Texas Football: Position-by-position report card from non-conference play
Quarterback
A big breakthrough for Texas football in the first three weeks of play is the fact that Thompson actually got early playing time. In the wins over Rice and Louisiana Tech, Thompson got 12 passing attempts and meaningful game action when the Longhorns got ahead early in each game.
However, Ehlinger is the real story for the Longhorns as we move into Big 12 play. He rounded out the non-conference schedule with well over 1,100 total yards from scrimmage and 12 total touchdowns. Ehlinger also hasn’t tossed a pick since the Big 12 Championship Game loss to Oklahoma last December.
The Longhorns need Ehlinger to continue to remain as one of the most efficient and productive quarterbacks in the nation to make it through conference play unscathed. He also has to be considered one of the nation’s top Heisman contenders through three weeks of play. The Longhorns surely give him a big enough spotlight to do so.
In the win over Rice in Week 3, Ehlinger was once again one of the best players on the field. He’s more accurate on his throws to almost every area of the field and improving his decision making inside and out of the pocket. Sliding more, rushing in dangerous areas less, and just managing the game better leads Ehlinger to grade out about as good as possible.