The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
University of Texas
ULM
No. RV/18 Football preview: ULM
08.29.2022 | Football
The Longhorns open the 2022 season this Saturday at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.
Texas (0-0) vs. ULM (0-0)
September 3, 2022
Where: Austin, Texas
Stadium: Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium
Time: 7:00 p.m. CT
TV: LHN (Lowell Galindo, Sam Acho, Alex Chappell)
Radio: Longhorn IMG Radio Network (Craig Way, Roger Wallace, Will Matthews)
Spanish Radio: Longhorn IMG Radio Network (Dr. Rubén Pizarro-Silva, Arturo Mata)
The Opening Kickoff
• The University of Texas kicks off its 130th season of football on Saturday when the Longhorns face ULM for the second all-time meeting.
• UT is 110-16-3 (.863) all-time in home openers, with victories in each of the last four seasons after defeating Tulsa in 2018, Louisiana Tech in 2019, UTEP in 2020 and Louisiana in 2021.
• Texas is 78-17-3 (.809) all-time in openers at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.
• The 2022 season will mark the 24th time in the last 27 years that Texas has opened its season at home, with the Horns posting a 21-2 record in the previous 23 contests.
• The Longhorns are 106-20-3 (.832) all-time in season openers.
• The Longhorns are 31-9-2 all-time against teams from the state of Louisiana. Texas has faced Tulane (17-1-1), LSU (9-8-1), Louisiana (3-0), ULM (1-0) and Louisiana Tech (1-0).
• Texas currently boasts 928 all-time wins, the fifth-most in college football history. UT holds an all-time record of 928-385-33 (.701).
The All-Time Series
• Texas holds a 1-0 advantage over ULM in the all-time series with the Longhorns winning the only matchup, 59-20, in the 2009 season opener.
• In the previous matchup, senior quarterback Colt McCoy passed for 317 yards and a pair of touchdowns, senior wide receiver Jordan Shipley caught eight passes for 180 yards and one touchdown and freshman tailback D.J. Monroe returned a kickoff 89 yards for a touchdown the first time he touched the ball.
• The game was played in front of a then-record crowd of 101,096 fans, currently the 15th-largest crowd in Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium history.
A Texas Win Would ...
• Be Texas' 929th victory all-time, the fifth-winningest program in college football history.
• Give Steve Sarkisian his 52nd victory as a head coach.
• Improve UT's ledger in season openers to 107-20-3.
• Give the Longhorns their 20th season-opening win in the last 23 years.
• Improve Steve Sarkisian's record in season openers to 7-2 and be his seventh consecutive win to start a season.
• Give Sarkisian his eighth-straight win in home openers and improve his record in such games to 8-1.
• Improve the Longhorns' record against current Sun Belt Conference teams to 6-0: Louisiana (3-0), ULM (1-0) and Arkansas State (1-0).
Sarkisian Era Enters Second Season
• Texas Football Head Coach Steve Sarkisian begins his second season at the helm of the Longhorns and his ninth season as a head coach overall.
• Last season, the Texas offense ranked 18th in the nation and second in the Big 12 Conference with 35.5 points per game, the third-straight top-18 scoring output for a Sarkisan-led offense.
• The offensive showing also marked the eighth top-30 scoring offense in Sarkisian's career.
• Bijan Robinson rushed for 1,127 yards in 2021, marking the 10th consecutive year a Sarkisian coached offense has had a 1,000-yard rusher.
Heisman Hopeful: Bijan Robinson
• Texas has a strong Heisman tradition when it come to the running back position with two of the greats - Earl Campbell (1977) and Ricky Williams (1998) hailing from the Forty Acres.
• Additionally, the Longhorns have had 10 running backs or fullbacks place in the Top-10 in Heisman Trophy voting, most recently D'Onta Foreman in 2016.
• Current Big 12 Conference programs have produced five Heisman Trophy Winners from the running back/tailback position: Campbell, Williams, Billy Vessels (1952), Billy Simms (1978) and Barry Sanders (1988).
• The last three running backs named as the Heisman Trophy winner have been sophomores or juniors: Reggie Bush (2005), Mark Ingram (2009) and Derrick Henry (2015).
Robinson By The Numbers
• Bijan Robinson has a history of not only making people miss and getting the tough yards, but also breaking big plays as both a rusher and receiver. For his career, Robinson has 26 plays (19 rushes/7 receptions) of 20-plus yards and that includes six of 50 or more (all runs).
• This offseason, Robinson focused on maintaining his speed for 90 yards (instead of the 40-yard dash), and was clocked at 22.3 mph on the GPS.
