The Texans won the game through ball control, with Quarterback Cotton Davidson throwing only 17 passes.

``We always like to keep the ball as much as we can against Denver because they have such an explosive attack,'' explained Stram. ``They can be going along, doing little damage, then bang, bang -- they can hit a couple of passes on you for touchdowns and put you in trouble.''

The Broncs did hit two quick strikes in the final period against the Texans, but Dallas had enough of a lead to hold them off.

The principal tactic in controlling the ball was giving it to Abner Haynes, the flashy halfback. He was called upon 26 times -- more than all of the other ball carriers combined -- and delivered 145 yards.

The Texans made themselves a comforting break on the opening kickoff when Denver's Al Carmichael was jarred loose from the ball when Dave Grayson, the speedy halfback, hit him and Guard Al Reynolds claimed it for Dallas. A quick touchdown resulted.

``That permitted us to start controlling the ball right away,'' said Stram, quipping, ``I think I'll put that play in the book.''

The early Southwest Conference football leaders -- Texas, Arkansas and Texas A+M -- made a big dent in the statistics last week.

Texas' 545 -- yard spree against Washington State gave the Longhorns a 3 -- game total offense of 1512 yards (1065 rushing and 447 passing) a new SWC high.

Arkansas combined 280 yards rushing with 64 yards passing (on 5 completions in 7 tosses) and a tough defense to whip TCU, and A+M, with a 38 -- point bulge against Texas Tech ran up its biggest total loop play since 1950. Completing 12 of 15 passes for 174 yards, the Aggies had a total offense of 361 yards.