Longhorns creep back into it
PASSING LEADERS
Texas
Gilbert...6-18, 104 yards, TD
Alabama
McElroy...2-2, 9 yards
RUSHING LEADERS
Texas
Newton...6, 8 yards
Alabama
Richardson...4, 2 yards
RECEIVING LEADERS
Texas
Shipley...4, 56 yards, TD
Alabama
Ingram...1, 5 yards
Momentum: Texas grabbed it in the final two minutes when quarterback Garrett Gilbert finally hit an open receiver, completing a 44-yard pass to All-American Jordan Shipley with 1:31 left in the quarter. Then Justin Tucker’s kickoff caromed off Alabama’s Brad Smelley and was recovered by the Longhorns.
Unanswered questions: Can Gilbert continue to make clutch plays that will allow Texas to make a serious threat? Can Alabama withstand the loss of running back Mark Ingram, who was hurt midway thorugh the quarter and did not return?
Did you notice? Texas has not quit. The Longhorns could have been down after Marcell Dareus’ interception return for a touchdown, but they rallied to within 11 points. They also held Alabama to minus-six yards rushing.