The University of Texas (UT) Longhorns football team has secured a place in their last Big XII Conference championship game, by trouncing the Texas Tech University (TTU) Red Raiders at home 57-7. This upcoming match with the No. 13 Oklahoma State University (OSU) Cowboys on Dec. 2 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX will be a key determinant of UT's legacy in the conference before its departure.
Leading up to this decisive game, The Longhorns displayed impressive form against their rivals. According to a report on the Texas Athletics website, the Longhorns remained in control throughout the evening of Nov. 24, setting a season high score for 2023 with 57 points against TTU. The report also highlighted UT's offensive prowess, generating nearly 530 yards while restricting the Red Raiders to just under 200.
In addition to showcasing their skill on the field, this victory had larger implications for UT's season record. Austin NBC affiliate KXAN News reported that this final season win improves Longhorns' overall record to an impressive 11-1 and an 8-1 conference mark. Their single loss was inflicted by University of Oklahoma (OU) Sooners during October's Red River Showdown. Interestingly enough, both UT and OU are set to exit Big XII and join Southeastern Conference (SEC).
Notably, individual performances during this game underscored the effectiveness of UT's teamwork. Specifically, UT sophomore running back Jaydon Blue delivered an outstanding performance by achieving 121 yards on ground along with a touchdown. Commending his players' collective effort, Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian expressed to KXAN that while they have put in significant work up till now, their journey isn't over. "We've got one more next Saturday," Sarkisian said.