-time All-Southwest Conference • Caught the game-winning reception to beat Oklahoma in 1989 • Drafted by the Atlanta Braves in 1990 (4th round)
“
STRONG MEANS BUSINESS. HE SAID EVERYTHING THAT NEEDED TO BE SAID AND HE HAS BACKED UP EVERYTHING. THERE’S NO QUESTION THAT THIS TEAM HAS IMPROVED OVER THE COURSE OF THE SEASON, ESPECIALLY ON THE DEFENSIVE SIDE.
”
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MEDIA VOICES
CRAIG WAY PROVIDES A POSITIVE OUTLOOK ON THE 2014-15 BASKETBALL SEASON.
HORNS ILLUSTRATED sat down with ‘The Voice of The
Longhorns’ and AM 1300 The Zone radio host Craig Way to discuss the men’s and women’s basketball teams.
H
ORNS ILLUSTRATED: How do you think
the men’s and women’s basketball teams will fare this season? CRAIG WAY: It’s interesting because the teams’
trajectories really started last year; they were both coming off of disappointing seasons. In the case of the women, I think it’s fair to say, since Karen Aston was just starting to get things going and get together her talent base, it was going to take a bit of time for her. But both teams had big turnaround seasons last year and both got to play two games in the NCAA tournament. The women were a missed shot away MYLES TURNER from knocking off a Maryland team that ultimately went to the Final Four. That was a major step forward for them and the returning players realize that. In the case of the men, it was a big surprise how the team played last year and these young guys developed. Coming into this year, the expectations surrounding the team are as high as they were for the 2002-03 team. That team was coming off a Sweet 16 finish and they had virtually everyone coming back that season. This year’s team has everybody coming back. Myles Turner, a kid with All-American capabilities and tools, will also be in the mix this season. If he can mesh in with that returning group, they have a chance to make a very good run this year.
HI:: Do you think both teams’ preseason top 10
rankings fit? 22
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lenging in college basketball to know how good the preseason rankings are because in this day of the oneand-dones, it’s hard to see how those types of departures affect team chemistry. Last year, as the teams rose up through the rankings, they dealt with the expectations really well. They understand that people are looking at them differently this year. I don’t know if they really snuck up on anyone last year. It’s hard to think of Texas sneaking up on anyone in just about any sport. But everyone knows what they’re facing this year, plus the additions of the new players. HI:: You mentioned chemistry. How much of a role
do you think it will play this year? RB: In the case of the women the chemistry is there. The
only thing that affects that chemistry is who’s in and out of the lineup based on their health. Not having Imani McGee-Stafford for at least the first month of the season does affect the productivity on the floor. The leadership and the chemistry, however, are all there. Senior Nneka Enemkpali melds this team around herself and the guards, too, because the guards have so much personality. I think it’s all there for the women in terms of the chemistry aspect. For the men, we saw some of KELSEY LANG the leadership emerge last year. It’s personified in Jonathan Holmes. He’s one of the hardest working players on the team but his personality has started to emerge a bit more. Personality is obviously there for Isaiah Taylor. Then there’s Myles Turner. He sees what these guys are building and wants to be a major contributor. He fits in well with the veterans like Javan Felix. He understands what Rick Barnes and the staff are trying to mold together. HI::Which players might emerge and surprise this season? CW: Kelsey Lang for the women. She played behind McGee-Stafford last year and she understands that she has to step up and play more of a role this year. She’s changed her physical structure with conditioning. She can be a player who can really help them at the low post. For the guys, it’s the entire ensemble because of the way Barnes uses his rotation. Everyone is expected to do his part.
TWEETS ROD BABERS (@rodbabers): The rebirth of #DBU! That year set the stage for years to come. The @ CoachAkina era was one of DBU’s greatest.
CRAIG WAY (@craigway1): Green Beret and Special Forces man Nate Boyer said his hip injury wasn’t keeping him out of Saturday’s game “unless they had to amputate.”
Charlie Strong jokingly referred to Mykkele Thompson’s first interception as happening “because he finally put his contacts in.” How ironic it may be that a former Longhorn stepping in at QB with another former Longhorn taking out the Cowboys’ QB.
SEAN ADAMS (@thatsean): I’m a pretty smart guy. I did well in math. I studied Finance. Why am I useless to my son with his 8th grade math homework? #ImNotThatSmart Vance Bedford talked uniforms today. He called the alternative uniforms “clown suits.” Is everybody trying to be Oregon? #BetterBeGood
FROM LEFT: BET HANY WALTER/UNIV. O F T EXAS, JESS E DR OHEN, ALL HEADSHO TS COURTESY AM 1300 THE ZONE
Better Than Before
CW: It’s hard to tell at this early stage. It’s more chal-
IN THE MIX PROSPECTS ARE TAKING ANOTHER LOOK AT TEXAS AFTER ITS WIN OVER WEST VIRGINIA.
COUR TES Y HORNS24 7.COM
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T. Washington), four-star quarterback commit Zach Gentry (Albuquerque, N.M./Eldorado) and Mesquite Poteet four-star athlete Deandre McNeal. Nickelson was the only prospect that committed that weekend, but the Longhorns remain in the mix for all of the visiting players.The Longhorns have another huge recruiting weekend lined up during the first weekend in December. A high school player at League City Clear Falls outside of Houston, Nickelson heads to Texas after offensive line coach Joe Wickline saw him on a recruiting trip in September. Nickelson’s offer was made official after he met with head coach Charlie Strong. “They told me they need help [at offensive line] and that I was one of the guys they want to bring in,” Nickelson said. “They brought be down [after the game] to meet with coach Strong and that’s when they made everything official.” Nickelson will be on campus in January and will join Coppell’s Connor Williams and Many (La.)’s Garrett Thomas as mid-term enrollees along
EXAS’ FIRST VICTORY over a team ranked by the Associated Press since 2008 paid off immediately in terms of recruiting. Tristan Nickelson, a 6’9”, 319-pound offensive tackle from Navarro College, committed to the Longhorns on Nov. 8, mere hours after Texas defeated West Virginia at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Nickelson, who was in TRISTAN NICKELSON the stands for the Longhorns’ 3316 win over No. 24-ranked West Virginia, decommitted from Iowa State and pounced on his offer from Texas. “Texas is a school I grew up cheering for and always dreamed going to,” Nickeson told Horns247. “I wasn’t exactly sure it was going to go down with them, so when they offered it was a once in a lifetime opportunity that I couldn’t pass up.” Nickelson wasn’t the only CONNOR WILLIAMS recruit in attendance to see Texas knock off the Mountaineers. The Longhorns hosted several recruits on official visits that weekend — four-star athleteTim Irvin (Miami, Fla./Westminster Christian), Georgia Prep Sports Academy wide receiver Gilbert Johnson, four-star inside linebacker Cecil Cherry (Lakeland, Fla./Victory Christian), four-star cornerback Davante Davis (Miami, Fla./ Booker T. Washington), fourstar tight end Devonaire GARRETT THOMAS Clarington (Miami, Fla./Booker
“THEY TOLD ME THEY NEED HELP AND THAT I WAS ONE OF THE GUYS THEY WANT TO BRING IN. THEY BROUGHT ME DOWN TO MEET WITH COACH STRONG AND THEAT’S WHEN THEY MADE EVERYTHING OFFICIAL.”
the offensive line. Wickline has assembled one of the better line hauls in the country with fourstar prospects Ronnie Major, Toby Weathersby and Patrick Vahe. Nickelson will return to take his official visit the weekend of Dec. 5 before enrolling in January. “It’s been a crazy road,” Nickelson said. “But it’s over now, so it feels good.” — JEFF HOWE, HORNS247.COM
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{
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www.facebook.com/ hornsillustrated At the conclusion of the second quarter of the game against West Virginia, the score was Texas 24, West Virginia 3. During the half, Horns Illustrated turned to its Facebook fans and asked what was their favorite play from the first two quarters. Here are our favorite responses. Gray’s comeback from an Achilles injury to make a run like that. This team is building confidence. Lets finish this season on a STRONG note! – Johnathan Morrison That beautiful interception by Diggs. Hook ‘em. – Casey Lame Just got home from work. Maybe I shouldn’t watch the second half. – John A Ford The impressive play by the O-Line and running backs and the aggressiveness of the defense is my favorite. – James Torres
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MEET THE T-ASSOCIATION
The T-Association is an organization made up of former varsity athletics letter winners. An additional designation for the T-Association members is the T-Ring, which is awarded to an athlete who lettered for 2 or more years, who did not compete the last 2 years of eligibility anywhere other than The University of Texas and who graduated from college. David McWilliams, former Longhorn head football coach, currently serves as the executive director for the T-Association. T-Association Mission - The T-Association’s mission is to create and maintain an enhanced atmosphere and structure whereby UT student-athletes become lifetime members of The University of Texas Athletics family and are welcomed, involved and encouraged to participate during and after their college tenure. TAPN Mission - The Letter Winner’s Professional Network exists to unite the members of the T-Association on a professional level by providing networking opportunities and a database of contacts, thereby furthering the opportunities, community, education and success of Longhorn Letter Winners. CONTACT INFORMATION: t-association@athletics.utexas.edu 512.471.6864
THE HABE ON THE HORNS BY STEVE HABEL
Stand Tall
THE RESURGENCE OF TEXAS BASKETBALL PROMISES MANY MORE MEMORABLE MOMENTS AT THE ERWIN CENTER.
