Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns 55, Sam Houston State Bearkats 0
The Longhorns let the good times roll Saturday night in DKR, coming out hot and playing well on both sides of the ball. Sam Houston State’s possessions: punt, punt, punt, punt, punt, interception, punt, downs, punt, punt, punt, and sacked on third and 15 to end the game. The Texas offense: touchdown, touchdown, touchdown, field goal, touchdown, touchdown, touchdown, field goal, touchdown, and then 2 punts in the last 5 minutes of the game. It was fun. Texas covered the line and the over/under. Texas had 607 yards of offense to the Bearkats’ 113. Arch Manning was outstanding, accounting for 5 touchdowns (rest of the stats in the review below). 13 different Longhorns caught passes, and 27 different Longhorns made tackles.
We had a great Juan Heisman Tailgate, Longhorn City Limits was packed and jamming, the stadium was sold out and full and loud, and CDC and his team delivered a fun night with another cool drone show. I love night games.
Monday Morning Highlights
https://x.com/TexasFootball/status/1970110285877858390
I have got to figure out a way to get Los Longhorns en Español every week. I am working on it!
The biggest football news of the week was the Southeastern Conference announcing each team’s permanent rivals and SEC games for the next four seasons (through 2029).
The first announcement was each teams “permanent” opponents. Texas has Arkansas, Texas Agricultural & Mechanical, and the Land Thieves. Absolutely right. Good job Chris.
Texas Agricultural & Mechanical has Louisiana State and Missouri. Of course Texas, and the LSU rivalry runs deep. But those other Tigers? Should have given them another aggie school – Auburn. Auburn – A&M would be a darn good rivalry. Our Fightin’ Texas Aggies deserved better.
The Land Thieves got Missouri and Ole Miss. I get Mizzou – old Big 8, geographically makes sense. But Ole Miss? Should have been Arkansas for Ole Miss, not Oklahoma. Lane Kiffin, not surprisingly, had an opinion.
https://x.com/On3sports/status/1970924055340716233
I like the system – everyone plays everyone else in the conference at least once every four years.
The rest of our schedule for the rest of my 60’s … These are just the opponents, not ordering of games.
2026: Arkansas, at Texas A&M, vs. Oklahoma (Dallas), vs. Florida, vs. Ole Miss, vs. Mississippi State, at LSU, at Missouri, at Tennessee
2027: at Arkansas, vs. Texas A&M, vs. Oklahoma (Dallas), vs. Auburn, vs. Georgia, vs. Kentucky, at Alabama, at South Carolina, at Vanderbilt
2028: vs. Arkansas, at Texas A&M, vs. Oklahoma (Dallas), vs. LSU, vs. Missouri, vs. Tennessee, at Florida, at Ole Miss, at Mississippi State
2029: at Arkansas, vs. Texas A&M, vs. Oklahoma (Dallas), vs. Alabama, vs. South Carolina, vs. Vanderbilt, at Auburn, at Georgia, at Kentucky
All in all pretty dang good. One terrible miss: Next year Texas should have been at Ole Miss. Arch Manning in Vaught-Hemingway. Would have been the best ticket in college football in 2026. Some major cerebral flatulence by someone.
Thank You!
Thank you to all the people who responded to last week’s Dispatch and my comments about booing our Longhorns. 100% favorable response. We are united in our love for Texas. And respect for the game and our players.
College Football Last Weekend
Memphis upset Arkansas, but not me. Crazy game, my comments below. The Land Thieves stole a game in Norman (24-17), a crime against Auburn aided and abetted by SEC referees. Indiana bludgeoned Illinois 63-10 in the biggest surprise of the weekend. Texas Christian beat Southern Methodist 35-24 to win the Iron Skillet. Tulsa beat Oklahoma State 19-12, and Mike Gundy’s great run in Stillwater ended on Tuesday. Dabo and the Tigers fell to 1-3 after losing at home to Syracuse 21-34.
