Forty Acres Insider: November 14

Chris Del Conte head shot

Longhorn Nation,

SURVIVE AND ADVANCE — that's the name of the game in sports and exactly what our Men's Cross Country, Soccer and Football squads did last week. Coach Flo and No. 5 Men's Cross Country charged out of the gates first — winning the NCAA South Central Regional on Friday morning, Coach Kelly and No. 13 Soccer kicked it into another gear with a 2-0 NCAA Round I victory over Lamar on Friday night, and then Coach Sark and No. 7 Football remained atop the Big 12 standings with a heart-thumping triumph at TCU on Saturday night. It was a week filled with many victories as our fantastic fall continued!

After racing out to a 26-6 halftime lead, our Longhorns dug deep and gritted out a hard-fought 29-26 win at TCU. It certainly was great having the Mighty Quinn back in the lineup, especially on that clutch third-down completion to the pass-catching machine Adonai Mitchell that iced the game (in our icy whites of course!). Now we're alone at numero uno in the Big 12 standings with our eyes and mission keenly focused on this week, finishing November with a bang, and advancing to the Big 12 Championship game in Arlington on Dec. 2. And we stayed put at No. 7 in the national rankings, our 10th-straight week in the top-10. We're positioned well and our goals are still in front of us, so now it's all about surviving and advancing!

Win on the road….SING TEXAS FIGHT 🗣️🤘 pic.twitter.com/8lJomAsXBZ
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) November 12, 2023

We did come out of the victory with some crushing and heartbreaking news as our rusher extraordinaire Jonathon Brooks sustained a season-ending knee injury in the game. Jonathon has been such a key part of our team, always played with such drive and determination, and though he won't be on the field, we know his impact and leadership will continue to be felt. He'll be helping this team succeed any way he can, while we support him in his recovery. We love you J-Brooks, thanks for all you've done and an awesome season, and get well soon! We'll need some folks to step-up and fill the void as we travel to Iowa State for another key conference tilt on Saturday (7 p.m. CT/FOX). It's the stretch run with a ton on the line, so get your Horns Up and help us Hook 'Em!

The mission continues 🤘

🏈 Texas at Iowa State
📅 Saturday, Nov. 18 | 7:00 PM CT
📍 Ames, Iowa
📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/ZTh3jAu4te
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) November 14, 2023

And there's lots more to raise those Horns high for! Coming off a dominant 2-0 NCAA Tournament first-round victory over Lamar last Friday night at a rockin' Mike A. Myers Stadium, our Horns will head to Tallahassee to face No. 12 Wisconsin on Friday (1 p.m. CT/ESPN+) with a spot in the Sweet 16 on the line. Men's Cross Country kept its season alive as well as the team survived and thrived, traveling to Fayetteville to outscore the hometown Razorbacks in claiming the NCAA South Central Regional title last Friday. That earns them a spot at the NCAA Championships for the 15th-straight season, with that race set for this Saturday in Charlottesville, Va.

No. 5 Volleyball was dealt a rare defeat, falling at Kansas State last Wednesday, but bounced back nicely with a decisive 3-0 home sweep over Cincinnati on Saturday afternoon. Coach Elliott and our Horns are 19-4 overall, 14-1 in the Big 12 and have already clinched at least a share of a seventh-straight Big 12 Championship. We'll look to lock up the outright conference crown tomorrow night against Iowa State at The Greg (6 p.m. CT/LHN). We know the house will be packed and y'all will be raising the roof, and we can't wait to see you there!

The Mood has been great for our Basketball programs, too. Coach Schaefer and the No. 11 Women made it 2-0 on Sunday and the team is right back at it here at Moody Center with UTA in town tonight (7 p.m. CT/LHN). Coach Terry and the No. 19/17 Men are also off to 2-0 start and tip off another one tomorrow night at home versus Rice (8 p.m. CT/LHN) before heading to the Mecca, that's right Madison Square Garden, to face Louisville on Sunday (2:30 p.m. CT/ESPN) and either UConn or Indiana on Monday in the Saatva Empire Classic.

