Three keys to a Texas Longhorns win over the Vanderbilt Commodores
Texas hits the road for a Southeastern Conference game for the first time this weekend as the No. 5 Longhorns head to Nashville to battle the No. 25 Vanderbilt Commodores.
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Here are three keys to a Texas victory.
Run Game Wins
Against the Georgia Bulldogs, the Longhorns rushed 27 times for 29 yards. Texas’ sack adjusted rushing total was 88 yards. That’s far, far below what Steve Sarkisian and Tashard Choice want out of the Texas run game. And with Quinn Ewers not playing up to the highest of standards in the last few weeks, the focus on the ground attack has only intensified.
The Vanderbilt rushing defense is good if you look at things from a yards per game perspective, but much of that has to do with how much they are able to limit possessions. On a per attempt basis, the Commodores give up 3.95 yards per rush. That’s No. 60 in the country and paints a very different picture than their T-37 ranking in rush defense.
Sarkisian’s offense is good when it has balance and the threat of both the run and the pass are things opponents have to respect. But Sarkisian can also run the dang ball if that’s available and the path to victory. A game from Quintrevion Wisner, Jaydon Blue, or possibly even Jerrick Gibson where the running backs put on performances closer to their early season showings would lighten the load on Ewers and the offense.
Clean Special Teams
Texas is the No. 2 team in SP+, ESPN’s tempo- and opponent-adjusted measure of college football efficiency. That’s despite having a special teams SP+ ranking of No. 115 out of 134.
The Longhorns need a much, much cleaner game out of the special teams units, and there’s confidence that can occur later this afternoon. In addition, whoever Jeff Banks trots out to punt needs to have it today (if Texas does elect to punt).
Ian Ratliff didn’t have a strong outing against Georgia, and Michael Kern has been on and off the injury report over the past few weeks. Sarkisian said Thursday he’s “hopeful” Kern will be ready to go but he’ll have to wait until he sees a few kicks pregame to make a determination.
It’s more than just Kern. Will Stone needs to keep doing his job. Silas Bolden can be bold, but he has to keep possession for Texas. Penalties can’t undo big returns from Matthew Golden.
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Texas can zoom away from the Commodores if the third phase contributes points toward the Longhorns’ total as opposed to taking them away.
Hit an explosive
Texas had one explosive play in the first half against Georgia, and it was Arch Manning’s 21-yard scramble late in the second quarter. When the shape of the game shifted, Texas racked up seven big plays in the second half including a touchdown, but one of the staples of Sarkisian’s offense was simply not available last week.
Texas has an offense that can take advantages of Vanderbilt deficiencies in the secondary. Even if the Commodores play everything in front of them, Texas can find room to operate in both the pass and run game.
Of course, much of this relies on quality quarterback play. Not just on deep shots, but on intermediate targets as well.
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If the Longhorns are racking up explosive plays, then this game is likely to look a certain way in favor of the visitors.
