10/14/18 Longhorns Slid by Pesky Baylor Barely?

    Things started normally enough for the Horns on Saturday, but soon found themselves in a different situation for the first time this year.  Their starting QB, Ehlinger came out of the huddle after a few plays with blood on his throwing hand.  I saw him going for an extra play, but eventually the referees told him to go out to treat the cut.  He never came back (apparently, he had hurt his shoulder on a run too), instead Texas went with QB2, Shane Buechele.  He was actually the starter most of last year,  so at least he wasn't completely new and Baylor wasn't Oklahoma, so they still had a chance to see who would win.
    I thought it was a bit rude to call Delay of Game upon changing quarterbacks, the referees know the QB has to warm up his arm and it takes a bit for someone who didn't expect to play.  The first quarter was a throw away as Buechele found his feet.  Baylor scored a TD fast, then UT scored a field goal.  The second quarter Texas was back in the driver's seat, scoring 20 points while Baylor added a field goal.  They went into the half Texas up 23-10.
    I don't know what happens to Texas once they have a lead, they go into a conservative mode and do not try to score more points.  Baylor scored another TD in the third, and were down 23-17.  Texas managed no more scores, and in the final minutes of the fourth quarter, it looked like it might be an upset.  Baylor drove the ball to around the 20 yard line with 20-something seconds, and managed to throw three times at the endzone.  Luckily, nobody was able to convert and score before time ran out.  Texas was lucky to get off the field with a win, well lucky and they have a very solid defense which can stop opponents cold.  They have a bye week next week and hopefully it is enough time for Ehlinger to heal and for any additional people to come back because West Virginia is another ranked opponent at #6.  Besides, if they can run the table, analysts are already putting them in the mix for the top five teams, and as the commercial yesterday said, the Big 12 is the only conference where everybody plays everybody head to head, so a clear winner will be known, and a clear winner should represent the Big 12 in the "playoffs".  This year is finally exciting like things used to be in the Vince/Colt eras.  Having a strong QB2 is good to know heading into the last half of the season.  These poor guys sometimes sacrifice their bodies for the betterment of their teams, but I guess that is what winners do.