They could’ve packed it up and called it a night.
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“Now we’ve got to fix the other piece”, Strong said, referring to a defense that’s yielded an average of 37 points and 512 yards in three games this season.
Texas quarterback Jerrod Heard (13) runs for a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against California, Saturday, September 19, 2015, in Austin, Texas.
A missed conversion following Saturday’s final touchdown secured a 45-44 loss and prevented the Longhorns from sending the game into overtime after facing a 21-point deficit to start the fourth quarter.
Every rose has its thorn, but most don’t prick themselves on national television and in front of 91,568 live souls. Yes, he’s mad as hell about the state of his defense. “It was something special to get that text”.
Two days removed from Heard’s 363-yard passing, 163 yards rushing performance, Strong can better appreciate its implications.
There’s a different vibe now that he’s running the show, and Strong said he could sense it on the sideline. There was a strong financial commitment to him and I don’t think you can judge him until after four years when he has overhauled the roster with his own recruits.
Driving 81 yards with the game on the line?
Six plays later Heard was in the end zone. John Walsh says there’s “no question” his son played a mentorship role for Heard throughout.
Strong saw a difference in the locker room, too. His play continually draws excitement from Longhorn faithful, and more importantly, his teammates are taking notice.
“I have confidence in Nick”, Strong said.
The Cowboys won but lost a QB. Freshman receivers Armanti Foreman and Ryan Newsome would give Texas more explosion back there alongside Daje Johnson, which would also keep Gray fresh at crunch time. The latter score was one of the wackiest you’ll see all season long as Chad Kelly channeled his inner Garo Yepremian, tossed up what amounted to a Hail Mary, had it bounce off a Tide defenders helmet… and right into the arms of Quincy Adeboyejo, who raced the remaining distance for what looked to be a dagger.
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With just two starts under his belt, Heard is still bound to go through some growing pains. With Heard at the helm, defensive tackle Poona Ford said: “It was like a brand new offense out there”.
