Texas needs to trust what's been a successful process at Vanderbilt

Texas has a prime opportunity to bounce back against Vanderbilt, but the Longhorns’ success will hinge on avoiding several key pitfalls that could easily derail them.

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After a tough loss to Georgia, there’s a natural temptation to go into this next game with the mindset of making up for lost ground. However, if Texas focuses too much on erasing the memory of the Georgia game, it’ll risk falling into traps that Vanderbilt, a disciplined and opportunistic team, will be more than ready to exploit.

One of the biggest dangers for Texas is trying to force big plays early. When a team comes off a loss, especially one where it struggled to execute, there’s pressure to make a statement by hitting explosive plays right away. But this is exactly what Texas needs to avoid.

Big plays should come as a result of solid execution and reading the defense, not from forcing passes or trying to break long runs without the right setup. If Texas starts pressing, trying to force the ball downfield without establishing control of the game, Steve Sarkisian’s crew risks turnovers, stalled drives, and losing momentum. Vanderbilt is a team that plays disciplined football and rarely beats itself, meaning the Commodores will be waiting to capitalize on every mistake.

Trying to “make up for” last week’s struggles by chasing big plays will only play into Vanderbilt’s hands.

A second possible pitfall lies with the coaching staff. After a disappointing performance, there’s often a temptation to change things up or overcompensate for what didn’t work in the last game. However, the Texas coaching staff needs to trust the system and game plan that has brought them success throughout the season.

If the coaches start calling high-risk plays or pushing players out of their comfort zone in an effort to overcorrect for the Georgia loss, it could lead to confusion and mistakes. Vanderbilt is well-coached and will be prepared for any signs of desperation or overcompensation. The key for Texas is to stick to its strengths, whether that’s a balanced offense or a defense that can force turnovers, and avoid trying to reinvent their game on the fly.

Leadership on the field will also be a critical factor in Texas’ bounce-back effort. While coaches can prepare a team and call plays, it’s the leaders on the field who need to take control when adversity strikes. This is their moment to step up, both mentally and physically. They need to remind their teammates that one bad game doesn’t define a season, and they must block out any outside noise or pressure.

Texas must avoid the mental pitfall of letting the loss to Georgia linger. Leaders on the team should focus on instilling confidence, keeping everyone focused on the present game, and not looking back. If they fail to do so, the team risks playing tight, second-guessing decisions, and ultimately allowing self-inflicted errors to pile up.

Finally, Texas must not allow the pressure of the situation to get the best of them. Coming off a high-profile loss, the team may feel like it has something to prove, which can create unnecessary tension. Players may start trying to do too much, abandoning their assignments in an effort to make a splash play.

Football is a team sport, and Texas needs every player to do their job within the framework of the game plan. The worst thing they could do is let the pressure to win lead them to play recklessly or lose focus on the fundamentals. If they can stay calm, disciplined, and trust the process, they’ll put themselves in the best position to succeed.

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In the end, Texas’ ability to bounce back against Vanderbilt depends on discipline and mental toughness. The Longhorns need to avoid pressing for big plays, overcompensating in their play-calling, and letting last week’s disappointment affect their confidence. The coaches need to trust their preparation, and the players must step up and lead by example on the field. If Texas can stick to what it does best, remain focused, and avoid playing outside themselves, Texas will be able to recover and come away with a much-needed win.