Texas Football: Sarkisian ‘disappointed’ in all of missed deep balls vs. UL
It was telling where the mindsets of new head coach Steve Sarkisian and some of the Texas football player’s were at in media availability early this week. As Texas looks to build off momentum from the season-opening win over the No. 23 ranked Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns and head coach Billy Napier heading into Week 2, the focus needs to stay sharp in practice.
And it sounds like Sark and the Longhorns got right back down to work this week following the key win over Louisiana, which came by the final score of 38-18. Sark sounded focused on the task at hand, without getting distracted by the upcoming rivalry this weekend, or celebrating too long for the win over Louisiana on Sep. 4.
In media availability this week, Sark covered the fact that this is a big game for the Longhorns and it will be another big test for sophomore quarterback Hudson Card. But he also touched on a few key points that he wants his team to improve upon in the meeting with the Arkansas Razorbacks out of the SEC West this coming weekend.
He specifically noted that Texas needs to improve with some of the diagnosing of blitzes, and with the play in the trenches. Sark also mentioned that he would like to see the Longhorns convert on more deep throws.
Steve Sarkisian sees room to grow for Texas football in the deep passing game after Week 1
Beyond any plays where Texas got the bulk of yards after the catch through the air in the win over Louisiana, there was really only one throw over 30 yards. And that went to freshman wide receiver Xavier Worthy on a 34-yard completion in the first half of the win over the Cajuns.
It will be difficult for the Longhorns to stretch the field often against a stout Arkansas secondary. Especially since Arkansas defensive coordinator and former Mizzou head coach Barry Odom plays a three-high safety look, it is really difficult to beat the Hogs over the top.
That also means that on the opportunities Texas does get to beat Arkansas over the top, they need to convert. Texas was good hitting their looks between the numbers, and making plays when the ball got to skill position players near the line of scrimmage with room to run.
Arkansas is more athletic in the back seven, though, than Louisiana. The closing speed will be greater, thus it will be tougher for the likes of Bijan Robinson, Jordan Whittington, etc. to get out in the open field and pick up yards in chunks.
Using weapons like Joshua Moore and Worthy to beat Arkansas on the outside can be something that the Longhorns turn to if the ground game gets going early and often. If Bijan is able to gash the Arkansas run defense early in this game and the safeties start to creep up, that will be the prime opportunity for Card to hit one of his deep targets over the top.
Next. 3 weaknesses Sark can exploit vs. Arkansas. dark
Texas will carry their record of 1-0 (0-0 Big 12) from the win over Louisiana last weekend into this battle with longtime rival Arkansas on the road in Fayetteville. Kickoff time between Texas and Arkansas is set for 6 p.m. CT on Sep. 11.