We were too tired from that game to do much of a wrap-up. On the whole, I feel bad for Baylor, which was probably the better team on the night, but which killed itself with five turnovers -- and a huge penalty for defensive pass interference that bailed out Texas Christian in the first overtime. On the other hand, I feel bad that Texas Christian had to play without Josh Doctson and with a banged-up Trevone Boykin.
Baylor and Texas Christian have dominated the UCFC in recent years, but somehow they can never quite manage to get a shot at the national title. Last year, they both went 11-1, and were both left out of the NCAA's playoff. This year, Texas Christian went 10-2, and Baylor will be 10-2 once it beats Texas on Saturday, and they are ranked 11th and 12th respectively in the playoff. So on the one hand, this is a golden age for these two schools -- their fans have never seen these schools dominate the University of Texas as they have done in recent years. But on the other hand, they have fallen just short of the ultimate goal. Of course, some of us think that the UCFC is the real championship of college football, and they've done very well there.
So Baylor's reign comes to an end after only one week -- the Bears' all-time UCFC record is now 29-21-3. Texas Christian's record is now 46-20-6.
What's up next? Well, we have to wait for the bowl invitations to see who Texas Christian will play next. Sports Illustrated predicts that Texas Christian will be in Orlando on December 29 to play North Carolina in the Russell Athletic Bowl (which I think should be called the Tangerine Bowl). Fox Sports, on the other hand, has Texas Christian facing Oregon in the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on January 2. ESPN has Texas Christian in the Alamo Bowl against either Oregon or Southern California. We'll know for sure next week, but all of those match-ups sound promising to me.
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Saturday, November 28, 2015
Texas Christian 28 - 21 Baylor (Final) (2 OT)
So it all came down to a 4th and 1 for Baylor on the Texas Christian 16. Baylor called time, and then came out in a shotgun formation. Texas Christian called time. Baylor went back into a more regular formation, and gave the ball to Chafin. He was immediately set up on by a wave of Horned Frogs, and didn't come close to making a first down. THE GAME IS OVER! WE HAVE A NEW CHAMPION: THE TEXAS CHRISTIAN HORNED FROGS!
THE UCFC, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!
THE UCFC, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!
Texas Christian 28 - 21 Baylor (middle of the 2d OT)
Texas Christian is now going deep into the playbook, with reverses and trick plays all over the place. After driving down to the 8, Boykin finally gets enough time -- and drills a touchdown pass to KaVontae Turpin of Neville H.S. in Monroe, La.
Now the pressure shifts back to Baylor.
Now the pressure shifts back to Baylor.
Texas Christian 21 - 21 Baylor (end of 1st OT)
Texas Christian -- aided largely by a huge pass interference call against Baylor -- ties the game. The scoring play was a one-yard run by Boykin.
Meanwhile, the rain continues to fall. This game was scheduled to kickoff four and one-half hours ago, and the rain has been pouring the whole time.
Meanwhile, the rain continues to fall. This game was scheduled to kickoff four and one-half hours ago, and the rain has been pouring the whole time.
Friday, November 27, 2015
Texas Christian 14 - 21 Baylor (middle of the 1st OT)
Baylor pounded the ball down to the 4, where their drive had stalled. Facing 3d and goal from the 4, Baylor went with a JUMP PASS by Chris Johnson, who did not complete a pass in the second half. But this pass was perfectly lofted to Chafin, and the Bears TAKE THE LEAD.
Texas Christian 14 - 14 Baylor (top of the 1st Overtime)
Texas Christian wins the toss and elects to go on defense.
Texas Christian 14 - 14 Baylor (end of 4th Quarter)
Baylor can do nothing more, and the clock runs out.
Baylor: 303 total yards, 5 turnovers
Texas Christian: 267 total yards, 2 turnovers
Chris Johnson: 6 of 23, 58 yards, 0 TD's, 1 INT
Trevone Boykin: 15 of 30, 128 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
If there were justice in the world, this game would end in a tie. But instead, we will play overtime.
Baylor: 303 total yards, 5 turnovers
Texas Christian: 267 total yards, 2 turnovers
Chris Johnson: 6 of 23, 58 yards, 0 TD's, 1 INT
Trevone Boykin: 15 of 30, 128 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
If there were justice in the world, this game would end in a tie. But instead, we will play overtime.
Texas Christian 14 - 14 Baylor (25 seconds left in 4th Quarter)
Baylor, sticking to its running game, blasts the ball from its own 1 out to the 35. Now the Bears are calling time.
Texas Christian 14 - 14 Baylor (1:25 left in 4th Quarter)
Two runs for Baylor advance the ball to the 8. With third and 3 coming up, Texas Christian calls time.
Texas Christian 14 - 14 Baylor (2:22 left in 4th Quarter)
Texas Christian gets to the Baylor 45, but can go no further. This time, the ensuing punt is a good one. The punter -- Ethan Perry of Smithson Valley H.S. in Spring Branch, Tex. -- hits a roller that dies at the Baylor 1. A safety would probably win the game for Texas Christian.
Texas Christian 14 - 14 Baylor (4:44 left in 4th Quarter)
DISASTER FOR BAYLOR! Chris Johnson botches a handoff to Chafin, and the resulting FUMBLE is recovered by Texas Christian. The Frogs are in business from their own 45!
That is five turnovers for Baylor. The Frogs have only two.
That is five turnovers for Baylor. The Frogs have only two.
Texas Christian 14 - 14 Baylor (5:16 left in 4th Quarter)
Well, that was weird. Texas Christian drove to midfield but was forced to punt. The punter dropped the ball, and was hammered while trying to kick -- but still managed to put his foot on the ball. The ensuing punt went about 8 yards. Baylor will start on its own 48.
Texas Christian 14 - 14 Baylor (7:17 left in 4th Quarter)
Once again, Baylor goes three and out. This time, the Bears punt down to the Texas Christian 10.
Texas Christian 14 - 14 Baylor (8:52 left in 4th Quarter)
As usual, Texas Christian goes three and out. Their latest punt -- I believe it is their 11th of the game -- squirts out to the 50 yard line.
Do you realize that in the second half we have not even had a field goal attempt?
This is the first time all year, by the way, that Baylor has had two scoreless quarters in a row.
Do you realize that in the second half we have not even had a field goal attempt?
This is the first time all year, by the way, that Baylor has had two scoreless quarters in a row.
Texas Christian 14 - 14 Baylor (10:16 left in 4th Quarter)
The Bears get one first down, but only one, and they punt down to the Texas Christian 7. It is 39 degrees in Fort Worth, it is raining extremely hard, and Trevone Boykin is trying to play on a bad ankle without Josh Doctson. So far, the Horned Frogs have been unable to overcome those problems, but they're about to get another chance.
Texas Christian 14 - 14 Baylor (12:48 left in 4th Quarter)
As usual, Texas Christian can do nothing with the ball. A big part of the story here is that neither team is capable of simply lining up and playing smash-mouth football -- their whole running game depends on fakes and a passing game that are simply non-existent tonight. Baylor fields the punt at its own 37, and the Bears will start from there.
Texas Christian 14 - 14 Baylor (14:13 left in 4th Quarter)
Facing a 3d and 10 from the Texas Christian 19, Chris Johnson tried to pass -- an odd decision, given that he is 6 for 21 for only 58 yards. But then he was hit on the arm by Josh Carraway, and HE DROPPED THE BALL. Davion Pierson, a defensive tackle from Millwood H.S. in Oklahoma City, Okla., plopped on it at the Texas Christian 22, and the Bears had committed their FOURTH TURNOVER OF THE NIGHT. Baylor's scoring opportunity goes by the boards, and the Frogs will start from their own 22.
Texas Christian 14 - 14 Baylor (end of 3d Quarter)
On 3d and 10 from the 35, a huge run for Baylor gives the Bears a first down. As the quarter comes to an end, Baylor faces a 2d and 14 from the Texas Christian 23.
Texas Christian 14 - 14 Baylor (1:08 left in 3d Quarter)
Baylor gets a huge break here, as a Baylor player gets his hand on the inevitable punt, and the ball rolls dead at the Texas Christian 35. This is by far the best scoring opportunity for either team in the second half so far.
Texas Christian 14 - 14 Baylor (2:19 left in 3d Quarter)
In all seriousness, I have not seen any football game played in this type of driving rain storm since All the Right Moves was in the theater. And in that movie, the rains didn't really hit until the fourth quarter. The teams have now been playing for almost three hours, and it has simply poured down in buckets the whole game.
On this possession, Baylor actually got the ball out to midfield, before a combination of rain and penalties killed their drive. But this time, they have the edge in field position, as they punted down to the Texas Christian 5.
On this possession, Baylor actually got the ball out to midfield, before a combination of rain and penalties killed their drive. But this time, they have the edge in field position, as they punted down to the Texas Christian 5.
Texas Christian 14 - 14 Baylor (4:51 left in 3d Quarter)
I can't even describe how odd it is to see these two teams struggling so to move the ball. Texas Christian goes three and out and punts down to the Baylor 23.
Uniform watch: Baylor is wearing gray helmets with a gold "BU" logo, white shirts with green numerals and gold sleeves, and gray pants. Texas Christian is wearing shiny purple helmets with "TCU" and the Horned Frog logo, black shirts with white numerals and purple sleeves, and purple pants.
Uniform watch: Baylor is wearing gray helmets with a gold "BU" logo, white shirts with green numerals and gold sleeves, and gray pants. Texas Christian is wearing shiny purple helmets with "TCU" and the Horned Frog logo, black shirts with white numerals and purple sleeves, and purple pants.
Texas Christian 14 - 14 Baylor (6:48 left in 3d Quarter)
Baylor again goes three and out, but their punt gets a great bounce and rolls all the way down to the Texas Christian 27.
Texas Christian 14 - 14 Baylor (8:55 left in 3d Quarter)
But the Horned Frogs can't take advantage of the good field position. They go three and out, and punt down to the Baylor 13.
Texas Christian 14 - 14 Baylor (10:29 left in 3d Quarter)
Baylor QB Chris Johnson is really struggling -- he is 6 for 17 for only 58 yards. Baylor goes three and out again, and the Bears punt to the Texas Christian 49. The Frogs clearly have field position on their side now.
Texas Christian 14 - 14 Baylor (11:02 left in 3d Quarter)
Texas Christian staggers out to midfield, but can go no further, and are forced to punt. But this time, the punt goes exactly as hoped, and the Frogs are able to down the ball at the Baylor 3. For now, the Frogs are winning the battle of field position, and that could be the key to this game.
Texas Christian 14 - 14 Baylor (13:11 left in 3d Quarter)
You get the feeling that we're waiting for the next turnover here. Baylor goes three and out, and punts to the Texas Christian 28.
Texas Christian 14 - 14 Baylor (13:45 left in 3d Quarter)
Texas Christian's offense is simply dead in the water. They go three and out, and punt for what feels like the 20th time tonight. Baylor will start from its own 28.
Texas Christian 14 - 14 Baylor (15 minutes left in 3d Quarter)
Baylor starts the second half by kicking the ball through the end zone, and Texas Christian will start from its own 25.
Texas Christian 14 - 14 Baylor (Halftime)
The Frogs got no benefit from that timeout, as they had no answer for Baylor's defense. They went three and out, punting the ball with nine seconds left on the clock. Baylor ran one play and that was it for the first half.
At the half, Baylor has 190 yards and 3 turnovers, while Texas Christian has 148 yards and 2 turnovers. That all works out to a pretty even game, which is what we have on the scoreboard. This game feels like it could all come down to something flukey. But it is certainly different from what we're used to seeing in this part of the country.
At the half, Baylor has 190 yards and 3 turnovers, while Texas Christian has 148 yards and 2 turnovers. That all works out to a pretty even game, which is what we have on the scoreboard. This game feels like it could all come down to something flukey. But it is certainly different from what we're used to seeing in this part of the country.
Texas Christian 14 - 14 Baylor (1:11 left in 2d Quarter)
Fighting with the energy of desperation, Texas Christian's offense pounds the ball out to its own 42, where the Frogs have a first down. They call time to figure out what they can do next.
Texas Christian 14 - 14 Baylor (2:52 left in 2d Quarter)
Baylor picks up a first down, but the drive ends in a blizzard of penalties and plays ruined by the driving rainstorm. Baylor is forced to punt, and Texas Christian will start from its own 15.
Texas Christian 14 - 14 Baylor (5:01 left in 2d Quarter)
Poor old Trevone Boykin. Without Doctson, he has no deep downfield threat. And on his weak ankle, he doesn't have the blazing speed that he used to terrify defenses for much of the year. All he has left is heart, so he's trying to make plays. But that can be disastrous. This time, Boykin was trying to run for a first down close to midfield when he was hit and FUMBLED. The ball rolled into the hands of Baylor, and now the Bears are in business at the Texas Christian 49.
Texas Christian 14 - 14 Baylor (5:29 left in 2d Quarter)
Now both offenses are really struggling. Without much of a passing threat, Baylor can only pick up one first down before it is forced to punt. Texas Christian will start from its own 38.
Texas Christian 14 - 14 Baylor (6:42 left in 2d Quarter)
Personally, I think the Horned Frogs really miss Josh Doctson. I saw him bail them out time after time all year in long-distance situations, and without him they are really struggling to move the ball. This time, they pick up a few first downs, but the drive stalls at midfield, and they are forced to punt down to the Baylor 13. The Bears will start from there.
For the last quarter or so, between the rain and the injuries, this game has looked less like a Big XII game than any UCFC battle I can remember in a long time.
For the last quarter or so, between the rain and the injuries, this game has looked less like a Big XII game than any UCFC battle I can remember in a long time.
Texas Christian 14 - 14 Baylor (11:24 left in 2d Quarter)
The Texas Christian defense has finally figured out that third-string quarterback Chris Johnson isn't planning to throw too many passes in this rain storm. So far, Johnson is only 2 for 5 for 18 yards and 1 interception. So the Frog defense loaded up against the run, and forced a three and out. Baylor has 152 total yards, and Texas Christian has only 92 yards, but the Frogs will be starting from their own 27 with a chance to take the lead.
Texas Christian 14 - 14 Baylor (12:55 left in 2d Quarter)
Well, this was a stunning development. Baylor had a pretty good drive going, and on 3d and 8 Chris Johnson (the third-string quarterback) tried to run for the first down. Instead, he fumbled, and Josh Carraway (a Texas Christian defensive end from Marcus H.S. in Flower Mound, Tex.) scoops up the ball AND RUMBLES FIFTY-FIVE YARDS UNTOUCHED FOR THE SCORE! So just a few minutes ago, it looked as though Baylor had things well in hand, and now we're all tied up. Between the rain and the injuries, anything could happen from here on out.
Texas Christian 7 - 14 Baylor (14:06 left in 2d Quarter)
I don't know if it's the rain, or his recent ankle injury, or the lack of Josh Doctson, or the Baylor defense, but Trevone Boykin does not look like the force of nature we were used to seeing for much of the year. He is 5 of 11 for 84 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception, and that won't get it done. Texas Christian goes three and out and punts to the Baylor 31, and the Bears (having survived two turnovers) now have a chance to blow this game open.
Texas Christian 7 - 14 Baylor (end of 1st Quarter)
But wait, there's more! Seeking to take advantage of the turnover, Baylor tries a long bomb, which is INTERCEPTED by Nick Orr of DeSoto H.S. in DeSoto Tex. The Frogs start from their own 24, and run for six yards on first down. That ends the first quarter, which featured three touchdowns (2 for Baylor, 1 for Texas Christian) and three turnovers (2 for Baylor, 1 for Texas Christian).
Texas Christian 7 - 14 Baylor (50 seconds left in 1st Quarter)
DISASTER for the Frogs. On third and six, from the Baylor 26, Boykin lofts a pass deep toward the Baylor goal. In the rain, the pass turns into a jump ball -- and the jump is won by Baylor cornerback Xavien Howard (of Wheatley H.S. in Houston), who INTERCEPTS the ball and runs it back to the Baylor 26.
Texas Christian 7 - 14 Baylor (1:48 left in 1st Quarter)
Baylor's defense puts on a great stand -- driving Texas Christian backward and forcing the Frogs to punt. But then the punt -- spiraling threw a driving rain storm -- is FUMBLED by Lynx Hawthorne (of Refugio H.S. in Refugio, Tex.) and the FROGS RECOVER at the Baylor 30.
Texas Christian 7 - 14 Baylor (3:21 left in 1st Quarter)
Baylor goes three and out. Texas Christian receives the punt, and will start from its own 33 yard line.
Texas Christian 7 - 14 Baylor (5:07 left in the 1st Quarter)
Finally, some defense. Texas Christian drives to the Baylor 31, but they are stopped on 4th and 7. The Bears take over with a chance to grow their lead.
Texas Christian 7 - 14 Baylor (7:28 left in 1st Quarter)
It's hard to believe that Baylor's first-string quarterback could do any better than this. Baylor takes the kickoff and goes 75 yards in seven plays. Devin Chafin gets his second TD, this time on a five-yard run.
Texas Christian 7 - 7 Baylor (8:55 left in 1st Quarter)
Remember that last year, the final score of this fixture was 61-58, and these two squads are at it again. Led by Trevone Boykin (of W. Mesquite H.S. in Dallas), the Frogs take the kickoff and storm 48 yards in only four plays -- the touchdown coming on a 25-yard pass from Boykin to Jarrison Stewart (of Horn H.S. in Mesquite, Tex.) Back and forth we go.
Texas Christian 0 - 7 Baylor (10:40 left in 1st Quarter)
Baylor is on its third-string quarterback, Chris Johnson, but you couldn't tell from the opening drive. The Bears take the kickoff and storm down the field per usual, with the touchdown coming on a 1-yard plunge from Devin Chafin of Burkburnett H.S. of Burkburnett, Tex.