College Football This Weekend
With the Horns getting this Saturday off, it will be a good day to watch some football with no stress! The weekend is packed with great games, starting Friday night with two top 25 matchups. No. 8 Florida State is in Charlottesville to play Virginia, and No. 24 Texas Christian is in Tempe to play Arizona State. Saturday, Big Noon Kickoff on FOX is No. 21 Southern Cal at No. 23 Illinois, while over on ABC we get No. 22 Notre Dame and Arkansas. No. 4 Louisiana State is in Oxford to play No. 13 Ole Miss (ABC’s SEC 2:30 game) in one of the South’s great rivalries. No. 9 Texas Agricultural & Mechanical hosts Auburn, also 2:30 (ESPN). Saturday night is No. 17 Alabama at No. 5 Georgia. An unbelievable lineup for the last weekend in September. Awesome! So is the song that we started this week with, one of my favorites of all time.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Longhorns 55, Bearkats zero – nada – nil
In two games, Texas has beaten Sam Houston 111-3. Healthy.
A look at some statistics from the game first, because they are uplifting.
Arch Manning. 18/21 for 309 yards and 3 touchdowns passing, no picks. He only had 5 carries for 11 yards, but 2 of those were touchdowns. QBR of 81.6, and his Rating was 256.45 (which is astronomical; the top QB in the country is Jayden Maiava, Southern Cal, with a 208.79 average on the season).
The running game was pretty well spread out – 264 yards total, but 50 of that was on Matthew Caldwell’s big run. Not a fluke but skews the rush analysis for the RBs. Clark had 13 for 62 yards and a score, 4.8 ypc. Gibson 11 for 53 yards and a score, 4.8 ypc. Simon 9 carries for 50 yards, 5.6 yps. Their long runs were, respectively, 12, 13, and 16. Better, but need to improve a lot.
The good news was that we got Wingo the ball on a sweep, and he swept for 32 yards.
As noted above 13 Longhorns caught passes. No one had over 100 yards, although Wingo was close with 93 yards on 4 catches and 2 touchdowns. Really optimistic there. Moore was PFF’s highest rated receiver last week, at 89.8.
What I really like are these receiving stats – the long pass plays:
- Wingo – 53 yards
- Niblett – 39 yards
- Moore – 38 yards
- Washington – 32 yards
- Butler – 17 yards
- Clark – 16 yards
- Livingstone – 15 yards
That is good explosivity, and Texas needs to keep that going.
Basically, every time Texas got the ball, they scored, and every time Sam Houston State got the ball, they punted or turned it over. Not a lot of drama to write about. Some observations.
First Half
Sam Houston didn’t just have to punt all the time. Their first five possessions (5 of 6 in the first half) were all three and outs. 6 yards, minus 7 yards, minus 7 yards, 4 yards, and 1 yard. Sam got 33 yards on their last possession of the first half before that nice pick by Jelani McDonald on the end of period hail mary. 5 yards in their first 5 possessions. Dominant Texas Defense.
The Texas offense was the opposite – five possessions, five scores.
Second Half
Texas got the ball to start the half, and a 63 second, 75 yard drive was capped with the 53 yard Manning to Wingo touchdown pass. One of the best moments of the night.
Second Texas possession also ended in the end zone, Manning to Wingo for 13 yards. That would be it for Arch for the evening.
The rest of the game was mostly about ensuring the shutout and letting lots of kids get some game time. Fun and glad to see that, especially to see Matthew Caldwell get some quality snaps. Still wondering about (and admittedly didn’t have time to delve) as to why KJ Lacey came in instead of Trey Owens.
Coach Sarkisian said last week in news conferences that they would be looking at young players, and they did.
As for one of my thoughts last week. “Progress, not perfection. Coach Sark said Arch is playing much better in practice, playing as expected. He just needs to carry that into the game.” Arch did, and it showed, thank goodness. Hope he is having more fun.
Texas did not improve in the penalty department. 9 for 70 yards. At home against the Sam Houston State Bearkats. I’m telling you, that has to get fixed, or it will cost us a game somewhere along the way.
Overall, an A- for the whole team. Loved watching the game. Deduction is for penalties.
Also loved Arch Manning going to Dell Children’s Hospital on Sunday, the day after the game, and spreading love and smiles. What a good young man.
https://x.com/Cory_Mose/status/1969986889667985421
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Highlights
From ESPN College Football – about 10 minutes.
The condensed game, courtesy of Justin Nash. 51 minutes.