Y
OU MAY HAVE HEARD that the Erwin Center — home of the Texas basketball program since 1977 — will face the wrecking ball as the university makes room for its new campus area medical school. And while the arena’s demolition is still years away, the city has already started extensive construction, rerouting Red River Street, which is located on the arena’s west side. The mess will be a headache for fans during the upcoming season and likely the foreseeable future. But thanks to the resurgence from both the Longhorn men’s and women’s hoop squads, the trouble will surely be worth the effort. For the first time in Texas history, both the men’s and women’s basketball teams begin the season ranked among the top 10 in the AP poll. Karen Aston and the women’s team are ranked No. 9, while Rick Barnes and his Longhorns check in at No. 10 in their respective preseason polls. Texas enters the 2014-15 campaign with high expectations and nothing but positive buzz. The men return all but one player from last year’s team, which advanced to the third round of the NCAA tournament, and have added superstar recruit Myles Turner to the mix this season. “We’re one [among many schools] that want to win,” Barnes said. “We have a group of guys that really care about each other. The expectations are different from a year ago. We’re always driven by the expectations within the program, not from those outside it.” Aston’s squad, picked as the preseason favorite to win the Big 12, returns 82 percent of their scoring and 82 percent of their minutes played from last season’s team — a team that
finished third in the Big 12 and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Championship. Texas features 10 returning letterwinners, including four starters. The Texas women will play 10-regular season games against preseason-ranked opponents. The Longhorns are one of four Big 12 Conference teams ranked in the AP Preseason Top 25: Baylor (No. 8), Texas (No. 9), West Virginia (No. 17) and Oklahoma State (No. 21). Texas will face four opponents in its nonconference schedule that are ranked in the preseason top 25: Tennessee (No. 4), Texas A&M (No. 5), Stanford (No. 6) and UCLA (No. 23). “It’s been a long offseason for our players and coaches,” Aston said. “I’m looking forward to seeing what this team is capable of doing. I thought they had a good finish last year and it sort of buoyed us into the summer, where I thought we changed gears as far as our training. We have a base now, where we can really play a lot of different ways.” “I’m excited about our newcomers,” Aston added. “We have a good blend of players for the first time in three years. We have experience to go along with some young ones that will bring us a different level of energy.” If you’re a basketball fan looking for a quality and fun product to watch, head down to the 40 Acres this season. Just leave home a little earlier than in years past and be patient with the challenging Austin traffic — it’s worth it to see the Erwin Center back at the center of the region’s basketball universe. Just sayin’, ya’ know? The Habe is Steve Habel, Horns Illustrated’s Associate Editor. He was the magazine’s first staff member, in 1994, and has covered Texas sports ever since.
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FOOTBALL REVIEW FIGHTING FOR A CHANCE: The Longhorns were shut out for the first time since 2004 thanks to Kansas State. Jaxon Shipley posted four receptions for only 25 yards against the Wildcats.
Far From Over WHEN ALL HOPE SEEMED LOST, THE TEXAS FOOTBALL TEAM STARTED TO COME TOGETHER JUST IN TIME. BY STEVE HABEL
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team was three up and one down in the third quarter of the season; a clear sign that the Longhorns had started to reap the benefits of the new staff’s hard work and see the improvement in several of the team’s crucial units — most notably the offensive line and the running game. The Longhorns, who entered the final two games with a 5-5 overall mark and a 4-3 record in the Big 12, are still a team that relies on its defense to win games, a hallmark of Charlie Strong-coached squads. The majority of Texas’ senior leaders — linebacker Jordan Hicks, cornerback Quandre Diggs and defensive end Cedric Reed — are on the defensive side of the ball and have asserted themselves to their teammates and the opposition in the second half of the season. The beleaguered offensive line, a group weakened by injury and suspension, adopted a workmanlike philosophy that’s led to some esprit de corps and continuity. The line finally opened the holes for Texas’ talented stable of running backs, especially senior Malcolm Brown and junior Johnathan Gray, and spurred the Longhorns’ move back to relevancy. By coming together, the offense started to reduce the load and shorten the field time for the often-overworked defense. Quarterback Tyrone Swoopes was about the only one who took a step back in the third quarter of the season. In three games — against Kansas State (a 23-0 loss), Texas Tech (a 34-13 win) and West Virginia HE TEXAS FOOTBALL
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TEXAS 48, IOWA STATE 45 OCT. 18 – DARRELL K ROYAL-TEXAS MEMORIAL STADIUM
With three seconds to play, Nick Rose made a 21-yard field goal, giving Texas the win in a thrilling game against Iowa State on Oct. 18. The Longhorns were successful in the short run against the tougher-than-steel Cyclones and in the long run. But the real victory was the coaches’ confidence in Swoopes. In the past month, Swoopes has transitioned from a player whose ability to play at the college
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level was questioned by the coaches, to a bona fide star. Never was that more on display than in the final seconds of a tied game against the Cyclones. With just 20 seconds to play, the Texas brain trust decided to avoid overtime and put the game in Swoopes’ hands. Two fearless passes from Swoopes — one for 39 yards to Jaxon Shipley and the other for 29 yards to John Harris — made Rose’s chip-shot game-winning kick all but academic. The Longhorns won 48-45 and sent the crowd of 92,017 fans at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium home enthused about the team’s continued improvement. Swoopes threw for 321 yards and one touchdown and ran for 95 yards and another score in amassing 416 yards of total offense — a careerhigh and the ninth-highest total in Texas history. “Wow, I didn’t know it would end like that. Wow,” head coach Charlie Strong said. “The overall attitude the team showed throughout the game — when we refused to quit — is like a shot of juice for all of us.” The Longhorns improved to 3-4 overall and 2-2 in Big 12 play. But this win was much more significant than just the score — it’s huge because of the way Texas accomplished it. The team played
without fear and a showed a newfound confidence. However, the game could’ve gone south for the Longhorns. The team had the early momentum and then lost it. Texas looked like it could blow away the Cyclones in the early going, easily scoring on its first two possessions to take a 14-0 lead. The Longhorns’ first touchdown came on a nifty 28-yard pass from Swoopes to Marcus Johnson to cap a 52-yard, three-play drive. That touchdown pass was Swoopes’ first to a wide receiver besides John Harris this season. The Longhorns’ second drive was a little more arduous, as Texas marched 85 yards in eight plays, finishing with a 2-yard touchdown run by Johnathan Gray. Swoopes was 5-for-5 passing on the drive and — for a few minutes — all was well on the 40 Acres. But Iowa State is tough and showed it on its ensuing possession, moving 75 yards in 12 plays on a drive that ended with a 4-yard touchdown pass from Sam B. Richardson to E.J. Bibbs, cutting the Longhorns’ lead to 14-7. Texas seemed to shrug off the Iowa State parry, again looking unstoppable on offense while moving steadily down the field to the ISU 8-yard line. Then Swoopes, facing pressure, threw a pass across his body toward Shipley that was easily intercepted by the Cyclones’ Nigel Tribune, ending the Longhorns’ drive and turning around the game’s momentum. On Texas’ next snap, Harris fumbled while running around left end. The Cyclones’ Jevohn Miller picked up the bouncing ball and returned it 51 yards for a touchdown. The score tied the
STORM TROOPERS: With only 20 seconds left to play in the game against the Cyclones, the Longhorns placed their fate in the hands of quarterback Tyrone Swoopes (bottom left). After Swoopes successfully completed two passes, Nick Rose (bottom) made the game-winning field goal, a 21-yarder. Fans — including Matthew McConaughey (left) — were impressed with the team’s performance.
