Five things SMU did well vs TCU and how Texas can do the same
Back-to-back weeks, TCU will face off against an in-state rival in SMU and Texas. Gary Patterson will be hoping the latter goes better after letting the Mustangs retain the Iron Skillet, 42-34.
Now, the Big 12 rival will roll into town fresh off a 35-point thumping of Texas Tech. Offensive confidence is at an all-time high for Steve Sarkisian with Casey Thompson running the show at quarterback.
Sarkisian made it clear during his Monday press conference that Texas is going to continue the same preparation they have been. Losing their mindset just because of a hiccup in Fort Worth would be bad news. Especially after the past nine years.
“We’re also not going to buy the lie that we’re going to play the same TCU team that just played SMU on Saturday,” Sarkisian said.
Even so after watching the tape, Sarkisian should be able to take some of what SMU did well and apply it to his own game plan. With his offensive mind and the talent at his disposal, attacking Patterson’s famed defense might not be as big of a challenge this season.
Here are five things SMU did well against TCU and how Texas can do the same.
Dominance in the ground game
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When looking at the box score, the most eye-popping stat from either side is SMU’s 350 rush yards. Running backs Ulysses Bentley and Tre Siggers combined for 263 yards and 6.9 yards per carry against Gary Patterson’s defense.
For Texas, another healthy dose of Bijan Robinson/Keilan Robinson/Roschon Johnson should be on the way. Especially after the 336-yard rushing performance against Texas Tech last week. Running the ball has been the staple of Sarkisian’s play-calling thus far.
Getting starting defensive tackle Corey Bethley should help TCU but there are still problems to fix. Until proven otherwise, Texas’ run game should be flying in Fort Worth.
Eliminate Quentin Johnston
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Quentin Johnston is a name Longhorn fans should recognize. Not only for being one of the top receivers in the conference, but the Temple native was once a Texas commit before changing over to TCU.
He was the Horned Frogs’ leading receiver last year and went for 70 yards on three receptions in Austin last season. There are a few talented receivers Texas’ defensive backs will have to cover but Johnston will be priority No. 1.
SMU was able to hold Johnston to no receptions for just the second time in his career. He played on 49 snaps and had five targets according to PFF. Max Duggan not being able to find his favorite target hurts TCU’s offense tremendously.
Texas will be looking to do something similar on defense. After knowing Erik Ezukanma was the main guy for Texas Tech and keeping him to 56 yards, a similar gameplan will be deployed for Johnston.
Respond after turnovers
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TCU was able to force three turnovers, all interceptions off SMU quarterback Tanner Mordecai. One came right as the halftime whistle was about to be blown as the Mustangs were in the red zone. The Horned Frogs were only able to get six points on the following drives.
Of course, avoiding turning the ball over will be the goal for Casey Thompson and the offense. However, if an interception or fumble swings in favor of the home team, Texas’ defense responding with a stop would go a long way.
Produce yards after the catch
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Once SMU got the ball in their receiver’s hands on Saturday, they were off to the races with 155 yards after the catch. On average, 9.1 YAC per reception. Twenty missed tackles did not help, either.
This should become the Xavier Worthy special. The true freshman has been Texas’ best receiver so far, showing his speed on a weekly basis. His touchdown last week was his best yet.
Swing passes out to Bijan Robinson vs wimpy tacklers should bode well for the good guys. Possibly a game where Keilan Robinson can finally get involved out of the backfield or in the slot too.
Kept the quarterback clean
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TCU sack total last week: Zero
Getting starting defensive end Khari Coleman should help but getting to the quarterback has been a real issue four games into the season.
As much grief as the Texas media/fans have given the offensive line for a poor performance against Arkansas, Casey Thompson has only been sacked once in the past two games. He’s had time to make all of his reads and understand what’s happening in front of him.
Give Thompson time to scan the field, Steve Sarkisian will have a receiver open somewhere. Then, the yards after catch galore can take place.
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