“UT needs rich donors”: Emails show wealthy alumni supporting “Eyes of Texas” threatened to pull donations
They blasted off emails to UT-Austin President Jay Hartzell, calling the image of the abandoned quarterback "disgusting," "embarrassing" and "disturbing." Ad"The Eyes of Texas is non-negotiable," wrote another graduate who said they’ve had season tickets since 1990 and whose name was redacted by the university. While those who emailed represent a fraction of the more than 540,000 UT-Austin alumni, their threats had some university fundraisers sounding the alarms. "'The Eyes of Texas' should not only unite us, but hold all of us accountable to our institution’s core values. "I know this much," Sarkisian said, "'The Eyes of Texas' is our school song.
'UT needs rich donors': Emails show wealthy alumni supporting 'Eyes of Texas' threatened to pull donations
They blasted off emails to UT-Austin President Jay Hartzell, calling the image of the abandoned quarterback "disgusting," "embarrassing" and "disturbing." "The Eyes of Texas is non-negotiable," wrote another graduate who said they’ve had season tickets since 1990 and whose name was redacted by the university. While those who emailed represent a fraction of the more than 540,000 UT-Austin alumni, their threats had some university fundraisers sounding the alarms. "'The Eyes of Texas' should not only unite us, but hold all of us accountable to our institution’s core values. "I know this much," Sarkisian said, "'The Eyes of Texas' is our school song.
sacurrent.comAlabama QB Mac Jones heads into Senior Bowl on gimpy ankle
The next game he plays is for his NFL draft stock, provided the Alabama quarterback's gimpy left ankle is good to go. Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy said the plan is for Jones to dress out and see how his ankle feels. “Just being in that room, I already learned so much about NFL football,” he said. Mond started 44 games for the Aggies, Ehlinger logged 43 starts for the Longhorns,Mond led the Aggies into College Football Playoffs contention in his final season. I just wanted to come and kind of learn more about NFL football and learn a new playbook, which I thought I did a good job with.
Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger entering NFL draft
Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger scrambles during the second half of the team's NCAA college football game against Oklahoma in Dallas, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)AUSTIN, Texas – Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger is passing on a fifth season with the Longhorns to enter the NFL draft. Ehlinger announced the decision in a video Sunday, a day after Texas fired coach Tom Herman and replaced him with Steve Sarkisian. “I’m so proud to have been your quarterback for four amazing years," Ehlinger said in the video. May God bless all of you, and hook ’em.”Ehlinger finished his Texas career with 11,436 yards passing and 94 touchdowns in 46 games, 43 of them starts.
Texas fires Herman after 4 seasons, hires Tide OC Sarkisian
The move comes just a few hours after Texas announced the firing of Tom Herman after four seasons with no Big 12 championships. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt, File)AUSTIN, Texas – Texas was tired of waiting for Tom Herman to deliver a Big 12 title and turn the Longhorns back into national championship contenders. Texas fired Herman on Saturday after four winning seasons, then hours later announced it was giving the job to the Alabama offensive coordinator. He will be Texas’ fourth head coach since the program’s last Big 12 championship in 2009. Of note, Sarkisian was a USC assistant when Texas beat the Trojans for the national championship in the epic 2006 Rose Bowl.
Texas overcomes Ehlinger injury, routs Colorado 55-23
(AP Photo/Eric Gay)SAN ANTONIO – Texas has been tested all year, but losing senior quarterback Sam Ehlinger to a shoulder injury was an obstacle the Longhorns never anticipated. 20 Texas overcame Ehlinger’s injury to beat Colorado 55-23 in the Valero Alamo Bowl on Tuesday night. Ehlinger missed the second half after sustaining a shoulder injury in the second quarter. Thompson started the second half in place of Ehlinger and led Texas to a touchdown on its opening possession. Texas: The Longhorns found a capable replacement for Ehlinger in Thompson.
