Through the first three games of the 2022 season, we have seen an improved Texas football team. We have seen them show some signs of stagnation that’s plagued the team since 2010. But in the second half of the UTSA game and the entirety of the first two games, we have seen the Steve Sarkisian vision of what this team could be in the future. The vision of Pete Kwiatkowski and Gary Patterson, who run similar defenses. What nuances of the scheme and ways to attack an offense they’ve combined to have possibly the best Texas defense in over a decade?

Texas Longhorns Offensive Game vs Texas Tech

With both starting quarterbacks potentially out for this game. It’s even more crucial that the Longhorns continue to play turnover-free football. Hudson Card looked significantly improved on his high ankle sprain than the week before against Alabama. The Texas Longhorns game in Lubbock this Saturday afternoon will rest on the decision-making and health of Hudson Card as the Texas Tech crowd will surely be rowdy all day.

As for Texas Tech, they’ve struggled against FBS competition in 2022. With Donovan Smith throwing 5 combined interceptions against Houston and North Carolina State University. I’m the ground the top 2 options at running back Tahj Brooks and Sarodorick Thompson are averaging 4.9 and 4.7 yards per carry, respectively.

Texas Offense Week 3

Offensively for Texas, there wasn’t much to speak of in the Longhorn’s passing game. In the second half, it was all Bijan Robinson. He had a 78 yard touchdown in the third quarter and a 41 yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. Totaling 183 yards on 20 carries for the game. Jordan Whittington and Xavier Worthy each had 4 receptions on the night.

Texas Tech Offense Week 3

Against the best team, they’ve played so far in the 2022 season. The Texas Tech offense was not good. Donovan Smith averaged 5.9 yards per attempt and only had a 22.9 quarterback rating. The run game was only able to compile 2.1 yards per carry on 26 attempts against the Wolfpack.

Texas Longhorns Defensive Comparison vs Texas Tech

The stat of the season so far is the Texas defense for the first time since 2011 not allowed an opponent to score more than 20 points. In the first three games, they’ve returned an interception for a touchdown twice. We’ve seen pressure on the quarterbacks coming from everywhere in every situation. Just a line rush maybe with stunts and twists, linebackers, and the secondary.

The Texas Tech defense, like the offense. Has not been good against FBS competition. Despite being 2-1 in 2022. Houston just couldn’t hold on and North Carolina State University was okay playing keep away after an interception for a touchdown and a long drive ending in turnover.

Texas Defense Week 3

After a rough start leading to a 17-7 UTSA lead. With a trick play after an offside kick. Texas defense allowed only 3 points in the last 39:36 of the game. This game was ultimately decided by the defense at the end of the third quarter with Jahdae Barron taking an interception return for a touchdown. And after that, a sack by Demarvion Overshown limited the UTSA quarterback through the rest of the fourth quarter. Demarvion Overshown was called for targeting on the play and could be expected to miss the first half of the Texas Tech game this week. New to the targeting rules in 2022, Texas appealed the call Monday afternoon.

Texas Tech Defense Week 3

Texas Tech was able to knock the ball out twice this past Saturday and recovered one of the fumbles. But losing the turnover battle 4-1 there just wasn’t enough defensively for them to overcome. Against both FBS schools, Texas Tech allowed 30 points and 27 points, respectively. The Texas offense even with Quinn Ewers potentially out for this game should be able to overcome the crowd and a defense that has started games well.

Texas vs Texas Tech Conclusion

Texas and Texas Tech are longtime rivals and these games can always be tricky. The Texas Longhorns game should look much like Week 3. Texas has been tested the last two weeks and so has Texas Tech. But Texas Group of 5 and Power 5 tests have been much better teams in Alabama and UTSA. I think that helps Texas continue to rally around their backup quarterback. I believe Texas wins 35-14 and also continue their defensive streak.

https://texas-talk.com/2022/09/18/recap-of-texas-versus-utsa-free-demarvion-overshown/

Also view Steve Sarkisian press conference ahead of the Longhorns game at Texas Tech.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=o9qvF4mZuDY