The Texas Longhorns (6-3, 4-2 Big 12) are right back to thinking about a Big 12 title shot. Although Texas may still need a little help, a 27-24 victory over No. 16 Kansas State (6-3, 3-3 Big 12) now sits third in the Big 12 standings tied with Iowa State, who is playing Oklahoma tonight. A last-second field goal by Cameron Dicker lifted the Longhorns to a big win in conference play against the Wildcats.
Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger completed 22 of his 29 pass attempts for 263 yards and a touchdown with one interception. Collin Johnson and Devin Duvernay each were responsible for 110 receiving yards and Johnson had the lone touchdown catch in the Texas passing game. Keaontay Ingram led all players with 139 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
Kansas State took a 14-0 lead on their first two offensive possessions of the game but the offense went silent until the fourth quarter. But the only touchdown for the Wildcats since the first quarter came on a 98-yard kickoff return by Joshua Youngblood after Texas had taken a 24-14 lead early in the fourth quarter. Kansas State tied the game at 24-24 midway through the fourth quarter, but Ehlinger and Texas orchestrated a well-executed 13-play drive over 67 yards to set things up for a game-winning kick.
It wasn’t all positive headlines for Texas, however. Jalen Green ejected for targeting penalty in fourth quarter, and it was most certainly deserved.
Jalen Green ejected for targeting. Will miss the first half of next week’s game against Iowa St as well.
— Longhorn Network (@LonghornNetwork) November 9, 2019
Here's the hit in question. Wykeen Gill not expecting it at all and Jalen Green lays down a really dirty, cheap shot. #KStateFB pic.twitter.com/iNPLMeNsnT
— Mitchel Summers (@MitchSummersTV) November 9, 2019
Considering the viciousness of the hit, a suspension could absolutely be in play from the big 12 offices. But as things stand now, Green will be forced to miss the first half of the next game on the schedule for Texas, against Iowa State.
Texas keeps pace to stay in the thick of the Big 12 championship game hunt coming down the final stretch of the regular season. Baylor winning in triple overtime earlier in the day assured the Bears will remain in the top two after next week’s game against Oklahoma regardless of the outcome, but the Sooners own a head-to-head tiebreaker with Texas. The next couple of weeks should clear some things up for the Big 12 championship game picture, but a win today was significant for keeping hopes alive for the Longhorns.
Texas will visit Iowa State next week in a dangerous road trip in conference play. Kansas State will host a struggling West Virginia team that was blown out at home today by Texas Tech.