Texas Football: Who has the most to prove for the Longhorns’ offense?

A few names come to mind when thinking of who needs to take their game to the next level for the Texas football offense this year, namely two quarterbacks.

The key to success for Texas football this fall mainly comes to the offensive side of the ball. In a year that gives the opportunity for the Longhorns to make some headway in the Big 12 standings, no better time than now is there for this team. The offense was the main thing that held the Horns back last year, with a few games being lost with less than 24 points scored.

Playing in the Big 12, the offense has to be in rhythm consistently. That responsibility falls on two players that have one of the biggest position battles in the nation to duke out before the start of the regular season. Sam Ehlinger and Shane Buechele’s situation will be discussed until the start of Week 1, and beyond.

However, both quarterbacks have a multitude of resources to work with this year, including a deep receiving corps, rejuvenated backfield, and an experienced tight end. Numerous wide receivers that Texas has on the roster now can find themselves playing on Sundays soon, like standout target Collin Johnson.

The running backs garnered a big boost with the addition of former Cal Golden Bears veteran Tre Watson. Now, he brings his valuable experience and confidence to Austin to help out some young running backs trying to find their way.

Yet, whatever way you look at it, the most significant position group for head football coach Tom Herman and the Horns have to figure out is the quarterback battle. Ehlinger and Buechele have each shown flashes of being able to shoulder the load.

Both quarterbacks also have noticeable issues that need to get ironed out before Texas can reach another level in the Big 12, and across the nation. Ehlinger tossed seven picks to 11 touchdowns, which should be managed better in his sophomore campaign.

Meanwhile, Buechele had a slightly higher quarterback rating when it was all said and done. But, he is also much less capable with his legs than Ehlinger. Buechele has also had his fair share of turnover issues. Yet, the main issue that plagues Buechele is some inaccurate throws in key situations.

The deep accuracy is not always there for Buechele, and Ehlinger hasn’t really had a legitimate chance to show what he can do in that regard. He should get his chance this year to show what he can do in a multitude of passing situations. Defenses would have to give him the respect of the rushing threat so it could open things up over the top.

Since the overall favorite to win the starting quarterback job at this point is Ehlinger, at least among the fans, he does have the most to prove throughout fall camp. And, hopefully he works on his pocket presence and accuracy during the summer months to get ready for the fall altogether.

If Ehlinger does take another step forward in his progression in 2018, the rest of the offense will benefit around him. That goes especially for the ground game, which needs possibly the most help of all the offensive position groups this year. The offensive line is a big question mark too.

Next: 3 reasons Sam Ehlinger should start for the Longhorns in 2018

This is a huge opportunity for Ehlinger to push a blue blood program to near contender status to lead up to a big 2019 season where the Horns can really start pushing for College Football Playoff status. Ehlinger is the player the Horns need most to shine of the offense.