Texas Christian v. Baylor (Weather Delay)
Given that we have spent so much time with Baylor and Texas Christian over the last few years, it seems very appropriate that they are meeting again in what may be the final UCFC game of the regular season
It is the nature of a blog like this that you sit through a fair amount of blowouts and otherwise boring games, and that you sometimes take for granted the excellence that you are seeing on the field. In recent years, I have often had occasion to be critical of the Big XII, the lack of defense we see in many of these games, and the inconsistency that we see in certain teams from one game to the next. But I should be clear that after blogging these teams for several years, I have grown quite fond of both Baylor and Texas Christian. For most of my life, these were two of the weaker teams in all of major college football, and I am so impressed at how Art Briles at Baylor, and Gary Patterson at Texas Christian have built these two schools into powerhouses. The spread offense is not my thing, but I cannot deny that it has worked very well for Baylor and Texas Christian. Furthermore, I should note that these teams play hard, that they have great spirit, and that they have fervent fan bases that are extremely impressive -- especially when you consider that these are private schools.
In short, it is important to acknowledge that Baylor and Texas Christian are both enjoying well-deserved Golden Ages, and that their fans should be very proud of their accomplishments. Whoever wins tonight, both teams' fans should feel good about their programs.
It is the nature of a blog like this that you sit through a fair amount of blowouts and otherwise boring games, and that you sometimes take for granted the excellence that you are seeing on the field. In recent years, I have often had occasion to be critical of the Big XII, the lack of defense we see in many of these games, and the inconsistency that we see in certain teams from one game to the next. But I should be clear that after blogging these teams for several years, I have grown quite fond of both Baylor and Texas Christian. For most of my life, these were two of the weaker teams in all of major college football, and I am so impressed at how Art Briles at Baylor, and Gary Patterson at Texas Christian have built these two schools into powerhouses. The spread offense is not my thing, but I cannot deny that it has worked very well for Baylor and Texas Christian. Furthermore, I should note that these teams play hard, that they have great spirit, and that they have fervent fan bases that are extremely impressive -- especially when you consider that these are private schools.
In short, it is important to acknowledge that Baylor and Texas Christian are both enjoying well-deserved Golden Ages, and that their fans should be very proud of their accomplishments. Whoever wins tonight, both teams' fans should feel good about their programs.
Texas Christian v. Baylor (Weather Delay)
The Texas Christian radio guys tell us that the field is draining fine, and that the field can handle up to six inches of rain per hour. They also say that the game will probably start at around 7:20 Central Time.
Texas Christian v. Baylor (Weather Delay)
It is raining hard in Fort Worth, Tex., and there was just a flash of lightning, so the game has been delayed for at least 30 minutes.
We are on ESPN tonight, which is different from most of the season, where we have been on FOX. Since we have the ESPN announcers, instead of Gus Johnson, we are going with the Texas Christian Radio Network. They report that Trevone Boykin, Texas Christian's all-world quarterback, will go tonight.
The weather situation is apparently quite severe -- it's been raining in Fort Worth since yesterday, and it is expected to keep raining hard for awhile.
We are on ESPN tonight, which is different from most of the season, where we have been on FOX. Since we have the ESPN announcers, instead of Gus Johnson, we are going with the Texas Christian Radio Network. They report that Trevone Boykin, Texas Christian's all-world quarterback, will go tonight.
The weather situation is apparently quite severe -- it's been raining in Fort Worth since yesterday, and it is expected to keep raining hard for awhile.
Texas Christian v. Baylor
A few weeks ago, it was obvious that the Big XII title would be decided in a round robin between Texas Christian, Baylor, Oklahoma State, and Oklahoma. A few weeks ago, Oklahoma had a loss to Texas, while Texas Christian, Baylor, and OSU were undefeated. Here is what has happened since:
1. On November 7, Texas Christian went to Oklahoma State, where the Horned Frogs were hammered 49 to 29. Texas Christian also lost Josh Doctson, the outstanding receiver who had helped carry the Frogs for most of the season.
2. On November 14, Oklahoma rolled into Waco, Tex. and whipped Baylor 44-34, which allowed the Sooners to control their own destiny the rest of the way.
3. On November 21, Baylor went to Stillwater, Okla. and avenged itself on the Sooner State with a 45-35 win over Oklahoma State -- a game that was not nearly as close as the final score would indicate.
4. While Baylor was beating Oklahoma State, Texas Christian's last effort to salvage a Big XII title -- and a chance at the national championship -- was coming to an end in Norman, Okla. The Frogs fell behind Oklahoma 30-13 after three quarters, but Oklahoma's offense stalled after an injury to quarterback Baker Mayfield. That allowed the Frogs a chance to get back into the game, and they took advantage. Playing without quarterback Trevone Boykin and Doctson -- the Dynamic Duo that had led them all year, the Frogs rallied behind back-up QB Bram Kohlhausen. With 8:59 left, Kohlhausen cashed in a Big XII Special -- an 86-yard catch and run TD pass. OU 30, Texas Christian 20. Three plays later, Texas Christian got the ball back thanks to an interception. With 6:27 left, a field goal made the score OU 30, Texas Christian 23. OU went three-and-out, and soon the Frogs were on the march again. Looking like their old selves, the Frogs went 76 yards in 12 plays to get another touchdown. OU 30, Texas Christian 29. With only 51 seconds left, Texas Christian coach Gary Patterson decided to go for the two-point conversion -- and the win -- on the road. It was a bold move -- but the pass was broken up, and the Sooners escaped with a one-point win.
Now the standings look like this (AP rankings in parentheses):
(5) Oklahoma: 7-1, 10-1
(9) Oklahoma St: 7-1, 10-1
(7) Baylor: 6-1, 9-1
(15) Texas Christian: 6-2, 9-2
Texas Tech: 4-5, 7-5
W. Virginia: 3-4, 6-4
Texas: 3-5, 4-7
Iowa St: 2-6, 3-8
Kansas St: 1-6, 4-6
Kansas: 0-8, 0-11
And tonight, in Fort Worth, Tex., Baylor and Texas Christian will play for the UCFC -- a trophy that they have dominated in recent years. Baylor took the title toward the end of the 2012 season, and held it for most of 2013. Baylor took the title again last year in a 61-58 shootout with Texas Christian, only to lose to West Virginia -- who then lost to Texas Christian. The Horned Frogs then kept the title for over a year, defending the crown 13 times before losing to Oklahoma State a few weeks ago. This is the last game of the year for Texas Christian, and if the Frogs could win tonight, they would take the Big Gold Trophy into bowl season.
The story for Baylor is a bit more complicated. The Bears have two games left -- tonight's game in Fort Worth, and a home game next Saturday against Texas. The Texas Longhorns have struggled all year, and would be heavy underdogs against Baylor. So if Baylor can win tonight, there is a good chance the Bears will hold the title at the end of the regular season.
But where would they go with it? Here is the top 10 in the latest College Football Playoff Rankings:
1. Clemson: 11-0
2. Alabama: 10-1
3. Oklahoma: 10-1
4. Iowa: 11-0
5. Michigan St: 10-1
6. Notre Dame: 10-1
7. Baylor: 9-1
8. Ohio St: 10-1
9. Stanford: 9-2
10. Michigan: 9-2
OK, so four teams make the playoff. If Oklahoma beats Oklahoma State tomorrow in Stillwater, the Sooners will win the Big XII title (they have the tie-breaker over Baylor), and they will get a spot in the playoff. I think that would kill Baylor's chances, as the Committee is not likely to give the Big XII two of the four playoff slots. (Baylor didn't help itself here by having three local patsies -- Southern Methodist, Lamar, and Rice -- as its non-conference opponents).
On the other hand, if OSU could knock off OU, Baylor could win the Big XII title -- the Bears have the tie-breaker against OSU. If that happens, I believe Baylor has a very good chance of getting into the playoff, because the teams ahead of it have a number of tough games before the season is over. It would be a pretty big upset for OSU to pull off -- OU is favored by 7 points -- but the Cowboys/Sooners is series is not called "Bedlam" for nothing.
So tonight's game between Baylor and Texas Christian has huge ramifications for the UCFC, the Big XII title, and potentially the national championship. Thanks to last year's 61-58 win over Texas Christian, the Bears lead the all-time series 52-51-7. But Baylor's down to its third-string quarterback tonight, as the Bears' top two QB's are out with injury. On the other hand, Texas Christian has lost Josh Doctson, and Trevone Boykin was unable to go in the second half against Oklahoma.
Putting it all together, the oddsmakers have installed Baylor as a 2-point favorite over Texas Christian, in a game where 73 points are expected. That would work out to something like a 38-35 Baylor win, which would be a fitting outcome for these two teams. But I won't be surprised if one team or the other breaks the game open, much as we saw last week in Baylor's win over Oklahoma State.
1. On November 7, Texas Christian went to Oklahoma State, where the Horned Frogs were hammered 49 to 29. Texas Christian also lost Josh Doctson, the outstanding receiver who had helped carry the Frogs for most of the season.
2. On November 14, Oklahoma rolled into Waco, Tex. and whipped Baylor 44-34, which allowed the Sooners to control their own destiny the rest of the way.
3. On November 21, Baylor went to Stillwater, Okla. and avenged itself on the Sooner State with a 45-35 win over Oklahoma State -- a game that was not nearly as close as the final score would indicate.
4. While Baylor was beating Oklahoma State, Texas Christian's last effort to salvage a Big XII title -- and a chance at the national championship -- was coming to an end in Norman, Okla. The Frogs fell behind Oklahoma 30-13 after three quarters, but Oklahoma's offense stalled after an injury to quarterback Baker Mayfield. That allowed the Frogs a chance to get back into the game, and they took advantage. Playing without quarterback Trevone Boykin and Doctson -- the Dynamic Duo that had led them all year, the Frogs rallied behind back-up QB Bram Kohlhausen. With 8:59 left, Kohlhausen cashed in a Big XII Special -- an 86-yard catch and run TD pass. OU 30, Texas Christian 20. Three plays later, Texas Christian got the ball back thanks to an interception. With 6:27 left, a field goal made the score OU 30, Texas Christian 23. OU went three-and-out, and soon the Frogs were on the march again. Looking like their old selves, the Frogs went 76 yards in 12 plays to get another touchdown. OU 30, Texas Christian 29. With only 51 seconds left, Texas Christian coach Gary Patterson decided to go for the two-point conversion -- and the win -- on the road. It was a bold move -- but the pass was broken up, and the Sooners escaped with a one-point win.
Now the standings look like this (AP rankings in parentheses):
(5) Oklahoma: 7-1, 10-1
(9) Oklahoma St: 7-1, 10-1
(7) Baylor: 6-1, 9-1
(15) Texas Christian: 6-2, 9-2
Texas Tech: 4-5, 7-5
W. Virginia: 3-4, 6-4
Texas: 3-5, 4-7
Iowa St: 2-6, 3-8
Kansas St: 1-6, 4-6
Kansas: 0-8, 0-11
And tonight, in Fort Worth, Tex., Baylor and Texas Christian will play for the UCFC -- a trophy that they have dominated in recent years. Baylor took the title toward the end of the 2012 season, and held it for most of 2013. Baylor took the title again last year in a 61-58 shootout with Texas Christian, only to lose to West Virginia -- who then lost to Texas Christian. The Horned Frogs then kept the title for over a year, defending the crown 13 times before losing to Oklahoma State a few weeks ago. This is the last game of the year for Texas Christian, and if the Frogs could win tonight, they would take the Big Gold Trophy into bowl season.
The story for Baylor is a bit more complicated. The Bears have two games left -- tonight's game in Fort Worth, and a home game next Saturday against Texas. The Texas Longhorns have struggled all year, and would be heavy underdogs against Baylor. So if Baylor can win tonight, there is a good chance the Bears will hold the title at the end of the regular season.
But where would they go with it? Here is the top 10 in the latest College Football Playoff Rankings:
1. Clemson: 11-0
2. Alabama: 10-1
3. Oklahoma: 10-1
4. Iowa: 11-0
5. Michigan St: 10-1
6. Notre Dame: 10-1
7. Baylor: 9-1
8. Ohio St: 10-1
9. Stanford: 9-2
10. Michigan: 9-2
OK, so four teams make the playoff. If Oklahoma beats Oklahoma State tomorrow in Stillwater, the Sooners will win the Big XII title (they have the tie-breaker over Baylor), and they will get a spot in the playoff. I think that would kill Baylor's chances, as the Committee is not likely to give the Big XII two of the four playoff slots. (Baylor didn't help itself here by having three local patsies -- Southern Methodist, Lamar, and Rice -- as its non-conference opponents).
On the other hand, if OSU could knock off OU, Baylor could win the Big XII title -- the Bears have the tie-breaker against OSU. If that happens, I believe Baylor has a very good chance of getting into the playoff, because the teams ahead of it have a number of tough games before the season is over. It would be a pretty big upset for OSU to pull off -- OU is favored by 7 points -- but the Cowboys/Sooners is series is not called "Bedlam" for nothing.
So tonight's game between Baylor and Texas Christian has huge ramifications for the UCFC, the Big XII title, and potentially the national championship. Thanks to last year's 61-58 win over Texas Christian, the Bears lead the all-time series 52-51-7. But Baylor's down to its third-string quarterback tonight, as the Bears' top two QB's are out with injury. On the other hand, Texas Christian has lost Josh Doctson, and Trevone Boykin was unable to go in the second half against Oklahoma.
Putting it all together, the oddsmakers have installed Baylor as a 2-point favorite over Texas Christian, in a game where 73 points are expected. That would work out to something like a 38-35 Baylor win, which would be a fitting outcome for these two teams. But I won't be surprised if one team or the other breaks the game open, much as we saw last week in Baylor's win over Oklahoma State.
Oklahoma St. 35 - 45 Baylor (Final)
As you can see from the above score, Oklahoma State kept running its offense, and the Pokes did end up with 35 points, but they never seriously threatened Baylor. The Bears romped home with a very easy win despite: (1) playing an undefeated team, (2) on the undefeated team's home stadium, (3) the week after Baylor suffered a disappointing loss to Oklahoma, (4) without its starting quarterback, and (5) without its second-string quarterback for most of the second half. All tribute to Baylor Coach Art Briles and his staff, who did a great job of prepping the Bears for this game. Baylor jumped all over Oklahoma State, and the game was never that close. Baylor runs its all-time UCFC record to 29-20-3, and the Bears will now take the Big Gold Trophy to Fort Worth for a showdown on the day after Thanksgiving with a team we know very well -- Texas Christian.
As for Oklahoma State, the Cowboys' championship game record falls to 5-13. This is the second time in the last three years that the Cowboys took the title late in the year, only to lose it soon thereafter. In November 2013, the Cowboys took the title with a dominant 49-17 victory over Baylor -- only to lose it at home to Oklahoma two weeks later. This year, the Pokes beat Texas Christian 49-29 -- but lost the title at home to Baylor. It's pretty unusual for the Holder to lose the Big Gold Trophy at home, but OSU has now turned the trick twice in three years. It's all very disappointing for OSU fans, but they can take comfort that it now seems very likely the UCFC will be in the Big XII again next year.
As for Oklahoma State, the Cowboys' championship game record falls to 5-13. This is the second time in the last three years that the Cowboys took the title late in the year, only to lose it soon thereafter. In November 2013, the Cowboys took the title with a dominant 49-17 victory over Baylor -- only to lose it at home to Oklahoma two weeks later. This year, the Pokes beat Texas Christian 49-29 -- but lost the title at home to Baylor. It's pretty unusual for the Holder to lose the Big Gold Trophy at home, but OSU has now turned the trick twice in three years. It's all very disappointing for OSU fans, but they can take comfort that it now seems very likely the UCFC will be in the Big XII again next year.
Saturday, November 21, 2015
Oklahoma St. 14 - 38 Baylor (6:24 left in 3d Quarter)
And there's your ball game. Chris Johnson, third-string quarterback for the Baylor Bears, hurls a 71-yard TD pass to KD Cannon. As usual, there was no one close to Cannon, who got behind the defense and trotted untouched into the end zone. You rarely see that happen in most football games, but you will usually see it several times a game in the Big XII.
OK, I admit that I was totally wrong about this game. Oklahoma State was undefeated, they were at home, they destroyed Texas Christian two weeks ago, and they were taking on a banged-up Baylor team that had just lost to Oklahoma in Waco. Two years ago, OSU dominated an undefeated Baylor team, and I expected something similar today. But OSU was badly overmatched in this game -- they couldn't stop Baylor at all, even when the Bears were forced to use their third-string quarterback. Meanwhile, their own offense could do nothing with a Baylor defense that gave up 44 points to Oklahoma last week.
Per our usual practice, we stop live-blogging once someone has a 24-point lead, although we'll keep an eye open to make sure nothing extraordinary occurs. We'll do a wrap-up post after the game, and that post will probably be very complimentary toward the Baylor Bears.
OK, I admit that I was totally wrong about this game. Oklahoma State was undefeated, they were at home, they destroyed Texas Christian two weeks ago, and they were taking on a banged-up Baylor team that had just lost to Oklahoma in Waco. Two years ago, OSU dominated an undefeated Baylor team, and I expected something similar today. But OSU was badly overmatched in this game -- they couldn't stop Baylor at all, even when the Bears were forced to use their third-string quarterback. Meanwhile, their own offense could do nothing with a Baylor defense that gave up 44 points to Oklahoma last week.
Per our usual practice, we stop live-blogging once someone has a 24-point lead, although we'll keep an eye open to make sure nothing extraordinary occurs. We'll do a wrap-up post after the game, and that post will probably be very complimentary toward the Baylor Bears.
