Texas Football: Examining the biggest questions for 2023
The Texas Longhorns are on an upward trajectory following a three-win jump in 2022. There are still plenty of questions that face the team moving forward.
The anticipated departure of Bijan Robinson lowers the floor for Texas, although it is possible he could return. Roschon Johnson likely departs for the NFL Draft as well making room for Jonathon Brooks and company.
The team should return a strong core of players on both sides of the football, including its best returning offensive line and defense in recent memory. How far the Longhorns go next season will revolve around one position.
Texas struggled at quarterback in 2022. In hindsight we jumped the gun on Ewers, though it was hard to fathom just how poor the Oklahoma defense was in his strong Red River performance.
Let’s examine some of the biggest concerns for Texas heading into 2023.
Is Ewers the answer?
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Next year’s team should be perhaps the most complete returning squad in awhile. If they don’t win, it will probably be on the quarterback. If Ewers improves to the degree the defense did this season, Texas should be a 10-win team. Despite two critical mistakes, Ewers looked much more accurate against Baylor to end the regular season.
Was growth an aberration or the new normal?
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Texas improved in 2022. The Longhorns didn’t make the jump fans wanted them to make, but they were better. The question is, can they continue the upward trajectory? Mack Brown built the Texas program gradually, so it’s unfair to hold Sarkisian to a higher standard or expectation moving forward. That said, while the Longhorns don’t have to make the College Football Playoff next year they probably need to win 10 games.
All gas offseason?
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Steve Sarkisian brought in Gary Patterson to make sure Texas had all the coaching firepower possible. He will need to continue to examine what can improve in his staff. At the very least, the Longhorns should look to bring in more people like Patterson in advisory roles. Sarkisian and company cannot get complacent like past coaches have after success.
Portal upgrades?
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There will be a tendency to place extra value on “our guys.” Certainly, Texas should prioritize players on the current roster. Even so, it would be a mistake not to take a closer look at what positions Texas can fill in the portal.
Can Texas learn how to consistently finish games?
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Texas closed out the Baylor Bears to end the season. It would be unfair to say the Longhorns never won close games. The key is consistency. Can Steve Sarkisian learn how to consistently finish close games? He will need to brainstorm this offseason to overcome that hurdle next season.
