``If you kick too much, your leg gets kinda dead,'' he explained.

In their first three games, the Longhorns have had the ball 41 times and scored 16 times, or 40 per cent their total passing yardage in three games, 447 on 30 completions in 56 attempts, is only 22 yards short of their total passing yardage in 1959, when they made 469 on 37 completions in 86 tries. Tailback James Saxton already has surpassed his rushing total for his brilliant sophomore season, when he netted 271 yards on 55 carries; he now has 273 yards in 22 tries during three games. Saxton has made only one second-half appearance this season and that was in the Washington State game, for four plays: he returned the kickoff 30 yards, gained five yards through the line and then uncorked a 56 -- yard touchdown run before retiring to the bench. Wingback Jack Collins injured a knee in the Washington State game but insists he'll be ready for Oklahoma. Last week, when Royal was informed that three Longhorns were among the conference's top four in rushing, he said: ``That won't last long.'' It didn't; Monday, he had four Longhorns in the top four.

A good feeling prevailed on the SMU coaching staff Monday, but attention quickly turned from Saturday's victory to next week's problem: Rice University. The Mustangs don't play this week.

``We're just real happy for the players,'' Coach Bill Meek said of the 9 -- 7 victory over the Air Force Academy. ``I think the big thing about the game was that our kids for the third straight week stayed in there pitching and kept the pressure on. It was the first time we've been ahead this season (when John Richey kicked what proved to be the winning field goal).''