With multiple second half leads blown this year, Steve Sarkisian has removed a huge hidden obstacle from the Texas football team. Something that seemingly every other Texas athletic program has in it’s culture. From early entitlement to being bad and doubtful. This team believes it can finally win again. You saw it up 38-0 on the sideline against Kansas. And by making Baylor look like a 6-6 football team in the second half. Confidence and and consistency are the keys to finishing the rebuilding job with just two seasons left before the move to the South Eastern Conference.
Offseason Quarterback Battle
Steve Sarkisian saying that the quarterback position is an open competition this offseason for the third straight year. Texas recruits and fans have to wonder how open. Could Texas players be gravitating towards Quinn Ewers, Hudson Card (should he stay), Maalik Murphy, or even Arch Manning? Confidence and consistency at footballs most important position will be the biggest factor in Texas’ 2023 season.
Quinn Ewers finished the regular season with 1,808 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions on a 56.6 completion percentage. Hudson Card had 928 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 1 interception with a 69.4 completion percentage. However, Hudson Card entered his name into the transfer portal earlier this week. Should Hudson return, the battle would likely be between these two quarterbacks.
Despite being on Texas road travel roster all season. We were closer to seeing Charles Wright than Maalik Murphy. When asked about Maalik Murphy at various times this season, Steve Sarkisian said he wasn’t healthy. Having a somewhat perceived advantage of being a Sarkisian guy and being an early enrollment commit in January 2022.
Lastly, we have the number one 2023 recruit, Arch Manning. The plan from the family and himself was to sit. But if Hudson Card is gone, Maalik Murphy can’t put together a healthy offseason, and Quinn Ewers can’t fix his footwork and overthrow issues. Should we be wondering if a free lifetime of the Manning camp can help bolt Arch into a starting role considering he’s responsible for the success of the 2023 recruiting cycle.
Consistency Within Second Half Struggles
This year Texas continued its second half struggles that plagued a 5-7 season in 2021. Blowing a six point lead against Alabama late in the fourth quarter. And two touchdown leads against Texas Tech and Oklahoma State. Across the second halves of the Oklahoma State, Kansas State, and TCU games the offense scored only six points. Confidence and consistency look to be something that could be fixed as Texas outscored Kansas 24-14 in the second half. And outscored Baylor 21-8, with their only score coming from the defense. We’ll know for sure what potential progress has been made early next when Texas goes to Alabama in week two next year.
Confidence For a Young Team
After starting the Steve Sarkisian era 4-7, Texas has gone 9-4 in its last thirteen regular season games. With a young defense expected to be on the field next year. These bowl practices are not only big, but could be the second 3 game winning streak for Texas this year. Texas is finally believing they can win and are just a bit of consistency to reach their goals.
https://texas-talk.com/2022/11/17/texas-longhorns-gaining-ground-on-dylan-williams/
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