Texas Longhorns: Four Thoughts from Texas’ Win Over Rice

Sep 12, 2015; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Jerrod Heard (13) runs the ball against the Rice Owls during the first quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports

2. Jerrod Heard looks to be the Longhorns starting quarterback

The Texas offence desperately needed somebody to jumpstart their stagnant attack. Luckily for the Longhorns, redshirt freshman Jerrod Heard looks to be the answer at quarterback.

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Starting over incumbent Tyrone Swoopes, Heard was electric, creating plays with both his legs and arm. In fact, he was Texas’ rushing leader Saturday night with 96 yards on 10 carries. More importantly, though, Heard showed that he can throw the ball down the field, which is something Texas has sorely missed.

His ‘breakthrough moment’ came at the beginning of the third quarter when Heard hit freshman wide receiver John Burt down the right sideline for a 69-yard touchdown play. That touchdown pass did make up the majority of his 120 passing yards on the night, but it was a key moment for Texas.

As a first-year starter, Texas is going to have to endure some growing pains with Heard, which we saw at times when he was in the pocket. But his dual-threat talent makes it well worth going through, as he provides an element of athleticism the Longhorns have sorely missed under center.

Next: The freshmen provide reason for optimism