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Texas Can Build Off Tough Loss to Oklahoma

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By @writered21

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A 2-4 record through six games isn’t what fans of the Texas Longhorns wanted to see in head coach Charlie Strong’s first year in Austin. And Saturday’s 31-28 loss to rival Oklahoma at the Cotton Bowl won’t sit well with those who bleed burnt orange, either. But while moral victories don’t count for much, Texas fans would be wise to use some patience because despite today’s loss, Texas showed signs of what will be a promising future.

The Longhorns trailed at halftime, 17-13, despite having outgained the Sooners by more than 250 yards. Texas did a great job keeping Oklahoma’s offense off the field, but penalties and conceding a kickoff return for a touchdown in the first quarter contributed to Texas’ deficit. It then appeared for a while as if the Longhorns were going to get blown out as Oklahoma’s offense awoke in the second half, taking a 31-13 lead.

But it was at that point where Texas fans can take heart, while still being somewhat frustrated. The Longhorns closed the gap to 31-26 with 4:57 to go in regulation on a 12-yard touchdown run by quarterback Tyrone Swoopes. But knowing a two-point conversion would close the gap to three, Texas appeared unprepared for that play and the Longhorns’ attempt was eventually stopped.

The sequence was a microcosm of the Longhorns on the day and perhaps the season. Texas more than doubled up Oklahoma in total yards, but committed 11 penalties for 80 yards, while the Sooners were guilty of just two infractions. The Texas defense held OU to less than four yards per carry and the Sooners didn’t convert a third down until there was less than four minutes to play in the fourth quarter. But that good work was undone by the fact the special teams allowed a touchdown. And on Swoopes’ touchdown run to get Texas back within five, a lack of preparation for the two-point ultimately cost the Longhorns the game.

Texas did a lot of things very well, despite the final score. Swoopes looked excellent at quarterback, despite throwing one interception. He threw for 334 yards and completed 27-for-44 passes. He also ran for 50 yards on 11 carries. Three Texas receivers had at least 90 receiving yards, led by Jaxon Shipley‘s 114. On defense, the Longhorns put on a tackling display (not just hitting, but actually form tackling in run gaps, etc.) that would make most teams in the country envious.

But the penalties, and what seemed to be a lack of recognition in key situations, cost the Longhorns the chance at a signature win. That story might not change much for the rest of this season, and Longhorns fans might need to accept 5-7 or 6-6 in 2014. But it will be wise to give Strong, Swoopes and the team a chance. It will take time for everyone to get on board with Strong’s style, and for him and his recruiting staff to find the players necessary to fit his vision. When that happens, Texas can combine its skill and ability with a concentration and focus that will allow the Longhorns to win big games like the one they lost this afternoon.

Ed Morgans is an ACC Basketball Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @writered21 and add him to your network on Google.

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