My Longhorn friends were really looking forward to this week’s game thinking this week’s game against UT El Paso Miners would be an easy win. A win that would put the Horns back on solid ground and quiet any concerns fans may have had from last week’s shaky win, but it’s another week and a different game.
The game got off to a fast start with a UT El Paso fumble and quick touchdown run by Horns RB, Tre Newton, all within the first couple of minutes of the game. Texas 7, UTEP 0.
A few minutes later QB, Colt McCoy throws an interception and UTEP’s DB, Melvin Stephenson scores a touchdown. Longhorn fans worry. Texas 7, UTEP 7.
Longhorn fans concerns subside as the Horns get right back in the game with WR, DJ Monroe’s 91 yard run into the end zone for six points. But uncharacteristically kicker, Hunter Lawrence misses the extra point. Texas 13, UTEP 7
The Miners try to get a series going but can’t get any momentum. The punting team comes in but misses the snap and tries to get the snap off from the end zone forcing another turnover. Horns take possession deep in Horn territory. Colt connects with WR, James Kirkendoll bringing the Horns into field goal range. The kick is good and Lawrence redeems himself. Texas 16, UTEP 7.
The Miners just can’t get a break as safety Earl Thomas intercepts Miners’ QB, Trevor Vittatoe’s. Horns take possession at the 27 yard line.
Horns start another run down the field but get interrupted as center Chris Hall goes down and is out for the rest of the game. The Horns’ momentum doesn’t stall out. Colt connects with WR, Jordan Shipley and follows up with his own run up the middle picking up another first down. Colt fires to WR, Dan Buckner for 36 yards run into the end zone. Texas 23, UTEP 7.
Three minutes left in the first quarter and the Miners are struggling as the Horns’ defense holds them. Horns take possession and Colt starts another drive down the field. Colt connects with WR, John Chiles and then to Newton with only 36 seconds left in the first quarter. The Miners manage to hold the Horns to just a three points. Texas 26, UTEP 7.
The Miners take possession and UTEP QB Vittatoe hands off to RB, Donald Buckram. Buckram runs it down the field sparking some life into the Miners. It’s short lived and the Miners’ punting team comes in.
Horns take possession deep in Miners territory but start the drive with a penalty. The penalty causes grumbles among UT fans since the Horns have been plagued with penalties this season, still Colt manages to keep the tempo up as the Horns keep driving down the field. Colt fires to Shipley as he falls back into the end zone. Texas 32, UTEP 7.
Miners take possession and Vittatoe struggles to get some momentum but the Texas defense rush lead by DE, Sam Acho doesn’t let up. The Miners stall out and the Horns take possession again.
With less than three minutes in the second half Colt steadily herds the Horns down the field. The drive pays off as RB, Vondrell McGee runs the ball into the end zone. Texas 40, UTEP 7.
The Miners stall out before they can get a drive going and bring up the punting team. Shipley runs the punt return back for 52 yards giving the Horns excellent field possession. Then less than two minutes in the first half Colt connects to Buckner for a 15 yard touchdown. Texas 47, UTEP 7.
The half’s not over yet. With a minute left Vittatoe starts a drive and throws straight into the hands of Earl Thomas. The run sets up Lawrence’s 54 yard field goal attempt which bounces off the cross bar and the field goal is no good.
Halftime and Longhorn fans and players look like they’re having fun. Coach Mack Brown comments as he’s walking off the field, “This is the best first half Colt has played this season”. “Colt is back to being Colt and having fun.” Shipley having a huge game not only on the receiving but also on the punt return.
Mack Brown said, “I don't think there's any question that Jordan Shipley is underrated. He's the same guy every day. He's got the same attitude every day. When he got the early hit on the punt, most guys would have laid there or come out, but he was fine. We had to fair catch the last four punts and get him out because I was afraid he might not fair catch it. I don't think that Jordan is appreciated like he should be outside of our staff and our team. They know how valuable he is to us.”
Texas' 47 points in the first half is the most in a half since taking a 52-0 lead against Kansas on Nov. 12, 2005. It marked the first time UT scored 40 or more points in a first half since scoring 41 against Rice on September 22, 2007.
On the flip side the Miners’ Coach Mike Price comments, “Everything that could have gone wrong went wrong for us” as the Miners hope to regroup during halftime.
Third quarter; the Horns start off deep in Miner territory and Colt looking and moving like his old self starts a drive down the field. Colt hands off to Newton, his run gets the running game started. Horns now deep in their own territory and Lawrence comes in for field goal, 3 points. Texas 50, UTEP 7.
Miners take possession and hope to get something going with new QB, James Thomas. But the Horns defense suffocates the Miners offense and causes an interception.
Horns’ possession; back up QB, Garrett Gilbert comes in to play for Colt. Gilbert hands off to McGee and adds to the Horns running game. Gilbert connects with WR, M. Goodwin. A few plays later, Gilbert hands off to RB, Cody Johnson; touchdown! Texas 57, UTEP 7.
Forth quarter; Miners make another attempt to start a drive but Thomas gets picked off at the 27 yard line. A couple of plays later Gilbert hands off to Whittaker; touchdown! Texas 64, UTEP 7.
Horns have the game well in hand and bring in Trevor Walker as quarterback to close out the game.
Overall, the game was an offensive blow-out for Texas. “We put up 64 points, so it was a good day. We just have to play consistent. Coming into this game, that was our focus all week long. We wanted to really start strong out of the gate, and we did that for sure,” said Longhorn QB Colt McCoy.
My Longhorn friends grin and say, I told you so. Till next time, “Hook’em Horns!”