Longhorns Stats After Week 4
An open week before conference play is nice, and a great time to look at where we stand after opening with that huge game in Columbus, muddling through San Jose and El Paso, before a good game last week.
BCF Toys
| FEI | OFEI | DFEI | SFEI – Adj | |
| Texas | No. 7: 0.91 | No. 22: 0.26 | No. 2: 0.69 | No. 15: 0.07 |
Offense moved up from No. 31 to No. 22.
| NAY | OAY | DAY | |
| Texas | No. 13: 0.301 | No. 38: 0.548 | No. 5 0.247 |
Texas moved up from No. 30 to No. 13 on NAY, from No. 76 to No. 38 on OAY, and from No. 10 to No. 5 on DAY.
| NPD | OPD | DPD | |
| Texas | No. 10: 2.34 | No. 34: 2.93 | No. 5: 0.59 |
Jumped from No. 30 to No. 10 on NPD, No. 69 to No. 34 on OPD, and a little bump from 7 to 5 on DPD.
| NPP | OPP | DPP | |
| Texas | No. 17: 2.06 | No. 53: 5.87 | No. 6: 3.84 |
Up from No. 52 to No. 17 on NPP, up from No. 95 to No. 53 on OPP, and up to No 6 from No. 17 on DPP.
| PVE | OVE | DVE | SVE | |
| Texas | No. 11: 1.15 | No. 51: 0.10 | No. 5: 0.93 | No. 11: 0.14 |
Last week, Horns were No. 33 PVE, No. 85 OVE, No. 7 DVE, and No. 17 SVE.
In BCF’s F+ ratings (Brian Fremeau’s FEI ratings combined with Bill Connelly’s SP+ ratings), Texas is No. 9 (holding steady). Offensively, Texas is No. 32 (up from 43); defensively, Texas is No. 2 (same). Our Special Teams are No. 59 (up from 95, quite a reversal).
PFF
Texas overall rating is 94.5, placing it at No. 38. The first number below is our national ranking in that category, the next the PFF rating.
| Offense | Passing | Pass Blocking | Receiving | Run | Run Blocking |
| #37 – 77.7 | #28 – 80.0 | #39 – 74.2 | #34 – 73.2 | #56 – 78.9 | #58- 64.2 |
| Defense | Run D | Tackling | Pass Rush | Coverage |
| #7 – 92.4 | #7 – 92.6 | #25 – 78.6 | #8 – 87.4 | #10 – 90.5 |
Texas Special Teams: No. 62 – 75.4 rating.
Arch Manning is 83.6 overall, with 79.3 passing and 73.0 running.
Pass rush defense is better than I expected. Part of that is freshman Smith Orogbo, who in only 2 games played has a 91.9 rating. Colin Simmons (82.2), Trey Moore (81.4), and Hero Kanu (77.9) are next.
Michael Taaffe is top rated in coverage, with an 80.2. Graceson Littleton is section with 72.6. Gillespie, Roberson, Muhammad, Wilson, McDonald, and Black all rate over 70, which is good.
TCT Thoughts
This defense is really good.
- #4 nationally in scoring (7.8 ppg).
- #6 rush defense – 59.75 yards per game
- #7 in yards per carry allowed (2.13)
- #20 pass defense – 151.3 yards per game.
- #9 in yards per attempt pass defense (4.9)
- #5 total defense – 211.0 yards per game
- #2 in yards per play allowed – 3.58
The Texas offense is a work in process, with Arch’s early struggles and with Baxter and Wisner out. We have some really good tight ends, and the receiving corps, especially if Wingo can continue to improve, will be excellent. What a nice surprise Parker Livingstone is.
The one glaring issue is penalties. Texas is 127th in penalties (34), 126th in penalty yards per game (78.3), and 125th in penalties per game (8.5). This must be cleaned up.
Let’s hope the running backs and others heal. 8 days to Gainesville.
The Texas Brand
We are the Joneses.
The academic brand is on top too!
From The University:
We did it again! The University of Texas at Austin is proud to be ranked the No. 1 public university in Texas and No. 7 nationally by U.S. News & World Report. A total of 32 programs are ranked No. 1 in Texas! With 76 programs in the Top 10 nationally, this recognition reflects the momentum at UT and the bright future our students, faculty, and staff are creating every day.
