The Texas Longhorns return to action this weekend as they take on the UTEP Miners at DKR Memorial Stadium. Following a dominating win against the San Jose State Spartans, the Longhorns aim to continue improving before taking on the Florida Gators to open their SEC Conference schedule.
Before anything else, credit to San Jose State for pressuring Arch Manning last weekend. Even though they didn't win, they made sure to test Manning's ability to get the ball out of his hands pretty darn fast.
One of the big storylines coming into this weekend's matchup against the Miners is that Quintrevion Wisner will not suit up for the game due to an injury. Another storyline to follow is UTEP's QB Malachi Nelson. Even though he's playing at UTEP right now, he was one of the highest-ranking QB recruits to come out of high school, like Arch Manning. The Longhorns' defense better be ready for his ability to throw the ball.
Here are four storylines coming into this week's matchup with the Miners:
1. Tre Wisner's injury
While the Longhorns take on another easier opponent this weekend, Wisner's injury is starting to get a bit worrisome in my opinion. He's one of those running backs the Longhorns will need when they take on SEC teams coming up soon.
It looks like C.J. Baxter and Jerrick Gibson will split duties once again this weekend. On the positive side, at least Wisner won't get hurt in a meaningless game. However, if that injury doesn't go away, there could be problems for the Longhorns' running game.
2. Arch needs to tuck and run
While we know most of our readers don't want to see Manning become a dual-threat QB like Lamar Jackson, it could actually help the Longhorns. Though it obviously wouldn't get to that degree of scrambling around, we could see UTEP's pressure get to Manning, and he ends up breaking off a couple long runs this weekend.
3. Arch vs. Malachi
You have two former top-rated high school QB's facing off against each other this weekend. It feels weird to see them take completely different paths to where they are now. While Manning never left Austin, Nelson started at USC, then transferred to Boise State, and ended up at UTEP, where he's now the starting QB.
4. Watch for CB blitzes
One thing I am concerned about with Manning heading into this weekend is the UTEP defense. While on paper it doesn't look like a significant threat,10 sacks in two games is a lot. The Miners like to disguise their defense to confuse opposing QBs.
They have even sent the cornerbacks on blitzes to force the ball out faster. It's going to be up to Manning to keep his composure and tuck and run with the ball. It might prevent the Miners from sending the "house".