Texas misplaced a sport for the ages Saturday towards Alabama.
It appears the Longhorns have had far too a lot of these lately. Nonetheless, Steve Sarkisian and his group deserve a ton of credit score for the struggle they displayed towards the No. 1 group within the nation.
Sarkisian’s squad seemed like a playoff contender with Quinn Ewers. That’s a moot level now, as Alabama would have a tie-breaker over Texas and Ewers could possibly be out for a number of weeks.
All in all, the Texas group that completed the sport seemed like a Massive 12 title contender. On the very least, the Longhorns had the very best efficiency within the convention Saturday.
After a handful of peculiar outcomes, it’s time to reassess the place Texas truly stands within the hierarchy of faculty soccer.
Texas A&M shouldn’t be again
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The Aggies should not again. To be truthful, they haven’t been since 1939. After a brutal 17-14 loss to then winless Appalachian State, actuality is beginning to set in about Jimbo Fisher’s lack of offensive creativity. The apparent criticism of his offense is, it’s too complicated to run nicely and too easy for the protection to defend. The shortage of ingenuity is unacceptable in fashionable school soccer. The Aggies bounced again from disappointment final yr, however will probably be troublesome to recuperate from this loss.
Groups like Baylor do not reload
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports activities
The Baylor Bears misplaced fairly a couple of proficient gamers to the NFL Draft. For a lot of, they have been the favourite to win the convention. Sadly, groups like Baylor and Iowa State don’t comply with an incredible season with one other, as we noticed final yr with the Cyclones. Baylor fell to BYU in additional time late Saturday night time. BYU is actually a stable group, however not the form of loss a Massive 12 championship contender ought to give up. The Bears may come again all the way down to earth this yr after a powerful 2021 season.
Oklahoma State wins impressively
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The Oklahoma State Cowboys dealt with their enterprise of their premier nonconference matchup towards Arizona State. The win may sign the Cowboys are again on observe after permitting 44 factors to Central Michigan final week.
Pete Kwiatkowski seems to have resurrected his defensive popularity
Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports activities
Pete Kwiatkowski might need coached the sport of the yr towards Alabama. I’m undecided I must see the remainder of the season to grant him that distinction. Given how poor the Texas was defensively final season, their efficiency towards Alabama was particular. Kwiatkowski’s group seemed like a unit that might carry Texas to wins this season. Presently, they’ve Texas wanting like the very best group within the Massive 12.
Notre Dame will get embarrassed by Marshall
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The Preventing Irish most likely have to be booted from the Prime 25 after Saturday’s upset loss. They’re one more instance of why preseason rankings can’t be taken significantly.