The Longhorns have their first SEC test this weekend in Knoxville, Tennessee. It’ll be 100,000+ loud Volunteer fans against Texas on Saturday, something the Longhorns didn’t handle well a season ago. As much as the crowd can be a factor, it’ll be the battles on the field that inevitably decides the result.
Here are the five matchups I’m circling heading into Saturday:
Arch Manning vs. Jim Knowles
Manning’s play has been a major topic of conversation this week and now he’s slated to face one of the most experienced defensive minds in the game. The Jim Knowles defense is one that does a great job eliminating explosives and can create exotic looks up front. Manning and the OL struggled to hold up on the road last season, but that’s part of the development this offseason. Manning will
need to avoid mistakes and take what the Knowles’ defense gives him for Texas to get the win.
Faizon Brandon vs. Will Muschamp
This is a matchup that should favor Texas. Faizon Brandon is starting his first SEC game, while Muschamp has established himself as a top defensive mind in the game for some time. Mushcamp’s ability to confuse the true freshman and keep him off balance could decide this game. The young QB has yet to face true adversity throughout this season and Texas forcing him into it could lead them to a victory.
Tennessee WRs vs. Texas Secondary
One of the special things then Josh Heupel offense does is create explosives. The WRs on this team are well equipped to do that, all possessing game changing speed. Bo Mascoe, Graceson Littleton and Kade Phillips will have to be up for the battle in man coverage. On top of that, Jelani McDonald, Derek Williams Jr. and Kobe Black need to eliminate explosives from this passing game. It’ll be a tough battle but corralling the Volunteers WRs is a major key to victory for Texas.
Texas DT vs. Tennessee IOL
In this game, DeSean Bishop is the most dangerous playmaker for the Volunteers. He has the ability to take over this game, much like Jadan Baugh did at Florida last season. The Tennessee IOL has struggled at times this season, which could give way to one of Texas’ strengths, the DTs. If Ian Geffrard, Hero Kanu, Maraad Watson and more could control this game up front, it’ll clear the path for a Texas win.
Tennessee Pass Rush vs. Texas OL
Arch Manning’s struggles last weekend seemed directly tied to pass protection from the offensive line. It didn’t entirely break down against UTSA but there were some lapses that forced Manning into uncomfortable positions. The Tennessee pass rush already has 13 sacks this season and presents tons of issues for any OL. The Texas OL will need to be up for the challenge and give Manning time to process and deliver the ball in a clean pocket for Texas to win.
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This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Matchups to watch: Texas Longhorns at Tennessee Volunteers
