Time is running out on the Texas Longhorns offense to get in sync before the SEC conference schedule starts in October. Arch Manning’s poor play has puzzled the world. The running backs haven’t gained much traction and have had injuries again.
Here are some Longhorns to watch this Saturday against the Sam Houston State Bearkats:
QB Arch Manning – Texas Longhorns
This is the clear one to watch, of course, but is worth discussing. We will likely not learn that Manning is all the way back, but we can learn how far away he really is. This Sam Houston State defense should give Manning as much opening as anyone he will play this year, and if can’t find some rhythm, it could be an issue. The focus is for him to play confidently, with strong mechanics and on time. If he can do that Saturday, this can be a massive turning point in the season. It could also be the moment the concern about Arch is turned up another few notches.
RB Jerrick Gibson – Texas Longhorns
Jerrick Gibson is someone I believe can be a huge piece for the Texas offense this season. With CJ Baxter and Tre Wisner nursing injuries, the younger RBs need to step up. Last week, it was James Simon that stepped up, but this week I think it could be Gibson that gets the bulk of the carries. His ability to run between the tackles and get yards after contact, which is a trait the Texas RBs are going to need to have this season. Gibson’s fumble troubles have kept him from a big role, but I think this week is a chance to get #9 major carries
WR Kaliq Lockett – Texas Longhorns
Kaliq Lockett continues to be the offensive player I’d love to see more of. Lockett has shown obvious talent and speed in his first couple of games, and I think he should be able to flash more this weekend. The Texas pass catchers have not gotten off to a fast start, and I believe they will find their footing, but they need some younger faces to step up. Daylan McCutcheon, Jamie Ffrench and Lockett will all have to be seen this weekend, and I believe McCutcheon and Lockett will start to carve out roles going forward. Watch out for Lockett to make waves this weekend.
WR Ryan Wingo – Texas Longhorns
This is the player Longhorn fans might be missing the most, outside of the 2024 Arch Manning. Late in the UTEP contest, Wingo was able to get going, catching three passes, including a nice TD. This week, it needs to continue to be about feeding Wingo and getting him comfortable for this season. Wingo is an incredibly talented player and if nothing more happens for the offense than the Manning-Wingo connection getting going, the output should increase by a sizable margin immediately.
EDGE Zina Umeozulu – Texas Longhorns
Zina Umeozulu has been a player that has flashed a number of times through three games, but is still waiting for his breakout game. I think this could very well be it, with what should be a chance to rotate tons of bodies in at EDGE. Umeozulu becoming another star at EDGE to go with Ethan Burke and Colin Simmons creates the pass rush going into SEC play that can win you many games. Umeozulu will likely get more playing time in this one than any game before, and I’d love to see him flash in a big way.
DB Derek Williams Jr. – Texas Longhorns
The safety group at Texas has been a fluctuating one over the first three weeks. Derek Williams Jr, coming back from an injury, hasn’t played tons over the first three weeks, but given Xavier Filsaime is questionable going in, we could see more Williams Jr. This is an interesting player, because given the talent in the secondary, Texas likely doesn’t need Williams to step up, but like Umeozulu, adding him to the fold would be great. He can give the secondary plenty of options and combinations heading into SEC play, plus another experienced veteran.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Texas players to watch vs Sam Houston State this weekend
Reporting by Tommy Bresee, Longhorns Wire / Longhorns Wire
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