Ehlinger last captain standing for Texas vs Buffs in bowl
That leaves Ehlinger alone to try to put a final stamp on a bizarre season that may or may not be his last in college. “No seniors have really been in this position to where they’ve been granted an extra year of eligibility,” Ehlinger said during Texas’ bowl preparations. Ehlinger has been the full-time starter since 2018 and ranks second only to Colt McCoy in the school record book for passing yards and touchdowns. Now he has a chance to win a fourth consecutive bowl game, a rarity for a starting quarterback. He has two career kickoff return touchdowns, a punt return TD and a blocked two-point conversion return for another score.
Texas RBs pile up 311 yards, 6 TDs, clobber K-State 69-31
MANHATTAN, Kan. – Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson combined for 311 rushing yards and six touchdowns and Texas beat Kansas State 69-31 on Saturday afternoon. Robinson scored on runs of 12, 30 and 75 yards Saturday. “I knew it would take time to learn to get a feel for the game,” Robinson said. “Credit to Texas because they were ready to play today,” Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said. “I’m excited about that and for our players to send them out with another winning season,” Herman said.
Texas heads to K-State with Herman’s future in spotlight
MANHATTAN, Kan. – The end of Charlie Strong’s tenure at Texas was probably sealed with a late-season loss to lowly Kansas. Four years later, Tom Herman's tenure could likewise be decided in the Sunflower State. And perhaps most importantly, Texas likely will sitting out the Big 12 title game again, regardless of what happens against the Wildcats and Kansas. “If you truly love the game of football and you love your teammates and you love this program, and you're doing it for the right reasons, every game matters,” Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger said. “It's another opportunity to play the game you love.
No. 22 Texas' defense holds off West Virginia, 17-13
Texas stopped West Virginia on fourth-down passes into the end zone twice in the fourth quarter, enabling the No. Doege completed 35 of 50 for 317 yards for West Virginia (4-3, 3-3) but failed to throw a touchdown. Texas limited West Virginia running back Leddie Brown to 47 yards, 69 fewer than his average, on 15 carries. But the West Virginia offense failed to capitalize repeatedly on scoring opportunities. The game against West Virginia was a step forward coming a week after Texas beat then-No.
Ehlinger's TD pass helps Texas beat No. 6 Oklahoma St. in OT
Oklahoma State drove into Texas territory late in the first half with a 24-17 lead, but Ossai stripped him and Texas defensive tackle Ta’Quon Graham recovered and returned the ball to the Oklahoma State 20. Sanders threw his fourth touchdown pass -- a 9-yard toss to a well-covered Wallace -- to give Oklahoma State a 31-20 lead. Oklahoma State got a final shot in regulation, getting the ball back with 1:13 remaining and no timeouts. Oklahoma State: The Cowboys dominated nearly every facet of the game and beat themselves with mistakes. Oklahoma State visits Kansas State on Saturday.
No. 6 Oklahoma St and Texas always seem close in Big 12 play
Some things to watch in the Big 12 on the last Saturday of October, when No. 6 Oklahoma State. The undefeated Cowboys (4-0, 3-0 Big 12) have allowed only 12 points a game, while the Longhorns (3-2, 2-2) are the Big 12's highest-scoring team at 45 points a game. The Horned Frogs and Bears were the only Big 12 teams that didn't get to play their nonconference games because of COVID-19 issues. 16 Kansas State is looking to open Big 12 play with five consecutive wins for the first time since 2014.
Ehlinger helps Texas beat Baylor 27-16 to end skid
AUSTIN, Texas – Sam Ehlinger passed for an early touchdown, then ran for two more in the second half to lead Texas to a 27-16 win over Baylor on Saturday that snapped the Longhorns’ two-game losing skid. After the game, Texas players stayed on the field for “The Eyes of Texas” school song that had been embroiled in controversy. Ehlinger set up Texas’ first touchdown with a 42-yard completion on a leaping catch by Joshua Moore. After forcing a turnover on downs in the final minutes, Texas ran out the clock near the Baylor goal line. Most of the team left the field before the song after Texas’ first two home games and again in Dallas when Texas lost to Oklahoma, angering some fans.