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(a 33-16 victory) — Swoopes passed for an average 152.7 yards per contest. This mark is less than half of the yardage he amassed in Texas’ loss to Oklahoma (334 yards) and win over Iowa State (321 yards), the latter of which began the third quarter of the season. Even worse is that Swoopes looked tentative in the pocket, and shied from contact despite the fact that (at 6’4” and 243 pounds) he’s bigger than the majority of the defensive players chasing him. “It’s week by week with him,” Strong said about Swoopes. “It’s important that everyone around him has stepped up and is playing well. I don’t know where we would be if he had to try to win a game by himself.” Texas’ win over 23rd-ranked West Virginia was its first at home against a ranked team since Oct. 25, 2008, when the top-ranked Longhorns beat No. 7 Oklahoma State 28-24. It remains to be seen if the victory was a benchmark one — only time will tell the impact it had on the team and the Texas program. The Longhorns entered the final stretch one game away from clinching a coveted bowl berth and gaining the additional practice days that come with the postseason. Here’s a look back at the four games that constituted the Longhorns’ third quarter of the season.
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RUSHING ATTACK: Texas rushed for 191 yards and averaged 4.9 yards per carry against Iowa State. Johnathan Gray carried the ball six times for 24 yards and one touchdown.
game, 14-14. Iowa State then flexed its muscle with a 67-yard, seven-play scoring drive that culminated in an 8-yard touchdown pass from Richardson to Allen Lazard and a 21-14 Cyclones’ lead. Texas immediately responded with a statement march of its own — nine plays for 72 yards and a 6-yard scoring run around right end by Swoopes. “I’m more confident with the running game because the coaches are giving me more options than they did at the start of the season,” Swoopes said. “It helps that the offensive line is coming together and giving me the chance to make the right decisions.” The Longhorns then turned the tables on Iowa State as Dylan Haines, a former walk-on from the far-north Austin suburb of Lago Vista, intercepted a Richardson pass and weaved his way 74 yards for a touchdown. The Cyclones capped a wild first half by using all but three seconds of the 2:50 remaining on the second-quarter clock by moving 75 yards and ending with a 5-yard touchdown by Richardson. The first half, tied 28-28, couldn’t have been any tighter. Texas had 288 total yards of offense to Iowa State’s 289. The Longhorns had 15 first
downs to ISU’s 16. Texas regained the lead at the 4:15 mark of the third quarter when Rose booted a 45-yard field goal at the end of an 11-play, 44-yard march. Twice in the drive Swoopes threw passes that were almost intercepted but the Longhorns dodged both bullets. Iowa State’s Cole Netten returned the favor
in the waning seconds of the quarter, nailing a 21-yard field goal at the end of the Cyclones’ own 11-play drive — this one covering 72 yards. Malcolm Brown rammed home from the ISU 1 for the touchdown and a 38-31 Texas advantage with 10:22 to play. But with time remaining, there was still plenty to be decided.
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Iowa State’s Aaron Wimberly scored on an 8-yard run to re-tie the game at the 5:24 mark. On Texas’ next turn with the ball, Brown found the end zone for the third time, on a 4-yard run with 1:19 to play. The Cyclones responded again, moving crisply down the field in just 53 seconds. Richardson’s 11-yard touchdown pass to Bibbs tied the score. All anyone could think about was overtime, but offensive coordinator Shawn Watson and Strong had other plans. Swoopes, Shipley and Harris then made the plays when they needed to the most.
The topsy-turvy 2014 season took a decidedly downward spiral when then-No. 11 Kansas State whitewashed the Longhorns 23-0 to the utter delight of a raucous crowd of 52,879 at Snyder Family Stadium. The loss marked the first time the Longhorns have been shut out since losing to Oklahoma 12-0 in the Cotton Bowl in 2004. Texas sniffed the red zone only once in this game, with its deepest penetration ending on the Kansas State 14-yard line early in the fourth quarter. The drive ended in a failed fourth-down-and-1 conversion. In three of its four previous losses (against UCLA, Baylor and Oklahoma), Texas had a chance to win if the team could have made a few plays at crucial times. Fans never got that feeling against Kansas State, which played its smash mouth brand of mostly conservative football, knocking the Longhorns down and never letting them get back off the ground. For every step forward the Longhorns had made in the past few weeks — in the losses to Baylor and OU, and a thrilling, last-second win against Iowa State — they took two steps back versus Kansas State. The saddest thing about the loss was the ease at which Kansas State handled the Longhorns. The Wildcats played to their ranking and drew on their confidence to beat Texas. They kept things close to the vest, doing just enough to ensure a dominating win while keeping injured quarterback Jake Waters mostly out of harm’s way. After all, Kansas State still had plenty to play for. Texas, on the other hand, is stuck with plenty of soul searching and whole lot of “we’re rebuilding” and “wait until next year.” Disciplined play once again played a major role in the Wildcats’ win as they surrendered no turnovers and committed only three penalties for 25 yards. On the other hand, Texas coughed up a fumble and racked up 66 yards on seven penalties. The Longhorns were out-possessed 39:14 to 20:46 and were also unable to convert their two red zone possessions to points, while allowing Kansas State to go 4-for-4 inside the 20. “We were totally outplayed up front,” Watson 30
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said. “Kansas State didn’t even have to do anything outside the norm — they played their base defense throughout. I was very surprised that we didn’t play better but we still have five games to right the ship.” The Longhorns’ offense was almost invisible, gaining a season-low 196 yards — 92 yards fewer than they amassed in the first half against Iowa State. The Texas defense, despite holding the Wildcats to field goals on three possessions, allowed Kansas State to convert nine of its 17 third downs, three of them for 13 yards or more. “I’m frustrated that we couldn’t get off the field on third down — that’s the money down and where the game is won and lost,” defensive coordinator Vance Bedford said. “We played pretty
TOO HOT TO HANDLE: Disciplined play allowed the Wildcats to overtake and shut out Texas. The offense gained a season-low 196 yards. John Harris (top) caught three passes for 42 of those 196 yards. The defense tried to keep the game close, holding Kansas State to 367 yards. Hassan Ridgeway (above) recorded his fifth sack of the season.
well in the first half until we let Kansas State drive the field on us and score right before halftime.” Kansas State moved the ball well on its opening drive, moving 67 yards in 11 plays before the Texas defense forced a 19-yard field goal by Matthew McCrane that gave the Wildcats a 3-0 lead. After a 12-yard punt granted Kansas State the ball at the Texas 42, the Wildcats drove to another
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KANSAS STATE 23, TEXAS 0 OCT. 25 – SNYDER FAMILY STADIUM, MANHATTAN, KANSAS
McCrane field goal, this one from 30 yards out. The Texas defense, on the field for most of the first quarter, acquitted itself well by keeping Kansas State out of the end zone and the offense in the game. That changed late in the second quarter as the Wildcats drove 85 yards in 12 plays, scoring on a 2-yard touchdown run by DeMarcus Robinson. Kansas State converted three third downs on the drive, two of them for 13 yards or more. The most damaging was a 29-yard hookup from Waters to Tyler Lockett when the Wildcats needed 14 yards to move the chains. “We could’ve gone to halftime down just 6-0 if we would’ve executed like we’re supposed to,” Bedford said. “Lockett worked his way open and Waters had the time to get him the ball. That one really hurt us.” Kansas State got another McCrane field goal — this one a career-long 38-yarder — at the 4:34 mark of the third quarter to expand its lead to 16-0. After Texas failed to gain a yard on its early fourth-down conversion attempt, Kansas State put the final nail in the coffin with a 10-play, 86-yard drive that included two more third-down conversions and culminated in a 1-yard touchdown run from Charles Jones. “We had our chances, but we didn’t execute our game plan and got in our own way too many times,” Strong said. “I wouldn’t say we were flat — we just didn’t play the way we needed to against a very good team. We have to continue to play.”