Swimming and Diving will be in action this week as well, with the No. 2 Women and No. 7 Men hosting the Texas Invitational on Wednesday through Saturday at the Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center.

It's all Longhorns, all the livelong day with the best fans in the land! Let's do this folks!!

let's have a good week🤘#HookEm | @seatgeek pic.twitter.com/N4xy82uudl
— Texas Longhorns (@TexasLonghorns) November 13, 2023

What They're Saying

"The thing that probably stings most for us as a team is the teammate that Jonathon Brooks is. He's a better person than he is a football player, and he's a heck of a football player. He's a great runner, he can pass protect, he's a weapon out of the backfield catching the ball, he was having a fantastic season, so naturally that creates a void, but that also creates opportunity. He'll be missed, he'll be with us, and we're gonna support the heck out of him like we have his entire time here. And I know those other backs are going to need his support, and that's where our culture has got to shine through." — Coach Sark on Jonathon Brooks' season ending injury

🫶@2brookss pic.twitter.com/2UNCC3pkYv
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) November 12, 2023

Football finishes another win

It was another fight to the finish in Fort Worth, but once again our Horns showed what they're made of in a 29-26 road win in a hostile environment at TCU on Saturday. There were spectacular plays on offense, big-time stops on defense and clutch conversions on special teams, and in the end, we put over one more win. Even though we'd all like a little less stress on the old ticker as we watch these games come down to the wire, the one group that never seems to flinch is the one on the field. There's no panic, they just stare down the challenge and live up to the moment, and that's what's so special about them. In the first half, the offense was moving to the tune of triple the yardage and more than quadruple the score of the Horned Frogs, who the defense held to just two field goals, with one even being from 56 yards out. But just a few seconds after the first field goal was on the board for TCU, our guy JB was sprinting in the opposite direction off a short pass and then powering into the end zone for a lead that Coach Sark and our guys would never relinquish. One of the big reasons they wouldn't relinquish it came on the next possession. In what has to be one of the best examples of "no quit culture" all year, after a TCU interception that was being returned, two of our star receivers got up off the ground, gave everything they had to sprint 40 yards back down field, and just took that ball back. What incredible hustle by J-Whitt to force the fumble and by our X man (who not to mention had 10 catches for 137 yards, wow) to be there to literally leap on it. Just a thing of beauty and pure effort to see them flying down field to make that happen. Kudos to you, men. Not only did that likely prevent points, it created points for us with the first of a couple of field goals of our own by my man Bert Auburn (by the way, anyone remember that shampoo Pert? What a coif he's got going, and what a streak of hitting his last 11 field goals). That great complimentary football then showed itself again with a flurry of touchdown-interception-touchdown all in the last minute of the half. First it was "call me Adonai" catching a pretty lob from Mighty Quinn, then one Brooks (Terrance) set up another score with an interception, while the other Brooks (Jonathon) knocked it down, slicing for a 22-yard touchdown to put us up 26-6 at the half. Although the third quarter went scoreless by both teams, it wasn't without its drama as TCU pushed it down to the 2-yard line, but just like the week before, that defense rose up with another goal line stand. What a job again by Built Ford Tough, T-Sweat, Big Murph, the Barron and that crew. Later on, Bert stepped up again drilled a 49-yarder for the difference in the final score, and then Quinn and Adonai connected again on just an awesome catch falling backwards for Adonai to seal it, and it was time to celebrate being 9-1 ladies and gentlemen. Oh, what a feeling! Now we've got two games left in the regular season starting with a trip to chilly Ames this Saturday (7 p.m. CT/FOX) in another challenging road environment at night. We need as many of you there who can make it, but if you can't raise those Horns high and raise your voices to the sky so that we can hear you all the way up there!

Said goodbye to Fort Worth and came home with a win!