Conflict raging over ‘The Eyes of Texas’ school song
AUSTIN, Texas – Losing football games is one thing at the University of Texas. A challenge to the hallowed school song is quite another. “Standing for ‘The Eyes of Texas’ is a statement of something – school spirit, loyalty, solidarity,” University of Texas law professor emeritus David Anderson said. They first marched with coach Tom Herman from campus to the state Capitol, then led a group of students and athletes demanding the school drop “The Eyes of Texas." “To be clear, the UT System Board of Regents stands unequivocally and unanimously in support of President Hartzell’s announcement that The Eyes of Texas is, and will remain, the official school song,” Eltife said.
Herman says no mandate for Texas players over school song
AUSTIN, Texas – Texas coach Tom Herman said Monday there is no mandate that his players stay on the field for the post-game singing of the school song, an issue that has erupted into controversy among Longhorns fans. “Nobody, from Chris Del Conte to myself to any other coaches, have mandated our players do anything,” Herman said. Herman said Monday he continues to encourage players to sing or stay on the field to show appreciation for the school and fans, but will respect those who don't. The players were told over the summer they didn't have to sing the song. “I respect the hell out of our team and our team leaders for fostering that environment of inclusivity,” Herman said.
Herman will sing “Eyes of Texas” and respect those who don’t
AUSTIN, Texas – Texas coach Tom Herman said Monday he’ll encourage players and staff to sing “The Eyes of Texas” after games, but will respect those who don’t want to join the long-standing school tradition that has become a flashpoint for fans. Herman addressed the post-game song after fan outrage bubbled on internet message boards following Texas' loss to Oklahoma on Saturday. Most of the team left the field but senior quarterback Sam Ehlinger was conspicuous by staying for the song with Herman and several coaches. I applaud them and respect that,” Herman said. “A team that is divided, a team that’s fractured ... they don’t play like that,” Herman said.
Rattler TD pass in 4th OT sends OU past No. 22 Texas 53-45
The Oklahoma freshman threw a 25-yard scoring pass to Drake Stoops in the fourth overtime and the Sooners survived a late rally from No. It was just the second four-OT game in 25 seasons of the Big 12, joining Kansas State's 53-50 victory over Texas A&M in 2011. The Longhorns (2-2, 1-2) also left themselves little hope of playing for a Big 12 title, much less being part of the College Football Playoff conversation. “I was kind of surprised when I came out at first,” said Rattler, who was tied for the Big 12 lead with four interceptions coming in. POLL IMPLICATIONSConsecutive Big 12 losses, the first for Oklahoma since 1998, sent the Sooners tumbling from No.
Red River rivalry in Big 12 even without State Fair of Texas
There is no State Fair of Texas this year because of the pandemic and both teams are coming off a loss, but this is still the Red River rivalry. The five-time defending Big 12 champions Sooners are 0-2 in league play (losses to Kansas State and Iowa State) for the first time since 1988. But Oklahoma has won eight of the last 11 against Texas, including the Big 12 title game in 2018. They all play Oct. 17, when the rest of the Big 12 teams will get that weekend off. ... Kansas State, which plays at TCU, is 2-0 in the Big 12 for the first time since 2014.
Max Duggan and TCU beat No. 9 Longhorns again 33-31
TCU quarterback Max Duggan (15) scores a touchdown on a run against Texas during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)AUSTIN, Texas – Texas ran out of comebacks against Max Duggan and TCU. The Horned Frogs quarterback ran for the go-ahead score with 4 minutes left and the defense made it stand with a goal-line fumble recovery to beat No. After Duggan's touchdown, Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger marched the Longhorns to the lip of the end zone. Griffin Kell kicked four field goals for the Horned Frogs.
Max Duggan and TCU beat No. 9 Longhorns again 33-31
AUSTIN, Texas – Texas ran out of comebacks against Max Duggan and TCU. The Horned Frogs quarterback ran for the go-ahead score with 4 minutes left and the defense made it stand with a goal-line fumble recovery to beat No. He's now 7-2 against Texas since TCU joined the Big 12 in 2012. After Duggan's touchdown, Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger marched the Longhorns to the lip of the end zone. Griffin Kell kicked four field goals for the Horned Frogs.
