Longhorns beat Pokes

Texas Longhorns escape a Cowboy roundup

Longhorns beat Pokes

Texas Longhorns escape a Cowboy roundup

Texas wins 41-36 over Oklahoma State. You can take a moment to let that sink in, because it sure didn't much feel like a win.

So let's look at the bright side first. Stillwater, Oklahoma is a tough place to play. The Longhorns deserve credit for coming out of there with a win. The team showed character and toughness and on the game-winning drive, quarterback David Ash played like a veteran. The offense showed a determination that will serve them well when West Virginia comes to town.

And make no mistake, the West Virginia Mountaineers can't wait to get to Austin. The team that put 70 points on Baylor Saturday certainly believes it can do the same to Texas after watching a Longhorn defense that shows no ability to tackle, defend the pass, or frankly play even close to competent defensive football.

Yeah, I know, they played well enough to win, and yes, they stiffened when their backs were against the wall. But really, how long until those justifications don't hold up anymore?

This is a team that will be on the edge of disaster every game. It will make for some intense, stressful game-watching for fans.

This defense is giving up huge plays. It took only 15 seconds for Oklahoma State to make their first big play, a 69-yard run for a touchdown.

Somehow the Longhorn defense got worse on the off week, not better. Touted as perhaps one of the best defenses ever when the season started, it is now a liability, at times looking completely overmatched and disoriented.

The Longhorns defense gave up 146 yards rushing — in the first half — to one player, Joseph Randall. By the time the game ended, he had gashed Texas for 208 yards. The defense gave up over 580 total yards to the Pokes offense. That's too many, and you won't win games with numbers like that.

To make matters worse, Texas went braindead on the kick-off team. A kick game that was one of the best in the nation somehow forgot how to get the ball in the air and gave OSU great field position when they could least afford it. At least D.J. Monroe brought special teams some redemption, ripping off a 100-yard kick return: The third of his career.

Offense wins games

Let's say this though, David Ash got it done. Again and again he converted on 3rd and 4th down — none bigger than 4th and 10 with less than two minutes left in the game — except for maybe the 50-yard throw he made to Mike Davis setting up Texas game winning touchdown. It was Davis' best catch of his career. Ash finished 30-37 for 308 yards, and yes, he finally threw his first interception; you knew it was coming.

Ash is showing improvement every week. He threw the deep ball with authority, making the best throws of his career, and he made good decisions.

And what a game for Johnathan Gray. Malcolm Brown started at running back, but left the game with an ankle injury. Gray stepped into the running back rotation with Joe Bergeron, and what a night he had. The freshman ran for 68 yards and showed flashes of the amazing talent he brings to the field.

The theme this season is simple: Texas has a lot of work to do. They come back home with a 4-0 record after two consecutive road wins, but this is a team that will be on the edge of disaster every game. It will make for some intense, stressful game-watching for fans.

Next week, the West Virginia Mountaineers at 6:00 p.m. at DKR - Texas Memorial Stadium. It'll be a barn burner.

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Women's sports pub with Title IX inspiration acquires space near UT Austin

The new sports bar focuses on women's sports but welcomes fans of all kinds. Photo courtesy of 1972

A pioneering bar celebrating women's sports has officially settled on a location in Austin. The idea was announced about a year ago, when it was called ATX Women's Sports Pub, but it now bears the more metaphorical name 1972, referring to the year Title IX started protecting women's rights in federally funded schools.

The new location is at 2530 Guadalupe St., the former home of Moody’s Kitchen and Bar. Moody's announced it was closing the same day that it handed over the keys, according to KXAN. The 1972 team expects it to be open "just in time" for March Madness, which starts March 16.

Old Moody's Kitchen and Bar location UT students probably know this space.Photo courtesy of 1972

Renovations are still underway, according to an email from a spokesperson. Once they're done, the team will be testing out menu options by culinary director Allison Hugunin, who worked as a chef for the extravagant mini-golf bar The Dirdie Birdie.

Debra Hallum and Marlene du Plessis are co-founders, drawing largely on du Plessis' sports background. Growing up in South Africa, she played field hockey, rugby, ran, cycled, and has competed in half-marathons and triathlons. In Austin, she has also worked as a high school campus director.

1972 ATX Women's Sports Pub patio founders Debra Hallum and Marlene du Plessis Marlene du Plessis (left) and Debra Hallum (right) signing the papers to acquire the space.Photo courtesy of 1972

The name 1972 is fitting because this pub will be near the University of Texas campus, and pledges to welcome all sports fans: women, men, LGBTQ+ community members, and allies. It's keeping "ATX Women's Sports Pub" as a tagline to clarify the numbers.

“We’re building more than a pub — we’re creating a space where every fan can feel seen, celebrated, and part of the action,” said cofounder Marlene du Plessis in a press release. “From die-hard sports lovers to casual spectators, 1972 is here for you.”

Title IX was not only about sports, but many of its most important impacts have been in athletics. Put simply, the law prohibits sex discrimination in general and has since been applied to sports in many more specific ways. The legislation was thrust back into headlines in the beginning of this month — just days after the 1972 bar team signed sale papers — as President Donald Trump's administration announced it would revert its Title IX enforcement to rules created in his first term, in 2020.

Much like the legislation, this concept has a lot to do with sports, but athletics isn't the only sphere it operates in; du Plessis is inspired by how sports can build confidence and leadership. Most important to the duo is how sports can bring people together despite differences in background, race, sexual orientation, or religion.

1972 ATX Women's Sports Pub patio founders Debra Hallum and Marlene du Plessis The cofounders in their new space.Photo courtesy of 1972

“At 1972, we’re not just building a pub — we’re building a movement," said Hallum in the release. "This is a space where women’s sports take center stage, and every fan, regardless of gender or identity, feels at home. Our goal is to celebrate the achievements of women athletes and foster a community where inclusion, equity, and the love of the game thrive.”

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