Texas opens its SEC slate with a trip to Knoxville
and it’s time to highlight Longhorns to watch. It’s the first road trip of the season to one of the toughest environments in the sport. The Longhorns struggled on the road last season, falling to Florida, Georgia and Ohio State and going to OT with Kentucky and Mississippi State. Who needs to step up for Texas to get off to a better start on the road this season?RB Hollywood Smothers
It’s known Arch Manning has to step up in this game. However, much of this offseason was geared towards taking pressure off Manning in these moments. Smothers has proven to be the RB1 over Raleek Brown right now, although the margins are slim. The Tennessee run defense hasn’t been elite thus far, giving up 4.27 yards/carry. Smothers needs
to keep the Longhorns offense on schedule and help them avoid long 3rd downs in this environment.
WR Cam Coleman
These are the games you bring Cam Coleman to Texas for. Going on the road in the SEC is never easy but Neyland Stadium is another level. Coleman’s ability on the outside can neutralize the Tennessee defense and open doors in the run game. The Tennessee secondary is very talented, led by Ty Redmond, but Coleman can be a true mismatch against any secondary in the country. He leads the SEC in TDs through three weeks, with four. Texas will likely need another from him on Saturday to leave Knoxville with a win.
C Connor Robertson
According to PFF, the Texas offensive line is the best passing blocking unit in the country. However, Robertson has still had some troubles, giving up 4 pressures against Ohio State. Xavier Gilliam is a very talented, twitchy DT for the Volunteers who’s already amassed three sacks this season. Robertson will need to corral him on Saturday if Manning is going to have time in the pocket.
DT Ian Geffrard
One area Texas could take advantage of is the interior of the Tennessee offensive line. Geffrard has been everything Texas has needed and more in the run game, leading the DTs in tackles thus far. This weekend, slowing DeSean Bishop, Daune Morris and the Tennessee run game is goal No. 1. Geffrard will have to lead the way, not allowing the Tennessee OL to get consistent push up front. On top of that, he’s the sole Longhorn that has played in Neyland Stadium in his career.
LB Brad Spence
One of the bigger questions heading into this game is the status of Colin Simmons. He’s likely to play on Saturday, according to Inside Texas, but has been limited in practice this week. The Longhorns haven’t found their pass rush outside Simmons yet but I believe Spence could be the answer. Spence’s experience and confidence in multiple positions can be a real asset in this game, particularly putting pressure on the Tennessee IOL. If Spence has a big afternoon, Texas is likely in-line for a win.
S Kobe Black
One of the returners this weekend will be Kobe Black. He was kept out last weekend but is expected to be ready for Saturday. Against the Tennessee offense, the safety play, particularly in coverage, is so important. Black’s range and ball skills gives him the ability to change games in a second and he could get the chance on Saturday. Tennessee’s offense hunts explosives and, considering McDonald’s ability in the run game, needs to be up for the task in coverage.
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This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Longhorns to Watch vs. Tennessee: Smothers, Robertson, Geffrard