No. 8 Texas rallies to beat Texas Tech 63-56 in overtime
Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger scores a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas Tech, Saturday Sept. 26, 2020, in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Photo/Mark Rogers)LUBBOCK, Texas – Sam Ehlinger threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Joshua Moore in overtime, sending No. 8 Texas to a wild 63-56 victory over Texas Tech on Saturday that saw the Longhorns rally with two touchdowns in the final 3 minutes of regulation. Texas Tech: The Red Raiders were on the brink of delivering second-year coach Matt Wells a signature win over a Top 10 team and big rival. The first two set up Texas touchdowns in the first half before the last one ended the game.
Ehlinger and No. 8 Texas open Big 12 play at Texas Tech
8 Texas (1-0) at Texas Tech (1-0), Saturday at 3:30 p.m. Texas needs a quick start in the Big 12 as the Longhorns chase their first league crown since 2009. KEY MATCHUPTexas quarterback Sam Ehlinger vs. the Red Raiders' frazzled secondary. The Red Raiders got torched by Houston Baptist's prolific passing game their first time on the field. ... Red Raiders linebacker Colin Schooler and Texas wide receiver Brenden Schooler are brothers.
Week 4 Preview: FSU-Miami has King in spotlight; SEC begins
Before Miami won easily last year, the ‘Canes and ’Noles played five straight games decided by five points or fewer. A pandemic-altered college football season has helped put FSU-Miami in the spotlight again this weekend. The Big Ten and Pac-12 are still at least a month away, but the college football menu is starting to fill up. 7-6 — Lane Kiffin's record in his one SEC season as coach at Tennessee. ___Follow Ralph D. Russo at https://twitter.com/ralphDrussoAP and listen at http://www.westwoodonepodcasts.com/pods/ap-top-25-college-football-podcast/___More AP college football: https://apnews.com/Collegefootball and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25
Ehlinger leads No. 14 Texas romp over UTEP 59-3
14 Longhorns Saturday night after months of coronavirus disruptions and social justice demands and protests was that they finally got to take the field against UTEP. Ehlinger's final touchdown pass came on a 6-yard toss to walk-on Kai Money in the final seconds of the first half. Texas' original schedule had the Longhorns visiting defending national champion LSU this weekend, in a rematch of their 2019 classic. Texas didn't allow a sack in 47 pass attempts and the defense allowed only 233 total yards in new coordinator Chris Ash's debut. But they were overpowered at the line of scrimmage and overwhelmed by Texas' speed while Longhorns receivers zipped through and around the UTEP secondary.
No. 14 Texas eager to get to kickoff with opener vs UTEP
A quick look around the Big 12 justifies his trepidation. Get that far and Texas can at least start a season in pursuit of its first Big 12 championship since 2009. Texas' first Big 12 game is scheduled for Sept 26 at Texas Tech. The Big Ten and Pac-12 scrapped their fall seasons while the Big 12, SEC ad ACC push ahead. Texas has lacked a big-time edge rusher in the past and big things are expected of him.
Texas chases Big 12 title with Ehlinger and rebuilt staff
Tossed out were the offensive and defensive coordinators in favor of new assistants with past connections to Herman and the Big 12. 14 Texas will soon return to a Big 12 championship not won in more than a decade. Texas opens the season at home against UTEP on Sept. 12, then opens Big 12 play at Texas Tech on Sept. 26. Texas hasn't won a Big 12 title since 2009 with Colt McCoy. SCHEDULE SCRAMBLEThe Big 12 schedule change knocked out one of the marquee games of the season: Texas at LSU.
Freshman Duggan shines as TCU knocks off No. 15 Texas 37-27
FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) - Freshman Max Duggan threw two touchdown passes, including a tiebreaking 44-yarder to Jalen Reagor the first play after one of Sam Ehlinger's career-high four interceptions, and TCU beat No. 15 Texas 37-27 on Saturday. Duggan led TCU with 72 yards rushing. It was the fifth win in six tries against Texas for the Horned Frogs, which includes their first four-game winning streak in the series since the 1930s. TCU: Duggan went a long way toward securing the starting job long-term.
