AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Sam Ehlinger did what he usually does: throw for a bunch of touchdowns and deliver big runs. Put him together with more games like this from the Texas defense, and the Longhorns will go far in the Big 12 this season.

Ehlinger passed for four touchdowns for the third time this season, and the No. 12 Longhorns' defense held Oklahoma State's big playmakers in check for most of the game to slug out a tough 36-30 victory Saturday night to open the Big 12 schedule.

Texas (3-1, 1-0) ended a four-game losing streak to the Cowboys (3-1, 0-1) and ended a five-game skid in the series...