First-half thoughts: Texas leads, 31-17

Texas is still invested in this season.

That much was obvious from the first half against Kansas State. 

Offensively, it’s hard to ask for a better first-half performance from Texas outside of Cameron Dicker missing a short field goal and the offense settling for a field goal instead of a touchdown on its second drive.

The Longhorns moved the ball at will and mostly took advantage of the opportunities K-State gave them regarding turnovers and field position.

Still, it feels like Texas should be ahead more than 31-17 and closing out with strong play and a win in the second half is critical. 

You can’t really fault the Longhorns for being a bit shaken following the gruesome injury to offensive lineman Derek Kerstetter, who is currently being examined at the hospital across the street from the stadium.

It isn’t what Texas fans want to hear, but getting to the Alamo Bowl or Texas Bowl — or any bowl — is important. It gives a program more practices and more time to develop bench players.

We’ve noted this before, but it’s rough seeing Cedar Ridge High School product Deuce Vaughn not playing for the Longhorns. He played less than 30 miles from the UT campus and is now starring at another Big 12 school. 

Second half should be interesting.