Check out the Monday Morning Highlights ☕🎥 pic.twitter.com/Mnr2hNuI9o
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) November 13, 2023

Join Coach Sark on Wednesday at Pluckers in west campus

Can't get enough Football talk during the week to get you ready for Saturday night in Ames? We've got ya covered. Come join us on Wednesday from 6-7 p.m. at Pluckers Wing Bar in west campus (2222 Rio Grande St.) for "Longhorn Weekly with Coach Sark," our weekly coach's radio show hosted by "Voice of the Longhorns" Craig Way. Last week's show featured an outstanding interview with Longhorn Legend Casey Hampton. It's a great opportunity to show your support for Coach Sark while enjoying outstanding food and drinks from our partners at Pluckers.

Football returns under the lights on Friday, November 24!

I can't believe the season home finale is only 10 days away! Once again, it's been an incredible season at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, and we cannot thank Longhorn Nation enough. After gathering with friends and family next Thursday, it's time to get together as one big Longhorn family one final time under the lights in 2023. Bevo Blvd presented by H-E-B, Longhorn City Limits presented by Still Austin Whiskey Co., Smokey's Midway, and Hook 'Em Hangout will all get going at 2 p.m. Dust off the turkey coma and bring the family out for a full day of fun before our Horns take on Texas Tech (6:30 p.m. CT/ABC). We'll have photo ops with Hook 'Em Santa as well as unique holiday activities including a mechanical reindeer and inflatable snow globe for the entire family to enjoy.

We are very excited to kick off at night for only the second time this season at DKR. That means the light shows will be in full effect, and we look forward to a magical evening with the Burnt Orange and White. We need everyone in their seats early for Senior Night, as we'll recognize all of our student-athletes, support staff, and spirit program members who have given so much to our football program. It's going to be a special one, and stay tuned for more info around the gameday festivities in next week's Forty Acres Insider.

BEHIND. OUR. GUYS. 🤘#HookEm pic.twitter.com/6Z8bf3RDkz
— Texas Longhorns (@TexasLonghorns) November 4, 2023

Men's Basketball looks to go 3-0 on Wednesday at Moody

Our No. 19/17 Men's Basketball team is off to a 2-0 start and looks to keep the momentum going when it hosts Rice on Wednesday (8 p.m. CT/LHN) in Moody Center. RT and our guys earned an 86-59 victory over Delaware State on Friday, led by a double-double from D-Mitch and 19 points from Mid-Court Max. Sharing the ball is a staple for Coach Terry, so I know he was pleased that five different guys had at least three assists on the night and our team has recorded at least 20 assists in each of its first two games. Be sure to come back to The Mood on Wednesday, as I can't wait to see Jorts Night in The Corral and we'll also honor our Veterans with a Salute to Service program. Following the Rice contest, our Longhorns head to Madison Square Garden for a pair of games in The Mecca at the Saatva Empire Classic. We'll face Louisville on Sunday (2:30 p.m. CT/ESPN) and either UConn or Indiana on Monday.

📺 Highlights from last night's win over Delaware State 🤘#HookEm pic.twitter.com/3mh7Q4b5mJ
— Texas Men's Basketball (@TexasMBB) November 11, 2023

Women's Basketball back in action tonight in Moody

Our No. 11 Women's Basketball team is 2-0 on the young season after its win on Sunday over Liberty. Our point guard extraordinaire Rori Harmon broke into the top-10 in program history in career assists during Sunday's victory. Join us for Decades Night later TONIGHT (7 p.m. CT/LHN) when we host UTA at Moody Center and come dressed in the style of your favorite decade! Each quarter there will be music from a different decade starting with the 70s. Then come back on Sunday afternoon (2 p.m. CT/LHN) when our ladies host Louisiana Tech for Jersey Night. Fans are encouraged to wear their favorite jersey and kids will have an opportunity to visit our coloring station and color their own jersey. During Sunday's game we will also honor UT faculty and staff and thank them for all they do for our student-athletes and campus community.

