Coming off the 34-20 win over Missouri
, Texas turns their attention toward LSU. The Tigers are staring down their final CFP hopes this weekend, following a 31-13 loss to Alabama last weekend. For Texas to take home the win, they’ll need to put together their best offensive performance to date against an elite defense. On the other side, they’ll have to contain an offense that’s capable of exploding any given Saturday.Here are the six Longhorns that can deliver another win and possibly lock in them into the CFP:
Texas Longhorns RB Raleek Brown
The Texas run game has seemed to find a groove as of late. In the last three games, Brown is 1st in yards, 2nd in yards/carry and 1st and 10+ yard runs in the SEC. The OL is helping him more but much of his yards are coming off individual
excellence, forcing 12 missed tackles in just three games. In this game, I don’t expect the Texas OL to dominate the day, meaning Brown will need to create explosives himself.
Texas Longhorns WR Jermaine Bishop Jr.
This will be the most interesting personnel decision this weekend. With Cam Coleman returning, it stands to reason Bishop Jr. would see a downtick in snaps compared to last week. However, the freshman has been as productive as any Longhorn WR so we could see more rotation compared to earlier this season. I’d expect at least 4-5 designed touches for the freshman, which has often equated to success for the Texas offense.
Texas Longhorns TE Michael Masunas
This could be the most important game to date for the Texas TEs. The LSU pass rushers will require extra-blockers on a consistent basis. Masunas will need to put together an Ole Miss-level blocking performance to help Cojoe and Siani slow down the Tigers pass rush. On top of that, the Texas passing game is at its best when the TEs can add a catch or two in important moments. This is the game Masunas will need to prove why he was the portal addition at TE.
Texas Longhorns DE Lance Jackson
As Texas fans know well, getting Sam Leavitt on the ground is far from an easy task. Unlike other QBs, the all-out pass rush often doesn’t work because of his escapability. What does work against the LSU signal caller is collapsing the pocket, something Lance Jackson has made a habit of. Jackson is also very effective against the quick passing game, because of his ability to bat passes down. With Simmons returning, No. 40 could define if the Texas pass rush has a great performance on Saturday.
Texas Longhorns LB Rasheem Biles
This is the most important player for Texas in this game. Biles will matchup against star TE Trey’Dez Green on a consistent basis. He’s been fantastic in coverage this season but will need his best performance to date this weekend. On top of that, Biles' ability as a spy could be very important against Sam Leavitt and the QB run game. If Biles can continue his elite level of play, two major threats for the LSU offense could be limited.
Texas Longhorns CB Kade Phillips
Last week, Kade Phillips seemed to be healthy enough to play but not consistently. Warren Roberson saw the majority of snaps across from Bo Mascoe but it seems Phillips will be closer to 100% this weekend. If he’s back, LSU is likely to challenge him on a consistent basis, particularly when matched up with Jackson Harris. Mascoe and Littleton are known commodities but if Phillips can step up in this game, the LSU offense could grind to a stop.
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This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Longhorns to watch vs. LSU: Bishop, Masunas, Jackson, Phillips
