3 big overreactions after Texas's throttling of Michigan

Jerrick Gibson deserves to be the lead back

True freshman Jerrick Gibson has been the workhorse running back for Sarkisian and the Longhorns in the red zone to start the season. Gibson has probably been the most impressive running back for the Longhorns in the season's first two weeks.

Gibson is the only Texas running back to rush for over 100 yards and multiple touchdowns on the ground in the first two weeks against Michigan and the Colorado State Rams in Week 1.

In the first two weeks, Gibson has shown good patience, vision, and physicality running between the tackles for the Longhorns. In his one touchdown run in the win over Michigan, Gibson was patient and trusting in his offensive linemen to open up the running lanes at the second and third levels of the defense and he was quick enough to cut to more open space to get in the end zone for the score.

Between Gibson's ability to physically hold up running between the tackles, especially in short-yardage situations in the zone blocking scheme, and Ewers' proficiency, Texas's red zone problems have seemingly disappeared to start this regular season.

Since Week 1 against Colorado State, Texas has converted on 100 percent of its red zone trips. Texas has made it into the red zone on 11 drives this season, resulting in 10 touchdowns and one field goal.

The Longhorns lead the FBS in points per red zone possession (6.64) this season after ranking outside of the top 100 teams in the nation in red zone scoring in 2023 on offense.

I don't think it's much of a coincidence that Gibson has gotten the most red zone carries among the Longhorns' running backs and the offensive line is blocking so well for the run to see the red zone efficiency improve so much for Sarkisian early this season.

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