Texas football is back at it again this weekend against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at DKR Memorial Stadium on Saturday night. After a shaky game against the UTEP Miners, the Longhorns look to get it together before their first SEC game of the season against the Florida Gators. The Longhorns have another easy opponent that shouldn't give them too many issues this weekend. It's a perfect matchup for the Longhorns to lock in before Florida comes to town.
The reason it shouldn't be an issue for the Longhorns is that Sam Houston State is already 0-3 this season. They have lost every single game this season by double digits, and hopefully, the Longhorns can avoid any injuries on the field and cruise to a nice, solid victory over the Bearkats.
1. Distribute the ball to different targets
Arch Manning has so many different weapons that he should be able to efficiently distribute the ball to wide receivers Parker Livingstone and Ryan Wingo. The Bearkats can't defend everyone on the field, so Manning is going to have to make sure everyone gets a chance to catch the ball. Hopefully, Steve Sarkisian decides to call a more agressive game this week than a bunch of checkdown screens to the running back. Attack the middle of the field, and this game should be wrapped up at halftime for the Longhorns' starting offense
2. Cycle through the running backs
Another thing the Longhorns have to do this weekend is cycle through the running backs. C.J. Baxter is already ruled out, and more than likely Quintrevion Wisner will be as well. It will be up to the other running backs to carry the load on the ground against the Bearkats. Knowing the Bearkats' defense can't defend the run that well, giving everyone equal carries this weekend is the way to go to keep the offense balanced.
3. Arch Manning having a solid performance
Manning did not have the best game against the Miners last weekend. There were times when he overthrew wide-open targets and even threw behind them. He's got to clean that up if the Longhorns want a shot at winning the SEC this year. Manning has to scramble if the Bearkats get into the backfield. Forget waiting for a last-second target to get open; it's time for him to use his legs and scramble. If Manning has a great game on Saturday night, they will beat the Bearkats.
4. Sending the house
Let's move over to the defensive side of the ball now for a reason why the Longhorns should win this weekend. The Longhorns' defense has been the strongest part of the team this season so far. They limited the reigning national champions to a couple of touchdowns, and that's pretty impressive.
What I want to see happen this weekend is the Longhorns' defense sending the house at the Bearkats. That means disguising the blitz well and letting havoc wreak on the field. Let's confuse Hunter Watson so well that he can't even read the defense at the line of scrimmage. That's how the Longhorns can win on defense this weekend.