For Texas to turn things around, controlling the trenches is a must, and the offensive line will be the cornerstone of that effort. The Longhorns boast one of the top units in college football, with players like Kelvin Banks Jr., a potential All-American at left tackle, and veterans Jake Majors at center, DJ Campbell at guard, and Cameron Williams at tackle. Despite this talent, they were dominated at the line of scrimmage in their last game against Georgia, managing only 29 rushing yards. This inability to move the ball on the ground left the offense one-dimensional, which hurt their overall rhythm and limited their options.
To re-establish balance, Texas needs to get its running game going, especially with talented backs like Tre Wisner and Jaydon Blue. Wisner is a dynamic back who can hit the home run, while Blue has the power and speed to wear down defenses. If Texas can open up running lanes for them, it will not only create more manageable third downs but also force Vanderbilt to respect the run, which opens up play-action opportunities for Quinn Ewers.
Texas also struggled mightily on third down against Georgia, converting just 2 of 15 attempts. Staying ahead of the chains is critical for keeping drives alive, and to do so, they’ll need better execution on early downs to avoid long third-down situations. Efficiency on third down will be a major key, as Vanderbilt’s defense will look to disrupt the timing of Texas’s offense and force punts.
Pass protection is another crucial area. Quinn Ewers, who has the arm talent and poise to make big plays downfield, needs time to work through his progressions and find his talented wideouts. Vanderbilt’s defense may not be as stout as Georgia’s, but they will still be aggressive in getting after Ewers, so keeping him upright will be critical.
Turnovers was also a problem for Texas against Georgia, and ball security will be a priority. Giving the ball away not only kills offensive momentum but also gives the opponent extra possessions. If the Longhorns want to control the tempo and the game itself, they need to limit mistakes and maximize their possessions.
Finally, controlling the time of possession will be key. If Texas can sustain long drives, keep their defense rested, and wear down Vanderbilt’s defense, it will put them in a much better position to come away with the win. Success in the run game, third-down efficiency, and limiting turnovers will all feed into this. If Texas can impose their will in the trenches, protect Ewers, and avoid costly mistakes, they’ll have a great chance of securing their first SEC road win.