Take a look at last night's win over Liberty 👀#HookEm pic.twitter.com/vLRJWx7wa4
— Texas Women's Basketball (@TexasWBB) November 13, 2023

Soccer moves on to NCAA Second Round match in Tallahassee on Friday

'Survive and Advance' is the name of the game when it comes to postseason play, and Soccer is advancing to the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament following its 2-0 win over Lamar last Friday night! Mia Justus and the D clamped down on a 15-win Cardinal team to record UT's first postseason shutout since 2017. It was also a historic night for All-American Trinity Byars, who passed Kelly McDonald (2001-04) to become the program's new leader in career goals with 47! In incredible fashion, the Richardson, Texas native has broken the school record in JUST 64 career matches played with her third collegiate soccer season still not completed either. What a remarkable talent No. 15 is! And what would a Forty Acres Insider be without a Lexi Missimo scoring update, too. For those keeping track, yes, the Southlake native scored – again – with her 25th goal on the season coming on a first-half penalty kick against the Cardinals to spark Friday's win.

Next up is a trip to the Sunshine State to face No. 12 Wisconsin in the NCAA Second Round on Friday (1 p.m. CT/ESPN+). For those interested in watching the live stream, you can click on this link and catch the action. For any of our fans or alums who are close to Tallahassee, get your tickets here and support our Horns in person. If our ladies can grab a victory on Friday, we'll be back in action on Sunday in Tallahassee. Stay tuned to our social media platforms to follow along!

🧱🧱🧱

📺: @longhornnetwork #HookEm | #RunWithTexas pic.twitter.com/D70Ayr8tSC
— Texas Soccer (@TexasSoccer) November 11, 2023

next up: 🛫 TLH 🛬#HookEm | @lauren_lapo pic.twitter.com/oFdbOCL4Wj
— Texas Soccer (@TexasSoccer) November 13, 2023

Volleyball seeks to clinch outright Big 12 title in The Greg on Wednesday

Volleyball dropped its first Big 12 match of the season last week at Kansas State but bounced right back on Saturday with a home sweep of Cincinnati. With that win over the Bearcats, the Longhorns clinched at least a share of the program's seventh-consecutive Big 12 Championship. Coach Elliott and our ladies are back at Gregory Gym hosting Iowa State on Wednesday (6 p.m. CT/LHN) and a win will lock up an outright Big 12 Conference title. Texas then heads back on the road this weekend to take on UCF on Saturday (1 p.m. CT/Big 12 Now on ESPN+).

Got the job done 🫡#HookEm pic.twitter.com/dxoV5gHvtP
— Texas Volleyball (@TexasVolleyball) November 11, 2023

Men's Cross Country wins South Central Regional, preps for NCAA Championships

What a weekend for our Cross Country teams in Fayetteville, Ark. Our No. 5 men's team won the NCAA South Central Regionals for the fifth time in school history led by our six All-Region team honorees: Devin Hart, Rodger Rivera, Isaac Alonzo, Haftu Knight, Nathanael Berhane and Abraham Avila-Martinez. The men will compete for the NCAA title this Saturday in Virginia, while Beth Ramos will represent our Women's team as an individual at the NCAA Championships for the fourth time in her career. Best of luck to our runners on Saturday!

TICKET PUNCHED 🎟🤘#FloKnows x #HookEm pic.twitter.com/l0m8WQEe8x
— Texas T&F/XC (@TexasTFXC) November 10, 2023

Men's and Women's Swimming teams set to host the Texas Swim Invitational

Our two top-10 swim programs are back at the Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center this week for the four-day Texas Swim Invitational. Our Longhorns will host Stanford, USC, UNLV and Wisconsin on Wednesday thru Saturday. There's plenty of action so make your way over to see some of the top swimmers in the country go at it right here on the Forty Acres.

