Texas Longhorns wide receiver Casey Cain (88) is tackled during the game against Alabama at Royal Memorial Stadium on Sep. 10, 2022. Photo: Aaron E. Martinez / American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK
Texas goes on the road for the first time in 2023 in what will be their toughest road environment in nearly 20 years. On Saturday, the Longhorns will get a glimpse into what playing in the SEC on the road is like. The last time the ‘Horns played a blueblood like on the road was in Columbus in 2005. Much like in 2005 with Vince Young, Texas will find out what they have with this group on Saturday night.
On Alabama – even if this isn’t Nick Saban’s best team, the Longhorns have their hands full in this matchup. Texas will have to play its best game of the year in all phases. Let’s take a look at three things Sark and the ‘Horns must do to pull off an upset in Tuscaloosa.
Red Zone Efficiency
Against Alabama you can’t squander scoring opportunities. Last season vs Alabama, Texas left too many points on the field and it cost them dearly in a one point loss. In 5 red zone trips the Longhorns came away with just 1 TD and 16 points. Granted, quarterback Quinn Ewers left at the end of the 1st quarter with an injury and many people forget backup Hudson Card was hobbled in the second half as well. Probably the worst of the red zone woes was the 20 yard FG just before that was partially blocked and missed.
On the flip side Alabama made it into the red zone just twice but scored 1 TD and a FG in those two trips. That is much more effective than what Texas was in the all-important red zone. Who is more effective in the red zone will be a strong indicator in determining who wins Saturday.
Texas OL vs Alabama DL
This is where the game will be won and lost. The Texas OL has been a headache for Texas coaches and fans since 2009 or earlier. Last year the Texas OL finally looked to be heading in the right direction. The first sign was against Alabama and the fact that the OL held their own when nobody thought they had any chance to do so. Will Anderson may be gone but Dallas Turner and company will be ready and the Texas OL better not underestimate the Tide’s defensive line.
The Texas OL entering the season was viewed as being better than last year as all 5 starters returned and that is rare in college football. The performance vs Rice was underwhelming to say the least. Texas surrendered 3 sacks to go along with 10 pressures in the season opener. Part of that was redshirt freshman guard DJ Campbell replacing sophomore Cole Hutson due to injury. The former 5 star Campbell is viewed as the high upside OL compared to Hutson. Campbell however struggled in his first start and reports out of Austin suggest Hutson may slide back into his starting spot. Campbell has a great amount of potential still but it may be smart to go with the starting 5 that started 13 games together last season. If the Longhorns can’t establish the run, it’s going to make the difficult task of winning even more of a challenge in Tuscaloosa. The OL needs to come ready to play, much better than they did vs Rice.
Explosive Plays
Last year in Austin, each team had 6 explosive plays. That doesn’t include the pass interference penalties the Longhorns drew against Alabama. Prior to Ewers’ departure in last year’s game, Texas had receivers running wide open. That is part of the frustration from Texas fans when Ewers was forced to leave the game – the Longhorns didn’t have the same success with Hudson Card in.
Alabama’s secondary is said to be much better with communication and limiting big plays this season. They will be tested in that area from the Texas offense. Texas took 3 deep shots in the opener vs Rice but were unable to connect. A big storyline headed into the season was if Texas could find a way to connect on the deep shots, which they haven’t been able to do so since they played Alabama last season. If they can connect on a couple of deep shots it will put significant pressure on the Alabama offense and defense. Most of Alabama’s explosive plays in Austin came on the ground and multiple came from first overall pick Bryce Young. New starting QB Jalen Milroe is much more of a runner and if Texas lets him get loose it’s going to be a long night in Tuscaloosa for the Longhorns.
This game is going to be a tightly contested matchup and if Texas is able to win two of these three keys to victory, they will have a great shot at the upset. The last time we saw Texas go on the road to play an SEC opponent was in 2021 and Arkansas manhandled them on every level. If that happens again, Texas will have a long season ahead in 2023 and more importantly 2024 and beyond when they join the SEC. Saturday night presents a great opportunity for Sark and the entire Texas program.