• Over his last 12 games, his ratio of long plays is even more impressive. During that time, he has 21 plays (15 rushes/6 receptions) of 20-or-more yards, including four runs of 50-plus. He's accomplished that in just 245 plays (214 rushes/31 receptions) in that 12-game span, or a play of 20-plus yards on average about every 11 plays.
• In 10 games last season, he had 12 plays (9 rushes/3 receptions) of 20-or-more yards, including two of 50-plus, with five touchdowns.
• A dual threat, Robinson is one of three players in Texas history with multiple games of at least 100 rushing yards and 50 receiving yards. With three such games in his career (12/5/20 vs. Kansas State - 172/51; 9/4/21 vs. Louisiana - 137/54; 9/25/21 vs. Texas Tech - 103/73), he trails only Longhorn Legend Cedric Benson's four, while they are joined by Eric Metcalf, who had two.
• Since 2020, his three games of 100 rushing and 50 receiving yards are tops among active players who accomplished the feat in Power 5 Conferences and he is the only Power 5 Conference player to accomplish the feat multiple times during that stretch.
• The three games are also more than any other program has achieved since 2020, with Ohio State, Oklahoma and Oregon having players rush for 100 yards and have 50 yards receiving on two occasions.
• Bijan Robinson was on a roll last season, racking up yards at an astonishing rate before an elbow injury sidelined him for the final two games of the season. In 10 games, he had 1,127 yards on 195 carries (5.8 ypc) and 11 touchdowns to go along with 26 receptions for 295 yards (11.3 ypr) and four more scores. In 221 plays he had 1,422 yards for 6.4 yards per play and 15 touchdowns.
• The Tucson, Ariz. native's strong season earned him semifinalist nods for the Maxwell Award, Doak Walker Award and Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award.
• The hot first half of the season earned him nods on five midseason All-America teams, garnering accolades from the Associated Press, CBS Sports, ESPN, The Athletic and The Sporting News.
• Robinson eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards for the season in the Iowa State game to become the 13th Longhorn to surpass 1,000 yards on the ground in a season. It marked the 24th time in program history in which a Longhorn has accomplished the feat.
• Robinson finished third in the Big 12 Conference in all-purpose yards (142.20), rushing yards per game (112.7), scoring (9.0 points per game) and total touchdowns (15), fifth in rushing yards per carry (5.78), sixth third in rushing yards (1,127) and rushing touchdowns (11), and eighth in total points scored (90). His marks in rushing yards, rushing yards per game, rushing touchdowns, total touchdowns and all-purpose yards all ranked in the top-50 nationally.
• Over his last 14 games, Robinson totaled 1,649 rushing yards on 242 carries (6.8 ypc) with 15 touchdowns, while hauling in 34 receptions for 424 yards (12.5 ypr) and scoring six touchdowns. All told, he had 2,073 yards on 276 plays for 7.5 yards per play and 21 touchdowns.
• He scored 21 touchdowns (15 rushing and six receiving) in his last 11 games.
• In a 10-game stretch that began in the 2020 season against Kansas State and concluded against Baylor last season, Robinson scored a rushing or receiving touchdown in each game, equaling the longest stretch for a Longhorn since Jordan Shipley scored in 10 consecutive games in 2008. It was the longest streak for a UT running back since Cedric Benson in 2003- 04, when Benson matched Ricky Williams' UT record of 11 consecutive games in 1998-99.
All About Zay
• Sophomore WR Xavier Worthy was a dynamic performer last season on the Forty Acres, smashing decades-old Texas records and setting a new standard for Longhorn freshmen.
• Worthy established Texas freshman single-season receiving records for receptions (62), yards (981) and touchdowns (12), while also holding the top single-game marks for receptions (14), yards (261) and touchdowns (3, twice).
• He was named the Big 12 Conference's Offensive Freshman of the Year and earned All-Big 12 First Team honors, the only freshman among the conference's first- and second-team selections.
• Worthy was the sixth Longhorn to earn the league's offensive freshman of the year honors and the first since Colt McCoy in 2006.
• He joined Caden Sterns (2018) as the only Longhorn freshmen to earn both the conference's highest freshman honor and be named to the first team in the same season.
• His strong season earned him a finalist nod for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award and a semifinalist honor for the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award.
• A spectacular first half to his freshman campaign landed him on a pair of Freshman Midseason All- America teams with nods from ESPN and The Athletic, as well as a spot on the Biletnikoff Award watch list.
• His 12 touchdowns last season tied for second-most in a season in Texas history (Limas Sweed-2006; Roy Williams-2002) and were the most since Jordan Shipley's school-record 13 in 2009.
