BIG 12 25
TEXAS LONGHORNS
Oklahoma running back Chris Brown (29) is run down by Texas safety Earl Thomas (12) and Keenan Robinson (1) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009, in Dallas.
Defense holds up Sooners
By Blake Hurtik The Daily Texan
AUSTIN, Texas — It might be impossible to please Texas defensive tackle Lamarr Houston — at least during the season.
Even after the senior led the Longhorns' defense in holding Oklahoma to the fewest rushing yards in the history of the Red River Rivalry (-16 yards), Houston wasn't satisfied.
"We had some busted coverages,some busted plays," said Houston, who had four tackles (one for loss) against Oklahoma."Our mental toughness can get a lot stronger. There's no satisfaction on defense."
The Longhorns wreaked havoc in the Oklahoma backfield, racking up 10 tackles for loss and two sacks. Defensive end Sergio Kindle led the way with four tackles for loss and half a sack.
He would have had another sack late in the fourth quarter had a Sooner lineman not tackled him. His pressure still caused quarterback Landry Jones to throw an interception to cornerback Aaron Williams, a result he'll take.
How exactly did Texas corral a Sooners offense that came in averaging 187 rushing yards per game? By adopting defensive coordinator Will Muschamp's "blue-collar, lunchpail" attitude.
"I think I would have had the sack," said Kindle. "He tackled me like I had the ball."
"I just think our work ethic is showing, that's all it is," Houston said. "We can get way better."
The Greg Smith effect
Z
Flex tight end Dan Buckner didn't see much of the field against Oklahoma. When he did play, he was only thrown to once and drew a pass interference penalty.
Texas coach Mack Brown said Smith will continue to see more playing time, but he also hopes to get Buckner more involved.
Texas offensive coordinator Greg Davis used traditional tight end Greg Smith most of the time to compensate for Oklahoma's pass rush and to help the running game.
Smith, who came into the game with one catch on the year, was Texas' leading receiver heading into halftime with two catches for 19 vards.
"We'll be more balanced on offense with Greg playing and Dan Buckner playing instead of all four wide [receiver sets]," Brown said. "We just feel like people can catch up with four wides ... and you can't run the ball consistently."
Texas coaches have stressed an increased focus on the running game as well.
"We felt like, going into the game, we wanted to play more with a tight end," said Davis. "We felt like it gave us more flexibility in the run game."
In that sense, it worked. Texas rushed for 142 yards, but it was at the expense of the passing game, which produced just 127 yards.
McCoy's rush game sealed win
By David R. Henry The Daily Texan
That's not what happened Saturday, and based on his stats, his chances at the Heisman Trophy may have gotten slimmer.
DALLAS — In a perfect world, Colt McCoy would have put up big numbers in a blowout victory over Oklahoma to make his case for the Heisman Trophy.
But if you take away the stat sheet, McCoy's play epitomized what a Heisman Trophy winner should be.And no,I didn't watch a different game than the rest of you.
He showed toughness, leadership and made the plays needed to win the game.
"It's not going to be pretty every time," McCoy said."I just gave it my best effort and trusted God with the results."
With Texas up 16-13 in the fourth quarter and going in for the kill, McCoy threw an interception in the red zone. Oklahoma defensive back Brian Jackson had a wide open field ahead of him for an easy pick six. Only one person was standing in his way — McCoy. The senior quarterback made a solid hit on Jackson to take him down before he could get away, and the Longhorn defense held Oklahoma on its next possession.
"He looked like a safety on that play," said Longhorn safety Earl Thomas.
It could have been a 20-16 Oklahoma victory if it wasn't for McCoy's tackle. He did throw the interception in the first place, of course. But that interception wasn't really his fault — freshman receiver Marquise Goodwin ran the wrong route, out instead of in.
"There was some miscommunication," said Texas coach Mack Brown.
While McCoy's passing numbers, 21 of 39 for 127 yards and an interception, were less than stellar, it was his running, like a first down run he had late in the game, that won the game for Texas. McCoy finished with 14 carries for 65 yards.
"I told him we're going to need him to run the ball today, and he said 'Dial it up, coach,'"said offensive coordinator Greg Davis.
McCoy might not have the prettiest stats in the nation right now, but you can't find anyone who plays with more heart.
It's that heart that led to him defeating Oklahoma three out of his four years at Texas, just the third Longhorn quarterback to do so in the 104-game history of the rivalry.
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
THE WAVE OCTOBER 23, 2009