Oklahoma St. 14 - 31 Baylor (8:04 left in 3d Quarter)
OSU got to the Baylor 45, but couldn't get any further, so the Pokes were forced to punt. Baylor will start from its own 18.
The bottom line is that the OSU offensive line can't do much of anything with Baylor's defensive line. OSU is basically without a running game at this point, because Baylor smashes every running play. And on every passing play, OSU QB Mason Rudolph is running for his life.
Baylor now has the chance to put this game away with one more touchdown, although it's hard to see OSU coming up with 17 more points before the game is over.
The bottom line is that the OSU offensive line can't do much of anything with Baylor's defensive line. OSU is basically without a running game at this point, because Baylor smashes every running play. And on every passing play, OSU QB Mason Rudolph is running for his life.
Baylor now has the chance to put this game away with one more touchdown, although it's hard to see OSU coming up with 17 more points before the game is over.
Oklahoma St. 14 - 31 Baylor (9:59 left in 3d Quarter)
And now the roof has fallen in on Oklahoma St. Coming out of the timeout on 3d and 8 from his own 20, third-string quarterback Chris Johnson scrambled for a first down. And then Baylor kept going, until the Bears had reached the OSU 39. And then Johnson HURLED A 39-YARD TOUCHDOWN PASS to Jay Lee of Allen H.S. in Allen, Tex.
It's starting to appear that the standings were misleading, and that there's a big gap between Baylor and Oklahoma, on the one hand, and OSU and Texas Christian, on the other hand. Even the Vegas folks -- who picked Baylor to win this game (unlike me) -- thought the game would be close, and the Pokes would score almost 40 points. But OSU has looked hapless ever since the first quarter, while Baylor appears to be getting stronger.
It's starting to appear that the standings were misleading, and that there's a big gap between Baylor and Oklahoma, on the one hand, and OSU and Texas Christian, on the other hand. Even the Vegas folks -- who picked Baylor to win this game (unlike me) -- thought the game would be close, and the Pokes would score almost 40 points. But OSU has looked hapless ever since the first quarter, while Baylor appears to be getting stronger.
Oklahoma St. 14 - 24 Baylor (13:27 left in 3d Quarter)
Facing 2d and 8 from his own 20, Chris Johnson threw his first pass of the year -- a long bomb that looked sure to go for a touchdown. But at the last second, OSU defensive back Tre Flowers (of Judson H.S. in Converse, Tex.) batted the ball away. Then Baylor got flummoxed and had to call time to avoid a delay of game.
Meanwhile, in Norman, OU is starting to roll. The Sooners lead 23-7 over Texas Christian at the half.
Meanwhile, in Norman, OU is starting to roll. The Sooners lead 23-7 over Texas Christian at the half.
Oklahoma St. 14 - 24 Baylor (13:57 left in 3d Quarter)
For the seventh time tonight, Oklahoma State is forced to punt. Baylor will start from its own 18.
Stidham is not coming into the game for Baylor. The Bears are being led by Chris Johnson, of Bryan H.S. in Bryan, Tex. He is a sophomore who has not thrown a pass all year.
Stidham is not coming into the game for Baylor. The Bears are being led by Chris Johnson, of Bryan H.S. in Bryan, Tex. He is a sophomore who has not thrown a pass all year.
Oklahoma St. 14 - 24 Baylor (14:53 left in 3d Quarter)
OSU takes the kickoff to start the second half, and the Pokes will go to work from their own 23.
FOX reports that Jarrett Stidham, the Baylor QB, is plainly banged up and may have to be replaced. If that happens, the Bears will be down to their third-string quarterback. On the other hand, that worked out pretty well for Ohio State last year.
FOX reports that Jarrett Stidham, the Baylor QB, is plainly banged up and may have to be replaced. If that happens, the Bears will be down to their third-string quarterback. On the other hand, that worked out pretty well for Ohio State last year.
Oklahoma St. 14 - 24 Baylor (Halftime)
OSU's offense continued to struggle, and the Pokes were forced to punt for the sixth time in the first half. OSU scored no points in the second quarter, which will not get it done in the Big XII. Baylor took a knee, and the half was over.
In the first half -- and especially in the second quarter -- Baylor was dominant. The Bears have 438 total yards, compared to only 188 for OSU. But Baylor also had two fumbles that killed promising drives, and their back-up QB -- who had been playing extremely well -- has apparently suffered an ankle injury that could be quite significant. So this game is very much up for grabs as we await the second half.
In the first half -- and especially in the second quarter -- Baylor was dominant. The Bears have 438 total yards, compared to only 188 for OSU. But Baylor also had two fumbles that killed promising drives, and their back-up QB -- who had been playing extremely well -- has apparently suffered an ankle injury that could be quite significant. So this game is very much up for grabs as we await the second half.
Oklahoma St. 14 - 24 Baylor (45 seconds left in 2d quarter)
Baylor was moving once again, but the FOX guys pointed out that Stidham is basically a statue -- his heavily taped ankle prevents him from moving. This fact led to a disaster when OSU defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah (of George Bush H.S. in Houston) sacked the helpless Stidham, forcing a FUMBLE which Ogbah himself recovered at the OSU 38.
Oklahoma St. 14 - 24 Baylor (2:15 left in 2d Quarter)
OSU is suddenly in real trouble here. The Cowboys' offense isn't doing anything. Once again, OSU is forced to punt, and Baylor will start from its own 42. On the other hand, Baylor QB Jarrett Stidham is now playing on a heavily-taped ankle.
Oklahoma St. 14 - 24 Baylor (3:25 left in 2d Quarter)
On FOX, they are reporting that Baylor QB Jarrett Stidham, who entered this game with a bad back, appears to have suffered an injury. The Baylor trainers are working on him. Meanwhile, Chris Callahan booted a 34-yard field goal to give the Bears a 10-point lead.
Over in Norman, OU has taken a 10-7 lead with 11 minutes to go before half.
Over in Norman, OU has taken a 10-7 lead with 11 minutes to go before half.
Oklahoma St. 14 - 21 Baylor (3:30 left in 2d Quarter)
So far, the Baylor Bears have 420 yards in total offense, compared to 192 for OSU. Baylor also has 20 first downs, compared to 7 first downs for the Cowboys. But the Bears only lead by seven points. Now Baylor faces a 4th and 5 at the OSU 17. Baylor Coach Art Briles has called time as he tried to decide whether to kick a field goal.
Oklahoma St. 14 - 21 Baylor (6:52 left in 2d Quarter)
OSU's offense has struggled now for several possessions in a row. The Pokes can't do much with the ball, and they punt to the Baylor 25. OSU has been great at coming from behind all year, but they don't want to keep letting Baylor have the momentum.
In Norman, OU and Texas Christian are tied 7-7 with 13:45 left in the 2d Quarter.
In Norman, OU and Texas Christian are tied 7-7 with 13:45 left in the 2d Quarter.
Oklahoma St. 14 - 21 Baylor (8:17 left in 2d Quarter)
Baylor appeared to be driving down the field toward another touchdown when Shock Linwood appeared to fumble. Kevin Peterson (of Wagoner H.S. in Wagoner, Okla.) scooped up the ball, but the officials had whistled the play dead. On review, however, this call was overturned, and the ball was AWARDED TO OSU. Pokes will start from their own 29.
Oklahoma St. 14 - 21 Baylor (12:12 left in 2d Quarter)
OSU makes a few first downs, but an offensive pass interference penalty hurts the drive, and they are forced to punt from midfield. The Bears will start from their own 20, and they have a great chance to rebuild the 14-point lead they enjoyed early in the first quarter.
By the way, it's about 35 degrees in Stillwater tonight -- by far the coldest game we've seen all year.
Meanwhile, in Norman, Okla., Texas Christian leads Oklahoma 7-0 with 4:43 left in the first quarter. If Baylor wins tonight, they will take the Big Gold Trophy back to Fort Worth for a showdown with the Horned Frogs.
By the way, it's about 35 degrees in Stillwater tonight -- by far the coldest game we've seen all year.
Meanwhile, in Norman, Okla., Texas Christian leads Oklahoma 7-0 with 4:43 left in the first quarter. If Baylor wins tonight, they will take the Big Gold Trophy back to Fort Worth for a showdown with the Horned Frogs.
Oklahoma St. 14 - 21 Baylor (14:57 left in 2d Quarter)
In a game like this one, you can't afford to waste a possession. OSU gave up the ball on 4th and 1 from their own 37, and Baylor made them pay. The Bears go 83 yards in 13 plays, scoring on a one-yard run by Devin Chafin (of Buckburnett H.S. in Buckburnett, Tex.) And Baylor has regained the lead.
One of the nice things about blogging Big XII action is that you get to hear a lot of the always-excellent Gus Johnson on FOX. Gus's color commentator just said that this game feels like a heavyweight fight, with both teams throwing haymakers, and I can certainly see his point.
One of the nice things about blogging Big XII action is that you get to hear a lot of the always-excellent Gus Johnson on FOX. Gus's color commentator just said that this game feels like a heavyweight fight, with both teams throwing haymakers, and I can certainly see his point.
Oklahoma St. 14 - 14 Baylor (end of 1st Quarter)
That last OSU punt took place when the Cowboys were facing 4th and 1 from their own 37. In a game like this one, I don't think it makes much sense to punt in that situation. In the first place, you're probably going to make 4th and 1. In the second place, your own defense is so weak that it doesn't really matter whether the other team starts from your 37 or their 17. Baylor has stormed down the field, and when we return to action, the Bears will have a second and goal from the OSU 1.
Oklahoma St. 14 - 14 Baylor (3:06 left in 1st Quarter)
The Baylor defense holds, and OSU punts to the Baylor 17.
Oklahoma St. 14 - 14 Balor (5:13 left in 1st Quarter)
Baylor charged back down the field as soon as it got the kickoff, but the Bears' drive stalled at the OSU 28, and a 45-yard field goal try by Chris Callahan was no good. The Pokes will start from their own 28.
Oklahoma St. 14 - 14 Baylor (6:40 left in 1st Quarter)
Well, if you tuned in wanting to see what exactly is the deal with these offenses in the Big XII, you are getting your money's worth. Baylor took the OSU kickoff and drove to the OSU 42, but were stopped on 4th and 4. Two plays later, OSU QB Mason Rudolph (of Rock Hill, S.C.) threw a 39-yard touchdown pass to James Washington of Stamford H.S. in Stamford, Tex. Washington made a spectacular catch in the end zone, and suddenly this game is tied.
Over to you, Baylor.
Over to you, Baylor.
Oklahoma St. 7 - 14 Baylor (8:38 left in 1st Quarter)
The Big XII, everyone!
OSU takes the Baylor kickoff and goes 77 yards in 10 plays to get the first of what will probably be multiple touchdowns by the Cowpokes tonight. The scoring play is a five-year pass from J.W. Walsh (of Guyer H.S. in Denton, Tex.) to Jalen McCluskey of St. Paul's H.S. in Covington, La.
In less than seven minutes of game time, we have had four possessions and three touchdowns.
OSU takes the Baylor kickoff and goes 77 yards in 10 plays to get the first of what will probably be multiple touchdowns by the Cowpokes tonight. The scoring play is a five-year pass from J.W. Walsh (of Guyer H.S. in Denton, Tex.) to Jalen McCluskey of St. Paul's H.S. in Covington, La.
In less than seven minutes of game time, we have had four possessions and three touchdowns.
Oklahoma St. 0 - 14 Baylor (11:56 left in 1st Quarter)
Wow! Baylor didn't look like this two years ago, when they lost the UCFC at OSU. Nor did they look like this last week, when Oklahoma controlled them for most of the game. But for now, they look like the Bears that we have seen run up so many points in the UCFC during the last few years. On 3d and 4 from his own 41, Bear quarterback Jarrett Stridham (of Stephenville H.S. in Stephenville, Tex.) hurls a long pass to KD Cannon (of Mount Pleasant H.S. in Mount Pleasant, Tex.) As often happens in the Big XII, once Cannon caught the ball, there was no one between him and the goal, and he ran untouched into the end zone.
OSU's defense played pretty well two weeks ago against Texas Christian, but it looks pretty awful so far tonight.
OSU's defense played pretty well two weeks ago against Texas Christian, but it looks pretty awful so far tonight.
Oklahoma St. 0 - 7 Baylor (13:17 left in 1st Quarter)
The Baylor Bears are fired up! Their defense forces OSU to go three and out, and after the punt the Bears will start from their own 23.
Uniform watch: OSU and Baylor are two teams who have so many uniform combinations that it's hard to know what their "normal" uniform even is. OSU is wearing orange helmets with some sort of Cowboy logo, black jerseys with orange numerals, and orange pants with black socks. Baylor has white helmets with the traditional "BU" logo in green, white shirts with green numerals and gold shoulders, and green pants. It is a remarkably traditional look for the Bears.
Uniform watch: OSU and Baylor are two teams who have so many uniform combinations that it's hard to know what their "normal" uniform even is. OSU is wearing orange helmets with some sort of Cowboy logo, black jerseys with orange numerals, and orange pants with black socks. Baylor has white helmets with the traditional "BU" logo in green, white shirts with green numerals and gold shoulders, and green pants. It is a remarkably traditional look for the Bears.
Oklahoma St. 0 - 7 Baylor (14:04 left in 1st Quarter)
Well, here we go. As I was picking Oklahoma State to beat Baylor, the Bears were taking the opening kickoff and going 64 yards in only 4 plays for a touchdown. The scoring play was a 5-yard run by Shock Linwood of Linden-Kildare H.S. in Linden. Tex. Chris Callahan (of Second Baptist School in Houston) kicked the extra point, and the Bears have an early lead.
Oklahoma St. v. Baylor
A few weeks ago, we noted that the Big XII title was going to be decided in a November round-robin involving Baylor, Texas Christian, Oklahoma State, and Oklahoma. Here is what has happened so far:
1. On November 7, Oklahoma State whipped Texas Christian in Stillwater, Okla., beating the Horned Frogs 49-29 and taking the UCFC.
2. On November 14, Oklahoma went to Waco, Tex. and beat Baylor 44-34. So now the Big XII standings look like this (AP rankings in parentheses):
(4) Oklahoma St. 7-0, 10-0
(7) Oklahoma 6-1, 9-1
(11) Texas Christian 6-1, 9-1
(10) Baylor 5-1, 8-1
Texas 3-4, 4-6
W. Virginia 3-4, 6-4
Texas Tech 3-5, 6-5
Iowa St. 2-6, 3-8
Kansas St. 1-6, 4-6
Kansas 0-8, 0-11
So as you can see, this is an enormous game, not only for the UCFC, but for the national scene. With Ohio State losing this afternoon, Oklahoma State is now one of only three undefeated major-conference teams (the others being Iowa and Clemson). If Oklahoma State can win its last two games of this year -- this one and next week's Bedlam game with Oklahoma -- the Cowboys will almost certainly be in the College Football Playoff.
But on the other hand, if Baylor can win out, the Bears still have a good chance to win the Big XII and get into the playoff themselves. Unfortunately for Baylor, their season is crumbling under a barrage of injuries. Seth Russell, the Bears' star quarterback, suffered a neck injury in a late-October game against Iowa State, and is out for the year. Jarrett Stridham, the Bears' back-up quarterback (who is a freshman), suffered a back injury last week against Oklahoma, although he is expected to play through it. I thought Baylor really missed Russell last week against Oklahoma -- they just didn't have the explosiveness that they normally show at home. And, of course, we know that Baylor -- like almost everyone in the Big XII -- tends to struggle on the road. The last time they game to Stillwater was November 23, 2013. At the time, they were undefeated and had held the UCFC for over a year, but the Cowboys pounded them, 49 to 17. If they are to avoid a similar fate tonight, their defense will have to provide some support for their freshman quarterback.
The oddsmakers think that this game will be a classic. Baylor is actually favored by 2 1/2 points in a game where the teams are expected to score 76 1/2 points. That would be something like a 39-37 win for the Bears. I usually think the oddsmakers get it right, but I'm going the other way tonight. I think Oklahoma State is much better at home than they are on the road, and I think they will be too much for Baylor.
1. On November 7, Oklahoma State whipped Texas Christian in Stillwater, Okla., beating the Horned Frogs 49-29 and taking the UCFC.
2. On November 14, Oklahoma went to Waco, Tex. and beat Baylor 44-34. So now the Big XII standings look like this (AP rankings in parentheses):
(4) Oklahoma St. 7-0, 10-0
(7) Oklahoma 6-1, 9-1
(11) Texas Christian 6-1, 9-1
(10) Baylor 5-1, 8-1
Texas 3-4, 4-6
W. Virginia 3-4, 6-4
Texas Tech 3-5, 6-5
Iowa St. 2-6, 3-8
Kansas St. 1-6, 4-6
Kansas 0-8, 0-11
So as you can see, this is an enormous game, not only for the UCFC, but for the national scene. With Ohio State losing this afternoon, Oklahoma State is now one of only three undefeated major-conference teams (the others being Iowa and Clemson). If Oklahoma State can win its last two games of this year -- this one and next week's Bedlam game with Oklahoma -- the Cowboys will almost certainly be in the College Football Playoff.
But on the other hand, if Baylor can win out, the Bears still have a good chance to win the Big XII and get into the playoff themselves. Unfortunately for Baylor, their season is crumbling under a barrage of injuries. Seth Russell, the Bears' star quarterback, suffered a neck injury in a late-October game against Iowa State, and is out for the year. Jarrett Stridham, the Bears' back-up quarterback (who is a freshman), suffered a back injury last week against Oklahoma, although he is expected to play through it. I thought Baylor really missed Russell last week against Oklahoma -- they just didn't have the explosiveness that they normally show at home. And, of course, we know that Baylor -- like almost everyone in the Big XII -- tends to struggle on the road. The last time they game to Stillwater was November 23, 2013. At the time, they were undefeated and had held the UCFC for over a year, but the Cowboys pounded them, 49 to 17. If they are to avoid a similar fate tonight, their defense will have to provide some support for their freshman quarterback.
