Texas was able to get a stress-free 31-3 win over Mississippi State Saturday nnight. The offense put together another solid, but far from elite performance while the defense continued to build their stellar reputation. As we do every week, it’s time to break down the top five things we learned about the Longhorns. With a very difficult November ahead, there are a number of things to build off.
At this point, the offense is what it is
This will not be an efficient offense. It’s had ample time to become that and it’s just not in the cards. The run game is anemic, the offensive line is downright poor and Manning continues to make unforced errors. That being said, there are some footholds to build an offense that can create enough going forward. Raleek Brown’s explosiveness, Cam Coleman’s
1-on-1 ability and Wingo/Bishop in the screen game gives Sarkisian some openings to find points. The offense can be enough but they’ll have to overcome obvious flaws to get there.
Arch Manning is good for one mistake a game
This seems to be the evergreen comment of this season. Last year, there were inconsistencies and misses but they rarely materialized into turnovers. This year, turnovers have been a major issue and on a day he was accurate and decisive, he had a poorly timed fumble. Now, Manning didn’t consistently put the ball in harm’s way, which is a win but one turnover could get Texas beat vs. Missouri or LSU. Manning sporting one mistake a game won’t kill Texas but the placement of that mistake is very important moving forward.
Defense can win a title IF the offense doesn’t hurt them
Considering the first two points, the goal of this season should be clear: put the defense in positions to succeed. Sarkisian and company need to make sure they don’t get short fields and no points are scored without the defense on the field is imperative. Considering the level of the Longhorn defense, it’s unlikely many, if any, teams are going to march the field and score consistently. Fourth down decisions should be more conservative, whether it’s taking a FG or deciding to play field positions. If this defense is put in advantageous situations going forward, I’m not sure any team is scoring more than 24 in this group.
The Longhorns depth seems to be ready
Another wrinkle of this game was Sarkisian's desire to play the depth players. Tyler Atkinson, Myron Charles, Samurai Matthews, Kosi Okpala and so many more played snaps on defense. On offense, Daylan McCutcheon got more looks with Cam Coleman out. Considering the state of the Longhorns injuries(and college football), building depth can be a real difference maker late in the season. It’s clear Texas has a number of 2nd and 3rd line players that are ready to make an impact.
Texas has tough November ahead
Texas earned a right to play this November with a chance at the CFP. Next week, they’ll travel to Columbia, Missouri to play the Missouri Tigers. Austin Simmons, Jamal Roberts and company have put together a strong season but are still looking for that marquee win. Then, it’s over to Baton Rouge to take on the LSU Tigers, a team that’s seemingly hitting their stride at the right moment. Finally, it’s a home game against Arkansas before the final road trip to College Station to take on Texas A&M. It’s a true gauntlet in front of Texas but a win next week puts them in line for a CFP spot.
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This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: What we learned about Texas vs. Mississippi St: Defense, depth shine
