The Longhorns need a physical running game and cleaner protection up front offensively to keep their playoff push moving.
Texas has its opportunity. Now the Longhorns have to handle their business up front.
Saturday’s trip to Missouri will test whether this offense can play the physical, disciplined football needed to win a meaningful SEC road game. Arch Manning will have a major role, but the offensive line must give him a chance to operate.
Manning completed 16 of 20 passes for 220 yards and three touchdowns in the 31–3 win over Mississippi State. He made plays and helped Texas finish drives. Against Missouri, the Longhorns need to build around that efficiency with a running game that consistently produces positive yards.
It starts with getting movement at the line of scrimmage. Texas needs its offensive line to finish blocks, handle defensive movement and create room for the backs to get downhill. The runners must take the available yardage and keep the offense ahead of the chains.
Those four- and five-yard gains matter. They create manageable third downs and keep Missouri from loading up its pass rush against Manning.
Protection has to improve, too. The Longhorns can’t allow missed assignments to turn promising possessions into long-yardage situations. Manning needs time to work through his reads, and he needs dependable answers when Missouri brings pressure.
The quick passing game can help establish a rhythm. Getting the football to receivers in space and involving the backs gives Texas opportunities to move the chains without waiting for a deep route to develop.
Raleek Brown showed that value with a touchdown reception against Mississippi State. Those touches can force Missouri to defend more of the field and give Manning another option when coverage takes away his first read.
But Texas still needs to establish a physical presence. The Longhorns can’t spend the afternoon asking their quarterback to escape pressure and manufacture offense.
With the playoff race tightening, every possession carries weight. Texas must protect the football, avoid unnecessary penalties and finish scoring opportunities.
Manning can make the throws. Saturday in Columbia, the offensive line needs to set the tone so he can make them from a position of strength.
