Cowboys prepare to battle Longhorns in Austin

by: Staff Writer

September 27, 2000

After a disappointing loss to defensive juggernaut Southern Mississippi last weekend, the Cowboys travel to Austin Saturday for a showdown with the Texas Longhorns. OSU comes into the game with a record of 2-1 and the Longhorns are also 2-1, but ranked 13th nationally by the Associated Press.

The Longhorns come into the game after defeating the Houston Cougars last weekend 48-0 in Austin. In the game, the Longhorn defense recorded nine sacks, held the Cougars' high-octane offense to 250 yards below its season average and outscored UH, 12-0. The Longhorns' punt team also scored on a fumble return.

The Texas quarterback situation has been the story so far this season for the Longhorns. With the constant shuffle between Junior Major Applewhite and Sophomore Chris Simms, Texas Head Coach Mac Brown has a decision to make. Simms started the first game of the season but faltered and Applewhite took over, scoring five touchdowns and leading the Longhorns to a 52-10 win over La Lafayette. 

The next weekend against underdog Stanford, Brown started Applewhite in the upset loss. Applewhite played poorly in the game, but could hardly be blamed for the loss. The Texas offensive line had serious problems stopping the Cardinal defense and Applewhite was on the turf all evening long.

Then last weekend, Brown chose to go  with Simms again against Houston. Just like week one, Simms faltered and Applewhite came to the rescue. However, Brown played both QB's and has not yet decided who will get the nod this weekend.

For OSU to keep this game close, they must put pressure on the QB, no matter which one is playing. And OSU's offense must be more wide opened than it showed in Saturday's loss.