By Colby Gordon
AUSTIN, Texas — Lost somewhat in some of the “sky is falling” mentality surrounding the Texas football program is the fact the Longhorns have two more games left, starting with this week’s game at Baylor.
The Bears are 9-1 after blowing a 25-point lead to Oklahoma last week, and need to win one of their final two games to clinch a spot in the Big 12 championship game. They arguably have been [s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level2)]one of the surprises of the country this season, even though last week’s loss likely eliminated them from playoff contention due to their weak non-conference schedule.
“I’m not surprised they’re 9-1,” Shackelford said. “They’re a really good football team. It’s evident on film.”
It will be a battle of two Austin-area quarterbacks, as junior Baylor signal-caller Charlie Brewer, who has thrown for 2,532 yards and 18 touchdowns, went to Lake Travis High School and Ehlinger graduated from Westlake.
“Brewer is a guy that has gotten better every year,” defensive lineman Malcolm Roach. “His game has taken a tremendous step this year, and just the way he’s passing the ball, running the ball and his decision-making … we’re going to have our hands full.”
Both Brewer and Ehlinger continue a long run of Austin-area quarterbacks who have had success at the collegiate level, with most of those coming from the high schools that produced Ehlinger and Brewer.
“I think it comes down to the incredible competitiveness that is present at those schools, primarily,” Ehlinger said. “To be the quarterback at one of those schools is a big deal, and it takes a lot of effort and commitment for the people who do get that opportunity their whole childhood. Because of that competitiveness, kids have to devote their energy during their young years preparing for that.”
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