I was shocked we were in the game with no sacks. I do think it proves that if you can stop the run, you have a chance against anyone.
at least 5 - at least 3 where we got an arm on him or had a chance to tackle and missed. at least two where he was hurried to throw. pressure was actually good to really good. his ability to evade the rush was out of this freaking world.
I think the number one way we all knew Texas could lose is falling asleep in the 3rd quarter and red zone offense. Both happened. 3rd quarter was two fumbles. Red zone offense in the 4th quarter. Everyone wants to "boil it down" it was the third quarter disappearing act and red zone offense. Of course better Edge play woulda been nice for a few sacks, but that was not what we needed most.
If I'm going to get frustrated and upset this would be why, we didn't play our best and had we, it's like the 10+ game at Alabama. Hell, we dominated the 4th in this one too, just couldn't close it out. A lot of that credit goes to WA - the blocked passes (great prep), moving Trice away from Banks (massive impact), front seven confusion for Ewers, I'm sure more. The refs didn't give the game to WA but they for sure cut into our focus, execution and confidence.
This is truth, I said +1 in TOs and 4-5 stops. I think Texas D was "torched" but still did what the formula required to win. We lost how we know we can - disappearing in the 3rd and redzone offense. FUCK.
WA is a super legit team. Coach is upper echelon. Penix is one of the best QBs college football has ever seen. We thought our Edge players would do better (no holdings calls in the Big 12 is a thing), and I honestly thought Burke and Anthony Hill might push Penix into the interior DL but when that happened Penix either threw the ball or slipped away and more importantly away from the bigs. He's brillant. moving Trice to the other side was brillant, maybe the single best move by DoBoer. I was itching to see Banks and Trice go at it, I honestly thought Banks would win most. Never had the chance. I don't even think Texas was prepared for the possibility.
We got a hand on him twice. maybe one hit but I think none.
Texas pass D was pretty good. even tipped the ball ... for a WA TD. contested catches and perfectly thrown balls make for a terrible night.
Another thing our D did well was stop 1st down. damn though Penix would get it all back on 2nd down.