dard and undersized Tech team. They’ll say the Red Raiders had a porous defense and an offense led by a true freshman quarterback starting his first game, who later handed the offense to a walk-on signalcaller with great bloodlines but no game experience at the college level. Those folks will look at the win and see a glass half empty. Instead, we prefer to look at this victory as a glass half full. No matter what kind of team the Red Raiders put on the field, a win in Lubbock is never easy, and the attitude in which it was achieved was a giant leap forward for the Longhorns. Swoopes went 13-for-25 for 228 passing yards without an interception and connected with wideout Harris on a 68-yard play that was the Longhorns’ longest from the line of scrimmage this season. Harris continued to shine, hauling in five receptions for a career-high 165 receiving yards, including 123 in the first half. And running back Malcolm Brown powered
his way to 116 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries, becoming the first Texas runner this season to gain 100 yards in a game. Co-starter Gray added 76 yards and a touchdown on 16 totes. “We executed on offense tonight,” Watson said. “We played with real purpose and wanted to get that bad taste out of our mouths from last week. We’ve been asking a little more each week from the offense and it finally caught on tonight.” The Longhorns scored on their first possession, driving 36 yards in seven plays to a 46-yard Rose field goal and a 3-0 lead. Later in the first quarter, Swoopes fumbled after trying to pass the ball while being sacked. Tech’s Branden Jackson picked up the loose ball in the end zone for a Red Raider touchdown. Ryan SHINING MOMENTS: Tyrone Swoopes went 13-for-25 for 228 passing yards without an interception in the game against Texas Tech.
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TEXAS 24, TEXAS TECH 13 NOV. 1 – JONES AT&T STADIUM, LUBBOCK, TEXAS
Reaching this point took a while and it came against an opponent known for its finesse rather than its strength. The Texas football team finally showed its physical chops and became the presence it has strived to be since day one of the Charlie Strong era. The Longhorns beat and beat up Texas Tech 34-13 before a capacity crowd of 60,961 at windswept Jones AT&T Stadium on Nov. 1. With the victory, Texas established a template for success, both for the rest of this season and for those in the future. Texas dominated in the trenches, especially in the second half when it outscored Texas Tech 17-0 and whipped the Red Raiders in every aspect of the game. The Longhorns ran the ball for a season-high 241 yards — the most since rolling up 281 against Texas Tech last season. The defense was also credited with a season-best 10 pass breakups and one sack against the quick-throw Tech attack. “It was a great team win and a real confidence builder for this team,” Strong said. “We wanted this to be a physical game because that plays to our strengths and we were able to play that way. I’m happy that we responded after the way we played last week [a 23-0 loss to Kansas State].” Naysayers will claim that Texas beat a substanDECEMBER 2014
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plays after Mahomes’ fumble. The Red Raiders responded by driving the field in nine snaps, scoring on a Kenny Williams 6-yard touchdown run that put Tech back in front, 13-10. Swoopes then found a streaking Harris in the open behind three Tech defenders for a 68-yard catch and run. The ball sailed 55 yards, through a 22-mile-per-hour breeze. On the next play, Gray made a fierce jump cut as he got past the Tech line and cruised into the end zone for a 17-yard touchdown, giving the Longhorns a 17-13 lead at the half. Rose added a 42-yard field goal at the 12:02 mark of the third quarter. Swoopes hit Jaxon Shipley for a 4-yard touchdown (Shipley’s first touchdown of the year) early in the fourth quarter to expand Texas’ lead to 27-13. Brown punched one in from the 1-yard line on the Longhorns’ ensuing possession. Brown’s touchdown came at the end of a five-play, 61-yard march. The rest of the game was garbage time. Texas’ defense feasted on Testaverde’s inexperience, but it took a while to rattle his cage. The Longhorns held Tech to just 241 yards of 32
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passing offense and only 18 first downs, its worst output in those categories in 20 games.
TEXAS 33, WEST VIRGINIA 16 NOV. 8 – DARRELL K ROYAL-TEXAS MEMORIAL STADIUM
Two weeks ago — after being shut out by Kansas State in Manhattan — Texas looked like a team without an identity. That all changed in a fortnight, the latest example coming in the form of the Longhorns’ dominating 33-16 win over then-No. 23 West Virginia on Nov. 8 before a sun-splashed crowd of 95,714 at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. All of a sudden, Texas became a team to be reckoned with, a group finding its stride along with its confidence just in time to make a late-season run into bowl eligibility. The Longhorns beat a deep and talented West Virginia team with a combination of bend-butdon’t-break defense and a powerful rushing offense. The offense ran over, around and through the Mountaineers in building a 24-3 lead at halftime and held on when things got tight in the second
half. “Week by week we continue to get better,” Strong said afterward, minutes after his players picked him up like a rag doll. “It was a big game for our team and the process we’ve been going through.” The final stats will show that West Virginia outgained the Longhorns 448-351 and wasted a ton of scoring chances, especially in the first half. But the Mountaineers had to run 90 offensive plays to get those yards and actually ended up averaging less per snap (5.0) than Texas did (5.2). West Virginia had five trips into the red zone but only got points out of three of them (one was a field goal). Texas was inside the 20 three times and scored touchdowns on each of those trips. The difference led to a 17-point win that should help define the Longhorns’ season. “People will say that this was a signature win for us because we beat a ranked team and got back to even on the season,” defensive tackle Malcom Brown said. “But we think we should’ve already had some signature wins — we could’ve beat Baylor and Oklahoma. This is just another game we won like we should have.” Texas scored on its first possession, moving 90 yards in 11 plays to a 2-yard touchdown pass from Swoopes to Geoff Swaim. Two key plays happened during the drive, including Swoopes’ pass to Shipley, which converted a third down and 15. The second was a jump ball pass to Harris that moved the Longhorns 29 yards after Harris outTHE 100 CLUB: John Harris (left) posted his third career 100-yard receiving game against Texas Tech. On the ground, Malcolm Brown (below) had 116 yards on 22 carries against West Virginia.
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Bustin missed the PAT but Tech had a stunning 6-3 lead even though its offense was sputtering. Rose missed a 37-yard field goal two and a half minutes into the second quarter and the momentum shifted in favor of the Red Raiders. Yet, that all changed when defensive back Quandre Diggs tattooed Tech quarterback Pat Mahomes, forcing him to fumble at the Tech 25-yard line and knocking him out of the game. Mahomes was only starting because quarterback Davis Webb was out with an injured ankle. Mahomes’ injury forced Vincent Testaverde, Jr., son of Heisman Trophy winner Vinny Testaverde, into the fray. A non-scholarship player, Testaverde had taken only a handful of snaps with the Red Raiders’ starting offense in practice up until that point. The Longhorns took a 10-6 lead in the second quarter as Brown scored on a 3-yard plunge, five
muscled West Virginia cornerback Daryl Worley for a 50/50 throw into the wind. West Virginia had a chance to answer on its ensuing possession, which began with a 48-yard kickoff return to the Texas 45 by Mario Alford. The Mountaineers moved to the Texas 1 and lined up to try for the tying touchdown when tight end Russ Haughton-James was whistled for a false start. The penalty pushed West Virginia back to the Texas 6 and facilitated a 22-yard field goal from Josh Lambert, cutting the Texas lead to 7-3 with 3:10 to play in the first quarter. From that point forward, the Longhorns ruled the first half. Texas pushed its advantage to 14-3 with 8:56 to play in the second quarter on a juking, 39-yard run by Gray. Gray leaped into the pylon in the front corner of the end zone as he was being pushed out of bounds. Two more long runs set the table for a third Texas touchdown in the half — one for 25 yards by Brown and the other by Gray for 40 yards, most of which came after he planted his right foot while carrying a full head of steam and cut right past West Virginia safety Karl Joseph. After a fluttering pass by Swoopes toward Harris enticed a pass interference call in the end zone on WVU’s Ishmael Banks, Gray burst over the right tackle for a 2-yard touchdown and a 21-3 Texas advantage. The Longhorns added to their lead with a 39-yard field goal by Rose that came three plays after Diggs intercepted WVU quarterback Clint Trickett and returned the pick to the 22-yard line. Texas outgained West Virginia 266-141 in the half and 174-49 in the second quarter, when they outscored the Mountaineers 17-0. The Longhorns’ offense did next to nothing after the band left the field, gaining just 85 total yards after halftime thanks to a blitzing West
Virginia defense and ultra-conservative play calling. But the defense continued to shine, holding the Mountaineers out of the end zone until a Dreamius Smith 9-yard run at the 13:25 mark of the third quarter. Texas’ defense even found a way to score when a resurgent Reed tackled Trickett for a safety after a punt pinned the Mountaineers at their own 1-yard line. West Virginia cut the Texas lead to 26-16 at the 6:38 mark of the final quarter when Smith’s 62-yard run set the table for Wendell Smallwood’s 3-yard touchdown. But the end game belonged to the Longhorns, who added a touchdown on a Gray 15-yard run with 3:06 remaining after the Texas defense forced the ball over on downs at the WVU 15. The Texas defense made a final statement by stopping West Virginia on the final drive, which ended a foot short of the goal line as time expired. “Collectively we came out and we said that we wanted to go out and make plays — we wanted to win this game on defense,” Diggs said. “We had great turnovers, we had safeties, we did what we wanted to do and we dominated. We have to continue to get better, we can’t just settle on this. At the same time, we’re going to celebrate. We just need to be ready to regroup and get ready for the next game.”