• The 12 receiving touchdowns in 2021 were two shy of joining the Top-6 all-time for a freshman in NCAA history.
• Worthy averaged 31.2 yards per touchdown catch (374 yards on 12 TDs).
• The Fresno, Calif. native was eighth in the FBS and second among all freshman with 12 touchdown receptions and topped the Big 12 Conference in receiving yards per game (83.3), while ranking third in receiving yards and receptions per game (5.1), and fifth in yards per reception (16.36).
• Worthy led all FBS freshmen in receiving yards, receiving yards per game and touchdown receptions and topped Power 5 freshmen with 62 receptions.
DeMarvion is Dialed In
• LB DeMarvion Overshown has played in 38 games and made 22 starts during his collegiate career.
• A Butkus Award semifinalist in 2021, Overshown racked up 74 tackles (38 solo) with 5.5 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks.
• During his career, he has recorded 153 tackles (87 solo), 20.5 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, 12 pass breakups, three interceptions, three forced fumbles, three recovered and one block punt.
• Last season at Baylor, Overshown had a team-high two pass breakups while collecting five tackles (three solo).
• Totaled four tackles (one solo) against Oklahoma State before leaving early in the second half with an injury.
• Against Oklahoma, the Arp, Texas native had eight tackles (five solo) with two tackles for loss, a fumble recovery and his first career blocked punt.
• In Texas' victory over TCU, Overshown registered 10 tackles, including a career-best eight solo tackles, for his second game of 10 or more tackles on the season.
• He collected a team-high eight tackles against Arkansas, the second-straight game in which he has led the team in tackles.
• In UT's season-opening win over Louisiana, Overshown registered a career-best 13 tackles (4 solo), while also picking up a half sack for a loss of four yards.
• Overshown recorded 21 tackles in the first two games of the season, the most tackles for a Longhorn in the first two contests of the season since Cedric Reed had 24 in 2013.
Jamison Turns on the Jets
• Super senior DB D'Shawn Jamison is one of the most electrifying returners in school history, and a threat to score anytime he touches the football.
• For his career, Jamison ranks fourth in program history in kick returns (54) and kick return yards (1,435), while his current average 26.5 yards per return stands as the second-best in UT history.
• In 2021, he returned 19 kicks for 424 yards (22.3 ypr) and 12 punts for 105 yards (8.8 ypr).
• The defensive back intercepted his first pass of the season against Oklahoma State, the fourth pick of his career and first since 2019.
• At TCU, he had three tackles (two solo) and recovered a fumble in the first quarter, the second fumble recovery of his career and first since 2019 against Oklahoma.
• Jamison moved into fourth on UT's all-time kick return yardage list with a pair of 36-yard returns at TCU, giving him 1,155 yards for his career at that time.
The Champs Are Here
• In recognition of Texas' 2021-22 LEARFIELD Directors' Cup victory, UT's second-straight title, the Longhorns' four NCAA National Champions and 11 Big 12 Conference Champions will be recognized at halftime.
• The Longhorns registered NCAA team titles in Men's Indoor Track and Field, Women's Tennis, Rowing and Men's Golf. The titles marked back-to-back NCAA Championships for Women's Tennis and Rowing, the fourth national crown for Men's Golf, and UT's first-ever National Championship in Men's Track and Field.
• The University of Texas won the LEARFIELD Directors' Cup as the nation's top athletics program for the second-straight year on the strength of four National Championships and 10 NCAA top-two finishes during the 2021-22 academic year.
• During the 2021-22 season, the Longhorns amassed 1,449.50 points. Stanford placed second with 1,352.25 points, while Michigan finished third with 1,245.25 points. Texas scored in all four mandatory sports – women's volleyball, men's basketball, women's basketball and baseball – and in the maximum 15 additional sports.
• Texas recorded four NCAA Championships during the 2021-22 academic year, tying the school record for most team titles in a single season set in 1985-86. The Longhorns registered NCAA team titles in Men's Indoor Track and Field, Women's Tennis, Rowing and Men's Golf. The titles were back-to-back NCAA Championships for Women's Tennis and Rowing, the fourth national crown for Men's Golf, and Texas' first-ever National Championship in Men's Track and Field.
• UT also set a single-season school record with six NCAA runner-up team finishes in Women's Indoor Track and Field, Women's Swimming and Diving, Men's Swimming and Diving, Softball, Men's Outdoor Track and Field and Women's Outdoor Track and Field. Of the school's 20 intercollegiate programs, the Longhorns posted 10 top-two NCAA team finishes, topping UT's previous mark of five set during the 1988-89 season. Additionally, UT's Men's Track and Field/Cross Country program was named the USTFCCCA John McDonnell Men's Program of the Year for its final finishes across all three seasons.
