Texas was able to get a road win over Tennessee Saturday, beginning its SEC slate 1-0. Once again, it’s a game where the defense passed with flying colors but the offense flashed inconsistency. As we begin to digest the performance, it’s time to grade the Longhorns.
Here’s how I’d scale each position groups & coaching staff:
Quarterback: C
For the second straight week, you can describe Arch Manning performance as inconsistent. He was nearly perfect to start the game, going 9-10 for 127 yards before his interception. From then forward, he’d go 5/9 for 74 yards and an INT, taking multiple sacks in the process. The protection struggled and Manning did little to help them out. It wasn’t a disastrous performance but the Longhorns will need more from Manning going forward.
Running back: C+
It’s difficult for me to grade the running backs, simply because there wasn’t much for them to work with. Raleek Brown finished with solid numbers, averaging 3.9 yards per carry and scoring both Longhorn TDs, but it lacked consistency. Missing Hollywood Smothers didn’t help the situation but truthfully, the offensive line left little to be done. I have continued optimism about the run game but it was flat yesterday.
Wide Receiver: B-
Another unit that can only do what the offensive line and quarterback allow them to do. There was nothing to be upset about from this unit in this game but there is still a desire for more. Ryan Wingo was fantastic in this game, creating yards after catch and being a great blocker in the run game. Cam Coleman didn’t produce much but did flash his 1-on-1 ability before getting injured. Overall, not a poor performance but far from a great one.
Tight End: C-
This was the worst blocking performance of the season from the group. Winston was the only contributor in the passing game, catching one pass for 6 yards. The unit provided some nice things but overall, a forgettable game from the tight ends. Getting Nick Townsend back into the fold against Oklahoma should be a boost to this unit, especially in the receiving game.
Offensive Line: C-
This was the worst performance of the year from this unit. The pass protection broke down far too often, leaving Manning with no time in the pocket. The run blocking, outside the two TD drives, was downright terrible. Given it’s a unit breaking in multiple new faces and an old face in a new position, it’s far to assume it will improve as the season progresses. That said, Saturday was the first sign of the issues that killed Texas a season ago.
Defensive Line: A++
I’m not sure how a position group can play better. They collected 10 sacks, 12 TFLs and held one of the best rushing attacks in the country to 1.6 yards/carry. Even if you take the QB out of the equation, neither Tennessee RB had a run longer than 13 yards. It was pure domination from this unit. The domination was led by possibly the best individual performance of the season thus far, Colin Simmons reeling in 5 sacks.
Linebacker: A
This unit continues to put together really strong performances. Rasheem Biles and Justin Cryer were the two leading tacklers for Texas, racking up 22 between them. Biles added a very important sack on the final drive and Cryer added a near INT to his stat line. Brad Spence didn’t stuff the stat sheet but continues to provide high-level snaps to the Muschamp defense. A unit that entered the season as a question mark is a true strength entering the bye week.
Secondary: A-
There isn’t much to be upset about here. There were a couple of penalty issues but that’s an inevitability against Tennessee’s style of offense, because it forces CBs to play man coverage consistently. That said, the unit played very strong coverage overall, keeping Faizon Brandon confused and nervous throwing into tight coverage. Overall, a very sound, strong performance from the backend, capped by a game-saving PBU from Jelani McDonald.
Coaching: C+
At the end of the day, penalty issues fall on the coaching staff. On top of that, Jeff Bank’s special teams unit contributed to the Longhorns issues far too often, especially in the punt game. Those are mistakes that will get you beat later in the season. In terms of Steve Sarkisian, there were minor playcalling things that could’ve been better but I put more responsibility on execution from the players. On defense, Will Muschamp was once again masterful in shutting down the high-powered Volunteer offense. Will Muschamp drags this grade higher but Sarkisian’s offense and Bank’s special teams need to be better.
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This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Longhorns Grades: Defense earns A+, Offense a C- in win over Tennessee
