{"id":10789,"date":"2025-10-19T10:24:08","date_gmt":"2025-10-19T10:24:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/10789\/"},"modified":"2025-10-19T10:24:08","modified_gmt":"2025-10-19T10:24:08","slug":"how-offseason-rebuild-saved-longhorns-from-disaster","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/10789\/","title":{"rendered":"How offseason rebuild saved Longhorns from disaster"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mason\u00a0Shipley<\/a> took three steps forward, swung his right leg and turned Texas football<\/a>\u2019s game against Kentucky<\/a> into a statistical anomaly.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

No team in college football this season had accumulated less than 200 yards of total offense in a single game and won until the Longhorns escaped Lexington with a 16-13 overtime victory<\/a> that Shipley sealed with a walk-off, 45-yard field goal.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n

GOLDEN: UT wins, but offense has to find footing<\/a><\/p>\n

RELATED: Best photos from win over Kentucky<\/a><\/p>\n

Less than a year ago, special teams problems tugged the Longhorns down like an anchor. Missed kicks cost them an SEC title. Saturday, special teams gave Texas (5-2, 2-1 SEC) a life raft, saving it from a loss that would have sunk its season.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Shipley, a transfer addition from Texas State<\/a>, converted on kicks of 39, 45 and 53 yards in the victory.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n

His impact, paired with that of punt returner Ryan Niblett<\/a>, proved decisive.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. (0) celebrates Texas\u2019 Red River Rivalry win with the Golden Hat after the Longhorns beat the Oklahoma Sooners 23-6 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns punter Jack Bouwmeester (19) celebrates winning the Red River Rivalry with the Golden Hat after Texas beat Oklahoma 23-6 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns place kicker Will Stone (15) celebrates with the Golden Hat after the Red River Rivalry against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns defensive back Jelani McDonald (4) celebrates the Texas Longhorns\u2019 Red River Rivalry win with the Golden Hat after the Longhorns beat the Oklahoma Sooners 23-6 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) celebrates Texas\u2019 Red River Rivalry win with the Golden Hat after the Longhorns beat the Oklahoma Sooners 23-6 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) celebrates after winning the Red River Rivalry against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian and Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) celebrate after winning the Red River Rivalry against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns defensive back Jonah Williams (9) celebrates Texas\u2019 Red River Rivalry win after the Longhorns beat the Oklahoma Sooners 23-6 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns linebacker Ty’Anthony Smith (26) celebrates with the Golden Hat after the Red River Rivalry against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Trevor Goosby (74) celebrates with the Golden Hat after the Red River Rivalry against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) celebrates Texas\u2019 Red River Rivalry win with the Golden Hat after the Longhorns beat the Oklahoma Sooners 23-6 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) embraces defensive back Michael Taaffe (16) as they celebrates Texas\u2019 Red River Rivalry win after the Longhorns beat the Oklahoma Sooners 23-6 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) hands the ball off to Texas Longhorns running back James Simon (31) in the third quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. (0) catches a pass in the end zone to score the first touchdown of the game in the third quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Governor Greg Abbot hands Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) The Governor\u2019s Cup Trophy after Texas beat Oklahoma 23-6 in the Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) carries the ball for a first down in the fourth quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"The<\/p>\n

The Texas defense bring down Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III (5) in the first quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Niblett (21) returns the ball off a punt for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) throws a pass in the second quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns linebacker Colin Simmons (1) goes to tackle Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) in the second quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns linebacker Brad Spence (14) taunts Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas fans cheer for their team in the first half of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Parker Livingstone (13) carries the ball out of trouble as Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) and defensive back Gentry Williams (9) chase in the second quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"The<\/p>\n

The Oklahoma defense sack Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) in the first quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas fans cheer for their team in the fourth quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas scores the extra point in the fourth quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) catches a snap in the third quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) brings Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Keontez Lewis (9) down out of the air as he catches the ball in the first quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian gets off the bus ahead of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) arrives at the stadium for the Red River Rivalry against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas fan Bill Melot, from Austin, enjoys a turkey leg ahead of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas fans Heather and Garrison Ray, from Jarrell, enjoy a ride at the Texas State Fair ahead of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"A<\/p>\n

A young Texas fan hoists a large prize while exploring the Texas State Fair ahead of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Fan Avery, 6, slides down the giant slide at the Texas State Fair ahead of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) runs the ball under pressure from Oklahoma defense in the second quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) carries the ball after making an interception for Texas in the fourth quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) celebrates after making an interception for Texas in the fourth quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Renee<\/p>\n

Renee Richmond rides the log flume ride with Eve and Sarah Mills at the Texas State Fair ahead of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas fans David, Briana and Brian Morales, from Corpus Christi, play the ring toss at the Texas State Fair ahead of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Parker Livingstone (13) celebrates as the game draws to a close in the fourth quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas mascot Bevo walks across the Cotton Bowl to his pen ahead of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns linebacker Liona Lefau (18) wears a lei to celebrate winning the Red River Rivalry, beating Oklahoma 23-6 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns defensive back Xavier Filsaime (17) argues with Oklahoma players during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"Oklahoma<\/p>\n

Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III (5) drops a pass in the fourth quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Oklahoma<\/p>\n

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) is sacked in the fourth quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.<\/p>\n

Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) runs the ball during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) intercepts a pass during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"Oklahoma<\/p>\n

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) talks to his team during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns defensive back Ryan Niblett (21) returns a kick during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns linebacker Colin Simmons (1) celebrates a sack during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns linebacker Brad Spence (14) celebrates a sack during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns linebacker Colin Simmons (1) sacks Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) during the Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"The<\/p>\n

The Texas Longhorns take the field ahead of the Red River Rivalry against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"Oklahoma<\/p>\n

Oklahoma Sooners running back Tory Blaylock (6) is tackled by Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Hero Kanu (93) during the Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Hero Kanu (93) celebrates a tackle for a loss during the Red River Rivalry against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"Oklahoma<\/p>\n

Oklahoma Sooners running back Xavier Robinson (24) is tackled by Texas Longhorns defensive back Michael Taaffe (16) during the Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"Oklahoma<\/p>\n

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) is pressured during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"Oklahoma<\/p>\n

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) is pressured by Texas Longhorns linebacker Colin Simmons (1) during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) runs the ball during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"Oklahoma<\/p>\n

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) is sacked during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) runs the ball during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"Oklahoma<\/p>\n

Oklahoma Sooners place kicker Tate Sandell (29) kicks a field goal during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"Oklahoma<\/p>\n

Oklahoma Sooners tight end Jaren Kanak (12) is tackled during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Longhorns linebacker Lance Jackson (40) and Texas Longhorns linebacker Brad Spence (14) tackle Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) on 4th down at the end of the Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.<\/p>\n

Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n

The Longhorns had to fight to keep Niblett this offseason. Two years into his Texas career, he hadn\u2019t delivered a measurable impact on offense and had hopped around between three different position groups: running back, receiver and defensive back.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Texas'<\/p>\n

Texas’ Ryan\u00a0Niblett (21) returns a punt in the second quarter against Kentucky on Oct. 18, 2025, in Lexington,\u00a0Ky.<\/p>\n

Michael Swensen\/Associated Press<\/p>\n

Sarkisian\u2019s effort to retain Niblett centered on returning punts. Seven games into Texas\u2019 season, that looks like one of the coach\u2019s most impactful offseason sales jobs.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n

MORE: Longhorns squeak out 16-13 OT win at Kentucky to stay on track<\/a><\/p>\n

At the 7:10 mark of the second quarter, Niblett fielded a punt in traffic at midfield, beat everybody in blue to the far sideline and pulverized the ankles of a helpless punter with a ruthless cutback before a shoestring tackle stopped him at the UK 5-yard line. That set up Quintrevion <\/a>Wisner<\/a>\u2019s 1-yard touchdown, the only score the Longhorns managed all night.\u00a0<\/p>\n

He wasn\u2019t done. Late in the fourth quarter, Niblett again caught a punt under duress, made a man miss and sprinted 43 yards into Kentucky territory before he was run out of bounds. With 88 yards of punt return production on two returns, Niblett collected nearly half of the yardage the Texas offense managed (179) on 55 plays.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Texas scored on four drives. It moved the ball a combined 64 yards on those drives. This was a field position game \u2014 one the Longhorns would have been unequipped to play last season.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n

MORE: How Texas Longhorns QB Arch Manning played in overtime win over Kentucky<\/a><\/p>\n

Coordinator Jeff Banks\u2019 unit ranked 100th out of 134 FBS teams in ESPN\u2019s special teams efficiency metric in 2024. Kicker Bert Auburn missed 16 of his 25 field-goal attempts \u2014 including four crucial ones in the SEC title game and the Peach Bowl \u2014 and was jettisoned to Miami, where he\u2019s attempted just one FG this year.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Punter Michael Kern failed to meet the mark, too, averaging 41.6 yards per punt before he moved on to Cal. Texas replaced him with Utah transfer Jack Bouwmeester<\/a>, who averaged 46.9 yards per punt entering Saturday and pinned Kentucky inside its own 20-yard line on six of his eight efforts.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Paired with a defense that somehow stood tall until the end despite spending over 40 minutes on the field, Texas\u2019 special teams dropped a fat glob of white-out over a litany of Longhorns mistakes.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n

Fail to stay inbounds with your team in field-goal range and 1:05 on the clock, DeAndre Moore Jr.? Not a biggie. Commit a brutal overtime holding penalty to increase the difficulty on Shipley\u2019s game-winner, Brandon Baker? All is forgiven.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Texas had not won a game with less than 200 yards of offense since at least 1994. More than 1,700 college football games were played last year. Seven of them were won by teams that couldn\u2019t manage 200 yards of offense. It\u2019s a rare feat to pair bitter offensive ineptitude with the sweet taste of victory.<\/p>\n

Texas can thank its special teams unit for helping to make it possible.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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