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THE ARRIVAL E HARRIS — FOOTBALL’S FORGOTTEN MAN FOR THREE SEASONS — HAS EMERGED AS THE NO. 1 TARGET. BY BY STEVE STEVE HABEL HABEL
VERYONE VERYONE ENJOYS ENJOYS A A
story story about about aa player player who who received received aa second second chance chance and and made made the the most most of of that that opporopportunity. tunity. And And ifif there there was was ever ever aa Longhorn Longhorn who who followed followed that that storyline, storyline, it’s it’s wideout wideout John John Harris. Harris. AA fifth-year fifth-year senior, senior, Harris Harris has has worked worked hard hard and and persevered persevered to to become become one one of of the the team’s team’s most most valuable valuable players players and and aa likely likely first-team first-team All-Big All-Big 12 12 receiver. receiver. That’s That’s pretty pretty heady heady stuff stuff for for aa player player who who had had just just nine nine catches catches for for 190 190 yards yards and and three three touchdowns touchdowns in in his his first first three three years years on on the the 40 40 Acres. Acres. Coming Coming into into this this season, season, Harris Harris was was betbetter ter known known for for the the touchdown touchdown pass pass he he threw threw as as aa freshman freshman against against Rice Rice in in 2011 2011 — — the the Longhorns’ Longhorns’ first first scoring scoring toss toss by by aa player player other other than than aa quarterback quarterback since since 1997. 1997. Through Through the the first first 10 10 games games of of the the season, season, Harris Harris has has hauled hauled in in 50 50 catches catches for for 859 859 yards yards and and six six touchdowns. touchdowns. The The latter latter two two figures figures lead lead the the team, team, as as does does his his 17.2 17.2 yards yards per per reception reception and and his his 85.9 85.9 yards yards per per game game average. average. The The turnaround turnaround began began in in the the Longhorns’ Longhorns’ spring spring camp, camp, when when the the new new coaching coaching staff staff perpersuaded suaded Harris Harris to to stay stay atat Texas Texas and and hunker hunker down down on on his his work work ethic ethic and and conditioning. conditioning. He He was was set set to to graduate graduate after after the the spring spring semester semester of of 2014 2014 with with aa bachelor’s bachelor’s degree degree in in physical physical culture culture and and sport, sport, and and considered considered leaving leaving Austin Austin for for Lubbock Lubbock for for aa one-year one-year fresh fresh start start atat pass-happy pass-happy Texas Texas Tech. Tech. “He “He had had been been here here for for three three years years and and hadn’t hadn’t done done anything,” anything,” head head coach coach Charlie Charlie Strong Strong said. said. “It’s “It’s all all about about his his attitude attitude — — we we told told him him he he needed needed to to decide decide ifif he he really really wantwanted ed to to be be here.” here.” Once Once Harris Harris understood understood what what the the coaches coaches needed needed to to see see from from him, him, he he went went to to work. work. Offensive Offensive coordinator coordinator Shawn Shawn Watson Watson said said Harris Harris showed showed his his character character and and heart heart during during winter winter conditioning. conditioning.
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His highlight from 2013 was a Hail Mary touchdown catch at the end of the first half against Iowa State. “I thought I could be ‘the’ guy at one point in time, but after I got hurt, it kind of faded away,” Harris said. “I lost a bit of confidence. I caught a couple touchdowns but didn’t play
“BEING ABLE TO BREATHE AND LAST LONGER DURING PLAYS IS WHERE I THINK I’VE TAKEN THE BIGGEST STRIDES IN MY GAME.”
much after that. I was stuck on special teams most of my time here. Just being here right now is just a blessing and I’m riding with it.” Peter, Harris’ father, predicted last spring that Harris would be good for 1,100 receiving yards this year — which is now a realistic goal. With two regular-season games left to play, he’s 241 yards from that mark and has a legitimate chance of becoming the Longhorns’ first 1,000yard receiver since Jordan Shipley’s 1,485-yard season in 2009. Only five players in Texas history have recorded 1,000 receiving yards in a
single season. The 6’2”, 223-pound Harris is now a focal point of the Texas offense. He’s the guy the opposition has to stop if they want a chance to beat the surging Longhorns. Now working mostly at the “X” position to the short side of the field, Harris is able to excel because he’s big, physical and can beat the defensive coverage. Second chances make good stories but Harris has made his own headlines. “You never know what can happen so it feels good just to stick around here and to get THE GO-TO GUY: As quarterback Tyrone Swoopes’ No. 1 target this season, John Harris is close to becoming the Longhorns’ first receiver to amass 1,000 yards since 2009.
some success out of it because it’s easy to quit from things and walk away,” Harris said. “And if I would’ve left here, I probably would’ve quit a lot of other stuff in my lifetime. I’m glad I stuck around. I learned a lot from staying with this coaching staff and team.” Watson called Harris “the poster child for what we want in our program.” “John is the tale of a guy who’s totally committed in what he’s doing and he’s balling,” Watson said. “He’s playing really good football and has been a big part of our season.”
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“That was the first glimmer of his commitment and the Hulk that might be out there,” Watson said. “John started making plays in spring on a consistent basis. It’s one thing to make plays, it’s another thing to be consistent in making plays and that’s what he’s done.” Harris got his chance to shine when fellow receivers Kendall Sanders and Montrel Meander, two players who were ahead of Harris on the depth chart after spring drills, were dismissed from the team for legal troubles. The Longhorns had a spot to fill and Harris was the perfect fit. “When I got in fall camp, I knew I was competing with Marcus [Johnson] and a lot of other guys for a starting spot,” Harris recalled. “It just got to a point in camp where I was like, ‘Hey, you can go get this job, and you can be a big impact on the team.’ I started making plays and being more consistent. The more consistent I got, the more confidence I started building in myself.” One of the keys to his performance this season was improving his overall conditioning. “Being able to breathe and last longer during plays is where I think I’ve taken the biggest strides in my game,” Harris said. “Being in a lot better shape, it feels a lot better to move around out there.” Harris nabbed two touchdown passes in the opener versus North Texas, but really broke out when Tyrone Swoopes took over the starting position at quarterback. Harris had caught thousands of passes from Swoopes as the two worked on the second team and scout team, and the chemistry between the pair has been a boon to the Longhorns. But before this season, Harris’ career has been a mixed bag. A three-star recruit in 2010 who played quarterback at Garland Naaman Forest, Harris redshirted his first year and saw varying degrees of playing time his first three seasons. He missed the final nine games of the 2011 season with an injured foot and last year tried to bulk up to play tight end for a team that needed some serious contributions from that position.
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BASKETBALL BASKETBALL PREVIEW PREVIEW 2014-15 2014-15
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The Longhorns are out to prove they’re worthy of their lofty preseason accolades. BY STEVE HABEL
LEADING DIRECTION
TEAM-FIRST: TEAM-FIRST: The The Longhorns Longhorns are are preprepared pared to to meet meet preseason preseason expectations expectations as as aa team team — — not not as as aa group group of of standout standout individuals. individuals.
