The Longhorn running back room hits its stride at the right time

By the time Texas and Georgia kick off under the bright lights of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, it will have been seven full weeks since the two teams originally faced off in Austin.

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The college football world hasn’t forgotten about that game, as it has been the major selling point for those trying to delegitimize Texas’ top three billing in the College Football Playoff rankings. After a win against Texas A&M this past Saturday, those haters have mostly gone quiet.

But the players have not forgotten about that game, and whether you’d like to call it bulletin board material or just straight-up revenge, the Longhorns have been waiting for a chance to make up for that October 19 loss.

Texas has looked very different in the last five games. The Longhorns, who began the season averaging 43 points in their first six games, have only reached that point threshold once since the 30-15 drubbing at the hands of the Bulldogs.

That doesn’t mean Texas has declined as a team, and many numbers prove that this offense is focused on what wins football games. What wins football games doesn’t always mean scoring five or more touchdowns.

The Texas running back room has been a key talking point this season, and with good reason. Presumed starter CJ Baxter and promising freshman Christian Clark were ruled out for the year before either took a snap in 2024.

As a result, Texas relied on a hodgepodge of bodies early to carry the load left behind by Jonathon Brooks. There was a receiving back with 80 career carries across his first two seasons, a three-star sophomore who was a special teams ace in 2023, a true freshman, and a converted wide receiver.

But after Saturday night, it was clear that head coach Steve Sarkisian found treasure in his two top backs.

Quintrevion Wisner, a three-star recruit who was known more for his big hits on kickoffs than he was for his rushing ability, shined against the Aggies. He converted a season-high 33 carries into 186 yards, putting the team on his back in the second half to will Texas to victory.

Wisner is someone who truly has had a tale of two halves in a season.

Through the first seven weeks of the season, Wisner was 16th in the SEC in rushing yards and was seen as another member of a committee. But since that Georgia game, the DeSoto product has been unlocked. He’s second in the SEC in rushing attempts, third in yards, and has the second-highest PFF grade among starting running backs in the conference. That’s all while ranking second in yards per route run in the passing game.

Wisner has not been one to boast or brag about his progression since his ascension to the RB1 role in this offense, but he did key in on what the difference these past six weeks has been.

“For me, keeping my pad level low,” Wisner said Monday about what his biggest improvement has been. “Finishing through contact, finishing through defenders, falling forward, getting them extra yards on the board.”

Wisner’s ascension could’ve led to jealousy in the position group. Jaydon Blue entered the year as the starter, but Saturday’s game was the first time he had taken fewer than 20 snaps all season. Even through an ostensible demotion, Blue has maintained the mindset and culture that has helped Sarkisian’s team overcome adversity throughout the season.

“I’m very close with Tre so it’s not surprising to see him doing the things he’s doing now,” Blue said Monday. “He’s probably one of the toughest guys on this team, and you know, he’s prepared really well, and he’s waited his time. I knew that whenever the moment came, he was going to be able to play like he is now.”

And despite the decline in playing time, Blue was responsible for arguably the most important offensive play of the game. He made a beautiful snag on a seven-yard touchdown pass from Quinn Ewers to give the Longhorns their second touchdown of the game. It was tone-setter and crowd-quieter at Kyle Field.

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Texas has now hit 240 rushing yards in each of its last two games, a figure that wasn’t even hit during blowout wins against Colorado State or ULM. The Longhorn run game is ascending, and if Texas can even come close to that 200-yard number like it’s blown past the last few weeks thanks to its top two backs, Georgia is going to be in a lot of trouble come Saturday.