Texas Football: 3 weaknesses Sarkisian can exploit vs. Louisiana
Levi Lewis’ mediocre track record against top-tier opponents
In many respect, the rising redshirt senior dual-threat signal-caller Levi Lewis took some steps back for the Cajuns last season compared to the year prior. Lewis had a sensational 2019 campaign where he registered more than 3,000 passing yards, a completion percentage north of 64.0, along with 26 passing touchdowns and just four picks.
And last season, he registered a completion percentage south of 60, 2,274 passing yards, 19 passing touchdowns, and seven interceptions. His passer efficiency rating also dropped from 152.6 two seasons ago to 140.3 in 2020.
The one positive here is the fact that Lewis did improve his rushing stats. He registered more than 330 rushing yards (6.1 yards per carry) and five rushing scores.
When Lewis faced teams from the Power Five and the American Athletic Conference in his career, he’s registered a completion percentage south of 55, three rushing yards (less than 0.3 yards per carry), two passing touchdowns, and two interceptions. His track record isn’t great against bigger conference competition.
The key here for Texas has to be effectively getting pressure on Lewis. He’s got the escapability to get away from poor pass rushing attempts. But when he was effectively brought under pressure last season, he completed roughly 37 percent of his passing attempts, with three passing touchdowns and three picks.
Meanwhile, when he was blitzed (but not hurried, hit, or sacked) last season, Lewis registered a completion percentage around 50, nine passing touchdowns, and just one pick. In 80 snaps Lewis took last season when he was effectively under pressure, he registered five turnover-worthy plays and just four big-time throws.
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It’s not going to be easy for Texas to get pressure on such an elusive quarterback like Lewis. But the good news here is that when he’s often put under pressure, his passing and overall offensive grades drop dramatically. Iowa State didn’t pressure him much in terms of quantity of snaps last season, even if they did sack him a season-high three times. But the three teams that pressured him the most times also got three or the four lowest passing grades on the season for him in 200.