Also #1 University in Texas for veterans and the #7 public university nationally.
Week Five in the Southeastern Conference
No. 22 Notre Dame (1-2) at Arkansas (2-2), 11:00 a.m. on ABC from Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville. The Fighting Irish better be ready for some angry pigs after their ugly loss to Memphis. I think they will be. Notre Dame favored by 4.5, over/under is 63.5. Go Irish. Notre Dame to win and cover.
Utah State (3-1) at No. 18 Vanderbilt (4-0), 11:45 a.m. on the SEC Network from Nashville. The Commodores are looking even better than I expected. The aggies from Logan will not be much of test for the bright kids from Vandy. Dores favored by 23.5, over/under is 58.5. Vanderbilt to win, Mormon Aggies to cover.
No. 4 Louisiana State (4-0) at No. 13 Ole Miss (3-0) 2:30 p.m. on the stations of the American Broadcasting Company, from Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford. The Rebels and Tigers meet for the 114th time in The Magnolia Bowl. Louisiana State leads the series 64-42-2. This is one of those series that reminds us that it was just a couple of generations ago that home stadiums in places like Oxford were not always the home field for a game, usually because of capacity. In fact, between 1894 and 1988, the Rebels and Tigers only played six (6) times in Oxford. Sometimes the Rebels were the home team in Jackson, where they played in the ~60,000 capacity Mississippi Memorial Stadium. Quite a few times, Ole Miss was the “home” team in Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge. For example, 1938 to 1951, all the games were in Red Stick. Between 1953 and 1964, ten of the games were in Baton Rouge. Bigger stadium, more ticket revenue. Imagine that, money driving decisions in college football. Those were also many of the Golden Years for both teams, especially for Ole Miss (and a few of those years, a pretty good quarterback named Archie Manning).
Anyway, what a glorious day to be in Lafeyette County. A beautiful morning and lunch in The Grove. If you have never been, make plans now.
BCF’s Game Projection:
| Projected Winner | Projected Loser | PW | PM | PF | PA | PT |
| Rebels | Tigers | .736 | 9.3 | 31.7 | 22.4 | 54.0 |
ESPN’s Matchup Predictor:
Monday night, the “get-in” ticket price was $218; early Friday morning, down to $196. Still impressive. Rebels favored by 1.5, over/under is 57.5. Money Lines – Tigers plus 105, Rebs minus 125. Rebs win by 4. Hotty Toddy!
Auburn (3-1, 0-1) at No. No. 9 Texas Agricultural & Mechanical (3-0, 0-0), 2:30 p.m. on ESPN. Auburn stinging from being cheated in Norman, Texas Agricultural & Mechanical on fire. Texas Agricultural & Mechanical favored by 6.5, over/under is 52.5. Aggies by 8.
BCF’s Game Projection.
| Projected Winner | Projected Loser | PW | PM | PF | PA | PT |
| Aggies | Auburn Tigers | .674 | 6.6 | 29.4 | 22.8 | 52.1 |
No. 15 Tennessee (2-1, 0-1) at Mississippi State (3-0), 3:15 p.m. on the SEC Network, from Davis-Wade Stadium in Starkville. Tennessee favored by 7.5. over/under is 62.5. Vols better be ready. Bulldogs are playing good football, and I think they like it. Mississippi State to cover.
No. 17 Alabama (2-1) at No. 5 Georgia (3-0), 6:30 p.m. on ABC from Sanford Stadium in Athens. Another great SEC rivalry game. The 75th meeting between the Bulldogs and the Crimson Tide, a series that Alabama leads 44-26-4 (which now includes a few SEC championship games and some playoff games, including the national championship game in 2021 (UGA 33-18). Bulldogs favored by 2.5, over/under is 52.5. My brain says Georgia, but my gut, which is much larger, says Bama.
Massachusetts (0-3) at No. 20 Missouri (4-0), 6:30 p.m. on ESPNU. The Minutemen really like playing SEC teams. Mizzou favored by 43.5, over/under is 56.5.
Kentucky (2-1, 0-1) at South Carolina (2-2, 0-2), 6:45 p.m. on the SEC Network from Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia. Gamecocks favored by 5.5, over/under is 47.5. I think South Carolina gets back on track – Cocks to win and cover.
