36 Takeaways after UTEP | Just Not Good Enough

First Half

Connor Stroh starts the game at Left Guard – Alex and I talked about this spot quite a bit this week, whether a move would be made or not. Coach Flood is rolling with Stroh.
Each of CJ Baxter, Christian Clark, and Jerrick Gibson had touches on the first drive… Baxter took the first carry of the game for 8 yards before hobbling off with a potential lower leg injury?
On the first 4th and 5 of the game, my instincts told me Arch would tuck the ball and take on the driving defensive back. Instead, it’s another off-platform side armed MISSILE behind Ryan Wingo… *Sigh* – we really need some better decision-making and touch from Arch, this can’t keep up into SEC play
Good Luck on 4th and 1 against Cole Brevard, Maraad Watson, Hero Kanu, and Ethan Burke – not to mention a flying Anthony Hill over the pile to meet you like Early 2000’s Ray Lewis
The Jerrick Gibson thing was fun last year, but I’m ready to see James Simon after Christian Clark, at least for a bit over these 2 games.
Big opportunity here at the end of the 1st quarter, UTEP’s kick returner dropped his knee down at the 3-yard line… If Texas can capitalize and create an outburst like they did against San Jose State last week, it would help this flow of this game pick-up. Has been extremely stagnant on both sides.
Jelani McDonald has been all over the field through the first two drives; he and Maraad Watson each have 3 tackles. Both are continuing strong performances from San Jose State in Week 2.
Christian Clark Player Comp = Rachaad White, Arizona State/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Arch First Quarter Update… (3 completions, 4 attempts, 54 yards passing – 2 carries 9 yards, and 1 touchdown – 188.4 Passer Rating)
Texas was 0-3 against UTEP on 3rd Down in the First Quarter, but 1-1 in the RedZone
Another attempt to get Ryan Wingo the Ball (3rd time today), and all it needed was some touch on the wheel route and to be put on the back pylon and not the front. Instead, Arch puts too much on it, and it’s out of reach.. Sark talked about Colin Simmons and Ryan Wingo “pressing” the last two weeks… the same thing should be said for 16.. who throws across his body for his 3rd interception of the year (and 3rd consecutive game with an Interception), as I’m writing about the previous play… Not Good
With Xavier Filsaime in street clothes on the sideline (undisclosed), Derek Williams enters early… against Ohio State, he played 9 snaps in the first 3 quarters and 0 in the 4th. Against San Jose State, he played zero snaps until the 4th quarter before playing on 6 snaps. Now, against UTEP, he enters on the 3rd defensive drive of the game and immediately gets in on an assisted tackle.
If all things are equal and you have to play a game against Florida without CJ Baxter and Tre Wisner… I want to see a 70/30 split with Christian Clark getting the alpha share. Clark is averaging a modest 4.5 YPC while Gibson is averaging 2.9 YPC, a career LOW when getting 5+ carries.
Arch Manning misses another wide-open receiver, this time it’s Parker Livingstone, who has two-steps on the defender and is crossing the field with green grass… again, Manning fails to layer the football and give his guy a chance
Malachi Nelson matches his 2023 QB recruiting class brother with a poor decision. Throwing across his body and directly into the arms of the Player of the Game so far… Jelani McDonald!
This is some poor play on Offense.. as the Longhorns go 3 and out on their 5th drive of the game…. Texas had 3 against Ohio State and 2 against San Jose State
Why are Wardell Mack, Warren Roberson, and JJR in the game on defense when it’s 7-0?
Texas is getting through a lot of bodies in the first half on defense. I understand the process from Coach Sarkisian, with the field-level heat being 100+, and the defense is doing its part, but this still feels to close to be playing with fire on the back-end. It’s showing a clear level of trust.
There goes the shut-out… with 1:55 to go in the 2nd quarter. (7-3 Longhorns)
Zero Snaps in the first half for Neto Umeozulu
2 Penalties in the first half, both came on Punt Return.. Both were Block in the Backs from Warren Roberson..
Arch Second Quarter Update… (2 completions, 12 attempts, 15 yards passing – 3 carries 14 yards, and 1 touchdown – updated 55.0 passer rating)
Texas was 1-9 against UTEP on 3rd Down in the First Half, but 2-3 in the RedZone
Texas outrushed UTEP 118 to 26.

First Half Players of the Game

Half-Time Score against Non-Power 4 opponents with Steve Sarkisian as Head Coach

Second Half

Ethan Burke had a couple of tackles to start the second half, and he had half of a TFL in the first half.
Ryan Niblett with his best return of the day, no penalties this time, as he picks up 49 yards. Through 5 total KR/PR, Niblett is up to 115 yards
DJ Campbell neuters the momentum with a false start, his 4th penalty of the year. Tying the rest of the starting OL combined (4)
James Simon takes the first RB carry of the half, picking up 3 yards in his College Football debut touch.
Not an overreaction… I like Simon more than Gibson. Being able to create on your own is something you can see James Simon can do within just his first 5 career touches. 4 carries, 1 reception, and 16 yards for the True Freshman on the first drive of his career
Sack on 2nd down for Hero Kanu, as the pocket collapses on Malachi Nelson. Lance Jackson was in mop-up duty, but got no credit.
On the next play, Kanu, Jackson, Vasek, and Moore force the ball out of Nelson’s hands earlier than he’d like, and the most targeted cornerback in College Football coming into Week 2, True Freshman Graceson Littleton snags his first career Interception!
Would love to see Sark call up a shot, here. This team needs to build on the momentum.. quick!
More James Simon, for 3 and 4 yards before *The First Connection of the Day to Ryan Wingo* with 4:46 to play in the 3rd Quarter
Interested to see how the Deep Dig comes out this week from @Alex Dunlap – the “yards blocked” by the interior of the offensive line has been brutal. Again, still Zero snaps for Neto Umeozulu.
Quarterbacks in the SEC that I’d take over Arch Manning through 3 games… Garrett Nussmeier, Joey Aguilar, Ty Simpson, Beau Pribula, LaNorris Sellers and John Mateer. I think all 7 would have Texas at 2-1 right now, with an equal or better chance agaisnst Ohio State.
Lance Jackson is getting some big big snaps this week, not only working with some of the deeper groupings, but also aligned with Shaw, Watson, Kanu, and Trey Moore consistently. I expect that to continue into SEC play – his length and run defense have stood out again this week, as well as just “being where your feet are” and doing your job to a T.
Alright, I’m heading out on this one.. Charley Crockett and Leon Bridges are calling my name, down the street! Enjoy your night, Longhorn Nation – remember, 15 more days of practice before Florida.. plenty of time to get healthy and fix the problems. The Defense continues to dominate and lead the team

Cody’s Co-Players of the Game

– Hero Kanu, DT
– Jelani McDonald, DB
– Jack Bouwmeester, P

36 Takeaways after UTEP | Just Not Good Enough

First Half

Half-Time Score against Non-Power 4 opponents with Steve Sarkisian as Head Coach

Second Half

Cody’s Co-Players of the Game

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