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POINTED STATEMENT: THE TEXAS BASKETBALL TEAM WILL BE SCARY GOOD IN 2014-15. Many Many pundits pundits predicted predicted for for the the Longhorns Longhorns — — aa squad squad with with just just one one senior senior on on scholarship scholarship and and one one of of the the country’s country’s most most ballyhooed ballyhooed freshfreshmen men — — to to finish finish in in the the Sweet Sweet 16 16 or or better better this this season. season. Head Head coach coach Rick Rick Barnes Barnes holds holds the the key key to to this this season. season. He He needs needs to to utilize utilize the the team’s team’s talent talent to to the the fullest fullest while while keeping keeping his his star star players players satsatisfied isfied with with being being winners winners instead instead of of standouts. standouts. Some Some say say Barnes Barnes saved saved his his job job last last season season by by leading leading the the Longhorns Longhorns to to aa 24-11 24-11 record record and and tie tie for for third third in in the the Big Big 12 12 Conference Conference with with an an 11-7 11-7 league league mark. mark. Texas Texas beat beat Arizona Arizona State State in in the the second second round round of of the the NCAA NCAA Tournament Tournament before before losing losing to to Michigan. Michigan. Texas Texas never never publicly publicly stated stated that that Barnes’ Barnes’ job job was was in in jeopardy, jeopardy, but but with with the the program’s program’s lofty lofty goals, goals, losing losing isis never never an an option option and and aa sussustained tained period period of of failure failure isis unacceptable. unacceptable. Barnes’ Barnes’ “team-first” “team-first” approach approach worked worked in in 2013-14 2013-14 as as the the Longhorns Longhorns beat beat four four consecuconsecutive tive opponents opponents ranked ranked in in the the Associated Associated Press Press Top Top 25 25 for for the the first first time time in in school school history. history. The The successful successful campaign campaign came came aa year year after after Texas Texas
AN AN EMBARRASSMENT EMBARRASSMENT OF OF RICHES: RICHES: The The Longhorns Longhorns return return 94 94 percent percent of of their their scoring, scoring, in in addition addition to to nine nine of of their their 10 10 rotation rotation players players this this season. season. Not Not to to menmention, tion, the the nation’s nation’s No. No. 22 prospect prospect — — Myles Myles Turner Turner — — has has joined joined the the mix. mix.
missed missed the the tournament tournament for for the the first first time time in in Barnes’ Barnes’ tenure tenure — — aa season season that that placed placed the the iconic iconic coach coach on on the the “win-or-else” “win-or-else” hot hot seat. seat. Texas Texas enters enters this this year’s year’s campaign campaign with with high high expectations. expectations. The The Longhorns Longhorns return return all all but but one one player player from from last last year’s year’s team team and and added added supersuperstar star recruit recruit Myles Myles Turner Turner to to the the mix mix this this season. season. The The Euless Euless Trinity Trinity prospect prospect isis the the highest-rated highest-rated commitment commitment for for the the program program since since Kevin Kevin Durant. Durant. The The Longhorns, Longhorns, who who have have 94 94 percent percent of of their their scoring scoring and and nine nine of of their their 10 10 rotation rotation players players back back in in the the fold, fold, were were picked picked to to finish finish second second in in the the loaded loaded Big Big 12 12 Conference. Conference. Texas Texas was was also also ranked ranked 10th 10th in in the the season’s season’s first first poll poll by by the the Associated Associated Press. Press. The The troubles troubles from from the the spring spring of of 2013 2013 are are in in the the rear-view rear-view mirror mirror and and all all but but forgotten. forgotten. “We “We went went to to 14 14 straight straight tournaments tournaments and and were were fortunate fortunate to to do do so,” so,” Barnes Barnes said. said. “In “In March March 2013 2013 we we didn’t didn’t make make the the NCAAs, NCAAs, but but we we moved moved forward forward and and did did the the things things we we needed needed to to do do to to get get back back to to the the tournament.” tournament.” Barnes Barnes was was named named 2014 2014 National National Association Association of of Basketball Basketball Coaches Coaches (NABC) (NABC) UPS UPS District District 88 Coach Coach of of the the Year, Year, an an award award voted voted on on by by member member coaches coaches of of the the NABC. NABC. District District 88 encompasses encompasses all all 10-member 10-member institutions institutions of of the the Big Big 12 12 Conference. Conference.
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PREVIOUS SPREAD: SPREAD: COURTESY COURTESY UT UT ATHLETICS ATHLETICS PHOTOGRAPHY. PHOTOGRAPHY. THIS THIS SPREAD SPREAD FROM FROM LEFT: LEFT: DON DON B B EE NDE NDE R, R, JE JE SSE SSE DROHE DROHE N, N, B B EE THA THA NY NY WA WA LTE LTE R/U R/U NIV NIV .. O O FF TE TE X XA A S, S, B B EE THA THA N NY Y PREVIOUS WALTER/UNIV. OF OF TEXAS, TEXAS, JESSE JESSE DROHEN, DROHEN, JESSE JESSE DROHEN, DROHEN, JESSE JESSE DROHEN, DROHEN, JESSE JESSE DROHEN DROHEN WALTER/UNIV.
BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2014-15
With With the the program program back back on on track, track, Barnes Barnes had had two two years years added added to to his his contract, contract, which which now now runs runs through through the the 2018-19 2018-19 season. season. He’ll He’ll continue continue earning earning $2.5 $2.5 million million annually, annually, following following his his $75,000 $75,000 increase increase that that kicks kicks in in next next season. season. Expect Expect Barnes Barnes to to extend extend his his stay stay on on the the 40 40 Acres Acres after after this this season. season. Finding Finding the the right right mix mix isis his his forte, forte, and and he he has has all all the the right right options options in in this this year’s year’s team. team. “To “To do do what what we we want want to to do, do, we we need need aa lot lot of of people, people, and and our our depth depth isis as as good good as as it’s it’s been been in in aa long long time,” time,” Barnes Barnes said. said. “It’s “It’s important important that that we we get get good good production production off off the the bench. bench. We’re We’re more more prepared prepared to to move move to to different different lineups lineups than than we we have have been been in in the the past.” past.” Jonathan Jonathan Holmes, Holmes, last last year’s year’s leading leading scorer scorer (12.8 (12.8 points points per per game), game), isis the the only only senior senior on on the the team. team. At At aa slimmed slimmed down down and and ripped ripped 6’8”, 6’8”, Holmes Holmes can can play play inside inside (7.2 (7.2 rebounds rebounds per per game) game) and and force force defenders defenders to to follow follow him him out out to to the the arc, arc, where where he he hit hit 28 28 3-pointers 3-pointers last last season season — — second-most second-most on on the the team. team. He’s He’s expected expected to to play play at at the the small small forward forward position, position, where where his his size size will will challenge challenge oppoopponents. nents. The The key key to to his his success success at at the the spot spot will will be be his his ability ability to to guard guard smaller, smaller, quicker quicker players. players. Center Center Cameron Cameron Ridley Ridley (6’9”) (6’9”) comes comes off off an an AllAllBig Big 12 12 third-team third-team season season in in which which he he averaged averaged 11.2 11.2 points points and and 8.2 8.2 rebounds rebounds per per game. game. Ridley Ridley also also recorded recorded at at least least four four blocks blocks in in seven seven games games while while averaging averaging 2.2 2.2 blocks blocks per per game. game. Junior Junior forwards forwards Connor Connor Lammert Lammert and and Prince Prince Ibeh Ibeh (6’10”) (6’10”) play play important important roles roles in in difdifferent ferent ways. ways. At At 6’9”, 6’9”, Lammert Lammert can can work work inside inside (5.2 (5.2 rpg) rpg) and and outside outside (18 (18 made made 3-pointers 3-pointers last last season), season), while while Ibeh Ibeh protects protects the the rim; rim; he he had had at at least least three three blocked blocked shots shots in in six six games games last last seaseason. son. Texas Texas will will play play four four guys guys standing standing at at 6’9” 6’9” or or taller taller at at aa single single time time when when it’s it’s in in aa zone zone defense defense throughout throughout the the season. season.
t
“This season is going to be fun,” Ridley said. “Teams will have a difficult time matching up with our front line. I feel like I’ve improved a lot in the past two years, and I
elbow and from the 15- to 18-foot range. Barnes likens Taylor to former Texas point guards T.J. Ford and D.J. Augustin — players that had the mindset to get into the
recognize things quicker because I have more experience at this level.” Isaiah Taylor emerged as the Longhorns’ leader at the point last season, replacing streaky shooter Javan Felix as the one running things in the final minutes of Texas’ close games. Taylor, who’s also excellent from the free throw line, proved capable of breaking down the defense of any team, whether against manto-man (23 points vs. Kansas) or zone (27 points vs. Baylor). He should only get better in his second season of college basketball. One of the keys to the Longhorns’ success will be Taylor’s ability to make shots from the
“It’s great that people are talking so nice about us ... but I always say, ‘A peacock today is a featherduster tomorrow.’”
