After a consequential meltdown loss in Waco last weekend, the Texas Longhorn Football program is weathering a seriously dark storm. The Longhorns have now lost three straight games, an experience that never occurred during the Herman era. Charlie Strong lost three straight games in 2015 and then again lost three straight on two separate occasions in the 2016 season.
The unfortunate streak has come in the heart of a season where we briefly thought this could have been our year in the Big 12. Before Caleb Williams came into the OU game in the Red River Showdown, the Texas Longhorns looked like a conference championship-winning team.
Since that moment, the cracks in DKR have started to show. Sure, we have a shiny new face with Sarkisian and a bright new south endzone, but the Texas Football program is not shiny or bright going into this holiday season.
If this Texas football program was a road trip, we would be crossing a bridge in a 15-year-old Nissan Xterra running on fumes, looking ahead to a large sign which reads “Welcome to Laughing Stock Territory.”
As we roll closer to the sign, the engine ticks as it runs out of gas, and we can see the smaller wording at the bottom saying, “5 and 7 is only four games away.”
This week we will not be dwelling on Big 12 Championship dark horse scenarios or betting big on the Horns. Instead, we will be remembering our trip to Ames, Iowa for the close game in 2019, breaking down the Iowa State Cyclones led by Matt Campbell, and discussing how much leeway Steve Sarkisian should have in what is becoming a difficult introduction in Austin.
Football on the 40Â is a weekly podcast hosted by University of Texas alumni that takes a weekly dive into the Longhorn football season. Below are our individualized predictions for the upcoming Iowa State game.
Jake’s Take:
Heartbreak in Waco, following consecutive heartbreaks in Austin and Dallas, is a lot to handle (especially having been in-person at all three games). It’s hard for me to muster any level of optimism for the remainder of this season.
Moving into Iowa State, I think the Cyclones are surprisingly quite talented and experienced, perhaps the best-coached team in the nation, and have leadership at the quarterback and running back positions especially. I never thought this game would be a great matchup for the Horns.
Coming off three consecutive losses, that feeling has certainly not changed. While I have true hope for the future of the program under Sark, there is little to write home about on any year one progress. This week we hit rock bottom, losing four straight for the first time since Garrett Gilbert’s embarrassing 2010 season. Iowa State takes the win, 38-28.Â
Andrew’s Take:Â
We all know what has happened to the Horns throughout the month of October. The frustration is not primarily due to the quality of the players or the three consecutive losses. Rather, it’s the squandered opportunities.
We have been outscored 75-27 in the second half of the last three games. If we would have held off the furious rally from the Sooners and won the Golden Hat, I truly believe that the Horns are 6-2 or 7-1 at this moment. Alas, they are 4-4, and the majority of Longhorn fans are looking towards recruiting/next season.
If we win this game, I think Texas has a realistic shot to go 8-4. This is our last chance to redeem the season. There is nothing that points to a Texas victory going into this game, but I’m going with all heart here. 35-31 Texas.
Kevin’s Take:
On last week’s podcast, I stated that I thought the game vs. Baylor was worth double. Had we won, I saw the momentum carrying through to Iowa State. Sadly we lost in our favorite fashion by losing a 10+ point lead in the second half.
I don’t expect the team to figure it out on the road in a difficult environment. After seeing the gameday environment in Ames, Iowa, and understanding the intensity and passion of Iowa State fans, I can confidently say this will be one of the more difficult game-day experiences for our Longhorns behind only Arkansas and OU in the Cotton Bowl.
Betting on the Horns this week is just throwing away money. The Horns’ struggles are not transitory, but less fans in DKR for the remainder of the season is projected to decrease Austin’s carbon footprint.
Bowen Cai:
Another really heartbreaking loss from the Horns. On one hand, I’m devastated that we squandered yet another lead, but on the other hand, I’m glad that I won’t have to lie to myself or play mental gymnastics anymore, pretending like we have a chance.
This is year one of a coaching transition, and we will get there. Looking ahead to the game, it does seem like the Texas optimism is finally wearing out. Iowa State is favored by 6.5 points with an over/under of 60.5. Iowa State is coming off a crushing loss against West Virginia and will be looking to bounce back.
Unfortunately, I have Texas suffering another loss this week. 35-28 Iowa State.
You can check out this week’s podcast here.