Week Five: Service Academies
Thursday night, Army battled East Carolina in Greenville, but futilely. Pirates 28 to 6 over the Black Knights, covering 4.5.
Rice (3-1) at Navy (3-0), 2:30 p.m. on CBSSN from Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis. Midshipmen favored by 14.5 over the Owls, over/under is 45.5. Navy to win and cover.
Hawaii (3-2) at Air Force (1-2), 3:10 p.m. on FS1 from Falcon Stadium. Air Force favored by 6.5, over/under is 53.5. Falcons need a win, and I think they get it done.
Top 25 – Week Five
Friday
No. 8 Florida State (3-0) play the Virginia Cavaliers (3-1), 6:00 p.m. on ESPN from Scott Stadium in Charlottesville. The Seminoles are hot and getting lots of love. ESPN’s Matchup Predictor gives Virginia at 39.6% chance of an upset. Noles have the No. 2 rushing offense in the country, averaging 363 yards per game. Virginia’s run defense pretty good – No. 21, allowing 100.2 yards per game. The line is FSU by 6.5, and the over/under is 51.5. Money lines are Seminoles minus 270, Cavaliers plus 220. My heart is with the Hoos, but I fear Florida State will win. UVA to cover!
No. 24 Texas Christian (3-0) at Arizona State, 8:00 p.m. on FOX from Tempe. Frogs are 3.5 point dogs, and the over/under is 54.5. As we know, weird things happen in the desert, but I think Hoover and the Horny Toads get the win.
Saturday
No. 16 Georgia Tech (4-0) at Wake Forest (2-1), 11:00 a.m. on ESPN. The Rambling Wreck is really good and those kids play some hard-nosed football. Yellow Jackets favored by 13.5, over/under is 52.5. Georgia Tech to win and cover.
No. 21 Southern Cal (4-0) at No. 23 Illinois, 11:00 a.m. on FOX from Champaign. I am frankly shocked the Trojans are only favored by 6.5 after the ass-whipping the Illini took in Bloomington from the Hoosiers. Over/under is 60.5. Southern Cal to win and cover. 
No. 11 Indiana (4-0) at Iowa (3-1), 2:30 p.m. on Peacock from Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. Hoosier quarterback Fernando Mendoza is now the betting favorite to win the Heisman Trophy (after John Mateer’s injury). Mendoza leads the nation in passing touchdowns (14), is second in quarterback rating at 206.16 (behind Southern Cal’s Jayden Maiava), and second in completion percentage (76.8%) behind Ohio State’s Julian Sayin (78.9%). Iowa has a reasonably good pass defense (No. 33). Too bad this is on Peacock. Indiana favored by 8.5, over/under is 48.5.
Arizona (3-0) at No. 14 Iowa State (4-0), 6:00 p.m. on ESPN from Jack Trice Stadium in Ames. The Big 12 has 7 undefeated teams; in addition to Arizona and Iowa State: Sand Aggies, Houston, Brigham Young, Texas Christian, and UCF. Cyclones are favored by 5.5, over/under is 48.5. Cyclones to win and cover.
No. 6 Oregon (4-0) at No. 3 Penn State (3-0), 6:30 p.m. on NBC from Beaver Stadium in Centre County, Pennsylvania. The highest ranked matchup of the weekend, big in terms of the Big Ten, and of very little interest to me. PSU favored by 3.5, over/under is 53.5. Go Ducks. Oregon to win.
No. 25 Brigham Young (3-0) at Colorado (2-2), 9:15 p.m. on ESPN from Folsom Field in Colorado. A good late night game, and the only one. It is Negroni Week. I will enjoy the game regardless. Look forward to seeing the new Ralphie. Cougars favored by 6.5 over the Buffs, over/under is 50.5.
Other Games of Interest – Week Five
Friday
Houston (3-0) at Oregon State (0-4), 9:30 p.m. on ESPN, from Reser Stadium in Corvallis. Houston favored by 13.5, over/under is 47.5. Beavers are not very good. Cougars by 24.
