We’re officially in the home stretch, and these last two weeks matter more than anything Texas has faced all season. If Arch Manning and the Texas Longhorns want any shot at finishing strong—and keeping their postseason hopes alive—winning out is the only path forward.
This weekend, the No. 17 Texas Longhorns (7–3, 4–2 SEC) return home to take on the Arkansas Razorbacks (2–8, 0–6 SEC) in Austin. On paper, it looks like a comfortable matchup, but this Texas team has made one thing clear all year: “on paper” doesn’t mean a thing. Close calls, sloppy finishes, and inconsistency have kept the Longhorns from reaching their ceiling.
Here’s the complete blueprint for Texas heading back to DKR.
Arkansas defense: Weak, but dangerous in spots
The numbers don’t lie—Arkansas’ defense has struggled at every level and ranks near the bottom of the SEC.
Key defensive stats
- 426 yards allowed per game
- 6.0 yards allowed per carry
- 45% opponent third-down conversions
That last stat? That’s a red flag for Texas. Third downs have been a consistent problem all season.
But Arkansas isn’t completely toothless, they’ve got two legit disruptors:
Arkansas Defensive Standouts
LB Xavian Sorey Jr. – 71 tackles, emotional leader
DL Quincey Rhodes Jr. – 8 sacks, game-wrecker if left unchecked
If Arkansas has one real advantage, it’s this: they can pressure the quarterback.
Blueprint for Texas: Fix the basics
Last week’s offensive performance? Flat-out brutal. Ten total points won’t beat anybody in November. If Texas wants to reset, it starts with accountability across every position group.
Wide receivers: Eliminate the drops
Catch. The. Ball. The talent is there, but the execution isn’t. Drive-killing drops have cost this team far too much.
Quarterback: Manning must settle in
Manning has to tighten up his operation. Too many sacks. Too many turnovers.
Texas goes as he goes, and he needs to take command early and often.
Offensive line: Find your identity
This group has to take a hard look in the mirror. If the OL doesn’t show up, nothing else matters.
Protect your quarterback. Establish the run. Set the tone.
Play caller: Keep it simple
This is not the time of year to get cute. Lean on what works. Let your best players make plays.
Keep the offense on schedule and play to your strengths.
Final thoughts: Texas has no margin for error left
One word sums up Texas’ season so far: unacceptable. This is not the brand of football fans expect from a Texas program with top-tier talent and national championship expectations. Even if the Longhorns sneak into the playoff conversation again, playing like this gets them bounced immediately. And let’s shut down the noise—Steve Sarkisian isn’t going anywhere. But next year? Manning won’t just inherit the starting job; he’ll have to fend off serious competition. The talent coming in behind him is real, and the pressure will be, too. Texas has one choice left: prove who they really are.