Three things that have to happen for Texas football during the bye week

This bye week for Texas could not have come at a better time on the schedule.

The Longhorns are fresh off two devastating losses against both of the Oklahoma schools in which they were up by double-digits in both games. However, in each respective game, Texas had second half collapses for the ages that allowed for the other team to surge back to win.

Now, Steve Sarkisian and his team have essentially two weeks to sit in their thoughts and figure out how to address the reoccurring problems that we have seen all season.

The offensive line is such a problem that they do not even warrant their own slide in this post, as they have not been able to protect Casey Thompson from their own shadows let alone a pass rush. While they do make Bijan Robinson look good, it is mostly because he has to break tackles off the defenders they didn’t block. To no surprise, the offensive line needs to be adjusted majorly.

Even with all the struggles Texas has had as of late, they still have a chance to contend for the Big 12 title, they just need to maximize this bye week and do a little praying that other teams come through on their behalf.

There are three major things that the Longhorns need to happen during their bye week in order to save the season.

First, making sure Casey Thompson is healthy

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Casey Thompson needs to be healthy

After bursting onto the scene in relief of freshman Hudson Card, Casey Thompson was thought to be the much more capable quarterback for this current team. He had proven that he was through his first few performances, which included leading Texas on a couple scoring drives against a tough Arkansas team, accounting for five touchdowns against Oklahoma, and hanging 70 points on Texas Tech to name a few.

Against Oklahoma, the majority of his production came in the first half. Thompson took a hard hit against the Sooners that seemed to have hurt his hand, but he was able to play through the injury. However, his performance against Oklahoma State was atrocious all game as he was unable to make short throws, struggled to catch the snap, and looked as if he had no confidence en route to a 55% completion rate along with two game-sealing interceptions. It is fair to question if he was healthy enough to be in that game, especially after taking a bone crushing hit that caused him to go out for one play.

Steve Sarkisian has already given public support for Thompson saying that based on his earlier performance’s, he has the right to work through this slump. In reality, the Longhorns just need to make sure Thompson is 100% for the game against Baylor. Otherwise, they should turn to Hudson Card. Thompson has proven to be the more experienced quarterback behind this awful offensive line, but if he is unhealthy, he is only hurting the team’s chances of winning.

Next, find a way to get the other running backs involved

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Get the other running backs more involved

Texas has one of, if not the best, running back in the nation in Bijan Robinson, but they also have two other backs who bring a fantastic dynamic as well. Roschon Johnson has nose for contact, and is a bruiser that gets tough yards, while also providing the option for a trick play thanks to his quarterback background. Keilan Robinson is the fastest player on the team, and if he is in open space can take it the distance every time he touches the ball.

I understand Sarkisian is a ride out the bell cow type of coach, but when the passing game has been as ineffective as Texas’ has been at times, getting the ball in the hands of playmakers that don’t require having the ball thrown to them seems like a safe bet. Johnson got just three touches against Oklahoma State, and did not get a single one against Oklahoma, who mind you he absolutely shredded two years prior filling in as a running back. It seemed that the staff kind of gave up on him after the TCU game where he got seven carries for just 22 yards, but in his defense when he or Keilan Robinson are on the field, defenses can key in on them because they know they will likely run the ball.

Keilan Robinson got two glorious touches against Oklahoma State, one of which went for 25 yards on a jet sweep, but was banished for the whole game after that play. The Longhorns’ backs all have different capabilities, and they should honestly use Bijan a few times, let him catch a breather, put in Johnson to get some chunk plays, and then draw up plays to get Keilan the ball. The passing game is too unreliable at this point, especially after losing Jordan Whittington, so why not try something new?

Finally, praying for an Iowa State upset

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Iowa State upsets Oklahoma State

This falls under the category of things that Texas cannot control, but would greatly help their chances of getting closer to one of the top spots in the Big 12 standings.

The Longhorns currently sit at No. 5 in the Big 12, whereas Iowa State is No. 4 and Oklahoma state is No. 2. Since both Oklahoma schools are undefeated, Texas needs for one of them to lose three games whilst beating everyone else on their schedule to even have a chance. Looking at Oklahoma State’s schedule, Iowa State, TCU, and Oklahoma are the three teams remaining that have the best chances of beating the Cowboys.

The Longhorns need a lot to happen to even get back into contention, but they do have a slim chance. If Brock Purdy can turn around what has been his worst statistical season, Texas fans should want it to be for this game. Iowa State has a really solid run defense that is only giving up 97 yards a game, which as Longhorn fans know, Oklahoma State wants to give Jaylen Warren the ball as much as possible. It is a long road to Dallas for the Longhorns, but Oklahoma State dropping a game helps make that road seem less far.