Saturday
South Alabama (1-3) at North Texas (4-0), 11:00 a.m. on ESPNU. Coach Eric Morris has the Mean Green playing good football. UNT favored by 12.5, over/under 63.5. North Texas to win and cover.
California Berkeley (3-1) at Boston College (1-2), 2:30 p.m. on the ACC Network from Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill. Eagles favored by 5.5 over the Golden Bears, over/under is 53.5.
Baylor (2-2) at Oklahoma State (1-2), 2:30 p.m. on ESPN2 from Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater. The first game for the Pokes without Mike Gundy on the sidelines since George W. Bush was President. The Cowboys have played 260 football games with Gundy as their head coach. I have poked fun at Mike Gundy over the years, but I respect what he did at Oklahoma State. The best football coach they have ever had. 170 wins. Mike played quarterback there, with great success. Although two guys at running back helped him a lot – Barry Sanders and Thurman Thomas. I wish Michael Ray Gundy the best of luck. Baylor favored by 20.5, over/under is 57.5.
Lindenwood (2-2) at Miami (0-3), 2:30 p.m. on ESPN+ from Yager Stadium in Oxford, Ohio. Redhawks should get their first win. No line.
San José State (1-2) at Stanford (1-3), 6:30 p.m. on the ACC Network from The Farm. The Leland Stanford Junior University Cardinal has had a rough few years. One win this year so far, over Boston College. 3-9 last year, with one win against a ranked team (Louisville), and the losses included San José State. 3-9 in 2023, 2022, and 2021. Miserable. I always liked Stanford. Hope they can right the ship. The Cardinal a mere 3.5 points favorite at home against the Spartans. Over/under is 50.5.
Louisiana Tech (3-1) at UTEP, 8:00 p.m. on ESPN+ from the Sun Bowl. The Miners are 3.5 point home underdogs.
The UTRGV Vaqueros (4-0) are on the road at Southeastern Louisiana (2-2), 6:00 p.m. on ESPN+ from Strawberry Stadium in Hammond, Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana. Definitely the toughest test of the season for the Vaqueros. The Lions are 2-2, but the 2 losses are to Louisiana Tech (24-0) and Louisiana State (56-10). SE LA beat Murray State 45-24, and they whipped Mississippi Valley State 56-10. It is a “Solid Gold Saturday” in Hammond, and the game is sponsored by Champagne Beverage Company, Inc., the Budweiser distributor for south Louisiana.
I found this interesting game projection information from Bill Connelly, where he uses his SP+ analytics to predict game outcomes. Week Five SP+
Washington & Lee University
The Generals ground game pounded out 423 yards as W&L beat the Guilford Quakers 35-7 at Wilson Field last Saturday. Anthony Crawford led the Blue & White with 176 yards on 27 carries, with 2 touchdowns.
The Generals are on the road to Ashland for another big ODAC game with Randolph-Macon College. 1:00 p.m. Eastern time. The Yellow Jackets are 2-1, with wins over Dickinson (48-34) and Bridgewater (27-3), and a 10-0 loss to Central College. The game will be streamed on FloCollege.
Last weekend, my KA brother Samuel Poage Dalton was back at JHT. One of the best.
Health Alliance for Austin Musicians
HAAM is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Last Tuesday we had a fantastic HAAM Day in Austin. We are close to our goal but are still raising funds before we close the books on HAAM Day 2025. Your support would be very much appreciated. Help HAAM keep Austin music alive and well.
Tim Taylor HAAM Day 2025 Fundraising Page.
My special thanks to the stalwart friends who already donated generously. Thank you Debbie & John Fincher, Jay Doyle (a good W&L man), Mike Wadsworth, Karen Sonleitner, Kerry Hall, Brenda Hindsman, and Don Cox!
Texas Volleyball
The Longhorns have continued to roll after wrapping up pre-conference play with sweeps of No. 9 Texas Christian and No. 21 Baylor. Texas opened SEC play with a sweep of Vanderbilt at Gregory Gym this past Wednesday night. This Friday night (9.26.2025), the Horns get No. 21 Missouri at Gregory. 8:00 p.m. on SEC Network+. Next Wednesday, the Longhorns will be in Athens for a match with Georgia. 7:00 p.m. on SEC Network +.
