Studs and duds from Texas’ loss to Oklahoma State

If we are being honest, there is little to be positive about from the Texas perspective. The first quarter was a positive, as it was against Oklahoma, but after that, it was rough.

The ‘All Gas, No Brakes’ mantra is coming to an abrupt end. When it seems that Texas has control, they let up in the second half.

Steve Sarkisian needed this win in order to control Texas’ destiny in terms of the Big 12 title. Their fate is now out of their hands. Where do they go from here?

Sarkisian will have a tough decision to make in terms of the quarterback position going forward.

Here are the studs and duds from Texas’ loss to Oklahoma State

STUD: Bijan Robinson

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When given the ball, Bijan Robinson was by far the best player on the field. He finished with 135 yards and two touchdowns on the ground and three receptions for 38 yards and a touchdown in the air. If it were not for the three losses, the Heisman may be a real discussion.

During the offseason, Sarkisian said getting Robinson around 25 carries a game was going to be the goal. Saturday was the second straight game he was hovering closer to 20. Even with an average of 6.4 yards per carry, Robinson was not utilized the way he should have been, despite his great performance.

DUD: Casey Thompson

Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports

When the offseason ended, I thought discussions about who the Texas starting quarterback was going to be would be over. I could not have been more wrong.

Since Casey Thompson took over as the starting quarterback, he has progressively performed worse and worse. He started out well against Rice, below average against TCU, okay against Oklahoma, and then really poor against Oklahoma State.

Thompson’s two interceptions were turning points in the game. His first was a pick-six to keep Oklahoma State in the game. The second one ended the game. When he did find receivers, it was never downfield, with Marcus Washington’s 58-yard receptions being the only deep shot of note.

A thumb injury on his throwing hand may be holding him back. Even if, the quarterback play has been sub-par. Sarkisian has to reflect heading into the bye.

STUD: Oklahoma State's fourth quarter defense

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Texas’ offense was good during the first half. Bijan Robinson was cooking and there was plenty of opportunities to put the game to bed. But Oklahoma State’s defense, especially in the fourth quarter, was dominant.

Check out Texas’ stats after their opening second-half drive here:

Texas was held to one total yard during the fourth quarter. Yes, one. Drives in the final period were as followed: Punt, turnover on downs, and an interception.

Oklahoma State’s defense is legit and won them the game in the second half.

STUD: Jaylen Warren

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How good has Jaylen Warren been for Oklahoma State over the past four weeks? When some tough yards were needed to ice the game, Mike Gundy turned to his transfer running back and Texas had no response.

The defense was able to contain the Cowboy rush attack early on but as the game continued, the defensive line tired. Oklahoma State never waivered from the rush attack and the dividends eventually paid off.

Warren finished with 33 carries for 193 yards. He never found the end zone but was a crucial figure in breaking Texas’ defense in the fourth quarter.

DUD: Third down penalties

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There were a couple of crucial third down penalties that went against Texas, giving Oklahoma State opportunities to extend the drive.

Keondre Coburn committed a horse collar in the first half, leading to a Cowboy field goal. Ray Thornton was called for a roughing the passer for another three points. Six points may not seem like a ton, but keeping Oklahoma State off the scoreboard and giving the offense another chance would have been the difference.

DUD: Offensive line play

Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports

It’s easy to blame quarterback play for the offensive struggles. But Texas’ offensive line play did not help at all.

Changes were made, with Tope Imade getting the start at right guard. Derek Kerstetter went back to right tackle to start the game but after a late Jake Majors injury, played center. Sadly, Kyle Flood tinkering with the five was not good enough.

Oklahoma State has consistent pressure throughout the game. Thompson was scrambling, throwing a ton of balls away. Unless the ball is in Bijan Robinson’s hands, the offensive line’s struggles are going to define the struggles.

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