 "Photo: Andrew Rogers, Daily Texan Staff")
The best start in program history does not count for much these days — at least not in the Big 12 standings.
Despite being undefeated to start the season, No. 8 Texas (7-0-2, 0-0-1 Big 12) finds itself looking up at the rest of the conference.
The Longhorns are one of just two sides that have only played one conference game so far, and they find themselves at the foot of the Big 12 needing to play catch-up because of it.
They will get their chance this weekend as a Friday trip to Lincoln to face the red-hot Cornhuskers (6-4-0, 2-0-0 Big 12) is followed by a Sunday visit from the 4-6-0 Iowa State Cyclones.
The doubleheader comes after a welcome week of rest for Texas, which played its fifth double-overtime game of the season in a draining 0-0 draw with fellow conference powerhouse Texas A&M (8-1-1, 1-0-1 Big 12).
“A&M is a hard game to recover from,” head coach Chris Petrucelli said. “We are tired physically and emotionally, and we’re happy to have that week to recover.”
The draw, played out in front of a Texas-record 5,585 fans, was the first between the two programs and continued the Longhorns’ 22-game undefeated streak at home.
Meanwhile, the road has been even kinder to the Longhorns this season, as trips to Kentucky, Louisville and TCU have seen Texas register wins.
Their last two road outings, however, both required double overtime to settle, but in each case, late Texas goals secured the win.
Overtime is a familiar theme going into Lincoln, as the Longhorns needed the extra period to snatch the decisive goal a year ago, winning 2-1.
The Cornhuskers have overcome a poor start to the season by finding their stride before conference play. They have six and have drawn one in their past seven games.
“They’ve won a few in a row,” Petrucelli said. “They are playing very well right now and have traditionally been a power in this conference.”
The Longhorns struggled in their first matches with the ’Huskers, losing six of the programs’ first seven meetings. But they have won the last five in a row and now lead the all-time series 9-8.
Following the trip to Lincoln, the ’Horns return home to face a struggling Iowa State side.
The Cyclones have lost their last three games, including their first two conference matches. A 3-0 mauling from Missouri at home was followed by an improved performance in a 3-2 loss to Kansas two days later, also at home.
Defensive frailties have plagued the Cyclones, and they have conceded 11 goals in their last five games. The Longhorns, meanwhile, have not allowed more than one goal in any game this season while pitching five shutouts in nine games.
However, Petrucelli is taking nothing for granted as his side looks to climb the Big 12 rankings.
“Those are two good teams,” he said. “It’s going to be a tough doubleheader for us.”
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