Two weeks ago, Texas began a gauntlet of four straight games against then-unbeaten Big 12 rivals. Missouri lost the same day that Texas beat former No. 1 Oklahoma, but it didn't make Texas' schedule much easier.Of course, the Longhorns pantsed Missouri last weekend, and that set up a showdown with another unbeaten, Oklahoma State.
The Cowboys entered as a relative unknown, having only one truly impressive win (Missouri). However, the two-touchdown underdogs made things very interesting in Austin. Oklahoma State never led, but they had a couple chances late to tie or take the lead. Unfortunately for Mike Gundy's team, they couldn't take advantage of opportunities, and Texas survived 28-24.
Colt McCoy was amazing again, throwing for 391 yards and hitting 38 of 45 passes. He did have two turnovers in the second half, including a fumble in Oklahoma State territory with just a shade over five minutes to play.
However, Texas' defense stiffened. Oklahoma State quarterback Zac Robinson was forced to scramble for little or no gain on a third down play inside of four minutes, and then the Cowboys went for it on fourth-and-seven. They tried a screen over the middle to receiver Dez Bryant, but the play was snuffed out by the Longhorns for a three-yard loss.
Oklahoma State got the ball back, but a desperation heave by Robinson was broken up short of the end zone on the final play.
It was an exciting, well-played game, and it was clear that Oklahoma State belongs among the conference elite this year. The Cowboys have a dynamic passing combination with Robinson and Bryant, who were very good on this day. The other man who makes the offense go is running back Kendall Hunter, who ran for over 160 yards and a score Saturday.
The Longhorns just couldn't stop Hunter, but they were able to stop the Cowboys' offense when it mattered most.
As for McCoy, he did tail off a bit in the second half (only 17-of-22 passing, what a bum!), and he did have two turnovers. But he was unbelievable for the second straight week. The offense fits him perfectly, and he sees the field possibly better than any quarterback in the country. On this day, the Longhorns had no running game, so McCoy had to do it almost totally by himself. Not only did he throw for 391 yards, but he also led the team with 41 yards rushing.
Jordan Shipley couldn't be covered, catching 15 passes for 168 yards and a score. He also caught a huge third-down pass from McCoy late in the fourth quarter to give Texas the chance to run more time off the clock. When Oklahoma State did get the ball back after their failed fourth down, they got it on their one-yard line with under 40 seconds and no timeouts. Were it not for Shipley's last reception, Texas would have been forced to try a field goal with over 90 seconds left and Oklahoma State holding two timeouts.
Next week, Texas battles Texas Tech in Lubbock. The question: Will any passes hit the ground?
McCoy and Texas Tech quarterback Graham Harrell were a combined 72 of 87 passing today (83 percent). Wow.
