Texas begins Big 12 play

Texas leveled back at .500 with a 17-7 win over Iowa State on Thursday night to start Big 12 play with a win. The low scoring defensive battle was highlighted by sophomore quarterback Shane Buechele’s return to the lineup after being out against USC in week three.

Buechele led the offense by spreading the ball out evenly, completing 19 of 26 passes for 171 yards, managing to get the ball to 11 different receivers. His lone touchdown of the day was a beautiful 22 yard pass to freshman running back Toneil Carter. The other touchdown for Texas came from an 11 yard touchdown run down the middle of the formation from junior running back Chris Warren III that came in Texas’ first offensive possession.

Defense was really the tone of the game and Texas came out strong. As a team, they recorded four sacks on the night against Iowa’s two. The Longhorns also managed to limit the Cyclones to only 10 yards rushing. To put a final stamp on the sloppy game, Texas won the turnover battle 3-2.

Postma brings home victory

Senior quarterback Kyle Postma got the nod in favor of junior Kyle Allen and carried Houston to a win in their first American Athletic Conference game against Temple 20-13.

Postma finished the day 25 of 36 for 226 yards and a touchdown to accompany an interception, all while also leading the team in rushing with 81 yards on the ground.

By the time the game clock read 11:30 left in the third quarter, Houston was up on Temple 20-0 and it seemed that the Cougars were going to coast through the end of the game. However, a late bid by the Owls saw them score 13 unanswered points. A desperation Hail Mary play as time expired in the game resulted in junior safety Garrett Davis’ second interception of the game to seal the victory for Houston.

The rest of the state

Oklahoma State held the red hot Texas Tech offense to only 384 yards of offense en route to downing the Red Raiders 41-34. Red Raider quarterback Nic Shimonek finished with a 63 percent completion rate for 330 yards, a touchdown and an interception. With the result, Texas Tech concedes their first game of the season and falls to 3-1, beginning Big 12 play with a loss.

Texas A&M stole the victory from South Carolina, winning 24-17 at Kyle Field, led by the legs of senior running back Keith Ford. His two fourth quarter touchdowns not only tied the game at the start of the fourth, but a 17 yard run the ensuing drive proved to be the game winning touchdown to improve the Aggies to a 4-1 record, jumping to 2-0 in Southeastern Conference play.

Baylor continue with their woes and fell to 0-5 on the season. The Bears were not able to get the job done against Kansas State, losing 33-20. Sophomore quarterback  Zach Smith finished 26 of 44 for 291 yards to go with a touchdown and interception. The team was only able to rush for 84 yards for a 3.1 yards per carry average. Kansas State’s 2-1 advantage in the turnover table combined with Baylor’s lack of a defensive pass rush is keeping Baylor looking for their first victory of the season.