Texas Longhorns rally against Oklahoma State Cowboys for 20-17 halftme lead

T. Boone Pickens sent a letter to the Texas Longhorns last week asking for the Texas Longhorns to play "the other quarterback."

Ask and you shall receive, T. Boone -- junior quarterback Tyrone Swoopes made his debut as a short-yardage runner for the Horns and picked up three first-down conversions, 35 yards, and a 4th and 2 conversion for a touchdown on three carries as Texas rallied from an early deficit to take a 20-17 lead into halftime.

It was a rocky first half marred by more coverage issues in the Texas secondary as Oklahoma State quickly marched down the field for touchdowns on the first two drives. Despite claming that personnel wasn't the issue, head coach Charlie Strong quickly pulled redshirt freshman John Bonney and sophomore Antwuan Davis, inserting freshmen Kris Boyd and Holton Hill at cornerback instead.

The youngsters responded, as Hill recorded the team's third pass defensed this season and Boyd recorded an interception negated by a questionable roughing the passer penalty. The call was one of several during the first half that seemed questionable, but the Horns were able to persevere, providing some hope that the toughness and resilience seemingly acquired last week against the Golden Bears is now a part of the team psyche.

The biggest play, however, was a fumble return for a touchdown by junior defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway, who scooped and scored after Oklahoma State sophomore Mason Rudolph simply dropped the football as he went to throw a pass.

Texas had just settled for two field goals and appeared in danger of losing touch in facing a 14-6 deficit.

Offensively, redshirt freshman quarterback Jerrod Heard was efficient through the air in completing 7-of-9 passes for 84 yards, including a 47-yard bomb to senior wide receiver Marcus Johnson in his return from an ankle injury, and adding seven carries for 40 yards.