The Polls
ESPN’s FPI
2025 College Football Power Index – ESPN
Bill Connelly’s SP+
SP+ is “a tempo- and opponent-adjusted measure of college football efficiency that I originally created at Football Outsiders in 2008. SP+ is intended to be predictive and forward-facing.”
Some big – and interesting – changes.
Ohio State, Indiana, Ole Miss, Georgia, Oregon, Miami (FL), Land Thieves, Louisiana State, PSU, and Southern Cal are the top 10. Texas Agricultural & Mechanical is No. 11, and Texas is No. 14. That Friday after Thanksgiving is getting larger.
PFF
PFF has Miami (Florida) No. 1 this week. Followed by The Ohio State University, Georgia, Land Thieves, Florida State, Louisiana State, Oregon, Penn State, The University of Texas Longhorns at 9, and Texas Agricultural & Mechanical at 10. Ole Miss is 12, Vanderbilt 14.
Kelley Ford Ratings
SEC Power Rankings. Kirk Bohls, Houston Chronicle; Cedric Golden, Austin American-Statesman; Reid Laymance, Houston Chronicle; Tony Catalina, Austin American-Statesman; Kevin Sherrington, Dallas Morning News.
Week Four in the Southeastern Conference
Memphis 32, Arkansas 31. A brutal upset of the Hogs, and congrats to the Tigers. Arkansas trailed 32-31 after Tiger Sutton Smith broke off a 64 yard touchdown run with less than 5 minutes left in the game. Arkansas got the ball back with plenty of time, and the great Pig signal caller Taylen Green had the Hogs moving, riding on the back of Mike Washington, Jr., who had runs of 17, 12, 9, 8, and 8 (with a 10 yard catch in there). That last 8 yard run put Arkansas on the Memphis 9 yard line with a first down and 90 seconds left in the game. All Arkansas had to do was run a little clock and kick the game winning, chip shot field goal. Washington fumbled, Memphis recovered, Arkansas lost. Arky gonna Arky.
No. 13 Oklahoma 24, No. 22 Auburn 17. Wow. You know it is bad when the conference issues an official apology for blowing a call. The play.
In related news, the stud of the Oklahoma offense, QB John Mateer, broke his hand in the game, had surgery this week, and is likely out for a month.
Missouri with the fourth quarter comeback to beat South Carolina 29-20. Despite 302 yards and 2 touchdown passes from LaNorris Sellers. Mizzou was favored by 9.5, and the over/under was 48.5. Impressive.
Florida beaten soundly by the Miami Hurricanes, 26-7. DJ Lagway with a poor game (12/23 for 61 yards and minus 8 on the ground), and he got hurt. Unlikely to be ready for the game with Texas next Saturday.
Ole Miss 45-10 over Tulane. Rebels are looking good. Hotty Toddy!
Tennessee 56-24 over the UAB Blazers, but UAB covered the 38.5 point line.
Louisiana State 56-10 over SE Louisiana.
Northern Illinois (1-1) at Mississippi State (3-0), 3:15 p.m. on the SEC Network, from Davis-Wade Stadium in Starkville. Bulldogs favored by 21.5, over/under is 48.5.
Vanderbilt crushed Georgia State, 70-21. Pavia had a good game 18/24, 245 yards and a score, plus 9 carries for 86 yards and a score. 93.3 QBR. “Commodores favored by 28.5. Vandy to win and cover.” 
Week Four: Service Academies
North Texas and Army went to overtime, and the Mean Green escaped West Point with a 45-38 win.
Boise State 49, Air Force 37. Broncos were favored by 11.
Navy had shore leave.
Top 25 – Week Four
No. 17 Texas Tech 34, No. 16 Utah 10. Cody Campbell seeing some ROI. Hard to go in to ice-Eccles and beat the Utes, especially like that. Utah was favored and projected to win. Sand Aggies enter the national conversation
No. 6 Oregon Ducks 41 to 7 over Oregon State in The Civil War. Ducks were favored by 34.5. Beavers are bad, but they did cover.
No. 7 Florida State 66-10 over Kent State. Seminoles cover a 44.5 point line (and the over/under at 55.5). The Noles are back. Happy, Richard?