The oddsmakers think that this game will be a classic. Baylor is actually favored by 2 1/2 points in a game where the teams are expected to score 76 1/2 points. That would be something like a 39-37 win for the Bears. I usually think the oddsmakers get it right, but I'm going the other way tonight. I think Oklahoma State is much better at home than they are on the road, and I think they will be too much for Baylor.
Iowa St. 31 - 35 Oklahoma St. (Final)
Well, I saw an outstanding production of Godspell -- I really like "Save the People." And while I was gone, the OSU defense finally slammed the door on Iowa State, thus allowing the Cowboys to retain the UCFC. But you never know what's going to happen when you tune in for the UCFC -- Iowa State certainly gave it the old college try. This game was, in fact, the closest the Cyclones have ever come to winning the Big Gold Trophy. However, they were finally defeated -- and their all-time UCFC record drops to 0-9.
As for Oklahoma State, they are now 5-12 in UCFC games. More importantly, they are undefeated, and they have a chance to combine the National Championship with the UCFC. Also, they have no more road games. Next up, they go home to defend the UCFC against a team this blog knows very well: Baylor.
As for Oklahoma State, they are now 5-12 in UCFC games. More importantly, they are undefeated, and they have a chance to combine the National Championship with the UCFC. Also, they have no more road games. Next up, they go home to defend the UCFC against a team this blog knows very well: Baylor.
Saturday, November 14, 2015
Iowa St. 31 - 35 Oklahoma St. (3:06 left in 4th Quarter)
In the second quarter, OSU trailed 24-7. But the Pokes have now fought all the way back, driving 84 yards to take the lead. The scoring play was a 7-yard pass from Rudolph to Jeff Carr (or Temple H.S. in Temple, Tex.)
THE UCFC!
So OSU has a tenuous hold on the Big Gold Trophy. Can they hang on the rest of the way?
I'l have to find out later -- I'm off to Godspell.
THE UCFC!
So OSU has a tenuous hold on the Big Gold Trophy. Can they hang on the rest of the way?
I'l have to find out later -- I'm off to Godspell.
Iowa St. 31 - 28 Oklahoma St. (8 minutes left in 4th Quarter)
After allowing a first down or two, the OSU defense holds, and ISU punts. The Pokes will start from their own 16 -- facing a world of pressure.
Iowa St. 31 - 28 Oklahoma St. (11:33 left in 4th Quarter)
OK, now Oklahoma State may finally be playing for real. The Pokes storm down the field in nine plays, with J.W. Wash dashing in for a 16-yard touchdown run.
Well, the Big Gold Trophy is up for grabs -- but I will not be able to see how this game comes out, as I am scheduled to attend a local production of Godspell. We will have a wrap-up post later this evening.
Well, the Big Gold Trophy is up for grabs -- but I will not be able to see how this game comes out, as I am scheduled to attend a local production of Godspell. We will have a wrap-up post later this evening.
Iowa St. 31 - 21 Oklahoma St. (14:11 left in 4th Quarter)
Perhaps finally realizing what is at stake, the OSU defense holds Iowa State 3 and out, and the Clones are forced to punt. The Pokes will start from their own 42.
Iowa St. 31 - 21 Oklahoma St. (52 seconds left in 3d Quarter)
OSU's woes continue, as the OSU offense goes three and out. They punt to the ISU 31, and now the Cyclones can put Oklahoma State in a very deep hole.
Iowa St. 31 - 21 Oklahoma St. (2:04 left in 3d Quarter)
Well, that was pretty pathetic by the OSU defense. On 3d and 10 from the OSU 38, Joel Lanning -- the ISU QB -- ran 16 yards for a first down. And then, on 1st and 10 from the OSU 22, Lanning ran 22 yards untouched for the touchdown.
Iowa State has already scored more points against the Oklahoma State defense than Texas Christian did last week. In all seriousness, how is this possible? What happens to these Big XII teams when they go on the road? Why would defense vary so much depending on where the game is being played? Does the officiating have something to do with it? Is it lack of focus?
It is simply unimaginable that the top team in any other power conference would go to Iowa State and give up 31 points through three quarters. Even if OSU comes back and wins, this is an embarrassing performance.
Iowa State has already scored more points against the Oklahoma State defense than Texas Christian did last week. In all seriousness, how is this possible? What happens to these Big XII teams when they go on the road? Why would defense vary so much depending on where the game is being played? Does the officiating have something to do with it? Is it lack of focus?
It is simply unimaginable that the top team in any other power conference would go to Iowa State and give up 31 points through three quarters. Even if OSU comes back and wins, this is an embarrassing performance.
Iowa St. 24 - 21 Oklahoma St. (2:24 left in 3d Quarter)
Well, apparently OSU was determined to give this ball back to Iowa State -- a few plays after the referees awarded OSU the ball, the Pokes FUMBLE it right back. Iowa State will start from the OSU 38.
By the way, if Iowa State wins today, the next UCFC game will take place next Saturday in Manhattan, Kan., where ISU will play Kansas State.
By the way, if Iowa State wins today, the next UCFC game will take place next Saturday in Manhattan, Kan., where ISU will play Kansas State.
Iowa St. 24 - 21 Oklahoma St. (3:32 left in 3d Quarter)
Iowa State can't do anything else with the ball -- and is forced to punt. But OKLAHOMA STATE MAY HAVE ACCIDENTALLY TOUCHED THE BOUNCING PUNT, in which case Iowa State will have the ball deep in OSU territory.
The play is under review.
By the way, Big XII? You know how you don't think the rest of the country respects you? Watch the film of this game, and ask yourself when was the last time a 9-0 Alabama or Ohio State struggled against Vandy or Purdue.
To me it seems clear that the bouncing ball did not touch an OSU player, but we'll see if the officials agree.
And the officials do agree. OKLAHOMA STATE BALL. Good for them. The Pokes will start from their own 24.
The play is under review.
By the way, Big XII? You know how you don't think the rest of the country respects you? Watch the film of this game, and ask yourself when was the last time a 9-0 Alabama or Ohio State struggled against Vandy or Purdue.
To me it seems clear that the bouncing ball did not touch an OSU player, but we'll see if the officials agree.
And the officials do agree. OKLAHOMA STATE BALL. Good for them. The Pokes will start from their own 24.
Iowa St. 24 - 21 Oklahoma St. (4:52 left in 3d Quarter)
On 4th and 1 from its own 41, Iowa State goes for the first down -- and makes it with a 3-yard run by Mike Warren.
Iowa St. 24 - 21 Oklahoma St. (8:36 left in 3d Quarter)
The Cyclones have a not-very-successful kickoff return, and they will start from their own 16. The big question now is whether OSU can make the adjustments to stop ISU. A few weeks ago, Texas Christian trailed ISU 21-14 after the first quarter, and then shut out the Cyclones the rest of the way. What will happen with OSU?
Iowa St. 24 - 21 Oklahoma St. (8:44 left in 3d Quarter)
J.W. Walsh, of Guyer H.S. in Denton, Tex., is the Wildcat QB for Oklahoma State. He comes into the game, and plunges into the end zone. OSU has scored two touchdowns in its last two possessions, and the Boys are right back in this game.
Iowa St. 24 - 14 Oklahoma St. (9:39 left in 3d Quarter)
Big play here -- OSU faces 3d and 11 at the Iowa State 33.
Rudolph throws a long pass -- which makes me wonder why he wasn't going for the first down -- but I forgot we're in the Big XII. Ateman is wide open at 1 yard line, and he makes the catch. First and goal for the Pokes.
Rudolph throws a long pass -- which makes me wonder why he wasn't going for the first down -- but I forgot we're in the Big XII. Ateman is wide open at 1 yard line, and he makes the catch. First and goal for the Pokes.
Iowa St. 24 - 14 Oklahoma St. (14:55 left in 3d Quarter)
Oklahoma State commits a penalty on the second half kickoff, and the Cowpokes will start from their own 8. Not an ideal start to the half.
Uniform watch: Iowa State has uniforms that look great, in large part because they clearly imitate Southern Cal's uniforms: deep red helmets and jerseys, yellow numerals, yellow pants with two red stripes down each leg. OSU, on the other hand, is in some sort of "alternate look" -- gray helmets with the "OSU" logo, white jerseys with orange numerals, gray pants with orange and black stripes down the side.
Uniform watch: Iowa State has uniforms that look great, in large part because they clearly imitate Southern Cal's uniforms: deep red helmets and jerseys, yellow numerals, yellow pants with two red stripes down each leg. OSU, on the other hand, is in some sort of "alternate look" -- gray helmets with the "OSU" logo, white jerseys with orange numerals, gray pants with orange and black stripes down the side.
Iowa St. 24 - 14 Oklahoma St. (Halftime)
With their season on the line, the Cowboys drove 83 yards in 16 plays, with the touchdown coming on a 1-yard run by Chris Carson of Parkview H.S. in Lilburn, Ga. That score took place with 2:14 left in the half. The Cyclones couldn't do much on the ensuing possession, and the 'Clones went into the locker room with a 10-point lead.
Oklahoma State got off to a disastrous start, but they are by no means out of it. They can still prevail in the second half, especially as they get the kickoff to start the half.
Oklahoma State got off to a disastrous start, but they are by no means out of it. They can still prevail in the second half, especially as they get the kickoff to start the half.
Iowa St. 24 - 7 Oklahoma St. (9:29 left in 2d Quarter)
OK, so some of us had errands to run, and we were hoping that there wouldn't be too much drama in this game. But some of us forgot that back in 2011, Oklahoma State was 10-0 and ranked number 2 in the country -- only to lose 37-31 in double overtime to Iowa State, thus costing them a chance at the National Championship.
This week, the Cyclones don't appear to be waiting for double overtime -- they are simply thrashing the Cowboys. Here's what has happened so far:
1. With 13:10 left in the first quarter, Cyclone QB Joel Lanning (of Ankeny H.S. in Ankeny, Iowa) dashed 24 yards for a touchdown. Iowa State left 7-0.
2. With 9:44 left in the first quarter, OSU responded with a 16-yard touchdown pass from Mason Rudolph (of Rock Hill, S.C.) to Marcell Ateman (of Wylie East H.S. in Dallas) tied the game at 7.
3. With 6:58 left in the first quarter, Lanning hurled a 24-yard TD pass to Allen Lazard (of Urbandale H.S. in Urbandale, Iowa). Iowa St. led 14-7.
4. With 3:04 left in the first quarter, Cole Netten (of Ankeny H.S. in Ankeny, Iowa) booted a 21-yard field goal. Iowa St. led 17-7.
5. With 9:29 left in the secnd quarter, Joshua Thomas (of Buford H.S. in Buford, Ga.) plunged across from 1 yard out for another Cyclone touchdown. So now, Iowa State leads 24-7, and OSU is in grave danger of losing the UCFC.
This week, the Cyclones don't appear to be waiting for double overtime -- they are simply thrashing the Cowboys. Here's what has happened so far:
1. With 13:10 left in the first quarter, Cyclone QB Joel Lanning (of Ankeny H.S. in Ankeny, Iowa) dashed 24 yards for a touchdown. Iowa State left 7-0.
2. With 9:44 left in the first quarter, OSU responded with a 16-yard touchdown pass from Mason Rudolph (of Rock Hill, S.C.) to Marcell Ateman (of Wylie East H.S. in Dallas) tied the game at 7.
3. With 6:58 left in the first quarter, Lanning hurled a 24-yard TD pass to Allen Lazard (of Urbandale H.S. in Urbandale, Iowa). Iowa St. led 14-7.
4. With 3:04 left in the first quarter, Cole Netten (of Ankeny H.S. in Ankeny, Iowa) booted a 21-yard field goal. Iowa St. led 17-7.
5. With 9:29 left in the secnd quarter, Joshua Thomas (of Buford H.S. in Buford, Ga.) plunged across from 1 yard out for another Cyclone touchdown. So now, Iowa State leads 24-7, and OSU is in grave danger of losing the UCFC.
Iowa St. v. Oklahoma St.
So, for the second time this year, the Big Gold Trophy comes to Ames, Iowa. Here's a story we didn't get to tell a few weeks ago, when Texas Christian played at Iowa State. The Iowa State Cyclones play in Jack Trice Stadium. In 1923, Jack Trice was an African-American player for Iowa State who traveled with the rest of the squad for a game at the University of Minnesota. After having to stay at a separate hotel from his white teammates, he suffered a broken collarbone during the game. He insisted on returning to the game, and suffered further injuries. Doctors said he was fit to travel -- but the next day he died from internal bleeding. Iowa State -- believing that Trice had been targeted by racist players at Minnesota -- did not play the Golden Gophers again until 1989.
For most of its history, Iowa State's home ground was known as Cyclone Stadium. In 1975, the playing field was named Jack Trice Field in honor of Iowa State's first African-American athlete. After persistent requests by students, the stadium was renamed Jack Trice Stadium in 1997. According to Wikipedia, it is the only Division I-A Stadium named after an African American individual.
So here's where the Big XII stands (AP poll position in parentheses):
(5) Oklahoma St.: 6-0, 9-0
(4) Baylor: 5-0, 8-0
(12) Oklahoma: 5-1, 8-1
(13) Texas Christian: 5-1, 8-1
Texas: 3-3, 4-5
Iowa St: 2-4, 3-6
Texas Tech: 2-5, 5-5
W. Virginia: 1-4, 4-4
Kansas St: 0-5, 3-5
Kansas: 0-6, 0-9
The bottom line is this: if either Oklahoma State or Baylor can finish the season undefeated, they will carry the Unofficial College Football Championship into the NCAA Playoffs. If neither team finishes undefeated, then the Big XII will probably be locked out of the playoffs for the second year in a row -- a development that would cause great angst throughout Big XII-land.
It won't be easy for Oklahoma State or Baylor to finish undefeated. Here's what Baylor has left:
11/14: (12) OKLAHOMA
11/21: at (5) Oklahoma St.
11/27: at (13) Texas Christian
12/5: TEXAS
And here's what Oklahoma State has left:
11/14: at Iowa St.
11/21: (4) BAYLOR
11/28: (12) OKLAHOMA
As you can see, Oklahoma State has the significant advantage of getting to play Baylor and Oklahoma at home. But of course, that won't matter if the Cowpokes stumble today against Iowa State. That shouldn't happen. Iowa State only has three wins: a 31-7 win over Northern Iowa, a 38-13 win over winless Kansas, and a 24-0 win over Texas. The Cyclones lost at home to both Iowa (17-31) and Texas Christian (21-45). But they were game in both of those contests, and I am confident they will give it the old college try today. Home field advantage counts for a lot in the Big XII, and Oklahoma State better not be looking ahead to next week's showdown with Baylor.
I am confident that this is the biggest Iowa State/Oklahoma State game ever played. For most of college football history, the Cyclones and the Cowboys have struggled. Iowa State ranks 106th out of 129 I-A schools in winning percentage, while Oklahoma State is 82d in that category. But they were both in the old Big 8 for many years, so this will be the 50th meeting between the two schools. Oklahoma State leads the all-time series 28-18-3, and neither team has ever won more than four in a row against the other. Oklahoma State has won five of the last six meetings, including three straight. They have never previously met for the UCFC.
The oddsmakers like Oklahoma State today -- the Cowboys are a 14-point favorite in a game where 61 points are expected to be played. That would work out to something like a 37-23 win for OSU. Unless the weather in Ames is terrible, I would expect more points than that.
For most of its history, Iowa State's home ground was known as Cyclone Stadium. In 1975, the playing field was named Jack Trice Field in honor of Iowa State's first African-American athlete. After persistent requests by students, the stadium was renamed Jack Trice Stadium in 1997. According to Wikipedia, it is the only Division I-A Stadium named after an African American individual.
So here's where the Big XII stands (AP poll position in parentheses):
(5) Oklahoma St.: 6-0, 9-0
(4) Baylor: 5-0, 8-0
(12) Oklahoma: 5-1, 8-1
(13) Texas Christian: 5-1, 8-1
Texas: 3-3, 4-5
Iowa St: 2-4, 3-6
Texas Tech: 2-5, 5-5
W. Virginia: 1-4, 4-4
Kansas St: 0-5, 3-5
Kansas: 0-6, 0-9
The bottom line is this: if either Oklahoma State or Baylor can finish the season undefeated, they will carry the Unofficial College Football Championship into the NCAA Playoffs. If neither team finishes undefeated, then the Big XII will probably be locked out of the playoffs for the second year in a row -- a development that would cause great angst throughout Big XII-land.
It won't be easy for Oklahoma State or Baylor to finish undefeated. Here's what Baylor has left:
11/14: (12) OKLAHOMA
11/21: at (5) Oklahoma St.
11/27: at (13) Texas Christian
12/5: TEXAS
And here's what Oklahoma State has left:
11/14: at Iowa St.
11/21: (4) BAYLOR
11/28: (12) OKLAHOMA
As you can see, Oklahoma State has the significant advantage of getting to play Baylor and Oklahoma at home. But of course, that won't matter if the Cowpokes stumble today against Iowa State. That shouldn't happen. Iowa State only has three wins: a 31-7 win over Northern Iowa, a 38-13 win over winless Kansas, and a 24-0 win over Texas. The Cyclones lost at home to both Iowa (17-31) and Texas Christian (21-45). But they were game in both of those contests, and I am confident they will give it the old college try today. Home field advantage counts for a lot in the Big XII, and Oklahoma State better not be looking ahead to next week's showdown with Baylor.