No. 15 Texas beats Kansas 50-48 on last-second FG
Given the ball with just 1:11 to play after Kansas had taken a one-point lead, Ehlinger drove the Longhorns to the Jayhawks' 21-yard line. Kansas, under first-year coach Les Miles, nearly had a victory that would have stunned the Big 12 and knocked Texas out of the ranks of favorite to get to the league championship. Pooka Williams rushed for 190 yards and two touchdowns and Carter Stanley passed for 310 yards and four touchdowns for the Jayhawks. Texas: The Longhorns defense came in as the worst in the Big 12 and lived down it. Roach also got the surge up the middle to block the extra point that Texas returned the other way.
Lamb TDs, defense lift No. 6 OU past 11th-ranked Texas 34-27
DALLAS (AP) - Jalen Hurts threw three touchdown passes to CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma's defense sacked Sam Ehlinger nine times and the No. 6 Sooners never trailed in a 34-27 victory over 11th-ranked Texas on Saturday. The Longhorns (4-2, 2-1) are likely relegated to a spoiler role if there's a second consecutive Big 12 title game between the rivals. The Alabama transfer with plenty of rivalry experience from facing Auburn threw an interception in the Texas end zone in the second quarter. Leading Texas receiver Devin Duvernay had a quiet day - except for several questionable decisions on punt returns that hurt field position for Texas.
Ehlinger leads No. 11 Texas over West Virginia 42-31
11 Texas converted three turnovers into TDs in a 42-31 victory over West Virginia on Saturday. Ehlinger and Texas (4-1, 2-0 Big 12) beat the Mountaineers (3-2, 1-1) on the road for the second straight time. Ehlinger and several Texas players were upset last year after several Mountaineers flashed "horns down" signs during West Virginia's 42-41 win in Austin, Texas. Texas coach Tom Herman praised his defense for making key plays when West Virginia had a chance to retake the lead after halftime. West Virginia: The Mountaineers host the Cyclones next Saturday after Iowa State embarrassed the Mountaineers 30-14 a year ago.
Ehlinger leads No. 12 Texas past Oklahoma State 36-30
12 Texas ended four years of frustration against Oklahoma State with a 36-30 win Saturday night to open the Longhorns' Big 12 schedule. The Texas defense held Oklahoma State's two big offensive weapons - running back Chuba Hubbard and wide receiver Tylan Wallace - mostly in check. His spinning, tackle-breaking 26-yard reception set up a touchdown that gave Texas a 13-point lead early in the fourth quarter. Ehlinger finished with 281 yards passing and threw for three touchdowns in the second quarter, including a 73-yarder to Brennan Eagles. THE TAKEAWAYOklahoma State: Cowboys coach Mike Gundy will face questions about some decisions that cost his team valuable points.
Ehlinger throws 3 TD passes, No. 12 Texas beats Rice 48-13
HOUSTON (AP) - Sam Ehlinger threw for 279 yards and three touchdowns, Jake Smith caught six passes for 75 yards and two touchdowns and No. 12 Texas rebounded from its first loss of the season with a 48-13 rout of Rice on Saturday night. Ehlinger threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Roschon Johnson to cap the opening drive before throwing touchdown passes of 53 yards and 12 yards to Smith in the first half. The Longhorns finished with 28 first downs compared to 13 for the Owls (0-3). Tom Stewart was 11 of 22 for 175 yards and threw touchdown passes of 3 yards and 4 yards to Aston Walter in the fourth quarter.
Rice a ready-made remedy for No. 12 Texas
Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger throws a pass as LSU linebacker K'Lavon Chaisson defends during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)AUSTIN, Texas - After losing a tough game to LSU with its secondary taking a beating in the process, Texas needs a rebound win before heading into the Big 12 schedule. Rice is familiar ground for Texas coach Tom Herman, who made a name for himself as the Owls' offensive coordinator in 2007-2008. DASHING DUVERNAYTexas senior slot receiver Devin Duvernay had a breakout game against LSU with 12 catches for 154 yards and two touchdowns. FAST FRESHMANWide receiver Jake Smith caught his first touchdown pass against LSU and could be ready for an expanded role in the Texas offense.
