Texas moved to 3-0 yesterday, winning an ugly game over UTSA, 30-6. The offensive performance left much to be desired while the defense was dominant from start to finish. Fans were left disappointed heading into the first SEC bout in Knoxville next weekend. To me, these games tend to tell us much less than we’d like, but there were a few things that stood out yesterday.
Here are the five things I believe we learned about the Longhorns yesterday:
Arch Manning isn’t a finished product
This is known at this point. Manning struggled with accuracy yesterday, completing just over 50% of his passes. It’s an issue that has popped up consistently throughout his career and doesn’t seem to be fixed. Yesterday was Manning’s 18th start for Texas, which makes some concerned the growth won’t end
up happening. To me, last season’s OL issues kept him from developing good habits in the pocket and it’s hurting him right now. He needs to be clean and more accurate in the pocket next weekend for Texas to get the road win.
Running attack can win Texas games
This was the fundamental difference between last season and yesterday. Manning played poorly at times last season but he didn’t have a run game to fall back on. Yesterday, he did. It wasn’t a downright dominant performance from the run game but when Texas needed to finish the game, they went to the run. It led to a clean 4th quarter where the offense looked much more efficient than in the 3rd quarter. Obviously, Texas will need more from Manning but the run game raises the floor of the offense plenty.
Defense will keep Texas in every game
I’m not sure there are many questions about the defense walking into SEC play. They’ve allowed TDs to just Ohio State thus far and held UTSA out of the endzone for the first time under Jeff Traylor. Following the opening FG for the Roadrunners, they totalled 24 yards on 34 offensive plays. It was a dominating performance from the defense and I expect that to carry into SEC play. The offense has to be more consistent but the defense will allow them some growing pains in certain SEC games.
Special Teams is a strength for this team
Last season was the first time under Steve Sarkisian where the special teams was a true strength. Ryan Niblett had a few great returns, despite one being called back for a penalty. Gianni Spetic flashed his strong leg, hitting a 52-yard FG in the first quarter. Considering the compact nature of the SEC and college football at large, special teams can be a separating factor for teams. I expect Texas to be one of those teams that can earn an edge in the third aspect of the game.
Cam Coleman is as advertised
One of the overshadowed performances because of the offensive struggles was Cam Coleman. Following a two TD performance yesterday, the Auburn transfer is up to 4 TDs in just 3 games. Yesterday, he flashed his goalline ability with a perfectly executed fade route. While it was a frustrating performance for the passing offense, No. 8 continues to prove his worth to this offense. Next week, it’ll need to be a more complete performance but Coleman gives Texas a “trump card” when things aren’t going well offensively.
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This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: What we learned from Texas vs. UTSA: Manning not a finished product