I am confident that this is the biggest Iowa State/Oklahoma State game ever played. For most of college football history, the Cyclones and the Cowboys have struggled. Iowa State ranks 106th out of 129 I-A schools in winning percentage, while Oklahoma State is 82d in that category. But they were both in the old Big 8 for many years, so this will be the 50th meeting between the two schools. Oklahoma State leads the all-time series 28-18-3, and neither team has ever won more than four in a row against the other. Oklahoma State has won five of the last six meetings, including three straight. They have never previously met for the UCFC.
The oddsmakers like Oklahoma State today -- the Cowboys are a 14-point favorite in a game where 61 points are expected to be played. That would work out to something like a 37-23 win for OSU. Unless the weather in Ames is terrible, I would expect more points than that.
Oklahoma St. 49 - 29 Texas Christian (Final)
Back on November 23, 2013, Baylor rolled into Stillwater, Okla. after having defended the UCFC twelve times in a row -- and Oklahoma State rolled them 49-17. This year, Texas Christian came in with a string of 13 UCFC defenses -- the longest such string since the great USC teams of the mid-2000's -- and the Pokes pounded them 49-29. We spent much of this game complaining about the Texas Christian defense -- and it was terrible. But we should probably give credit to Oklahoma State, who played a very good game. They did give up 445 passing yards to Trevone Boykin, but they only allowed one touchdown pass. Oklahoma State also sacked Boykin three times and intercepted him four times -- and you can stop a lot of drives that way. The bottom line is that Texas Christian had only 9 points when Oklahoma State had 35 -- and that's pretty good defense by any measure.
On the other hand, we'll have plenty of time to write about Oklahoma State later. It's appropriate right now to bid a fond farewell to a Texas Christian team that has played some incredible football over the last two years. The Horned Frogs now have an all-time record of 45-20-6 in the UCFC, which is very impressive. And we will greatly miss Trevone Boykin and Josh Doctson, who are one of the most dynamic duos we have ever seen in college football. If Doctson had not gotten hurt against Oklahoma State, things may have been difference.
We should also note that all is not necessarily lost for Texas Christian. Baylor will play Oklahoma State on November 21 -- and if the Bears take the Big Gold Trophy in that game, they will bring it to Fort Worth, Tex. for a showdown with Texas Christian on November 27.
As for the new Champs, Oklahoma State is now 4-12 in UCFC competition. The last time they took the title, back in 2013, they immediately lost it in the next game to Oklahoma. We'll see if they do better this time.
On the other hand, we'll have plenty of time to write about Oklahoma State later. It's appropriate right now to bid a fond farewell to a Texas Christian team that has played some incredible football over the last two years. The Horned Frogs now have an all-time record of 45-20-6 in the UCFC, which is very impressive. And we will greatly miss Trevone Boykin and Josh Doctson, who are one of the most dynamic duos we have ever seen in college football. If Doctson had not gotten hurt against Oklahoma State, things may have been difference.
We should also note that all is not necessarily lost for Texas Christian. Baylor will play Oklahoma State on November 21 -- and if the Bears take the Big Gold Trophy in that game, they will bring it to Fort Worth, Tex. for a showdown with Texas Christian on November 27.
As for the new Champs, Oklahoma State is now 4-12 in UCFC competition. The last time they took the title, back in 2013, they immediately lost it in the next game to Oklahoma. We'll see if they do better this time.
Saturday, November 7, 2015
Oklahoma St. 35 - 9 Texas Christian (12:08 left in 3d Quarter)
Some teams in this situation would have tried to make a goal line stand. Instead, Texas Christian's defense mostly stands around and watches J.W. Walsh, a wildcat quarterback from Guyer H.S. in Denton, Tex., take the snap and dash into the end zone.
Now that OSU is up by 26 points, we will stop our blogging unless something very unusual happens. We'll have a wrap-up later. But by then, this page will probably be a different color.
Now that OSU is up by 26 points, we will stop our blogging unless something very unusual happens. We'll have a wrap-up later. But by then, this page will probably be a different color.
Oklahoma St. 28 - 9 Texas Christian (12:11 left in 3d Quarter)
And there's your ball game. Boykin throws a pass over the middle, which is INTERCEPTED by Chad Whitener, a sophomore linebacker from Mansfield H.S. in Mansfield, Tex. He races down to the Texas Christian 2, and OSU will soon expand its lead.
Oklahoma St. 28 - 9 Texas Christian (12:21 left in 3d Quarter)
As usual, the Texas Christian defense wakes up once the Horned Frogs are way behind. They hold Oklahoma State, and the Cowboys are forced to punt. Texas Christian will start from its own 19.
It should be noted that in the first half, Texas Christian missed an extra point and a field goal. The Frogs also decided not to kick a field goal when they had a 4th and 3 at the OSU 14, and they got no points on that drive. If the Frogs had gotten those seven points, this game would look different.
Oklahoma St. 28 - 9 Texas Christian (15 minutes left in 3d Quarter)
The Cowboys will get the ball to start the second half, and if Texas Christian's defense plays the way it did in the first half, OSU can put this game away.
On FOX, they showed Texas Christian Coach Gary Patterson yelling at his players. He probably should have said something to them before the game began. But let's be honest -- Texas Christian has been doing this sort of thing all year -- falling behind, and then trying to make a desperate effort to catch up. Today, it's probably going to cost them.
On FOX, they showed Texas Christian Coach Gary Patterson yelling at his players. He probably should have said something to them before the game began. But let's be honest -- Texas Christian has been doing this sort of thing all year -- falling behind, and then trying to make a desperate effort to catch up. Today, it's probably going to cost them.
Oklahoma St. 28 - 9 Texas Christian (Halftime)
In the first half, Trevone Boykin went 17 of 31 for 241 yards -- but he had no touchdown passes, because Oklahoma State's defense actually tackled the Texas Christian receivers. On the other side of the ball, Mason Rudolph only threw 17 passes and only completed 12 -- but he has 272 yards and 4 touchdowns, because his receivers ran untouched threw the Texas Christian secondary. He had a 48-yard TD pass, a 50-yard TD pass, and an 82-yard TD pass -- all in the same half.
I'm sure a lot of Texas Christian fans have been frustrated that their team hasn't gotten more respect on the national stage. But today you can see why that is the case. Today is the first time all year that the Horned Frogs have played a ranked team -- and they simply have not been competitive.
I'm sure a lot of Texas Christian fans have been frustrated that their team hasn't gotten more respect on the national stage. But today you can see why that is the case. Today is the first time all year that the Horned Frogs have played a ranked team -- and they simply have not been competitive.
Oklahoma St. 28 - 9 Texas Christian (49 seconds left in 2d Quarter)
Without Doctson, the Texas Christian offense stalls, and Oberkrom misses a 49-yard field goal.
Oklahoma St. 28 - 9 Texas Christian (1:54 left in 2d Quarter)
As usual, Boykin and Doctson are forced to try to win the game by themselves. They have taken the Frogs from their own 1 to the OSU 34. But now Doctson -- who has 6 catches for 64 yards in this game -- has left the field with an injured wrist. So Boykin is on his own.
Oklahoma St. 28 - 9 Texas Christian (4:13 left in 2d Quarter)
Oklahoma State's drive gets off to a good start, but stalls close to midfield. The Cowboys' punt is down at the Texas Christian 1 -- the second time this half that the Frogs have started inside their own 5.
Oklahoma St. 28 - 9 Texas Christian (6:49 left in 2d Quarter)
The Frogs have to punt, and OSU will start from its own 10. The Cowboys can put the game away right now.
Oklahoma St. 28 - 9 Texas Christian (8 minutes left in 2d Quarter)
In all seriousness, Texas Christian probably has the worst defense of any team that has ever been ranked in the top 5 of the AP Poll. On 3d and 6 from the OSU 18, Mason Rudolph drops back to pass -- and soon lobs a huge bomb down the middle of the field. Now if you didn't know much about Texas Christian, you would think that's probably not a good way to get a first down. But if you do know about Texas Christian, you will not be surprised to know that Marcell Ateman, an OSU wide receiver from Wylie East H.S. in Dallas, is all alone about 15 yards behind the entire Texas Christian defense. He catches the ball and goes unchecked for an 82-yard touchdown pass.
So, to repeat: Texas Christian had a 4th and 3 at the OSU 14. A field goal would have made the score 21-12. Instead, Texas Christian tried a silly corner end zone pass, and turned the ball over on downs. Then, less than a minute later, Texas Christian lets an OSU receiver go untouched for an 82-yard touchdown pass. Now it's 28-9. Just an embarrassing performance for both the Texas Christian coaching staff and the Texas Christian defense.
Next Saturday, Oklahoma State will be heading to Iowa State. So it appears that the Cyclones will get to host the UCFC twice in one season.
So, to repeat: Texas Christian had a 4th and 3 at the OSU 14. A field goal would have made the score 21-12. Instead, Texas Christian tried a silly corner end zone pass, and turned the ball over on downs. Then, less than a minute later, Texas Christian lets an OSU receiver go untouched for an 82-yard touchdown pass. Now it's 28-9. Just an embarrassing performance for both the Texas Christian coaching staff and the Texas Christian defense.
Next Saturday, Oklahoma State will be heading to Iowa State. So it appears that the Cyclones will get to host the UCFC twice in one season.
Oklahoma St. 21 - 9 Texas Christian (8:54 left in 2d Quarter)
Facing 4th and 3, on a day where they need every point they can get, the Frogs eschew the field goal, eschew any effort to make a first down, and do that stupid lob pass into the corner of the end zone. That pass is almost always out of bounds, and it goes out of bounds again. OSU takes over, and gets that much closer to winning the Big Gold Trophy.
Oklahoma St. 21 - 9 Texas Christian (9:22 left in 2d Quarter)
Boykin is willing the Frogs down the field -- he just picked up 12 yards on a scramble where he was almost sacked 10 yards behind the line of scrimmage. But now Texas Christian faces a 4th and 3 at the Oklahoma St. 14. The Frogs have called time to review their options.
Oklahoma St. 21 - 9 Texas Christian (11:57 left in 2d Quarter)
Texas Christian has a 2d and 10 at the OSU 38.
Uniform watch: Texas Christian is wearing white helmets with the horned frog and "TCU" logo, white shirts with purple numerals in that stencil font it uses, and white pants. OSU is wearing black helmets with some sort of silver cowboy logo, black shirts with orange numerals, and black pants.
Oklahoma State's stadium, by the way, is one of the very few I've ever seen which is laid out east to west, so that in the late afternoon, one of the teams has the sun in its eyes.
Uniform watch: Texas Christian is wearing white helmets with the horned frog and "TCU" logo, white shirts with purple numerals in that stencil font it uses, and white pants. OSU is wearing black helmets with some sort of silver cowboy logo, black shirts with orange numerals, and black pants.
Oklahoma State's stadium, by the way, is one of the very few I've ever seen which is laid out east to west, so that in the late afternoon, one of the teams has the sun in its eyes.
Oklahoma St. 21 - 9 Texas Christian (13:37 left in 2d Quarter)
Texas Christian has understood all year that if they want to win the Big XII Championship, much less the National Championship, their defense has to get better. They survived a terrible defensive performance on the road at Texas Tech. Their defense got off to terrible starts at Kansas State and Iowa State, but they were able to recover and win. But they've had eight games to get ready for this game -- the first time all year that they've faced a ranked team.
So far the Texas Christian has been awful. Down 14-9, they let OSU march quickly down the field for its third touchdown of the day -- this one on a 13-yard pass from Rudolph to Jeff Carr of Temple H.S. in Temple, Tex. If Texas Christian doesn't find some way to defend OSU, this page will soon be orange and black -- no matter what Boykin and Doctson manage to do.
So far the Texas Christian has been awful. Down 14-9, they let OSU march quickly down the field for its third touchdown of the day -- this one on a 13-yard pass from Rudolph to Jeff Carr of Temple H.S. in Temple, Tex. If Texas Christian doesn't find some way to defend OSU, this page will soon be orange and black -- no matter what Boykin and Doctson manage to do.
Oklahoma St. 14 - 9 Texas Christian (14 seconds left in 1st Quarter)
OK, we had to run some errands, so we are a little late to this game. As we expected, however, Texas Christian is in trouble. Here's what has happened so far:
1. Texas Christian took the opening kick, started on its own 12, and threw three incomplete passes. The Horned Frogs punted to the Oklahoma State 30.
2. OSU went three and out, and punted to the Texas Christian 32.
3. Texas Christian threw an INTERCEPTION, and OSU took over at the Texas Christian 46.
4. On 3d and 12 from the Texas Christian 48, Mason Rudolph (of Northwestern H.S. in Rock Hill, S.C.) hurled a 48 yard TOUCHDOWN PASS to James Washington (of Stamford H.S. in Stamford, Tex.) Ben Grogan (of Martin H.S. in Arlington, Tex.) made the extra point. Oklahoma St. 7 - 0 Texas Christian
5. Texas Christian went 85 yards on 10 plays, scoring on a 1-yard TOUCHDOWN RUN by Trevone Boykin (of W. Mesquite H.S. in Dallas). Jaden Oberkrom (of Martin H.S. in Arlington, Tex.) MISSED THE EXTRA POINT. Oklahoma St. 7 - 6 Texas Christian
6. Oklahoma State went 63 yards in two plays, scoring on a 50 yard TOUCHDOWN PASS from Rudolph to Washington. Oklahoma St. 14 - 6 Texas Christian
7. Texas Christian drove to the Oklahoma State 6, where Oberkrom made a 23-yard FIELD GOAL. Oklahoma St. 14 - 9 Texas Christian
8. Oklahoma St.'s drive stalled at the Texas Christian 36, and OSU punted to the Texas Christian 4.
And now Texas Christian is about to punt back to Oklahoma St.
1. Texas Christian took the opening kick, started on its own 12, and threw three incomplete passes. The Horned Frogs punted to the Oklahoma State 30.
2. OSU went three and out, and punted to the Texas Christian 32.
3. Texas Christian threw an INTERCEPTION, and OSU took over at the Texas Christian 46.
4. On 3d and 12 from the Texas Christian 48, Mason Rudolph (of Northwestern H.S. in Rock Hill, S.C.) hurled a 48 yard TOUCHDOWN PASS to James Washington (of Stamford H.S. in Stamford, Tex.) Ben Grogan (of Martin H.S. in Arlington, Tex.) made the extra point. Oklahoma St. 7 - 0 Texas Christian
5. Texas Christian went 85 yards on 10 plays, scoring on a 1-yard TOUCHDOWN RUN by Trevone Boykin (of W. Mesquite H.S. in Dallas). Jaden Oberkrom (of Martin H.S. in Arlington, Tex.) MISSED THE EXTRA POINT. Oklahoma St. 7 - 6 Texas Christian
6. Oklahoma State went 63 yards in two plays, scoring on a 50 yard TOUCHDOWN PASS from Rudolph to Washington. Oklahoma St. 14 - 6 Texas Christian
7. Texas Christian drove to the Oklahoma State 6, where Oberkrom made a 23-yard FIELD GOAL. Oklahoma St. 14 - 9 Texas Christian
8. Oklahoma St.'s drive stalled at the Texas Christian 36, and OSU punted to the Texas Christian 4.
And now Texas Christian is about to punt back to Oklahoma St.
Friday, November 6, 2015
Oklahoma St. v. Texas Christian
So here are the standings in the Big XII (AP rankings in parentheses):
(2) Baylor: 5-0, 8-0
(5) Texas Christian: 5-0, 8-0
(12) Oklahoma St: 5-0, 8-0
(14) Oklahoma: 4-1, 7-1
Iowa St: 2-3, 3-5
Texas: 2-3, 3-5
Texas Tech: 2-4, 5-4
W. Virginia: 0-4, 3-4
Kansas St.: 0-5, 3-5
Kansas: 0-5, 0-8
Now that the preliminary games are out of the way, we are down to a round robin in November between Baylor, Texas Christian, Oklahoma St., and Oklahoma. This round robin will decide who takes the UCFC into bowl season, who wins the Big XII, and whether anyone from the Big XII makes the playoffs. Here is the schedule (home teams listed first):
November 7: Oklahoma St. v. Texas Christian; Oklahoma v. Iowa St.
November 14: Baylor v. Oklahoma; Texas Christian v. Kansas; Iowa St. v. Oklahoma St.
November 21: Oklahoma St. v. Baylor; Oklahoma v. Texas Christian
November 27-28: Texas Christian v. Baylor; Oklahoma St. v. Oklahoma
Now as you can see, Oklahoma State has a huge advantage here -- they get to play all three of their round-robin games at home. By contrast, each of the other three contenders has to play two of their round-robin games on the road. In our years of watching Big XII play, we have seen that home field advantage is enormous in this conference. And Oklahoma State has played well all year. The Cowboys had close wins at Texas (30-27), at home against Kansas St. (36-34), and at West Virginia (33-26). But then they crushed Kansas 58-10 at home, and whacked Texas Tech 70-53 in Lubbock, Tex. They will be very formidable at home against the Horned Frogs.
The oddsmakers believe in Texas Christian. The Frogs are favored by 6 1/2 points in a game where the over-under is 76 1/2. That would work out to something like a 42-35 win for the Frogs. My guess is that Texas Christian coach Gary Patterson would be very happy with that outcome.
