Three things that helped Texas in Week 8
The Longhorns ended their losing streak this week. Well, they at least delayed it depending on the outcome of the Baylor game next Saturday.
Even though Texas had a bye week during Week 8, their current standing within the Big 12 got a slight boost thanks to a couple of other teams.
After dropping two straight games against the Oklahoma’s schools, Texas’ bye week could not come any sooner. There is some much needed soul searching to do, as the offense has been desolate to close out the last two games, and even racked up a grand total of one yard against Oklahoma State in the second half.
It is not completely the fault of Casey Thompson, who seemed to have been playing injured, as the play calling has been very questionable. The Longhorns have decided to stop giving the ball to Heisman candidate Bijan Robinson although he is clearly the best weapon. It doesn’t help the offensive line is abysmal, and cannot block anyone in a different uniform.
The Texas defense has also been subpar at best and teams have consistently ran the ball down their throat.
With two whole weeks to figure out how to make the needed adjustments, the Longhorns Big 12 title hopes are still very much in play.
Let’s take a look at three things that worked in favor of Texas although they didn’t even take the field.
First, an extra week to prepare for Baylor
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An extra week to prepare for Baylor
Texas as we all know has lost two straight games, and Baylor is a team that could easily make it three if adjustments are not made. For starters, their rushing attack is one of the best and most efficient in the country, as they rank No. 4 in the nation with over six yards per carry. For a defense that has been giving up 200 yards rushing a game, that is not something to look forward to.
It has been reported that they have figured out more ways to keep Ovie Oghoufo and Alfred Collins on the field at the same time. It also gives the Longhorns another week to work on their measly tackling, which in every game they have lost this season has been majorly exposed by strong running backs. The defense won’t be better at defending the run over night, but two weeks of film and practice should help.
The extra week also allows for Steve Sarkisian to figure out the mistakes he has made as a play caller, and also gives him more time to implement plays to get Keilan Robinson, Roschon Johnson, and the tight ends more involved. The Texas offense has been nonexistent in the second half for two weeks in a row, and part of the blame goes to the way Sarkisian has been calling plays, as he relied to heavily on a wounded Casey Thompson and not enough on what was working, the run game.
The most important positive about having an extra week is it gives key players like DeMarvion Overshown and Casey Thompson time to heal. Overshown left the Oklahoma State game early due to a concussion, and Thompson was playing with a banged up thumb stemming from the Oklahoma game. His throws were off all game, and he did not seem confident in himself, so the Longhorns should be thrilled to have two weeks of him healing and gaining his confidence back.
Next, several middle of the pack schools lost
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West Virginia and Kansas State fend off other middle of pack schools
While it was unlikely that either TCU or Texas Tech really had a chance to contend for the Big 12, today just solidified that it is essentially a five-team race for two spots.
Texas Tech was unable to successfully pass the ball (weird to write out), and TCU and the year of Gary Patterson being frustrated continues. Although it is likely too late for West Virginia or Kansas State to do anything, they gave the Longhorns a slight cushion heading into the Baylor game.
Finally, the Oklahoma State loss
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Oklahoma State no match for Brocktober
For Texas to have any chance at making it to the Big 12 title game, they need one of the Oklahoma schools to lose multiple games to shake up the No. 2 spot.
Kansas almost gave Oklahoma their first loss of the season, but a couple late mistakes prevented that from happening. However, Iowa State was able to help themselves and everyone not from the state of Oklahoma.
Brock Purdy threw for 300 yards for the first time all season, and was able to make up for the lack of production from Breece Hall due to the tenacious Oklahoma State defense. Spencer Sanders played well too, as he threw for three touchdowns for the first time this year, but it just was not enough to fend off the five-star culture that is Iowa State.
The key to the game was not Purdy, although he did play great, it was the Cyclone defense. Oklahoma State was only able to convert on 2-of-10 third downs, and also held Jaylen Warren to just 76 yards on 4.2 yards per carry ending his four-game streak of rushing for 120 yards or more.
The Longhorns have to beat Baylor next week in order for Iowa State’s win to mean something. The reason being is if Texas can beat Baylor, it would hand them their second conference loss while still having to play Oklahoma. Texas will also have a chance to beat Iowa State who will also need to take on Oklahoma and win out in order to make the Big 12 Championship. It is not a guarantee that any of this happens, but the Longhorns do have a chance.