Longhorns eager to fix mistakes after tough loss to LSU
AUSTIN - The Texas Longhorns know that they had more than one opportunity to put points on the board against the LSU Tigers in the first quarter. We had the ball inside the five yard line twice and came away with no points. Meanwhile, LSU head coach Ed Orgeron roused up some drama of his own during his Monday meeting with reporters, claiming the visitors locker room at DKR Memorial Stadium had no air conditioning. Several of the Tigers defensive players went down late in the fourth quarter with what appeared to be leg cramps. Longhorns fans booed the Tigers, believing players were faking the injuries to get the Horns out of their offensive rhythm.
MONDAY HUDDLE: 5 takeaways from this weekend's football scene around the state
Joe Burrow #9 of the LSU Tigers looks to pass in the fourth quarter against the Texas Longhorns during a 45-38 LSU win.. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)Here are five takeaways from this past weekend's football action around the state. But as good as Ehlinger was, LSU quarterback Joe Burrow was that much better in a phenomenal performance. Burrow went 31-of-39 for 471 yards and four touchdowns, numbers that couldve been expected by anyone going in. During last years narrow defeat at home to Clemson, it was a coming-out party for Texas A&M quarterback Kellen Mond. UIW set a school record with 402 rushing yards and quarterback Jon Copeland tied a single-game record with five touchdown passes.
Ehlinger's 4 TD passes lead No. 10 Texas over Louisiana Tech
AUSTIN, Texas - Sam Ehlinger threw four touchdown passes and No. 10 Texas rolled past Louisiana Tech 45-14 on Saturday night, giving coach Tom Herman his first season-opening victory in three years with the Longhorns. Ehlinger was coolly efficient from the start with scoring passes on three of Texas' first four possessions. UP NEXTLouisiana Tech: The Bulldogs head back to Louisiana to face FCS opponent Grambling. 6 LSU (1-0), which beat Georgia Southern 55-3 behind five touchdowns passes from Joe Burrow.
The Sports Guys Extra featuring Greg, Larry, and Jake: 7/17/19
Check out an expanded version of The Sports Guys, which takes you behind the scenes of the KSAT Sports department. This week, Greg, Larry, and Jake discuss the following topics:Ezekiel Elliott has threatened training camp holdout if Dallas Cowboys dont start new contract talks. The Houston Texans' inability to reach a long-term deal with Jadeveon Clowney. And the Texas A&M Aggies' Kellen Mond saying hes the best quarterback in the SEC. Copyright 2019 by KSAT - All rights reserved.
Texas says 10-win season not enough to be 'back' in Big 12
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) - Tom Herman knows that Texas is probably a bit ahead of schedule after 10 wins in his second season that included making the Big 12 championship game and a Sugar Bowl victory. With junior quarterback Sam Ehlinger, the preseason Big 12 offensive player of the year, the Longhorns are picked to again finish second in the league behind four-time defending champion Oklahoma. The Longhorns won the Red River rivalry game at the State Fair of Texas last October. He is returning to the Big 12, where he was Texas Tech's offensive coordinator from 2010-12. The last national championship for Texas - the last for a Big 12 team - was the 2005 season, Mack Brown's eighth in Austin, though the Longhorns did get to another title game in 2009.
A lot on the line for rivals Oklahoma, Texas in Dallas
The stage -- the Cotton Bowl in Dallas -- is not far from the dividing line between the two states of Oklahoma and Texas. 12 Oklahoma is coming off a surprising loss to Iowa State in Norman and now faces Texas, the winner of two straight games and surprising leader in the Big 12. Texas currently is tied with TCU for first place in the conference and a win over Oklahoma would be huge for the program. 12 Oklahoma (4-1, 1-1 Big 12) vs. Texas (3-2, 2-0) in Dallas, Saturday, 2:30 p.m. CT (ESPN)Line: Oklahoma by 8. Texas's surprise early lead in the Big 12 standings.