(2) Baylor: 5-0, 8-0
(5) Texas Christian: 5-0, 8-0
(12) Oklahoma St: 5-0, 8-0
(14) Oklahoma: 4-1, 7-1
Iowa St: 2-3, 3-5
Texas: 2-3, 3-5
Texas Tech: 2-4, 5-4
W. Virginia: 0-4, 3-4
Kansas St.: 0-5, 3-5
Kansas: 0-5, 0-8
Now that the preliminary games are out of the way, we are down to a round robin in November between Baylor, Texas Christian, Oklahoma St., and Oklahoma. This round robin will decide who takes the UCFC into bowl season, who wins the Big XII, and whether anyone from the Big XII makes the playoffs. Here is the schedule (home teams listed first):
November 7: Oklahoma St. v. Texas Christian; Oklahoma v. Iowa St.
November 14: Baylor v. Oklahoma; Texas Christian v. Kansas; Iowa St. v. Oklahoma St.
November 21: Oklahoma St. v. Baylor; Oklahoma v. Texas Christian
November 27-28: Texas Christian v. Baylor; Oklahoma St. v. Oklahoma
Now as you can see, Oklahoma State has a huge advantage here -- they get to play all three of their round-robin games at home. By contrast, each of the other three contenders has to play two of their round-robin games on the road. In our years of watching Big XII play, we have seen that home field advantage is enormous in this conference. And Oklahoma State has played well all year. The Cowboys had close wins at Texas (30-27), at home against Kansas St. (36-34), and at West Virginia (33-26). But then they crushed Kansas 58-10 at home, and whacked Texas Tech 70-53 in Lubbock, Tex. They will be very formidable at home against the Horned Frogs.
The oddsmakers believe in Texas Christian. The Frogs are favored by 6 1/2 points in a game where the over-under is 76 1/2. That would work out to something like a 42-35 win for the Frogs. My guess is that Texas Christian coach Gary Patterson would be very happy with that outcome.
Friday, October 30, 2015
Texas Christian 40 - 10 W. Virginia (Final)
As we expected, WVU was not able to keep this game close. Texas Christian's defense tends to show up at home, which makes the Horned Frogs particularly lethal. Josh Doctson continues to look like Jerry Rice, with 11 catches for 183 yards and two touchdowns. So far, no one has been able to guard him -- or even slow him down. According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Texas Christian QB Trevone Boykin "{t}oyed with the Mountaineers defense, using his feet to leave defenders
grasping for air and whipping passes left, right and sidearm." I didn't see much of the game -- I don't like college football on Thursday Night, and this game was never in doubt -- but that sounds like a good description of a typical Boykin performance.
OK, so West Virginia's record in UCFC play falls to 18-12, while Texas Christian's record improves to 45-19-6. The Horned Frogs have now defended the title 13 times, which is the longest string of successful defenses since Southern Cal had 24 in a row during the 2004 and 2005 seasons.
But now things are going to get tough. On November 7, the Horned Frogs will take the Big Gold Trophy to Stillwater, Oklahoma, to take on an Oklahoma State team that is currently undefeated. That will not be an easy game for the Horned Frogs.
OK, so West Virginia's record in UCFC play falls to 18-12, while Texas Christian's record improves to 45-19-6. The Horned Frogs have now defended the title 13 times, which is the longest string of successful defenses since Southern Cal had 24 in a row during the 2004 and 2005 seasons.
But now things are going to get tough. On November 7, the Horned Frogs will take the Big Gold Trophy to Stillwater, Oklahoma, to take on an Oklahoma State team that is currently undefeated. That will not be an easy game for the Horned Frogs.
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Texas Christian 7 - 0 W. Virginia (8:46 left in 1st Quarter)
The Dynamic Duo! Trevone Boykin (of W. Mesquite H.S. in Dallas) hurls a 10-yard touchdown pass to Josh Doctson of Mansfield, Tex. Very good start for the Frogs.
I've got some errands to run, so I won't be giving this game the usual detailed coverage. They shouldn't play on Thursday night.
I've got some errands to run, so I won't be giving this game the usual detailed coverage. They shouldn't play on Thursday night.
Texas Christian v. W. Virginia
I don't like watching college football on Thursday night, and I'm annoyed that Texas Christian scheduled two Thursday night games in the same season. But here we are, as the Horned Frogs prepare to defend the Big Gold Trophy for the 13th time. It's the first home game for Texas Christian in 26 days, so I expect a big turnout in Fort Worth.
Here's where everything stands in the Big XII (numbers in parentheses represent AP ranking):
(2) Baylor: 4-0, 7-0
(5) Texas Christian: 4-0, 7-0
(12) Oklahoma St: 4-0, 7-0
(14) Oklahoma: 3-1, 6-1
Texas: 2-2, 3-4
Texas Tech: 2-3, 5-3
Iowa St: 1-3, 2-5
W. Virginia: 0-3, 3-3
Kansas St: 0-4, 3-4
Kansas: 0-4, 0-7
Kudos to the schedule-makers in the Big XII, who are saving all the big games for the end. After tonight's game with West Virginia, Texas Christian will play three of its last four games against teams ranked in the top 14 -- and two of those games (against the Oklahomas) will be on the road.
So Texas Christian has a lot of work before it can take the Big Gold Trophy to the NCAA Playoffs. But tonight, they have to beat that they took the title from last year -- West Virginia. That game was a hum-dinger -- a 31-30 donnybrook in the rain in Morgantown, W. Va. That WVU team went 7-5 in the regular season, before losing to Texas A & M in the Liberty Bowl. This year's team got off to a 3-0 start in non-conference play, with easy wins over Georgia Southern, Liberty, and Maryland. But the Big XII schedule has been brutal for the Mountaineers -- their first four conference games are against four ranked teams, and three of those games are on the road.
WVU, being WVU, has given it the old college try, but the competition has been too tough for them. Oklahoma beat them 44-24 in Norman, Okla., and then Oklahoma State beat them 33-26 in overtime up in Morgantown. WVU's last game was a 62-38 loss at Baylor, which is the sort of thing that could happen to almost anyone. Tonight the Mountaineers will end this obstacle course at Texas Christian, and my guess is that their fans will be happy to see some unranked opponents after that.
The Frogs are favored by 13 1/2 points in a game where the oddsmakers expect 74 points to be scored. That would work out to something like a 44-30 win for Texas Christian. I will be surprised and impressed if WVU keeps it that close.
Here's where everything stands in the Big XII (numbers in parentheses represent AP ranking):
(2) Baylor: 4-0, 7-0
(5) Texas Christian: 4-0, 7-0
(12) Oklahoma St: 4-0, 7-0
(14) Oklahoma: 3-1, 6-1
Texas: 2-2, 3-4
Texas Tech: 2-3, 5-3
Iowa St: 1-3, 2-5
W. Virginia: 0-3, 3-3
Kansas St: 0-4, 3-4
Kansas: 0-4, 0-7
Kudos to the schedule-makers in the Big XII, who are saving all the big games for the end. After tonight's game with West Virginia, Texas Christian will play three of its last four games against teams ranked in the top 14 -- and two of those games (against the Oklahomas) will be on the road.
So Texas Christian has a lot of work before it can take the Big Gold Trophy to the NCAA Playoffs. But tonight, they have to beat that they took the title from last year -- West Virginia. That game was a hum-dinger -- a 31-30 donnybrook in the rain in Morgantown, W. Va. That WVU team went 7-5 in the regular season, before losing to Texas A & M in the Liberty Bowl. This year's team got off to a 3-0 start in non-conference play, with easy wins over Georgia Southern, Liberty, and Maryland. But the Big XII schedule has been brutal for the Mountaineers -- their first four conference games are against four ranked teams, and three of those games are on the road.
WVU, being WVU, has given it the old college try, but the competition has been too tough for them. Oklahoma beat them 44-24 in Norman, Okla., and then Oklahoma State beat them 33-26 in overtime up in Morgantown. WVU's last game was a 62-38 loss at Baylor, which is the sort of thing that could happen to almost anyone. Tonight the Mountaineers will end this obstacle course at Texas Christian, and my guess is that their fans will be happy to see some unranked opponents after that.
The Frogs are favored by 13 1/2 points in a game where the oddsmakers expect 74 points to be scored. That would work out to something like a 44-30 win for Texas Christian. I will be surprised and impressed if WVU keeps it that close.
Iowa St. 21 - 45 Texas Christian (Final)
After spotting the Cyclones a 21-14 lead, Texas Christian outscored Iowa State 31-0 the rest of the way. A very solid performance by the Horned Frogs, at least in the last three quarters. Iowa State falls to 0-8 in UCFC games -- although 21 points is the most the Cyclones have ever scored in a title bout. The Horned Frogs move to 44-19-6. They have now defended the Big Gold Trophy -- and if they can defend it one more time, they will have held it for more than a year.
Saturday, October 17, 2015
Iowa St. 21 - 45 Texas Christian (8:45 left in 4th Quarter)
Iowa State finally appears to have been worn down by the Horned Frogs. After an Iowa State drive stalled at the Texas Christian 26, the Frogs went 74 yards in 6 plays. The last play was a beautiful catch and run by Josh Doctson, who caught the ball at around the Iowa State 30, and then beat everyone to the end zone.
With Texas Christian now up by 24 points, we will not be updating this game any further unless something extraordinary happens.
With Texas Christian now up by 24 points, we will not be updating this game any further unless something extraordinary happens.
Iowa St. 21 - 38 Texas Christian (14:36 left in 4th Quarter)
The Texas Christian defense has not allowed any points since the first quarter. Meanwhile, after a few punts, Trevone Boykin led the Horned Frogs on another scoring drive -- this time he scored himself from three yards out. The Frogs are getting closer to taking the Big Gold Trophy back to Fort Worth.
Iowa St. 21 - 31 Texas Christian (11:24 left in 3d Quarter)
Texas Christian takes the kickoff and (as usual) goes the length of the field for a touchdown. This particular touchdown was scored on a 13-yard run by Kyle Hicks (of Martin H.S. in Arlington, Tex.)
Iowa St. 21 - 24 Texas Christian (Halftime)
Josh Doctson got off the exercise bike and back into the game, catching a few passes and sparking the Frog offense. (Doctson now has 7 catches for 129 yards and a touchdown.) Texas Christian drove all the way down to the 1 yard line, where they were stopped on third and goal. So they took a delay of game penalty and kicked a 23-yard field goal on the last play of the half. (As usual, the kick was taken by Jaden Oberkrom of Martin H.S. in Arlington, Tex.)
Texas Christian fans will be disappointed that this game is still so close, but the Frogs usually play better in the second half.
Texas Christian fans will be disappointed that this game is still so close, but the Frogs usually play better in the second half.
Iowa St. 21 - 21 Texas Christian (5:14 left in 2d Quarter)
Suddenly, we've had a flurry of defense out in Ames, Iowa. Texas Christian forces an Iowa State punt, and the Horned Frogs will start from their own 33.
Iowa St. 21 - 21 Texas Christian (6:22 left in 2d Quarter)
This time the Cyclone defense holds and Texas Christian punts. The Cyclones will start from their own 30.
Iowa St. 21 - 21 Texas Christian (7:59 left in 2d Quarter)
So Iowa State gets the ball and the Cyclones go on a long drive that involves a fourth-down conversion, multiple penalties, and the ejection of Denzel Johnson, a Texas Christian safety from Gainesville H.S. in Gainesville, Tex. Finally, the Clones are down to about the Texas Christian 10, when they fumble a pitchout. Mike Tuaua, a defensive end from Rohnert Park, Calif. scoops up the ball and the Horned Frogs defense gets a rare turnover.
Texas Christian will start from its own 10.
Texas Christian will start from its own 10.
Iowa St. 21 - 21 Texas Christian (14:55 left in 2d Quarter)
The TV shows Doctson riding an exercise bike on the sidelines, but Boykin doesn't need him on this drive. The Frogs go 69 yards in 7 plays, the last of which is a 14-yard pass from Boykin to a wide-open Charlie Reid (of All Saints' Episcopal School in Fort Worth, Tex.)
Now we'll see if the Frogs are going to play any defense.
Now we'll see if the Frogs are going to play any defense.
Iowa St. 21 - 14 Texas Christian (1:49 left in 1st Quarter)
Can a 2-3 Iowa State team drive 89 yards against the number-3 team in the nation? Of course it can. Iowa State goes through the Texas Christian defense like . . . almost everyone goes through the Frogs when they are on the road. Mike Warren (of Lawton H.S. in Lawton, Okla.) dashes four yards for the go-ahead touchdown.
Iowa St. 14 - 14 Texas Christian (5:13 left in 1st Quarter)
Not a good possession for the Frogs. First, their all-world wide receiver, Josh Doctson, was shaken up and had to leave the game. (I don't know how badly he's hurt.) Then a few plays later, with Texas Christian seemingly on its way to another touchdown, Iowa State stripped the ball from KaVontae Turpin (of Neville H.S. in Monroe, La.) The Cyclones recover the football, and they will start from their own 11.
Iowa St. 14 - 14 Texas Christian (6:01 left in 1st Quarter)
Back and forth we go. The Iowa State quarterback, Joel Lanning (of Ankeny H.S. in Ankeny, Iowa) hurls a long pass to Allen Lazard (of Urbandale H.S. in Urbandale, Iowa). Lazard catches the ball at about the Texas Christian 30, where he appears to be wrapped up by a defender. But in typical Big XII fashion, he breaks the tackle and dashes untouched the rest of the way for a touchdown. The play covered 74 yards.
Iowa St. 7 - 14 Texas Christian (6:38 left in 1st Quarter)
It didn't take long for Texas Christian to go 82 yards and score its second touchdown of the game. This time, the points came on a 21-yard pass from Boykin to Kolby Listenbee of Bowie H.S. in Arlington, Tex.
Iowa St. 7 - 7 Texas Christian (8:25 left in 1st Quarter)
This is better from the Horned Frog defense. They hold, and force a punt. Boykin, Doctson, & Co. will start from their own 18.
Iowa St. 7 - 7 Texas Christian (10:13 left in 1st Quarter)
Not surprisingly, it takes less than a minute for the Frogs to re-tie the game. They score on a 20-yard pass from (who else?) Trevone Boykin of West Mesquite H.S. in Dallas to (who else?) Josh Doctson of Mansfield, Tex. They are amazing.
Iowa St. 7 - 0 Texas Christian (11:08 left in 1st Quarter)
Well, here we go again. Texas Christian's defense opens in its usual sieve-like mode, and the Cyclones go down the field to take an early lead. The touchdown is scored by Joshua Thomas of Buford H.S. in Buford, Ga. The extra point is made by Cole Netten of Ankeny H.S. in Ankeny, Iowa. Once again the Frogs will play from behind.
Friday, October 16, 2015
Iowa St. v. Texas Christian
The last time we checked in on this fixture, the Horned Frogs were beating Iowa State 55-3 to wrap up the 2014 regular season. Since then, Texas Christian has won seven more UCFC match-ups, while the Cyclones have toiled in their usual mediocrity. So far this year, Iowa State is 2-3, with wins against Northern Iowa and Kansas, but defeats against Iowa (31-17), Toledo (30-23), and Texas Tech (66-31). Here's where the Horned Frogs and the Cyclones are in the Big XII standings (conference games only, with AP rankings in parentheses):
(3) Texas Christian: 3-0
(16) Oklahoma St: 3-0
(2) Baylor: 2-0
(19) Oklahoma: 1-1
Iowa St: 1-1
Texas Tech: 1-2
Texas: 1-2
Kansas St: 0-2
W. Virginia: 0-2
Kansas: 0-2
(Keep an eye on Oklahoma State, by the way. The Cowboys' last three home games of the season are against Texas Christian (Nov. 7), Baylor (Nov. 21), and Oklahoma (Nov. 28). So the path to the championship runs through Stillwater.)
(I'm not saying anything yet about the Texas Christian/Baylor game scheduled for the day after Thanksgiving -- it's way too early for that.)
Iowa State will draw some hope from the fact that Texas Christian's defense has been terrible in its two conference road games -- the Frogs gave up 52 points at Texas Tech, and 45 points at Kansas State. But Texas Christian survived both of those games -- and they may show up on both sides of the ball this week. On the other hand, they were terrible at Kansas last year -- just barely surviving a 34-30 slugfest against a very weak team.
Faced with the Horned Frogs' inconsistencies, and trying to split the difference between a 55-3 blowout and a 34-30 nail-biter, Vegas has made Texas Christian a 20 1/2 point favorite in a game where the oddsmakers expect 72 1/2 points to be scored. That would result in something like a 47-26 win for the Horned Frogs. But just as I was nervous about the K-State game, I'm feeling more hopeful this week. I may be wrong, but I have a feeling Texas Christian will do better than the odds indicate.
(3) Texas Christian: 3-0
(16) Oklahoma St: 3-0
(2) Baylor: 2-0
(19) Oklahoma: 1-1
Iowa St: 1-1
Texas Tech: 1-2
Texas: 1-2
Kansas St: 0-2
W. Virginia: 0-2
Kansas: 0-2
(Keep an eye on Oklahoma State, by the way. The Cowboys' last three home games of the season are against Texas Christian (Nov. 7), Baylor (Nov. 21), and Oklahoma (Nov. 28). So the path to the championship runs through Stillwater.)
(I'm not saying anything yet about the Texas Christian/Baylor game scheduled for the day after Thanksgiving -- it's way too early for that.)
Iowa State will draw some hope from the fact that Texas Christian's defense has been terrible in its two conference road games -- the Frogs gave up 52 points at Texas Tech, and 45 points at Kansas State. But Texas Christian survived both of those games -- and they may show up on both sides of the ball this week. On the other hand, they were terrible at Kansas last year -- just barely surviving a 34-30 slugfest against a very weak team.
