Stats that Matter: Texas escapes Lexington with a win

As someone who was in Lexington for the game last night, I can assure you, no one left that game happy.

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On one hand, Kentucky fans saw the culmination of the late Mark Stoops era come to play in one game. They severely outplayed a premier program in the SEC, dominated them on defense, and forced them to overtime—but Stoops still found a way to lose a close game again thanks to faulty play-calling.

On the other hand, Texas fans got the win, but in the worst way possible. By all accounts, they should’ve lost this game. I can’t wait to see that weekly “How bad did your favorite team lose?” graphic on Twitter soon. It will show Kentucky, the worst team in the SEC, outplaying the Texas Longhorns in year five of Steve Sarkisian’s tenure.

This is going to be a tough article to get through, but it’s an important one.

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Arch Manning

Even using adjusted numbers, Manning completed under 55% of his true passing attempts. That was fifth-worst among P4 QBs this past week. The only other notable team or quarterback in that group was Tommy Castellanos from Florida State, who had an even more embarrassing week.

He averaged just 4.9 yards per attempt and completed six total first downs.

What was most frustrating was his inability to add in the run game, as well. He had ten attempts—which is already too many to have to use against Kentucky—but it only went for 21 yards. At least he can say he won the game, but that was his toughest win at any level of football, you can guarantee it.

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Skill Positions

Wide receivers only caught six passes in this game. I don’t know how you grade or rate these players when the QB wasn’t putting it in the right spot and the offensive line wasn’t giving him the time.

Christian Clark had three carries for 13 yards. He averaged four yards after contact per attempt. That was one of the few bright spots.

Texas completed just three passes that traveled more than nine yards in the air against Kentucky. They only completed six total that went past the line of scrimmage. It wasn’t just that the receivers weren’t getting the ball much—Texas could only find players on screens and reverses.

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Quick OL Notes

Nick Brooks was credited with all three of the sacks Texas gave up. He and Connor Robertson allowed 11 total pressures on the interior.

It was another good game for DJ Campbell in PFF’s eyes, who gave him an 87.6 pass blocking grade for this game. He’s having a quietly good season despite the struggles of the rest of the line.

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Edge Rushers

Colin Simmons had another great game—five pressures, three sacks, and a forced fumble.

But the rest of that unit remained fantastic. Trey Moore and Ethan Burke combined for seven pressures and five stops.

Justus Terry had a career-high 11 snaps. He played in a role similar to Ethan Burke, as an edge rusher in base who plays more over or inside the tackle than outside of them.

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Defensive Backs

It was quietly a fantastic game for Jaylon Guilbeau. He was targeted five times but only gave up 17 receiving yards. He had six tackles but did commit a penalty.

Michael Taaffe played 89 of 89 snaps on Saturday. Jelani McDonald played 86. They gave up just nine passing yards.

Kobe Black continues not to play many snaps on this defense, registering just six this game.

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Special Teams

The stars of the show—go figure.

Ryan Niblett had 88 yards from his two punt returns. Without him, Texas only scores three points in regulation.

Mason Shipley was a perfect 3-for-3 on field goals. He hit one from the 30s, 40s, and 50s. Shipley scored 10 of Texas’ 16 points.

Jack Bouwmeester was one of three punters on Power Four teams with eight or more punts yesterday.