Next up, Texas Invitational 🤘 pic.twitter.com/WieusWmDWq
— Texas Men's Swimming & Diving (@TexasMSD) November 5, 2023

Paying respect to Jim Vick

It's with a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of our longtime Faculty Athletics Representative Jim Vick. Vick was on our Men's Athletics Council from 1981-85 and was reappointed in 1985 to another four-year term. Following the 1986-87 academic year, he was appointed to serve as both council chair and Faculty Athletics Rep and did that through 1992-93. Vick then remained as FAR from 1993-94 through 1995-96. Vick was asked again to serve as FAR for the 2005-06 academic year and served through 2012-13, giving him a total of 12 years served as our Faculty Athletics Representative where he skillfully represented the University to the Southwest Conference, the Big 12 Conference and the NCAA. Please keep Jim's wife, Niki, his son, Todd, and his daughter, Stuart, in your thoughts and prayers.

A Shout-out to the Distinguished Alumnus Award recipients

Before we leave you for the week ahead, I have to share some moments from the Distinguished Alumnus Award ceremony from a couple weeks back. This is always one of the coolest events of the year on campus. The Texas Exes created the award in 1958 to honor alumni who have distinguished themselves in their profession, community, and through service to the University. How cool was it to have a pair of this year's honorees with such close ties to Athletics in Ricky Williams and Ross Moody? The best part of the event were the speeches by the recipients. You can watch Ricky's speech here and Ross' speech here. I was absolutely moved by these thoughts from Ricky Williams as he looked back on his experience at Texas: "The truth is, it wasn't about me. It was about making all of you proud. For me to know that all of you that are real Longhorns got some joy out of what I was able to contribute, that's the greatest gift, and I thank you all for that."

Hook 'Em Horns,

Chris Del Conte

P.S. – How about some love for this top-ranked recruiting class!

great day to be a Texas Longhorn 🤘

No. 1️⃣ ranked recruiting class#HookEm pic.twitter.com/93AWlyVMcC
— Texas Women's Basketball (@TexasWBB) November 9, 2023

P.S. – Congrats to Longhorn Legend Jordan Spieth!

Congratulations to Jordan Spieth⁩ '11 for being inducted in the Jesuit Sports Hall of Fame! What a special night for Jesuit Golf and so awesome to celebrate Jordan's amazing Jesuit career! 22 wins including 3 State Individual Titles, 4 District Titles..many legendary moments! pic.twitter.com/YtrTQBXhUT
— Jesuit Dallas Golf (@jesuitgolf) November 13, 2023

P.S. – Some future SEC Baseball scheduling news!

Today, the SEC announced our permanently scheduled opponents beginning in 2025.

The Horns will face OU and Texas A&M annually. #HookEm 🤘 pic.twitter.com/xZlGa1LP4i
— Texas Baseball (@TexasBaseball) November 9, 2023

P.S. – Mark your calendars!

one more go 'round 🤘

📰: https://t.co/KSY0tWskrt #HookEm pic.twitter.com/N8bmlMQxEU
— Texas Softball (@TexasSoftball) November 9, 2023

P.S. – Can't wait to watch this team in the spring!

It's always great to get out on the road and do some racing. Lots of good stuff happened on Sunday as the progress we've made was put into a race situation. Total team effort to make the day a success and we appreciate the effort from the wonderful people in Waco. 🤘🏼🤘🏽🤘🏾 #HookEm pic.twitter.com/Qi9ykBFR3M
— Texas Rowing (@TexasRowing) November 14, 2023

HEADLINES

Ewers named Davey O'Brien Award semifinalist

Men's Basketball's Abmas named to Wooden Award preseason Top 50 watch list

Women's Basketball's Harmon selected to Wooden Award watch list

Football's offensive line unit named Joe Moore Award semifinalist

Longhorns in the NFL: Week 10

No. 5 Volleyball preview: Iowa State

No. 19/17 Men's Basketball preview: Rice

No. 11 Women's Basketball preview: UT Arlington

Video: Steve Sarkisian press conference (Nov. 13)

No. 7/7 Football preview: at Iowa State

Sweat named Bednarik Award semifinalist