Faced with the Horned Frogs' inconsistencies, and trying to split the difference between a 55-3 blowout and a 34-30 nail-biter, Vegas has made Texas Christian a 20 1/2 point favorite in a game where the oddsmakers expect 72 1/2 points to be scored. That would result in something like a 47-26 win for the Horned Frogs. But just as I was nervous about the K-State game, I'm feeling more hopeful this week. I may be wrong, but I have a feeling Texas Christian will do better than the odds indicate.
Kansas St. 45- 52 Texas Christian (Final)
Another week, another great escape for the Fighting Frogs of Texas Christian. The Horned Frogs have now won twelve UCFC games in a row, and several of those games have been hum-dingers (home teams listed first):
11/01/14: W. Virginia 30 - 31 Texas Christian
11/15/14: Kansas 30 - 34 Texas Christian
09/26/15: Texas Tech 52 - 55 Texas Christian
10/10/15: Kansas St. 45 - 52 Texas Christian
But close doesn't count in the UCFC -- it's win or go home. So the Horned Frogs get to keep the trophy. Their all-time record in UCFC play is now 43-19-6. That's pretty good.
As for Kansas State, the Wildcats have suffered a heartbreaking defeat. I think they probably should have gone for the touchdown late in the game, instead of kicking a field goal to tie the game at 45. At that point in the proceedings, I don't think the Patriots could have stopped the red-hot Texas Christian offense. But the Wildcats certainly gave it the old college try. K-State has now lost its last four UCFC games, however, and the Wildcats' record in UCFC play falls to 3-10. They will have to hope that the Big Gold Trophy stays in the Big XII.
11/01/14: W. Virginia 30 - 31 Texas Christian
11/15/14: Kansas 30 - 34 Texas Christian
09/26/15: Texas Tech 52 - 55 Texas Christian
10/10/15: Kansas St. 45 - 52 Texas Christian
But close doesn't count in the UCFC -- it's win or go home. So the Horned Frogs get to keep the trophy. Their all-time record in UCFC play is now 43-19-6. That's pretty good.
As for Kansas State, the Wildcats have suffered a heartbreaking defeat. I think they probably should have gone for the touchdown late in the game, instead of kicking a field goal to tie the game at 45. At that point in the proceedings, I don't think the Patriots could have stopped the red-hot Texas Christian offense. But the Wildcats certainly gave it the old college try. K-State has now lost its last four UCFC games, however, and the Wildcats' record in UCFC play falls to 3-10. They will have to hope that the Big Gold Trophy stays in the Big XII.
Saturday, October 10, 2015
Kansas St. 45 - 52 Texas Christian (51 seconds left in 4th Quarter)
The Texas Christian defense finally makes a play. Montrel Wilson (of Fossil Ridge H.S. in Keller, Tex.) crushes Joe Hubener, who FUMBLES. Davion Pierson (of Millwood H.S. in Oklahoma City) falls on the ball at the Kansas State five yard line. THE HORNED FROGS ARE GOING TO DEFEND THE UCFC FOR THE ELEVENTH TIME IN A ROW!
THE UCFC! What a tradition!
THE UCFC! What a tradition!
Kansas St. 45 - 52 Texas Christian (1:10 left in 4th Quarter)
How great is Trevone Boykin? Here's what Texas Christian did:
1st and 10 (TCU 37): Boykin runs for 8 yards
2d and 2 (TCU 45): BOYKIN THROWS A 55-YARD TOUCHDOWN PASS TO JOSH DOCTSON
Boykin: 20-30 for 301 yards, 2 TD's, 2 INT's; 11 carries for 124 yards and 2 TD's
Doctson: 8 catches for 155 yards and 2 TD's
That's six touchdowns for the Dynamic Duo. Just amazing stuff.
Of course, now the Texas Christian defense has to make one more stand.
1st and 10 (TCU 37): Boykin runs for 8 yards
2d and 2 (TCU 45): BOYKIN THROWS A 55-YARD TOUCHDOWN PASS TO JOSH DOCTSON
Boykin: 20-30 for 301 yards, 2 TD's, 2 INT's; 11 carries for 124 yards and 2 TD's
Doctson: 8 catches for 155 yards and 2 TD's
That's six touchdowns for the Dynamic Duo. Just amazing stuff.
Of course, now the Texas Christian defense has to make one more stand.
Kansas St. 45 - 45 Texas Christian (1:47 left in 4th Quarter)
K-State Coach Bill Snyder decides to go for the field goal, and Jack Cantele boots a 37-yarder to tie the game.
The kickoff is short, and Texas Christian runs it back to the Horned Frog 37. Now it's up to Boykin and co.
The kickoff is short, and Texas Christian runs it back to the Horned Frog 37. Now it's up to Boykin and co.
Kansas St. 42 - 45 Texas Christian (1:51 left in 4th Quarter)
K-State's offense faces a 4th and 1 at the Texas Christian 21, and they are calling time to decide what to do.
Kansas St. 42 - 45 Texas Christian (6:07 left in 4th Quarter)
Well, on the second play of Texas Christian's possession, TREVONE BOYKIN SIMPLY TOOK THE BALL HIMSELF AND RAN 69 YARDS FOR A TOUCHDOWN.
Then they decided to go for two -- and made it. But there was a penalty and they had to try again from the 8. This time Boykin didn't do that silly corner pass -- he zipped a slant pass to Doctson, which is what they should have done before.
So the Frogs have come all the way back to take the lead. Unfortunately, they now have to turn the game back over to their defense.
Then they decided to go for two -- and made it. But there was a penalty and they had to try again from the 8. This time Boykin didn't do that silly corner pass -- he zipped a slant pass to Doctson, which is what they should have done before.
So the Frogs have come all the way back to take the lead. Unfortunately, they now have to turn the game back over to their defense.
Kansas St. 42 - 37 Texas Christian (7:55 left in 4th Quarter)
The kickoff goes through the end zone and K-State will start from its own 25:
1st and 10 (KSU 25): Incomplete pass
2d and 10 (KSU 25): Dominique Heath 7-yd pass from Hubener
3d and 3 (KSU 32): Deante Burton appeared to catch a 10-yard pass from Hubener for the first down, but on further review Burton did not control the ball, and the pass was incomplete.
K-State has to punt with 6:51 to go, and the Horned Frogs will start from their 25.
1st and 10 (KSU 25): Incomplete pass
2d and 10 (KSU 25): Dominique Heath 7-yd pass from Hubener
3d and 3 (KSU 32): Deante Burton appeared to catch a 10-yard pass from Hubener for the first down, but on further review Burton did not control the ball, and the pass was incomplete.
K-State has to punt with 6:51 to go, and the Horned Frogs will start from their 25.
Kansas St. 42 - 37 Texas Christian (7:55 left in 4th Quarter)
There are about 50,000 people at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium in Manhattan, Kan., and they were all screaming their hearts out -- trying to urge their Wildcats to stop Trevone Boykin and the Texas Christian Horned Frogs. But Boykin is not awed by crowds, or defenses, or much of anything, as far as I can tell. He leads Texas Christian on a masterful drive -- with some more jhelp from Josh Doctson -- and scampers into the end zone from 14 yards out.
The Horned Frogs then went for two, and for reasons I don't understand, they tried that play where you loft the ball into the back corner of the end zone. I'm not sure that play has ever worked for anyone other than Brett Favre, and it certainly didn't work here. So the Frogs trail by 5 with almost 8 minutes to go. They really need some help from their defense.
The Horned Frogs then went for two, and for reasons I don't understand, they tried that play where you loft the ball into the back corner of the end zone. I'm not sure that play has ever worked for anyone other than Brett Favre, and it certainly didn't work here. So the Frogs trail by 5 with almost 8 minutes to go. They really need some help from their defense.
Kansas St. 42 - 31 Texas Christian (12:21 left in 4th Quarter)
Joe Hubener runs for his fourth touchdown of the night, sneaking in from one yard out. K-State goes up by 11 points.
For a whole year, Trevone Boykin and the Texas Christian Horned Frogs have wondered what would have happened if they had made it into the NCAA Football Playoff at the end of the 2014 season. They know that they blew their chance last year by losing 61-58 at Baylor. They know they have to go undefeated to be certain of reaching the playoff this year. If they want to save their season, and the UCFC, they better really get going now.
For a whole year, Trevone Boykin and the Texas Christian Horned Frogs have wondered what would have happened if they had made it into the NCAA Football Playoff at the end of the 2014 season. They know that they blew their chance last year by losing 61-58 at Baylor. They know they have to go undefeated to be certain of reaching the playoff this year. If they want to save their season, and the UCFC, they better really get going now.
Kansas St. 35 - 31 Texas Christian (13:05 left in 4th Quarter)
Facing 2d and goal at the Texas Christian 1, Kansas State calls time. The Wildcats have one timeout left.
Kansas St. 35 - 31 Texas Christian (15 minutes left in 4th Quarter)
The Wildcats' offense is working again, and they have driven down to about the Texas Christian 11. With one quarter to go, the folks in the Little Apple are getting excited about taking the Big Gold Trophy.
If K-State wins, by the way, we will be in Manhattan, Kan. again next week to watch the Wildcats host Oklahoma.
If K-State wins, by the way, we will be in Manhattan, Kan. again next week to watch the Wildcats host Oklahoma.
Kansas St. 35 - 31 Texas Christian (3:07 left in 3d Quarter)
But now the K-State defense forces a 3-and-out, and Texas Christian has to punt. A nice return gives K-State the ball at the Texas Christian 45.
Kansas St. 35 - 31 Texas Christian (4:43 left in 3d Quarter)
The Horned Frog defense does hold, although there was a pretty obvious example of defensive holding on third down that was not called. K-State punts, and Boykin and company will start from their own 10.
Kansas St. 35 - 31 Texas Christian (5:37 left in 3d Quarter)
Disaster for Texas Christian! With a chance to take the lead, Boykin throws his SECOND INTERCEPTION of the night, both of which were picked off by Elijah Lee. K-State will take over at the Texas Christian 42.
Can the Horned Frog defense hold again?
Can the Horned Frog defense hold again?
Kansas St. 35 - 31 Texas Christian (6:14 left in 3d Quarter)
I don't know what Texas Christian Coach Gary Patterson said in that locker room, but it made a difference to the Horned Frog defense. K-State goes three and out, and has to punt. Texas Christian will start from its own 35.
Kansas St. 35 - 31 Texas Christian (7:14 left in 3d Quarter)
THE FIGHTING FROGS ARE BACK! Texas Christian drives 88 yards in about four minutes, with Aaron Green rushing in from 8 yards out for the touchdown. Boykin is now 14-21 for 203 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT.
Suddenly, Texas Christian is right back in this game.
Suddenly, Texas Christian is right back in this game.
Kansas St. 35 - 24 Texas Christian (11:23 left in the 3d Quarter)
Suddenly, Texas Christian is playing much better. The Frogs force K-State to punt, and Texas Christian will start from its own 12. The Frogs have held the UCFC for a long time, and it's nice to see them trying to keep it.
Kansas St. 35 - 24 Texas Christian (13:16 left in 3d Quarter)
WHOA! K-State took the opening kickoff, and appeared to be going down the field for a game-clenching score. But then all of a sudden the K-State quarterback, Joe Hubener, hurled a disastrous INTERCEPTION to Derrick Kindred of Wagner H.S. in San Antonio, Tex. Kindred then dashed 60 yards for a TEXAS CHRISTIAN TOUCHDOWN. So instead of the Wildcats going up by 25, the Horned Frogs have cut their lead to 11.
But can the Frogs make another stop?
But can the Frogs make another stop?
Kansas St. 35 - 17 Texas Christian (Halftime)
Texas Christian drives down to the K-State 30, but the clock expires before they can get the kicking team in -- just another mistake by the Frogs.
K-State outscored Texas Christian 28-3 in the second quarter. And the Wildcats get the ball to start the second half. If they go up 42-17, I don't think the Frogs can save themselves.
K-State outscored Texas Christian 28-3 in the second quarter. And the Wildcats get the ball to start the second half. If they go up 42-17, I don't think the Frogs can save themselves.
Kansas St. 35 - 17 Texas Christian (22 seconds left in 2d Quarter)
Texas Christian's defense looks like it needs a standing-eight count. Presented with another short field by a bad Texas Christian punt, K-State pounds away and picks up another touchdown on a 1-yard sneak by Hubener. The K-State quarterback now has 17 carries for 97 yards and three touchdowns.
Texas Christian better figure out something at halftime, because if K-State goes up 42-17, I don't think even Trevone Boykin can save the Frogs.
Texas Christian better figure out something at halftime, because if K-State goes up 42-17, I don't think even Trevone Boykin can save the Frogs.
Kansas St. 28 - 17 Texas Christian (4:02 left in 2d Quarter)
Texas Christian is extremely discombobulated right now. First, the offense goes three and out. And then Perry's punt only goes 13 yards. K-State will take over at the Texas Christian 40. If the Wildcats can get a touchdown here -- and get another one to start the second half -- they can pretty much ensure that the Big Gold Trophy will stay in Manhattan, Kan.
Kansas St. 28 - 17 Texas Christian (4:56 left in 2d Quarter)
As I expected, it didn't take long for the Wildcats to get the 25 yards they needed for an 11-point lead. Charles Jones blasts into the end zone from seven yards out for his second rushing touchdown of the last few minutes, and the fourth K-State rushing touchdown of the half.
Texas Christian is now officially in trouble. K-State will get the ball to start the second half, and the Horned Frog defense is just not able to get off the field. It is possible, of course, that Boykin will lead the Frogs to a touchdown in all of their remaining possessions -- but even that might not be enough to take the Big Gold Trophy back to Fort Worth.
Texas Christian is now officially in trouble. K-State will get the ball to start the second half, and the Horned Frog defense is just not able to get off the field. It is possible, of course, that Boykin will lead the Frogs to a touchdown in all of their remaining possessions -- but even that might not be enough to take the Big Gold Trophy back to Fort Worth.
Kansas St. 21 - 17 Texas Christian (6:40 left in 2d Quarter)
OK, now the Frogs are in more trouble. Boykin is hit as he throws by Marquel Bryant of Skyline H.S. in Dallas. The ball flutters out of his hand and is INTERCEPTED by Elijah Lee of Blue Springs H.S. in Blue Springs. Mo. K-State takes over at about the Texas Christian 25, and it probably won't take them long to score.
Kansas St. 21 - 17 Texas Christian (6:56 left in 2d Quarter)
So Kansas State has had four possessions in this game, and three of them consisted of long touchdown drives. This was yet another easy stroll down the field, topped off by a 28-yard run by Charles Jones of Mandeville H.S. in Mandeville, La.
I don't understand enough about football to know how it's possible for people to run untouched through the Texas Christian defense, but I know that this sort of thing shouldn't happen if you're the number-2 team in the country.
The other thing that's worrisome from a Texas Christian perspective is that these K-State drives are taking up a lot of time, which makes it harder for Boykin and the Frogs' offense to get into rhythm.
I don't understand enough about football to know how it's possible for people to run untouched through the Texas Christian defense, but I know that this sort of thing shouldn't happen if you're the number-2 team in the country.
The other thing that's worrisome from a Texas Christian perspective is that these K-State drives are taking up a lot of time, which makes it harder for Boykin and the Frogs' offense to get into rhythm.
Kansas St. 14 - 17 Texas Christian (11:32 left in 2d Quarter)
Boykin is now 8-12 for 111 yards and a touchdown, while Doctson has 3 catches for 42 yards and a touchdown. But the K-State defense did hold at its own 33, forcing Oberkrom to kick a 50-yard field goal -- which he made. The Horned Frogs are back on top, but now the Wildcats can take the lead.
Kansas St. 14 - 14 Texas Christian (12:51 left in 2d Quarter)
Somehow, somewhere, Texas Christian is going to get burned by its poor defense. It may be tonight, as Kansas State rips off an easy 76-yard drive that ends with QB Hubener trotting into the end zone on one of the easiest 17-yard runs you will ever see.
So once again, the Frogs are planning to count on Boykin and Doctson to pull out a road victory. They may do it -- because they are that good -- but this is not sound football.
So once again, the Frogs are planning to count on Boykin and Doctson to pull out a road victory. They may do it -- because they are that good -- but this is not sound football.
Kansas St. 7 - 14 Texas Christian (3:30 left in 1st Quarter)
Texas Christian's drive is killed by a holding penalty, and Ethan Perry (of Smithson Valley H.S. in Spring Branch, Tex.) punts to the K-State 24.
Kansas St. 7 - 14 Texas Christian (5:41 left in 1st Quarter)
The Horned Frog defense holds, and forces K-State to punt. The punt, by Nick Walsh of Lyndon H.S. in Lyndon, Kan., rolls all the way to the Texas Christian 3. I'm not sure, however, that field position makes much of a difference to the Horned Frogs.
Kansas St. 7 - 14 Texas Christian (7:46 left in 1st Quarter)
It has been a long time since college football has seen a more devastating passing combination than Texas Christian's Trevone Boykin (of W. Mesquite H.S. in Dallas) and Josh Doctson (of Mansfield, Tex.) This Texas Christian possession ends with a 32-yard pass from Boykin to Doctson, who makes a spectacular leaping catch in the end zone for yet another touchdown. He is amazingly good.
So the Horned Frogs hold serve and restore their lead.
Uniform watch: The Frogs are wearing white jerseys with black numerals, purple helmets, and purple pants. Kansas State is wearing silver helmets, purple jerseys, and silver pants. You don't see that many purple-on-purple match-ups, but we have one tonight.
Media watch: I'm rolling with FOX and Gus Johnson for this game. I love over-the-air football -- it feels very democratic. And Johnson is great.
So the Horned Frogs hold serve and restore their lead.
