What’s been the most impressive part of the Texas Longhorns’ 3-game winning streak? Ryan Niblett’s return game? Arch Manning’s grit? The Horns’ pass rush? Something else?
Daniel Seahorn (@DanielSeahorn)
– The most impressive and most important aspect of the winning streak has been Manning’s grit, in my opinion. People have rushed to get their think pieces off about him, and he has quietly been going about his business and putting some good stuff on film. Prior to him getting knocked out of the game, Manning was single-handedly saving Texas’s bacon, and it was very impressive to see.
With that aside, watching Ryan Nibblet’s ascension to an elite punt returner has been both fun and gratifying. Great program guy, who is out there making some big plays for Texas.
Gerald Goodridge (@ghgoodridge) – The growth and development of Arch Manning. We are actively seeing him grow into the quarterback we hoped he would be. He’s minimizing the preventable mistakes and hitting on more of the layups that keep the offense going. If this trajectory continues, he’s going to become really special.
Cameron Parker (@camerondparker) – Arch and the Texas defenses resolve. They nearly pulled off a comeback against Florida that would’ve sent Billy Napier job hunting two weeks earlier. Manning was incredible off schedule against Oklahoma, and the Texas held the Sooners out of the endzone for the SECOND straight year. Then, after being on the field for 80+ plays, the defense stood up Kentucky not once, but twice on the 1-yard line. And then the ability to come back from 17 points in the 4Q while on the road speaks for itself. Neither has been perfect, but they’ve shown up when it matters most.
Jacob Neidig (@jneidig_2) – Ryan Niblett’s big punt return in each game may have been the single most important play in every contest. Not only did they bail out a struggling offense, particularly against Kentucky, but they also ignited the entire team. His three-game stretch as a returner was likely the best three-game stretch in Texas history, given the success and context.
Quentin Bell (@uncleqbell) – The special teams and Niblett’s returns have been significant for the Longhorns, alleviating the pressure on the offense and inspiring the team. Niblett’s impact and leadership with the special teams single-handedly can change the tide to be a weapon and keep opponents on edge.
Wescott Eberts (@SBN_Wescott) – It’s Niblett because of the impact that he’s had on those three games – sealing the win over Oklahoma, setting up two scores against Kentucky, and tying the Mississippi State game near the end of regulation. The larger context makes it even more impressive because only three players in school history have three career punt return touchdowns, with Niblett becoming the third player to record two in one season.
But I would be remiss not to mention the team’s overall character, culture, and competitiveness to pull out those two tough overtime wins on the road.
Vanderbilt enters Saturday ranked #9 in the country, a record of 7-1, and three wins over Top 15 teams. Yet, FPI favors Texas, and so does Las Vegas…are the Commodores on “fraud watch” or is Texas getting too much love?
Daniel – The truth is someone in the middle. I don’t think the Dores are frauds, and I also don’t think Texas is as good as the FPI may make them out to be. It is going to be a game that is likely not the prettiest from an offensive standpoint. The Dores had to grit one out against Mizzou at home, and it wouldn’t surprise me if this weekend’s game is something similar.
Gerald – I think some of it is weighted by the fact that Vanderbilt is built to disguise a pretty bad defense. They are one of the best offenses in the country, while also running fewer plays and taking more time per play than most teams. It’s why you saw a team like Alabama expose them a bit, because Alabama was able to strike quickly and take advantage of every opportunity.
Cameron – I wouldn’t put them in the same tier as Alabama and Georgia. But they know what they are and they know what they aren’t. They have a ceiling with Diego Pavia, but their floor is higher than other SEC teams.
Jacob – The Commodores are on fraud watch. Against the two teams still ranked in the Top 25, Vanderbilt’s offense hasn’t scored above 17 points. Missouri could have come out victorious last week with a backup quarterback if 1-2 plays had gone differently. I think Vandy has the upper hand against Texas, but I don’t know if the Pavia Mafia are quite playoff contenders like the national media has been suggesting.
Quentin – I think it’ll be close. Vanderbilt wants redemption from the previous year’s 27-24 battle. The Vandy offense as a whole looks more complete, which will be a battle and test the Longhorn defense, but the Longhorn defense is elite and needs to contain and bring pressure. Vandi’s defense is solid, and the Texas offense is growing,if Texas can execute a few runs to open up the passing game, then Vandy is on fraud watch.
Wescott – I definitely don’t think there is anything fraudulent about Vanderbilt beyond, perhaps, its cornerback play, so I would probably lean towards Texas getting too much love as a soft buy because of my remaining concerns about the offensive line and the running game.
Will the Longhorns extend their win streak? Texas (-3.5 at FanDuel) or Vanderbilt?
Daniel (5-3/1-7 ATS) – I think this is going to be a low-scoring game given Vanderbilt’s style of play and Texas’s inconsistencies on offense. If Arch gets cleared to play, I am taking Texas in a tight one, but if it is the Matt M’Fin Caldwell show, I am taking the Commodores in a tight matchup. Given that Arch has already been back at practice this week, I will be optimistic and call it 24 Texas, Vanderbilt 20.
Gerald (5-3/2-6 ATS) – I’m struggling with this pick because Vanderbilt wants to control the ball and the pace and given Texas’s inefficiencies on offense. That being said, I think Texas also has the athletes to keep Diego Pavia from truly damaging them. Vandy is susceptible to big plays defensively, so if Texas can hit some, things might go the right way. Texas 21, Vanderbilt 17
Cameron (4-4/4-4 ATS) – I’ve gone back and forth on this all week long. Texas has needed two overtime wins to beat a pair of teams that are still winless in SEC play. Meanwhile, Vanderbilt is the most experienced team in the country, while Texas is the youngest. Yet, I think the Commodores’ weaknesses play into the strengths of the Longhorns. Texas wins, but fails to cover. Texas 27, Vanderbilt 30
Jacob (6-2/4-4 ATS) – The style of play that Vanderbilt prefers is daunting, given the inefficiencies in the Texas offense. However, I think the fourth quarter showed Sarkisian a path to offensive success. With that, and the simplification that will likely occur to play to Caldwell’s strengths, I like the Longhorns’ chances against the Vandy D. Another underrated element is the juice that will come from finally playing at home. Texas 24, Vanderbilt 20
Quentin (5-2/2-5 ATS) – It’ll be close, Texas is improving, and Vanderbilt is consistent. Texas’ defense needs to make noise early, and the offense needs to execute on a defense that can be exposed. Texas 24, Vanderbilt 21.
Wescott (5-4/2-6 ATS) – I think this comes down to whether Arch Manning plays, and I don’t see him clearing concussion protocol in less than a week, so I think Vanderbilt shortens this game enough for Diego Pavia to make a couple of plays to win it. Texas 13, Vanderbilt 17