• UT earned 11 Big 12 Conference titles during the 2021-22 season: Volleyball, Men's Indoor Track and Field, Women's Indoor Track and Field, Men's Swimming and Diving, Women's Swimming and Diving, Women's Basketball (tournament), Women's Tennis (tournament), Women's Golf, Rowing, Women's Outdoor Track and Field and Men's Outdoor Track and Field.
• UT has captured a league-best 205 all-time Big 12 Championships (53 regular season and 152 postseason) through the completion of the 2021-22 season.
Record-Setting Season Ticket Sales
• Texas Football season ticket sales for the 2022 season have broken an all-time record, eclipsing the previous record of 63,279 set in 2019. Thus far, nearly 8,000 new season tickets have been purchased leading into Coach Steve Sarkisian's second season at the helm of the Longhorns.
• The 2022 home schedule, featuring seven home games for the first time since 2010, is highlighted by a marquee non-conference home game with future Southeastern Conference foe Alabama on Sept. 10. It will mark only the second time the Longhorns and Crimson Tide will meet in Austin and the first time since 1922.
• The only way to secure tickets to the Alabama game is by purchasing season tickets. Due to high demand, there will be no general public single game ticket sales for this premier early season matchup.
• Fans looking for other ticket options can also take advantage of Three-Game Mini Plans, FLEX passes, and group tickets which do not include the Alabama game. Season tickets, Mini Plans, and FLEX passes can be purchased online at TexasSports.com/tickets. Groups of 20 or more can call 512-471-3333 to purchase discounted group ticket pricing.
The Best Pregame Experience in the Country
• Texas Athletics welcomes all fans to come down and celebrate gameday with the return of Bevo Blvd presented by H-E-B, Smokey's Midway, Longhorn City Limits presented by Still Austin Whiskey, and Hook 'Em Hangout.
• The action kicks off at 2 p.m. and all areas are free to attend for all fans. No game ticket is required.
• Bevo Blvd is the place to be at 4 p.m. when Bevo arrives as fans line the street along with the Longhorn Band and Texas Cheer and Pom for the Bevo Parade presented by Texas Farm Bureau Insurance.
• Shortly after, greet the team as they arrive on the north end of Bevo Blvd at 4:30 p.m. for the Stadium Stampede.
• Fans looking for Austin's best food trucks and craft beer selections can head to Hook 'Em Hangout Located in Winship Circle on the northwest side of the stadium, Fans can also enjoy a bigger Big Beertha with more taps featuring 15+ beers as well as large LED screens to watch the best games from around the country. Happy hour pregame pricing returns and is exclusive to Bevo Blvd, Smokey's Midway, Longhorn City Limits, and Hook 'Em Hangout. These areas will close at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Charlie Crockett and Longhorn City Limits presented by Still Whiskey Austin
• Live music on game days returns to the LBJ Lawn with season four of Longhorn City Limits presented by Still Austin Whiskey. Rising superstar Charley Crockett will headline the FREE gameday concert series beginning at 3 p.m. The Man From Waco, his new album being released on September 9, finds
Crockett refining his "Gulf & Western" sound which continues to captivate an ever-growing legion of fans. He has toured extensively this past year including stops at the Austin City Limits Music Festival, Stagecoach, and joining Willie Nelson's roving Outlaw Music Festival Tour this summer, as well as
performing at Nelson's annual Fourth of July Picnic earlier this year. Crockett also made his Austin City Limits television series debut last fall.
• Fans ages 21 and up can enjoy new activations at Longhorn City Limits for the 2022 season. Upon entering LBJ Lawn, fans are invited to experience the Still Austin Music Lounge serving up a full menu of refreshments including the signature Horns Up Bourbon Lemonade on ice, and to relax in a shaded area
while enjoying the show. Fans won't want to miss surprises and limited edition swag curated by Still Austin Whiskey Co, the homegrown grain-to-glass craft distillery using 100% Texas grains.
• Fans can also relax at the new Tito's Tailgate in front of the LBJ Fountain to enjoy refreshing Tito's cocktails on tap, shaded views of the stage, and college football live streaming to tailgate in real Texas fashion.
• After the game, head back to the LBJ Lawn for a FREE postgame silent disco. Featuring three live DJs, participating fans receive a pair of wireless headphones and the ability to choose between three different channels.
