ESPN.com - Instant analysis: Texas 31, Texas Tech 22

ESPN.com: Texas Longhorns

Saturday, November 3, 2012
Instant analysis: Texas 31, Texas Tech 22

By Carter Strickland

LUBBOCK, Texas -- The long wait is finally over for Texas. After going 10 games and nearly three full seasons without beating a team in the AP Top 25, the Longhorns finally grabbed a win against just such a team, beating Texas Tech 31-22.

It was over when: Texas blocked a Texas Tech 23-yard field goal with 5:15 in the fourth quarter. Defensive back Carrington Byndom was able to break through from the right side of the line and block the attempt. Texas was up 31-22 at the time of the block, leading by two scores, and was able to run the clock out with Johnathan Gray.

Game ball goes to: Texas wide receiver Mike Davis. The junior had touchdown catches of 75 and 25 yards, as well as a 54-yard catch that set up another score for Texas in the first quarter. Davis, who had asked for "Magic" to be put on the back of his jersey to start the year only to be denied, has become quarterback David Ash's favorite downfield target. In the past four games, Ash has hit Davis on six passes of 25 yards or more.

Stat of the game: The Texas Tech defense held Texas to 34 yards in the third quarter and did not allow the Longhorns to cross midfield. That was a huge turnaround from the first half, in which Texas was able to gain 286 yards and score 24 points. With Tech's defense controlling the game, the Red Raider offense was able to put nine points on the board to pull within two, 24-22, by the end of the third quarter.

What it means for Texas: The Longhorns, who have played more true freshmen over the past two years than any other team in FBS, finally have a signature win for the young team. And now, sitting at 7-2, Texas, which plays host to Iowa State and TCU over the next three weeks, has a realistic chance at being 9-2 heading into the regular-season finale at Kansas State. If Texas is able to go into the KSU game with nine wins, it should take much of the heat off coach Mack Brown and his coordinators.

What it means for Tech: Tommy Tuberville has not yet built a team ready to compete with the top teams in the Big 12. Although Tech beat West Virginia, it was unable to beat Kansas State, Oklahoma and Texas.