— COACH RICK BARNES
lane and make things happen for their teammates. “Isaiah improved his leadership by being a lot more verbal,” Barnes explained. “People have always said to me that they didn’t know he can shoot the ball. He can shoot the ball. We’ve always known he can shoot the ball and he’s shooting it more now. He’s starting to understand the game more by thinking, ‘They have to guard me out here, it makes this all better.’” Felix continues to play an important role as the team’s biggest threat from long range. He made 61 3-pointers and shot .343 from beyond the arc last season. “We aren’t too worried about what people are saying about us because that can all change tomorrow,” Felix said. “Our depth is our best quality; we can go big, or we can go small, and we can throw a lot of looks at opponents. Our chemistry is so much better, even better than last year.” Demarcus Holland, who held Big 12 scorers Juwan Staten of West Virginia and Andrew Wiggins of Kansas well below their averages, will defend the opposing team’s best perimeter player. “We have great chemistry and a lot of people behind us, but to me that’s fool’s gold,” Holland said. “If we make one slip-up, some of those people are going to start turning their backs on us. All we’re concerned about is working hard on the practice floor and getting better.” Backup guards Demarcus Croaker and Kendal Yancy should be able to contribute and provide quality depth. The team’s bench players will battle to get meaningful playing time without making huge impressions on the practice floor. CONTINUED CONTINUED ON ON PAGE PAGE 47 47
Taylor
Turner
Felix
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BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2014-15
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A WINNING MENTALITY: Having grown up together in head coach Karen Aston’s system, the Longhorns come into the 2014-15 season with zero questions and one focus — winning.
An experienced Longhorn squad looks to build on its return to the national spotlight. BY JAMES SCHLEICHER D D EE C C EE M M BB EE RR 22 00 11 44 HORNS HORNS ILLUSTRATED ILLUSTRATED
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BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2014-15
THE LONGHORN FAITHFUL COULD EASILY LABEL THE PAST TWO SEASONS AS A REBUILDING PERIOD FOR THE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM. But if any doubt remained on whether the Longhorns would carry that label into 2014, the women ripped it off when Texas tied for third in the Big 12 and advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament last season. Coming into the 2013-14 season, the Big 12 coaches picked Texas to finish fifth in the conference. A year after going 12-18 and missing the tournament, the Longhorns finished the season with a 22-12 record and tied for third in what many consider the country’s toughest basketball conference. The team earned the fifth seed position in the NCAA Championship and beat Penn 79-61 with ease in the first round. In the second round, the Longhorns fell 69-64 to Maryland. The season finish marked the first time the Longhorns had advanced to the second round of the tournament since 2008. Texas hasn’t advanced past the second round since 2004 — a trend this year’s squad hopes to change. “I believe we can win a national championship as long as we stick together, pay attention to all the details, do as our coaches say and don’t deviate from the plan,” senior Krystle Henderson said. Texas earned a ninth- and 12th-place position on the AP and USA Today Coaches polls, respectively, during the preseason. In addition, the Big 12 coaches picked the Longhorns as their preseason favorite to win the conference. The high rankings come thanks to the fact that head coach Karen Aston returns a nucleus of 10 letterwinners, as well as a 2014 recruiting class that ranked 11th in the country. And while Aston and her team appreciate preseason nods, they know they need to perform on the court to win a Big 12 title, and perhaps more. “We want to compete every day as hard as we can and be the best we can,” Henderson said. “There’s also a higher expectation this year and that brings a higher level intensity to practice. We need to just focus on details and get everything done.” In her third season as head coach, Aston admitted that she no longer has to worry
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about her players adjusting to new expectations or new systems. A strong culture has developed throughout the program, which makes it easier for all involved to focus on the task at hand — winning. “I want the seniors and juniors to have a great year,” Aston said. “ Because they’re the ones that have been the base of what we’re trying to do. They’ve bought into the culture change. They’ve ground this thing out for three years now and you want them to reap the benefits of their hard work.” Both the players and Aston point to the team’s chemistry as its strong suit. With the majority of players growing up together over the past two years, they know each other’s tendencies and habits. Now they just need to get the freshmen up to speed. “We have a new group of girls and we have to figure out a way to bond together,” senior Nneka Enemkpali said. “We have to learn the tendencies of the freshmen and the players that didn’t play as much last year. They’re going to play a major role on the team this year.” At the heart of the team sit seniors Henderson and Enemkpali. Enemkpali hails from nearby Pflugerville and has become a stalwart on the court for the Longhorns. As a junior, she led the team in points (407), rebounds (291) and minutes played (876 total, 25.8 avg.). She’s one of just three players in Texas history to record a 20-point, 20-rebound game. Enemkpali has recorded 21 doubledoubles in her career and holds the record for most consecutive double-doubles (6). Sporting News named her a preseason third-team AllAmerican along with Imani McGee-Stafford and freshman Ariel Atkins. “Nneka should never forget what she’s really good at,” Aston said, “and that’s getting down in the paint, offensive rebounding, running the floor and doing the dirty work. Because we have some talent surrounding her, Nneka just needs to do what Nneka does best, and part of that is leading us every day
Enemkpali Henderson
Davenport
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in practice. She sets the tone for our team and they’ll follow her.” Fellow senior Henderson also plays a key leadership role both on and off the court. The Dallas native joined the team last year as JUCO transfer, having helped Trinity Valley Community College win a JUCO National Championship in 2013. Her previous championship experience as well as her poise in guiding the Longhorn offense should serve the Longhorns well this season. “I’m focused on being the best leader I can be for this team,” Henderson said. “I believe that if I do that and bring everything I can to the program, everything else will fall into place.”
her business off the court, the type of teammate she is and how she performs on the court. Second, she has the capabilities to hit perimeter shots. The intangibles Brady brings are really the most important — the energy level, the enthusiasm, the personality of our team — a lot of it comes through her.” Along with Sanders, Texas returns Celina Rodrigo, Empress Davenport and Brianna Taylor at the guard position. Add in three more talented freshmen guards, and Aston has a drawer full of possible shooters to fill out her lineup. “We’re going to be a more explosive and dynamic team this year,” Henderson said. Aston pointed out that both Davenport
Atkins (Duncanville) and Brooke McCarty (League City) played in the 2014 McDonald’s All-American game. Over the summer, Atkins played on the USA Basketball U18 team, where she helped the team win a gold medal at the 2014 FIBA Americas U18 Championship in Colorado Springs. “I have high expectations for [Atkins] because she’s so talented,” Aston said. “She has the ability to change the game because her instinct but also because of her scoring ability.” Tasia Foman, also from Duncanville, will also play at guard. Playing on the Erwin Center floor is nothing new to Atkins, Foman and McCarty.
“In practice, most freshmen are bent over, sometimes crying, because it’s so much harder ... that’s something that you’ve never noticed with this group.” — COACH KAREN ASTON
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Big 12 selected the Longhorns to win the conference this season — a challenge the team is happy to accept.
