Texas Football and the 2024 stress test
Texas Football is holding its mock game as I type this. A mock game is essentially a sped up walk-through where the coaches simulate game situations. They’ll go though changes in possession, whether punt or turnover. They’ll simulate different clock scenarios. Basically, they want to make sure everyone in the program is on the same page, from the coaches, trainers and support staff, to the players.
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IT feels the depth chart is pretty much established at this point. We’ll share our projected depth chart on Monday morning. It’s typically really close to how things play out on the field.
There’s a lot of excitement and anticipation for the season. Steve Sarkisian had a masterful offseason to put Texas in the preseason Top 4 despite losing 11 players to the NFL Draft. In large part to his roster management, Texas is poised to be better than last year.
There are more reasons why I think Texas will be improved, but here are three that are on my mind this morning.
If I’m right, you won’t be the only one stressed on Saturdays.
Opposing quarterbacks under more stress
This boils down to the virtuous cycle between pass rush and improved coverage in the secondary with a healthy helping of experience at safety. Quarterbacks will be under athletic and mechanical stress from the pass rush, mental stress from coverages being disguised, and stress from tighter coverage from the cornerbacks and nickel.
I’m not just talking about pass rush from the edge, either. Alfred Collins and Vernon Broughton might not be the stalwarts against the run that their predecessors were, but they can get in the back field.
Opposing defenses under more stress
Virtuous cycles abound on offense as well, namely due to third-year Quinn Ewers and an experienced offensive line. This should be the best offensive line Texas has had since 2006. That makes life easier for everyone, including the play caller.
Last year we saw good production from Xavier Worthy and Adonai Mitchell but all too often the slot receiver, Jordan Whittington, was more of a flexed out fullback than receiving threat. This year, every receiver Texas will put on the field is a vertical threat. I expect production to be more evenly distributed between the three receivers.
Running backs Jaydon Blue and Tre Wisner have elite pass receiving skillsets for running back and big play ability after the catch.
So you have vertical stress created by the passing game, with too many primary receivers to effectively double coverage, and horizontal stress with the running backs. That leaves a lot of space open for a capable tight end group.
Overall this offense is more dangerous.
Improved depth and experience
A long season puts a ton of stress on an entire program. Physical maturity, experience, and depth are key.
If DeAndre Moore starts on offense he’ll be the only non-upperclassmen to start on that side of the ball. Depending on what happens at safety, Texas might have Anthony Hill and Malik Muhammad as the only non-upperclassmen starters, and they’re great and relatively experienced.
Rotations like we saw last year will still be prominently featured. That helps late in games and late in the season.
Per a source based on fall camp, Texas has strong depth at nearly every position across the board. It’s easier to name the positions that lack depth…linebacker and running back. The secondary is two-deep at least; Edge and defensive tackle are three-deep; quarterback is two-deep but Texas would still be competitive with Trey Owens starting; they have six starters at receiver; third-year players or older are plentiful on the O-line; tight end has four guys with differing skillsets ready to play.
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With the expanded playoffs this season will be a war of attrition. Texas is fortunate to have one of the deepest and most experienced rosters in the country.