Uniform watch: The Frogs are wearing white jerseys with black numerals, purple helmets, and purple pants. Kansas State is wearing silver helmets, purple jerseys, and silver pants. You don't see that many purple-on-purple match-ups, but we have one tonight.
Media watch: I'm rolling with FOX and Gus Johnson for this game. I love over-the-air football -- it feels very democratic. And Johnson is great.
Kansas St. 7 - 7 Texas Christian (9:39 left in 1st Quarter)
And away we go. K-State takes the kickoff and goes straight down the field to tie the score. The touchdown came on a two-yard plunge from QB Joe Hubener, a junior from Cheney H.S. in Cheney, Kan. The extra point is added by Jack Cantele of Kapuan Mt. Carmel Catholic H.S. in Wichita, Kan. According to the school web page, the kids at Kapuan Mt. Carmel are performing Twelve Angry Jurors this weekend. Curtain goes up at 7:30 Central Time. You'll probably be able to see tonight's play and still get home in time to catch the end of this game.
Kansas St. 0 - 7 Texas Christian (14:42 left in 1st Quarter)
Well, that didn't take long. On the first play from scrimmage, Aaron Green of San Antonio, Tex. dashed 86 yards for a touchdown. Jaden Oberkrom of Martin H.S. in Arlington, Tex. added the extra point, and the Frogs are up 7-0. That's Texas Christian football, and that looks like a national power.
Kansas State v. Texas Christian
Texas Christian has defended the Unofficial College Football Championship ten times in a row, and the Horned Frogs are currently ranked number 2 in the country by the Associated Press. But the Frogs haven't been all that great on the road. They only won at Minnesota by six points, they only won by three points two weeks ago at Texas Tech, and last year they struggled in road games with Kansas and West Virginia.
So we should not be surprised if tonight's game at Kansas State turns into a donnybrook. K-State is usually not good enough to be a national power, but they are often good enough to beat solid teams who visit Manhattan, Kan. This year, the Wildcats opened with easy wins over South Dakota and Texas-San Antonio. Then they beat Louisiana Tech 39-33 and lost to Oklahoma State (on the road) 36-34.
There's no way that Kansas State is actually as good as Texas Christian, so this game sets up as an interesting test for the Frogs. If Texas Christian wants to stake a serious claim to being a national power, the Frogs need to show that they can dominate less talented teams on the road. The type of poor defense we saw two weeks ago against Texas Tech will not get it done. Eventually, you will lose one of those games -- and the Frogs can't afford a loss if they want to make the Final Four.
Vegas has the Horned Frogs as a 9 1/2 point favorite in a game where the teams are expected to combine for 63 points. That would work out to something like a 36-27 victory for the Frogs. To me, that would be a disappointing result for a team with National Title aspirations. But I'm sure the Texas Christian coaches would be happy to get out of the Little Apple with any win.
So we should not be surprised if tonight's game at Kansas State turns into a donnybrook. K-State is usually not good enough to be a national power, but they are often good enough to beat solid teams who visit Manhattan, Kan. This year, the Wildcats opened with easy wins over South Dakota and Texas-San Antonio. Then they beat Louisiana Tech 39-33 and lost to Oklahoma State (on the road) 36-34.
There's no way that Kansas State is actually as good as Texas Christian, so this game sets up as an interesting test for the Frogs. If Texas Christian wants to stake a serious claim to being a national power, the Frogs need to show that they can dominate less talented teams on the road. The type of poor defense we saw two weeks ago against Texas Tech will not get it done. Eventually, you will lose one of those games -- and the Frogs can't afford a loss if they want to make the Final Four.
Vegas has the Horned Frogs as a 9 1/2 point favorite in a game where the teams are expected to combine for 63 points. That would work out to something like a 36-27 victory for the Frogs. To me, that would be a disappointing result for a team with National Title aspirations. But I'm sure the Texas Christian coaches would be happy to get out of the Little Apple with any win.
Sunday, October 4, 2015
Texas Christian 50 - 7 Texas (Final)
I tuned into this game about 20 minutes after it started, but it was already obvious that the Horned Frogs were on their way to a blowout victory. The Frogs led 37-0 at the half, and cruised home from there. Texas Christian is now 42-19-6 in UCFC games, and they have now defended the title 10 times in a row since they took it from West Virginia last November. Next week, the Frogs will go to Manhattan, Kan. for a game with Kansas State. I expect that game to represent much more of a challenge.
As for Texas, it's hard to see how things could get much worse for the Longhorns. As we pointed out, from 1968 to 1991 Texas beat Texas Christian 24 times in a row. Now in the last two seasons, the Horned Frogs have outscored the Longhorns 98-17. Even more worrisome, the Longhorns seem to have given up -- they showed absolutely no fight yesterday despite having the chance to turn their season around by upsetting an in-state rival.
I have sympathy for Texas coach Charlie Strong, who did a great job at the University of Louisville, where he went 37-15 and beat Florida in the 2012 Sugar Bowl. You would think that a coach who won at the University of Louisville would do even better at Texas, and that is certainly what the Longhorns thought. But some coaches do better in a situation where they can play the role of scrappy underdog. At Louisville, Strong took less talented players and got them to play over their heads. But Louisville fans don't expect you to contend for the national championship more often than not. You can't achieve the type of success they want at Texas by getting your guys to play like scrappy underdogs. You need great players, and then you need to get those players to do what you say. Through 18 games at the University of Texas, there is simply no evidence that Coach Strong can do either of those things.
On the other hand, Texas fans should not despair. The Longhorns' 1-4 start is the worst since Texas went 1-9 in 1956. But after that 1956 season, Texas went out and got a new coach. His name was Darrell Royal. Sometimes an athletic department has to get desperate before it's willing to do what it takes to get a big-time winner. From that perspective, this loss to Texas Christian -- humiliating though it was -- may be a turning point.
As for Texas, it's hard to see how things could get much worse for the Longhorns. As we pointed out, from 1968 to 1991 Texas beat Texas Christian 24 times in a row. Now in the last two seasons, the Horned Frogs have outscored the Longhorns 98-17. Even more worrisome, the Longhorns seem to have given up -- they showed absolutely no fight yesterday despite having the chance to turn their season around by upsetting an in-state rival.
I have sympathy for Texas coach Charlie Strong, who did a great job at the University of Louisville, where he went 37-15 and beat Florida in the 2012 Sugar Bowl. You would think that a coach who won at the University of Louisville would do even better at Texas, and that is certainly what the Longhorns thought. But some coaches do better in a situation where they can play the role of scrappy underdog. At Louisville, Strong took less talented players and got them to play over their heads. But Louisville fans don't expect you to contend for the national championship more often than not. You can't achieve the type of success they want at Texas by getting your guys to play like scrappy underdogs. You need great players, and then you need to get those players to do what you say. Through 18 games at the University of Texas, there is simply no evidence that Coach Strong can do either of those things.
On the other hand, Texas fans should not despair. The Longhorns' 1-4 start is the worst since Texas went 1-9 in 1956. But after that 1956 season, Texas went out and got a new coach. His name was Darrell Royal. Sometimes an athletic department has to get desperate before it's willing to do what it takes to get a big-time winner. From that perspective, this loss to Texas Christian -- humiliating though it was -- may be a turning point.
Saturday, October 3, 2015
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Texas Christian v. Texas
Many years ago, in the 1930's, the legendary sportswriter Dan Jenkins grew up in Fort Worth, Tex. as a fan of the Texas Christian Horned Frogs. Back then, the Frogs were a great power -- they won the National Championship in 1938, and they beat the University of Texas four years in a row from 1935 to 1938.
But things had changed a lot by the time Jenkins started writing about college football for Sports Illustrated in 1963. Darrell Royal had built the University of Texas into a great powerhouse -- Jenkins proved his acumen to SI readers by accurately picking Texas to win the 1963 National Championship. Royal added another title in 1969. Meanwhile, Texas Christian languished as one of the weakest programs in major conference football. From 1968 to 1991, Texas beat Texas Christian 24 times in a row. To give you a sense of what it was like, here are the four games played while I was in high school (home team listed first):
1980: Texas Christian 26 - 51 Texas
1981: Texas 31 - 15 Texas Christian
1982: Texas Christian 21 - 38 Texas
1983: Texas 20 -14 Texas Christian
In case you think that 1983 score signaled that the tide was about to turn, you should know that in 1984 Texas went to Fort Worth and beat the Horned Frogs 44-23. In short, Texas-Texas Christian was one of those annual games that no one could take too seriously, like Florida v. Kentucky or Vanderbilt v. almost anyone. When Texas organized the break-up of the old Southwest Conference in the 1990's, leaving Texas Christian behind, it seemed likely that the teams would never play again.
But history is long and complicated. Texas Christian's program not only survived the break-up of the Southwest Conference -- the Frogs actually thrived against the easier schedules they were able to play. By 2007, they were back on UT's schedule -- only to lose 34-13. Still, that wasn't the end of it -- Texas's new conference, the Big XII, shed so many members heading into the 2012 season that the Longhorns were forced to ask Texas Christian to join their depleted league. And the Horned Frogs did so with relish, coming to Austin in 2012 and beating Texas 20-13. Texas won 30-7 the next year, as Texas Christian struggled with the new level of competition. But by last year, the Frogs had found their feet and they crushed Texas 48-10 in a UCFC game.
Texas still leads the all-time series 62-22-1, but for now Texas Christian has all the momentum. This year, Texas Christian is 4-0, the Frogs still hold the UCFC, and they are ranked number-4 in the country. Meanwhile, Texas is 1-3, and many Longhorn fans are already eager to dump Coach Charlie Strong, who is in his second year at Texas with a record of 7-10. (Darrell Royal had coached more than three full seasons before he suffered his 10th loss at Texas.)
Vegas appears to have given up on the Longhorns for this game. Texas Christian is favored by 15 points in a game where the over/under is 71. That would work out to a 43-28 win for the Frogs -- which would actually represent a major improvement from the beat-down Texas suffered on its home field last year.
I'm of two minds about this game. I find it hard to believe that the University of Texas doesn't have some students who are actually pretty good football players, and I could see the Longhorns rallying in an effort to save their season. As we've seen in the last two weeks, Texas Christian has big problems on defense, which makes it hard for the Frogs to put teams away. On the other hand, I could see Texas Christian coming out determined to bolster its case for the NCAA Playoffs by running up the score on You-Tee, while the Longhorns may be demoralized. In this case, Texas Christian could easily win by a score of something like 63-14.
At the end of the day, I'm confident that Texas Christian quarterback Trevone Boykin will do whatever it takes to win this game -- he may be the best player in the whole country. But I won't know how much he'll have to do until the game gets started.
But things had changed a lot by the time Jenkins started writing about college football for Sports Illustrated in 1963. Darrell Royal had built the University of Texas into a great powerhouse -- Jenkins proved his acumen to SI readers by accurately picking Texas to win the 1963 National Championship. Royal added another title in 1969. Meanwhile, Texas Christian languished as one of the weakest programs in major conference football. From 1968 to 1991, Texas beat Texas Christian 24 times in a row. To give you a sense of what it was like, here are the four games played while I was in high school (home team listed first):
1980: Texas Christian 26 - 51 Texas
1981: Texas 31 - 15 Texas Christian
1982: Texas Christian 21 - 38 Texas
1983: Texas 20 -14 Texas Christian
In case you think that 1983 score signaled that the tide was about to turn, you should know that in 1984 Texas went to Fort Worth and beat the Horned Frogs 44-23. In short, Texas-Texas Christian was one of those annual games that no one could take too seriously, like Florida v. Kentucky or Vanderbilt v. almost anyone. When Texas organized the break-up of the old Southwest Conference in the 1990's, leaving Texas Christian behind, it seemed likely that the teams would never play again.
But history is long and complicated. Texas Christian's program not only survived the break-up of the Southwest Conference -- the Frogs actually thrived against the easier schedules they were able to play. By 2007, they were back on UT's schedule -- only to lose 34-13. Still, that wasn't the end of it -- Texas's new conference, the Big XII, shed so many members heading into the 2012 season that the Longhorns were forced to ask Texas Christian to join their depleted league. And the Horned Frogs did so with relish, coming to Austin in 2012 and beating Texas 20-13. Texas won 30-7 the next year, as Texas Christian struggled with the new level of competition. But by last year, the Frogs had found their feet and they crushed Texas 48-10 in a UCFC game.
Texas still leads the all-time series 62-22-1, but for now Texas Christian has all the momentum. This year, Texas Christian is 4-0, the Frogs still hold the UCFC, and they are ranked number-4 in the country. Meanwhile, Texas is 1-3, and many Longhorn fans are already eager to dump Coach Charlie Strong, who is in his second year at Texas with a record of 7-10. (Darrell Royal had coached more than three full seasons before he suffered his 10th loss at Texas.)
Vegas appears to have given up on the Longhorns for this game. Texas Christian is favored by 15 points in a game where the over/under is 71. That would work out to a 43-28 win for the Frogs -- which would actually represent a major improvement from the beat-down Texas suffered on its home field last year.
I'm of two minds about this game. I find it hard to believe that the University of Texas doesn't have some students who are actually pretty good football players, and I could see the Longhorns rallying in an effort to save their season. As we've seen in the last two weeks, Texas Christian has big problems on defense, which makes it hard for the Frogs to put teams away. On the other hand, I could see Texas Christian coming out determined to bolster its case for the NCAA Playoffs by running up the score on You-Tee, while the Longhorns may be demoralized. In this case, Texas Christian could easily win by a score of something like 63-14.
At the end of the day, I'm confident that Texas Christian quarterback Trevone Boykin will do whatever it takes to win this game -- he may be the best player in the whole country. But I won't know how much he'll have to do until the game gets started.
Texas Tech 52 - 55 Texas Christian (Final)
Since this blog started in 2010, we have seen Texas Tech play for the UCFC six times. Here are the scores of those games:
10/13/12: Texas Tech 49, W. Virginia 14
10/20/12: Texas Tech 56, Texas Christian 53 (3 OT)
10/27/12: Kansas St. 55, Texas Tech 24
11/24/12: Baylor 52, Texas Tech 45
11/16/13: Baylor 63, Texas Tech 34
09/26/15: Texas Christian 55, Texas Tech 52
That's right. In Texas Tech's last four UCFC games, the Red Raiders have averaged 38.8 points per game -- but they lost all four times, because their opponents averaged 56.3 points per game. That is some really bad defense.
Anyway, the Red Raiders are now 17-16 in UCFC games.
But the Texas Christian Horned Frogs are now 41-19-6 in UCFC play, and they will defend the title for a TENTH time this week against the University of Texas.
10/13/12: Texas Tech 49, W. Virginia 14
10/20/12: Texas Tech 56, Texas Christian 53 (3 OT)
10/27/12: Kansas St. 55, Texas Tech 24
11/24/12: Baylor 52, Texas Tech 45
11/16/13: Baylor 63, Texas Tech 34
09/26/15: Texas Christian 55, Texas Tech 52
That's right. In Texas Tech's last four UCFC games, the Red Raiders have averaged 38.8 points per game -- but they lost all four times, because their opponents averaged 56.3 points per game. That is some really bad defense.
Anyway, the Red Raiders are now 17-16 in UCFC games.
But the Texas Christian Horned Frogs are now 41-19-6 in UCFC play, and they will defend the title for a TENTH time this week against the University of Texas.
Saturday, September 26, 2015
Texas Tech 52 - 55 Texas Christian (23 seconds left in 4th Quarter)
OK, here's the kickoff. Oberkrom kicks it through the end zone. The Red Raiders will start from their 25.
The radio guys tell us they don't know how far the Tech kicker can kick the ball.
1st and 10 (Tech 25): Mahomes pass incomplete
2d and 10 (Tech 25): Jakeem Grant 10-yd pass from Mahomes (11 seconds left)
1st and 10 (Tech 35): Mahomes pass incomplete (9 seconds left)
2d and 10 (Tech 35): Mahomes pass incomplete (1 second left)
On the last play of the game, Mahomes throws a long bomb that is INTERCEPTED by Texas Christian. But Texas Christian is called for offsides AND a PERSONAL FOUL. So Texas Tech gets one more chance:
1st and 10 (50): This play took forever. Mahomes looked like he was going to be sacked about five times, and then he finally threw the ball to Washington, who took it deep into Texas Christian territory. Then the Red Raiders started doing the laterals and stuff that you see at the end of a game, and it almost worked. Finally, however, Texas Christian ran them out of bounds at the Frog 10 yard line, and THE GAME WAS OVER.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN HAS DEFENDED ITS TITLE. THE BIG GOLD TROPHY IS GOING BACK TO FORT WORTH!!!
The radio guys tell us they don't know how far the Tech kicker can kick the ball.
1st and 10 (Tech 25): Mahomes pass incomplete
2d and 10 (Tech 25): Jakeem Grant 10-yd pass from Mahomes (11 seconds left)
1st and 10 (Tech 35): Mahomes pass incomplete (9 seconds left)
2d and 10 (Tech 35): Mahomes pass incomplete (1 second left)
On the last play of the game, Mahomes throws a long bomb that is INTERCEPTED by Texas Christian. But Texas Christian is called for offsides AND a PERSONAL FOUL. So Texas Tech gets one more chance:
1st and 10 (50): This play took forever. Mahomes looked like he was going to be sacked about five times, and then he finally threw the ball to Washington, who took it deep into Texas Christian territory. Then the Red Raiders started doing the laterals and stuff that you see at the end of a game, and it almost worked. Finally, however, Texas Christian ran them out of bounds at the Frog 10 yard line, and THE GAME WAS OVER.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN HAS DEFENDED ITS TITLE. THE BIG GOLD TROPHY IS GOING BACK TO FORT WORTH!!!
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