Depth Chart, Injuries and Tulsa: Texas is still learning how to win

Texas head coach Tom Herman met with the media on Monday to discuss the loss in Landover and the upcoming matchup against Tulsa at home on Saturday.

Herman acknowledged the Texas program hasn’t won three straight football games since the 2013 season and says the team is still learning how to win.

“I think, again, losses are unacceptable. Losses hurt really bad. It was like a funeral home around our building yesterday and it should be. It should be. Because if it doesn’t matter, then you don’t care.”

As for the fans, Herman says they have every right to be upset.

“But they should be upset. We’re upset. But we expect to win every game, and there’s nobody that’s going to put — pressure’s not the right word. There’s nobody that’s going to put more expectations or set higher expectations for us than us.”

Depth Chart Stays the Same

For those expecting to see a shift in the lineup based on performances in the opener against the Terrapins, you won’t.  Sophmore Sam Ehlinger will retain his job as the starter against the Golden Hurricane on Saturday, and Tre Watson and Daniel Young are listed as the co-starters at Running Back.  True freshman Keaontay Ingram, who showed immense potential in Saturday’s game against the Terrapins, is listed as the third string running back.

On the Quarterbacks – It’s Sam’s Offense

Sam Ehlinger threw for 263 yards with 2 touchdowns in the losing effort to the Terrapins.  Ehlinger also threw two costly interceptions toward the end of the game, ending drives that could have helped Texas take the lead over Maryland.  Despite the late-game mistakes, and converting just 3 of 15 on 3rd downs, Herman will stick with his sophmore quarterback instead of giving Shane Buechele anopportunity.

“I don’t think now’s the time to do that, I really don’t. You start, you’re going to wind up in the same situation that you were in last year. We made a decision.”

While Ehlinger appears to be the guy, at least for now, Herman wasn’t shy in acknowledging the leadership Buechele exhibited and his contributions from the sideline.

“I don’t know many guys that would approach that role with as much class and maturity as he did and it was really cool to see, and really, again, one of the shining examples of the embodiment of our culture and taking some roots here.”

Will True Freshman Keaontay Ingram See More Carries?

After dazzling in the first half, including an 18 yard run and a touchdown, Keaontay Ingram didn’t see the field in the 4th quarter against the Terps.

Instead, Herman opted to go with his more experienced ball carrier in Tre Watson, after the rain delay at FedExField.

“I said, Stan, we have a fifth-year senior that’s been in a loot of college football games and he’s running the ball well. I thought Tre had had a pretty good day up until that point, any ways.”

Ingram, a highly coveted recruit out of Carthage High School, should see more playing time as the season moves forward, according to Herman.

“Oh, yeah, I think you’ll continue to see his role progress and increase.”

Injuries and Probability of Playing

Senior defensive back Kris Boyd is nursing an ankle sprain sustained on Saturday and is listed as probable according to Tom Herman. Boyd had 5 tackles against the Terrapins.

Boyd wasn’t the only DB injured in Saturday’s contest.  Senior Davante Davis left in the first half of the Maryland game with a neck injury and did not return. Herman said Davis’ return to the field against Tulsa is questionable.  Davis was off to a promising start before getting injured, recording 4 solo tackles and assisting in one more.

Safety and punt returner Brandon Jones sustained a high ankle sprain and is also listed as questionable against the Golden Hurricane on Saturday. Jones averaged 18.7 yards on three punt returns and had 10 tackles in Saturday’s loss.

Wide Receiver John Burt is still nursing a foot injury sustained in preseason camp and is doubtful to make his return against Tulsa.

Tulsa Game Details

Texas and Tulsa will kickoff at 7:00 PM at Darrell K. Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 8th.  The game will be televised on Longhorn Network.