No. 21 Michigan 30, Nebraska 27. The Cornhuskers under Matt Rhule are inching closer. Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola passed for 308 yards and 3 scores, but was intercepted twice, lost 49 yards on 7 sacks. On the other side, Big Blue pounded out 286 yards rushing, led by Justice Haynes with 149 yards and Jordan Marshall with 80. Wolverines covered. BCF was pretty close on this one:
| Projected Winner | Projected Loser | PW | PM | PF | PA | PT |
| Michigan | Nebraska | .560 | 2.1 | 25.6 | 23.5 | 49.4 |
Wake up the Echoes! No. 24 Notre Dame Fighting Irish beats Purdue 56-30. 26 points. Let’s see – Irish favored by 25.5. Vegas was hot last week.
No. 18 Georgia Tech 45, Temple 24. The Yellow Jackets might roll right into the ACC Championship Game, and the CFP, with this schedule. Georgia Tech was favored by 23.5 and won by 21. “Yellow Jackets to win, Owls to cover.”
No. 19 Indiana, 63, No. 9 Illinois 10. I guess the Illini who were fighting were just the guys on offense. You don’t see many top 20 matchups with a blowout score like that. And Illinois was favored by nearly a touchdown.
No. 25 Southern Cal 45, Michigan State 31. I did in fact get home and have a very good margarita to watch the second half. Or three. Game went late, due in part to a 10+ minute stoppage when Spartan linebacker Wayne Matthews had to be stretchered and carted off after what looked like a bad injury. Kid is going to be okay, thank God.
Other Games of Interest – Week Four
Texas Christian Horned Frogs 35, Southern Methodist Mustangs 24. Frog quarterback Josh Hoover is having an incredible season, and he had a big game in the Battle for the Iron Skillet. 22/40 for 379 yards and 5 touchdowns, 1 pick. Ed Small had 2 catches for 18 yards.
Tulsa 19, Oklahoma State 12. I really thought the Pokes would find a way to win and keep Gundy around for at least another week. Nope. I was right that Tulsa would cover.
Syracuse 34, Clemson 21. Just very puzzling. Clemson was favored by 16.5. “Tigers to win and cover, as Klubnik gets it together.” 
UNLV 41, Miami 38, UNLV was favored by 2.5.
Washington 59, Washington State 24. Huskies cover the 20.5 line and the 52.5 total.
The University of Virginia 48, The Leland Stanford Junior University 20. “Cavaliers favored by 15.5. Go Hoos! UVA to win and cover.”
Brigham Young 34, East Carolina 13. Pirates actually ran for 119 yards.
Arizona State 27, Baylor 24.
UTSA 17, Colorado State 16. Birds Up! 
San Diego State clobbered Cal Berkeley, 34-0.
UTRGV Vaqueros 61, Texas Wesleyan 13. I think Nolan and David and my other friends in the Valley are having some fun.
Jim Nicar
1952: U.T. Austin’s Longhorn Band – a little smaller than it is today – about to parade down Guadalupe Street.
From Jim’s September 19, 2025 post on X:
Music
With another great HAAM Day, one of my favorite Austin musicians who helped make HAAM Day 2025 great. Kevin Russell and Shinyribs.
Leavin’ Louisiana Blues
Shitty Music
Drag
East Texas Rust – on Austin City Limits
Bitch Better Have My Money (Rihanna) / Long Train Runnin’ (The Doobie Brothers)
Picture of the Week
JType. This photo is from his September 14, 2025 post on Instagram.
TCT’s Odd Thought
So, I grabbed some rubber bands for a bunch of papers I was taking home, and I thought about this. Remember when us (my generation, the baby boomers) were growing up, and just about every house had a door knob somewhere that was solid rubber bands? I remember the one at 2929 Old Jacksonville Road. Glenn Taylor liked the newspapers, and we got The Dallas Morning News and the Tyler Morning Telegraph every morning, and the Tyler Courier-Times in the afternoon. Lots of ink and lots of rubber bands. I miss newsprint.
On X: @tctayloratx
On LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tctatx
On Instagram: @tctayloratx
On Facebook: www.Facebook.com/Tim.C.Taylor
and: www.Facebook.com/Juan.Heisman
You can contact me by mail:
Tim Taylor P.O. Box 5371 Austin, Texas 78763-5371
