This is the half Charlie Strong was building toward ever since he first stepped foot in Austin back in January.
Texas has battered and bruised No. 23 West Virginia, building up a 24-3 lead with defense and an effective running game. Johnathan Gray, who incidentally suffered a torn Achilles in the ‘Horns’ win in Morgantown last season, has led the way with five rushes for 85 yards and two touchdowns - a 39-yarder to put Texas up 14-3 midway through the second quarter and a two-yarder to push the lead to 18 two minutes later.
Texas opened the scoring at the 6:35 mark of the first quarter with a two-yard toss from Tyrone Swoopes to Geoff Swaim. Swoopes has completed 8-of-14 passes for 88 yards with no turnovers. As a team, Texas has out-rushed West Virginia 178-35.
All-America candidate Kevin White has gotten his numbers with six grabs for 65 yards, but Texas has otherwise bottled up the Mountaineers’ passing attack; Clint Trickett has completed 13-of-17 passes, but for just 99 yards with an interception.
Overall, Texas has out-gained West Virginia 266-141.
After unquestionably the best half of football they have played this season, the Longhorns will look to build on their lead by accepting the ball to open the second half.
