Texas 31 - Texas Tech 22

Longhorn resurgence: Red Raiders can't stop the stampede

They're back. The look on Mack Brown's jubilant face told the tale — Texas 31, Texas Tech 22. This victory becomes the most important win for the Texas Longhorns since the 2009 season ended.

Until Saturday, Texas lacked any signature, season-changing win. This is that win. Texas entered Lubbock as an underdog and they leave a confident 7-2 team with designs on a statement season after playing their most complete game in two years.

On defense, the physical, dominating defensive line was backed up by a locked in secondary. On offense, the clock-churning, tough as nails offensive line protected a golden armed quarterback and pushed around a top 20 defense.

This is the 2012 Texas football team Longhorn Nation has been waiting for and the team Mack Brown thought he had to start the season. In the most hostile of stadiums, the Texas Longhorns brought their "A" game and out-played a team that until now was clearly better.

Defense

The maligned Texas defense showed up for this one. The Longhorns gave up their share of yards to one of the most prolific offenses in college football, but they avoided giving up the big play and the defensive line that never saw a running back that didn't love them, shut down the Red Raider running game, giving up only 112 yards.

Texas tackling was better, not great, but better. Most importantly, the Texas defense kept the Tech offense in front of them as evidenced by the goal-line stand late in fourth quarter with the game on the line. With Texas leading 31-22, Tech had the ball first down and goal at the two-yard line. Texas didn't only keep Tech out of the end zone, they blocked the 23-yard field goal attempt that would have put Tech just one score away from winning.

Carringtom Byndom played the best game of his career. Taking on Tech's best receiver Eric Ward, Byndom fought Ward on every play, nearly coming to blows on several.

Offense

David Ash, displaying all of the appreciation you would expect after getting his coach's ultimate statement of confidence (he started the game after what was one of his worst performances just a week before), played well enough to win, making several outstanding deep throws without an interception.

Texas' leading receiver, Mike Davis, has really come into his own. He caught four passes for 165 yards and two touchdowns. Davis is now a true deep threat and Ash has the confidence to get the ball downfield, hitting him in stride.

It was Texas' running game though that put this one away. In the fourth quarter, Texas Tech's defensive line grew weary and the Longhorn offensive line pushed them all over the field.

Johnathan Gray is special. Texas' true freshman running back will undoubtedly get national attention soon after collecting his second straight 100-yard game. Gray has that special combination of speed and power and he had the Texas Tech defense on their heels all afternoon.

It's impossible to overstate the importance of this win to a Longhorn football program that has reeled since losing its star quarterback in the January, 2010 National Championship game. After weeks of criticism and questions about Mack Brown's job security, the Texas Longhorns decided to quiet the crowd with a win over a huge rival in hostile territory.

Mack Brown was on fire for this game. He got into the faces of his players and his coaches. He ran up and down the sideline and in the end, his ecstatic smile told the tale of a coach under siege feeling the weight of Longhorn Nation lifted off his shoulders.

This Texas Longhorn football team may not be great, but on Saturday, they delivered on the promise and showed fans a glimpse of how good they can be.

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News on the Court

Huge pickleball franchise serves up first 2 Austin-area locations

The Picklr/Instagram

This growing chain of indoor courts plans five location in the Austin area.

Austin rings with the rubbery pop of pickleball as it takes over as the 2020s-defining sport. Joining the local fray in fall 2024 is The Picklr, a network of indoor pickleball courts that plans to open five locations across Austin and Round Rock over the next year-and-a-half.

The Utah-headquartered network calls itself North America’s fastest-growing indoor pickleball franchise, and its living up that reputation by launching its first two Austin-area locations at once: one at Round Rock Crossing (3021-3023 S I-35 Frontage Rd.) and the other in a former Walmart building in West Austin's Four Points neighborhood (8201 N FM 620).

Even though they're indoors, the courts will feature outdoor-style surfacing, and accommodate unlimited league play, tournaments, and open play. Alongside those courts is dedicated practice and warmup space, plus a pro shop, and a space for private events.

Both are large, but the Austin location is much bigger, coming at 39,000 square feet and encapsulating 11 courts. Sharing a small portion of the Austin space is Wired Fitness & Rehab. Round Rock's location fits eight courts in 25,000 square feet.

The Picklr works on a membership basis without tiers — all players have the same level of access. Bookings are also unlimited in frequency, although only one reservation may be held at once. For more organized play, members can participate in skill-based clinics, which take place on a weekly basis, or one-on-one lessons.

“We’re fortunate that Austin is home to one of the best pickleball communities in the country, and it’s had such a positive impact on our lives. That’s why we’re excited to build a club with pro-level resources and help make pickleball more accessible to everyone,” said The Picklr Round Rock owners Jennifer Zanfardino and Chris Gennarelli.

The owners of the West Austin location, David and Karen Hoisington, are multi-generational Austinites who have taken local sports to heart since childhood. They point out the stores leagues tying together the Austin scene. “Being part of a strategic partnership with leaders in the Pickleball sport has been inspiring and a privilege for us. Pickleball Inc., PPA Tour, MLP and Pickleball Central are all set to drive growth and memberships at The Picklr. We are excited to come alongside the awesome Pickleball community in Austin, Texas.”

The Austin-area locations are among 300 new ones being built "over the next few years," housing about 2,500 courts. Online reviews of Picklr vary, often due to shifts in policy as the fast-growing franchise creates its standardized rule set.

New users can sign up for a $10, 30-day trial. Both the West Austin and Round Rock locations will accept applications for founding members, which are just regular members with a permanent discount as thanks for signing up early. A submission form on each page will notify interested players when presales start.

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