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Texas Football: 10 reasons the Longhorns can still win the Big 12 in 2018

By Andrew Miller

DALLAS, TX - OCTOBER 06: Sam Ehlinger #11 of the Texas Longhorns during the 2018 AT&T Red River Showdown at Cotton Bowl on October 6, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - OCTOBER 06: Sam Ehlinger #11 of the Texas Longhorns during the 2018 AT&T Red River Showdown at Cotton Bowl on October 6, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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STILLWATER, OK – OCTOBER 27: Quarterback Sam Ehlinger #11 of the Texas Longhorns points out the defense of the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the second quarter on October 27, 2018 at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The Cowboys lead 31-14 at the half. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
STILLWATER, OK – OCTOBER 27: Quarterback Sam Ehlinger #11 of the Texas Longhorns points out the defense of the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the second quarter on October 27, 2018 at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The Cowboys lead 31-14 at the half. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

5. Sam Ehlinger looking stout

A lot of these points build up to one big factor for Texas football, which entails the growth in the skill set of Ehlinger from his true freshman to his sophomore campaign. Ehlinger showed a lot of promise as a freshman last year, but also had some dumb mistakes that some figured he might not be able to ever shake off.

Ehlinger proved every doubter wrong this year as he’s actually turning into a premier dual-threat quarterback in the nation. The mark of a legit quarterback emerged in Austin for the first time since Colt McCoy left the Forty Acres. This is what Texas football fans waited for so long to see, and it’s here to stay.

Texas doesn’t give any quarterback the ability to put up the biggest passing stats in the world. Yet, if Ehlinger can keep this up for his entire collegiate career, the bowling bowl mentality running up the middle will continue to be effective. He’s leading the Horns in rushing touchdowns this fall after leading the team in rushing yards in 2017.

Taking care of the football while remaining productive in leading the Horns down the field shows no sign of slowing down for this hometown kid. Ehlinger is starting to build a Heisman campaign for the 2019 season with the way he’s playing now. He also nearly took Texas to a win on the road last week by himself.

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