Steve Sarkisian lists Morice Blackwell as a game-time decision for Wyoming game

Just before the start of the 2023 season, Texas Longhorns junior linebacker Morice Blackwell went down with a torn MCL. Tears within the knee typically give coaches, players, and fans a reason to hold their collective breaths. Fortunately, MCL tears are not usually injuries of the season-ending variety. That means the Longhorns will see Blackwell on the field sooner rather than later.

Still, the question remains: how soon will Texas get their veteran linebacker back? According to head coach Steve Sarkisian, Blackwell has made significant progress in his rehab and is very close to returning to action; possibly in Week 3 against Wyoming.

“Morice Blackwell made tremendous strides,” said Sarkisian. “He’s been practicing the last couple of days. And again, he’s another guy that we’ll make a decision on game day if he’s gonna go Saturday or if we’ll wait till next week.”

Blackwell was council then to be the Longhorns’ starting strong-side linebacker to start the season. With his injury, freshman Anthony Hill has stepped in and performed admirably. But with this update from Sarkisian, the Longhorns are very close to getting back their defensive standout who is ready to take the next step in 2023. Not only that, but it adds some much-needed depth to the linebacker position as Texas gears up for Big 12 play.

Sarkisian on what make Wyoming dangerous

After upsetting the No. 3 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide on the road, the Longhorns are focusing their attention on Wyoming in Week 3. The Longhorns will take on the Cowboys and their home confines of DKR Texas Memorial Stadium.

As they prepare for this early season contest of undefeated teams, Sarkisian details what makes Wyoming such a formidable team.

“This is a tough task because Wyoming is a very gritty football team. They’re extremely well-coached,” said Sarkisian. “Coach Bohl does a tremendous job. They’ve got a veteran football team, got a bunch of fourth, fifth, and six-year seniors. And their schemes; they’re disciplined. They execute, and they’re hard-nosed.

“So they’re gonna challenge us from a mental makeup standpoint to get refocused. We challenged our players on that Monday morning and again here on Tuesday. And so, they continue to dive into it the right way.”

Wyoming already has one victory over a Big 12 Texas program on the year. The Cowboys upset the Texas Tech Red Raiders in double overtime 35-33 in week 1.