Three offensive keys for Texas against Louisiana
Saturday’s season opener against Louisiana has already provided plenty of storylines before kickoff. One of the biggest may be the debut of Texas’ new head coach, Steve Sarkisian.
After setting records with Alabama over the past two seasons, Sarkisian has been brought to Austin to replicate the success. Step one was naming Hudson Card the starting quarterback after a battle with Casey Thompson. Now, it’s time to show out on the field.
Texas released its depth chart and provided an injury report on Monday afternoon. Outside of wide receivers Jaden Alexis and Troy Omeire, everyone is expected to be available for the Longhorns on the offensive side of the ball.
Sarkisian will have nearly every weapon on his roster, including running back Bijan Robinson, to throw at the Ragin Cajuns on Saturday.
Here are three offensive keys for Texas against Louisiana.
First, protecting QB1
Protecting Hudson Card
Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
The first of a few young Power Five quarterbacks debuted last night in Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud. He got off to a solid starting, throwing for 294 yards and four touchdowns in a win against Minnesota.
Ohio State’s offensive line was dominant all night, giving Stroud plenty of time to find his options. Minnesota was never able to get in the backfield and disrupt the redshirt freshman. All four of his touchdowns were because we were able to get the ball to his skills receivers. The scores went to 38, 56, 70, and 61 yards.
Comparing Texas’ offensive line to the Buckeyes would be unfair, considering they may be the best in the country. However, giving Card time in the pocket to make the right decision will be key in the passing game. Jordan Whittington, Xavier Worthy, and Joshua Moore will find themselves open thanks to Sarkisian’s scheme.
Young quarterbacks need the game slowed down early on. Protecting Texas’ new starter will help set confidence for the rest of the season.
Next, feeding Bijan
Getting a healthy dose of Bijan Robinson
Ricardo B. Brazziell /American-Statesman-USA TODAY Sports
When I am inevitably writing this same piece for Arkansas or any of the other 10 games on the schedule, expect to see this again. Seeing Robinson get full-time carries will be quite the spectacle.
Roschon Johnson and Keilan Robinson hang in the balance but when Bijan gets rolling, Sarkisian is not going to take him out of the ball game. Gone are the days of Tom Herman rotating players just for the sake of rotating. People who are going to help win games will play.
Specifically against Louisiana, Bijan will have to take the pressure off a young quarterback early on. The first drive of the game will most likely result in a couple of handoffs before opening everything up. Anywhere above 20 carries should be the goal.
It’s Bijan time, y’all.
Finally, following Sarkisian’s slogan
Keeping the foot on the gas
Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
All gas, no brakes. It’s been the mentality of the Texas program ever since Sarkisian took over in early January. After eight months of seeing it off the field and in practice, Saturday will be the first team we can see it in a game scenario.
Playing from ahead has not been a strength over the past few years. Crumbling during the middle half of the game caused some heart attacks late in the fourth quarter. If Texas is able to build an early lead, Sarkisian will have the opportunity to put his slogan into motion.
The same could be said if Louisiana builds early momentum. Falling behind should not change the team’s mentality. Taking shots down field and swinging for home runs will leave Texas celebrating into the late night.
