Game Preview: Sam Houston State vs. No.8 Texas

Texas welcomes Sam Houston State to Austin this weekend in the last non-conference game for Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns. This is the final opportunity for the team to fix their offensive issues before heading into Southeastern Conference play in two weeks. This game is more important than anyone could have imagined heading into the 2025 season…

Sam Houston State is coming off a bye week, having lost their first three games by 17 points each. The Bearkats will be looking to get their season back on track, and what better way than playing the state’s flagship program as a 40+ point underdog and nothing to lose? These two teams clearly entered the season with different expectations, but things are not going as planned for either. Sam Houston State would gladly trade records with Texas, but it hasn’t been pretty either for the ‘Horns this season, particularly against inferior opponents. If Arch Manning and the Texas offense do not get in a groove now, it could be a long season in the SEC.

The Texas Offense Should Finally Breakout

Outside of a five minute stretch against San Jose State, the Texas offense has been very sluggish this year. Manning does not look like the quarterback he was last year when Quinn Ewers was hurt. His mechanics look nothing like he showed last season, and it is clear that he and his supporting cast are all trying too hard to play perfect. Manning has the talent regardless of the opponent, and that talent is on film. The offense needs to play loose on Saturday and the results will be much better.

Sam Houston State ranks in the 100’s nationally in nearly every defensive category. This sets up perfectly for the Texas offense to showcase their capabilities. As long as the Longhorns do not beat themselves, they should be able to score 45-50 points easily on the Bearkats. The plays will be there, but can Texas finally go out and execute them? A good offense will lend its way to a great season for the Longhorns, while a mediocre offense could yield an 8-4 or worse type of season. That is why this game is so pivotal in what appears to be a fork in the road for Sarkisian and his players.

Texas Defense Needs to Enforce Their Will on Sam Houston State

The Texas defense has the potential to be one of the the best in the nation. We have not seen it on a consistent basis, which is due to penalties at inopportune times or the unit simply not clicking on all cylinders. They have managed to hold their own in every game, including the loss to Ohio State, and they have been needed more than expected due to the team’s offense woes. While the defense has been good, it has not had the game-changing plays many expected coming into 2025.

This game provides opportunities for Anthony Hill and Colin Simmons to dominate. They should look like the future first-round NFL Draft picks they are destined to be. When conference play starts in two weeks, Texas needs Hill and Simmons to play to their abilities on a consistent basis. Similar to Manning, Simmons has been pressing and trying to be too perfect on the field. He has had penalties at bad times on multiple occasions, and needs to just go out there and play. It would be great to see Simmons get a sack or two this week before SEC play starts and the competition takes a step up.