Stream of Consciousness: ULM & SEC Opener
Jaydon Blue returned in a big way with a 5 touchdown performance against the Warhawks. Photo: Burnt Orange Nation
Final Thoughts: ULM
Business handled.
We are now one third of the way into the season! And what a 4 games it has been for the Texas Longhorns. Thinking back on what has transpired in a few short weeks, we’re going to be in for a banger of a season if the rest of the season is anything like what we’ve gotten so far.
First, Texas took care of another outmatched opponent on Saturday as the final score read 51-3 over ULM. Now, obviously the big story coming into the game was the first official collegiate start for quarterback Arch Manning, in place of the recovering Ewers. I would say it was an up and down performance by the redshirt freshman, but ultimately positive. And I think one of the biggest takeaways is he has a lot to learn, and a lot of room for growth. He made some good throws, some head-scratching throws, and some “WOW” throws. And man, does he like to let it fly or what? It seemed like every other play he was launching it 50 yards downfield! Needs some work on the check-downs, however. And if he hits a couple of other wide open throws, there were opportunities for multiple more TDs. Going to go out on a limb here and say this will not be his last meaningful action of the year. The kid has got the goods!
I do want to add, the story of the game for me was more about the Longhorn running game and defense. Jaydon Blue had a heck of a game in his return to action and could have easily gotten a couple more scores with the aforementioned missed throws from Manning. Blue gets my Offensive Player of the Game award for this one.
Defensively, Texas was as stout as ever - surrendering under 60 yards passing and rushing, forcing 2 interceptions, getting a safety(!), and recording 2 sacks. This is now the #1 scoring defense in the nation, and the #5 total defense (yards allowed). There were stretches of play where any one of Anthony Hill, Jr., Barryn Sorrell, and Ethan Burke completely dominated a drive or two. It’s close but I’ll give Hill the edge for Defensive Player of the Week - getting a 3rd down sack and then a (called back) pick-six on back-to-back drives for ULM. Ant Man is so electric.
This was a fun one!
Final score: Texas 51, ULM 3
SEC Opener: Mississippi State Preview
The Bulldogs come in reeling, having lost starting QB Blake Shapen for the season on top of a 1-3 start. Photo: Matt Bush, Imagn Images
Texas opens SEC play, for the first time in its storied history, Saturday against the Mississippi State Bulldogs. This is super unfortunate for the boys from Starkville - ranking as my last place (16th of 16) SEC team right now. The game will kickoff at 3:15 CST and will be televised on SEC Network. Texas currently stands as a 39-point favorite. Yeah. That’s an even larger spread than we had for UTSA! That’s what happens when you give up 41 and 45 in losses to Toledo and Florida, respectively, in your last 2 games - woof. Those teams aren’t exactly banging down the door for the College Football Playoff. This is going to be a rough one for the maroon and white.
The opponent comes at a pretty good time for the Longhorns, the #1 team in the AP poll at 4-0, with starting QB Quinn Ewers’ status still in question for the game. We may see another full game (or 3 quarters, let’s be honest) from Arch Manning. And really, it wouldn’t be the worst thing if Quinn got some additional rest ahead of Red River, which follows a bye week next week. That combined with some added reps for Manning to bolster his confidence going into the meat of the schedule, should he be needed, is an acceptable path to me. If Quinn is healthy, I could see maybe a half of football to pad some stats for his potential Heisman resume…
Either way, I see the Texas offense putting up a multitude of yards and scores. With Ewers in, this will be a well-oiled machine, and with Manning there will sure to be some explosive plays and it’ll be fun to see what Sark has dialed up.
MSU comes into the game 1-3 and has lost starting QB Blake Shapen (now there’s a name we’ve heard before!) for the season. This is a recipe for disaster against a Texas defense that has been absolutely stifling opponents of this quality thus far in the season (that’s right, we’re talking CSU, UTSA, ULM level here). I would absolutely expect to see at least a couple more turnovers, sacks, and many punts forced. This will be like lambs to the slaughter.
Prediction: Texas 49, Mississippi State 7
Hook ‘em
