AUSTIN –– In his second year as the head coach of the Texas Longhorns, Tom Herman has an opportunity to achieve something that hasn’t been done in nearly a decade. After a resounding win over Iowa State, the Longhorns need a win Kansas on Friday to play for ts first Big 12 title since 2009.

Here’s what Herman said in his weekly press conference before that matchup.

Last time in Lawrence…

Two seasons ago, Texas suffered one of the worst losses in program history in an overtime loss to Kansas that was the last straw for Charlie Strong as head coach. Yet while the memory of that embarrassing day is still fresh, as many juniors and seniors were a part of that team, this team is far different from the one that traveled to Lawrence, Kan., in 2016.

“That program that went there, I feel like that was 50 years ago, not two years ago,” Herman said. “We’re so far past that point in our program.”

When asked about the need for closure for those like Breckyn Hager, Charles Omenihu and others who were pieces on that squad, Herman did not see the need for any sort of closure in this Friday’s matchup.

“I don’t think athletes leave anything open to be closed,” Herman said. “Win or lose, regardless of opponent, regardless of venue, you have to move on.”

Ehlinger or Buechele

Sophomore quarterback Sam Ehlinger left last Saturday’s win over Iowa State just before the half with an injury to his throwing shoulder. He did not return for the remainder of the win, but X-rays on Saturday came back negative.

On Monday, Herman announced that an MRI showed that it’s a reaggravation of the same injury he suffered against Baylor, a low-grade AC sprain. He is slated to throw for the first time this week on Tuesday, and by Thursday they will definitively know his status for Friday’s game.

“It’s not a severe as last time,” Herman said. “He even said he feels different. He wanted to go back in the game… you’ll see a steady progression.”

When asked if they would potentially rest a healthy Ehlinger in order to shore up that shoulder in preparation for the postseason, Herman dismissed the notion that they would rest a healthy player.

“We’re going to play the best players, the players that give us the best chance to win, regardless of opponent,” Herman said. “Sam has earned the right, if he’s healthy, to play.”

Lil’Jordan’s big plays

In a matter of weeks, wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey has vaulted his outstanding name into the national conversation as one of the best receivers in all of college football. His signature plays are after the catch, when he’s able to make would-be tacklers look silly or drag defenders for extra yardage, which he has done so well in the second half of the season.

“There’s definitely an added energy that he brings when he plays so physically,” Herman said. “Whenever you see your culture embodied in a play or a player, you want to celebrate it.”

Humphrey had another 'culture' play on Saturday, when he caught a ball, kept his feet moving as a defender wrapped him up, and the Texas offense rallied behind him to help push for an extra seven yards. Herman lifted up his pride in the effort shown on that play.

“There were five offensive lineman and a tight end pushing that pile too," Herman said. "They take a lot of pride in that, too. If LJ is still up and fighting, they’re going to go get in that and fight with him.”