Fortunately for this year’s team, the cupboard remains far from bare when it comes to both playmakers and leaders. A junior from Godley, Brady Sanders has a smile that lights up the gym and an arching outside shot that makes 3s come easy when she finds a groove. Of the returning players, Sanders made the most 3-pointers last season (39). She also led the team in free throw percentage, making 85 percent of her shots from the line. Aston said both her play and her spirit help fuel the team. “First, she’s probably the best leader on our team,” Aston said. “From how she handles
and Taylor have made dramatic improvements in the offseason. “Bri Taylor is one player you’re going to notice,” Aston said. “We call her ‘Wild Thing’ because she’s wild but makes things happen. Davenport is a more consistent solid basketball player and her presence has improved dramatically.” Aston said that because of the team’s depth the coaches have the option to insert players in certain roles and try different lineups. And thanks to landing the 11th -ranked recruiting class in the country, Texas has lots to look forward to in its newcomers. Due to injury, freshman post Diani Akigbogun (Aurora, Colo.) will be unavailable at the start of the season. Both Ariel
McCarty helped lead her team to the 5A state semi-finals last year. Atkins and Foman helped Duncanville to back-to-back state 5A titles in both 2012 and 2013 and the state final game in 2014. “As a coach you understand that there’s a huge learning curve for freshmen regardless of how talented and prepared they are,” Aston said. “In practice, most freshmen are bent over, sometimes crying, because it’s so much harder and the pace is so much faster. That’s something that you’ve never noticed with this group. They’ve been able to keep the pace. They still have a lot to learn but from a production standpoint they’ll make a huge difference.” The Longhorns will start the season without the help of their veteran center, McGee-
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Stafford. The junior underwent bone surgery on her leg in September. According to Aston she’s recovering well and continues to work on rehabbing her leg. At this point there’s no timetable for her return to the court. As a sophomore, McGee-Stafford led the team in blocks per game (2.2 bpg) and finished second in the Big 12 for total blocks (72). She averaged 10.8 points and 7.3 rebounds per game on her way to a spot on the All-Big 12 second team. She enters her junior campaign ranked in the top 10 of a number of career stats at Texas, including second in blocks per game (2.3), seventh in rebounds per game (8.3) and seventh in total blocks (147). Despite the loss of McGee-Stafford, the Longhorns will still have players who can make key contributions beneath the basket. Now a sophomore, Kelsey Lang, who stands 6’5”— just two inches shy of McGee-Stafford — made appearances in every game last season for the Longhorns and started 13 contests. Aston pointed to Lang as a player who has shown dramatic improvement in the offseason. “She’s leaner, stronger and runs the floor better,” Aston said. “Kelsey could always shoot. I think she’s been able to add some pieces to her game.” Lang said that her work with strength and conditioning coach Shaun McPherson over the summer helped her immensely and that she’s
adjusting to changing her mentality to shoot more often. She said the team as a whole stands ahead of where it did at this point last year. “I can see significant differences in practice — we can go longer and harder than we did last year,” Lang said. “I hope that that pays off in March.” The entire sophomore class has improved according to Aston, who pointed to Nekia Jones as another player who will help the Longhorns up front. “She adds a dimension to our team that no one else can,” Aston said. “She can do special things that are instinctive. There isn’t another player that can add that kind of versatility.” The stability with both her players and the coaching staff represents a major plus to Aston. The only changes to the staff in the offseason came with the departure of assistant coach Stacy Stephens (who took an assistant coaching position at Sam Houston State) and the addition of former Texas player Fran Harris as the team’s coordinator of community engagement. “That gives a level of consistency with not only our coaching on the floor but also in recruiting,” Aston said. The Longhorns will play a challenging preconference schedule before competing in the highly ranked Big 12 starting in January. In November alone, the Longhorns faced three ranked opponents as they made a West Coast trip
to No. 6 Stanford (Nov. 20) and No. 23 UCLA (Nov. 23), before returning home to face No. 4 Tennessee (Nov. 30). On Dec. 21, Texas will face No. 5 Texas A&M during the SEC/Big 12 Challenge in Little Rock, Ark. “All of those games are spaced out enough where we’ll have practice time to work on some things we learned from those experiences and be prepared for Big 12 play,” Aston said. “Even though you might take a lump or two, it’s better to learn and know what your weaknesses are before you get to Big 12 play.” The Longhorns’ double round-robin conference schedule will feature pairs of games against No. 9 Baylor (Jan. 19 and Feb. 8), No. 17 West Virginia (Jan. 7 and Mar. 1), and No. 20 Oklahoma State (Feb. 11 and Feb. 25). If all goes as planned, the Longhorns will compete in the NCAA Championships in March and hopefully extend their season to the first week of April when the women’s Final Four takes place in Tampa, Fla. (Apr. 5-7). For now the team plans to take the season practice-by-practice, game-by-game, as the players hone in on every detail and optimize playing Longhorn basketball to Aston’s standards. “The Big 12 play is physical,” Enemkpali said. “You have to be physically sound, but you have to be even more mentally sound. Any given night you have to be mentally prepared for a battle.”
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Men’s Basketball Preview
Barnes added. “When I go back and think of the players that we’ve coached that have been special, that’s the one thing they had. They weren’t thinking about next year. They were thinking about the here and now.” The Longhorns are one of four Big 12 teams selected in the top 25. Kansas is ranked No. 5, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 41 while Iowa State is No. 14 and Oklahoma is No. “The competition for playing time is very 19. intense because we have a lot of people that “I like the fact that there’s buzz about this can get it done if you’re not,” Felix said. “It helps team, and that buzz started last November,” Barnes our team because it makes us focus more. All the said. “We want that to continue to climb and to guards are pretty interchangeable and whatever make the Erwin Center the game calls for us to one of the great places in do we can do.” the nation to play.” And then there’s Texas will face at the newcomers, led by least two opponents in its five-star big man Turner, nonconference schedule who arrives on the 40 who are ranked in the Acres fresh off a recordAP preseason Top 25: No. setting performance for 1 Kentucky (Dec. 5 in blocked shots on the Lexington) and No. 17 gold medal-winning Connecticut (Nov. 30 in Under-18 U.S. national Storrs). team. Turner was ranked “We have to keep the No. 2 prospect in the an edge because everynation. Another lauded one is coming after us,” newcomer is Jordan Barnes added. “I’ve always Barnett, ranked as the believed that if you’re not nation’s No. 86 prospect. getting better then you’re Barnes says oppogetting worse. There’s nents will need to try to been a lot of attention defend Turner from the given to individuals but 3-point line because his we’re more focused on range extends beyond being a team and work20 feet. GLORY ROAD: After turning the program around ing together.” “Where Myles is after a questionable 2012-13 season, head coach Rick Barnes looks to build on the philosophies he Barnes loves the different from everybody implemented last year and continue steering the chemistry of the group in our program is that Longhorns in the right direction. and says his team’s expeche really does have the tations “will be higher ability to go inside and score over people. He has the ability to step outside than what anybody else says.” “It’s great that people are talking so nice and make plays,” Barnes said. “And he can pass it. I think you’ll see him hit his stride around the first about us, but our business is all about what we’ve done lately,” Barnes said. “I always say, ‘A peacock of the year.” “I like the fact that he’s got both feet in, today is a featherduster tomorrow.’” which I think is the first step for any player,”
Horns Illustrated (ISSN 1096-2573), Volume 21, Number 9. Copyright © 2014 by Texan Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Published nine times a year (monthly in January, February, March/ April, May, June, July, October, November and December) in the United States by Horns Illustrated, 1505 Ridgecrest Drive, Austin, TX 78746. Subscription inquiries: Send new or renewal notices or change of address (send both old and new addresses) to Horns Illustrated, P.O. Box 50069, Austin, TX 78763. Allow 6-8 weeks for change of address. Subscription problems: Call 855-246-7677. Subscription costs: U.S. and its possessions, one-year basic rate, $49.95. Periodicals Postage Paid at Austin, Texas, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER – send address changes to Horns Illustrated - P.O. Box 50069, Austin, TX 78763. Tel. (512) 626-8513. Publisher disclaims all responsibility to return unsolicited editorial matter, and all rights in portions published vest in publisher. Letters to Horns Illustrated magazine or its editors are assumed intended for publication in whole or in part without permission from the writer. Any similarity between persons or places mentioned in the fiction or semi-fiction and real places or persons living or dead is coincidental. Single copies: $4.95 in U.S. DECEMBER 2014
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FINAL SCORE
It’s over. Texas defeated Oklahoma State 28-7, earning its third straight win. The Longhorns, who improved to 6-5 overall and 5-3 in the Big 12, are bowl eligible. Texas can thank a close-tocomplete night of dominance. The only thing that went wrong was that William Russ couldn’t handle a snap and Nick Rose’s kick was blocked. So much for the negatives … and now on to the positives. First, Texas is bowl eligible. Tyrone Swoopes, coming off a few lackluster performances, had a good night. He was 24 of 33, threw for 300 yards for the third time this season, and didn’t commit a turnover. Johnathan Gray (16-81-1) and Malcolm Brown (15-31) keyed the running game. John Harris (9-117-1) again was solid for Texas, which got an unexpected lift from freshman receiver Armanti Foreman (2-74-1). Vance Bedford should be a happy man. His defense dominated throughout, holding Oklahoma State to fewer than 10 first downs, 200 total yards and allowed only one score. The Longhorns forced two turnovers, had three sacks, were outstanding on third downs and controlled the entire game.
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ALL PHOTOS THIS PAGE: PATRICK MEREDTHI/UNIV. OF TEXAS
COMPLETE DOMINATION