This weekend, the Longhorns will play their final non-conference game of the season. After their win over Ohio State, Texas will turn its attention to UTSA before traveling to Knoxville to take on the Tennessee Volunteers.
Despite playing in the American Conference, the Roadrunners have gotten off to a 2-0 start. They also picked up a win over a common opponent in Texas State.
So, what are some of the keys to Saturday’s game?
Saturday’s X-Factors:
This weekend’s game will come down to mentality more than any individual player. Vegas currently favors the Longhorns by 35.5 points, so expectations are high. However, Steve Sarkisian’s team will be riding high following its win over Ohio State. The coaching staff must make sure there is no carryover effect this weekend.
A key factor will be how well the staff prepares the team for UTSA. The Longhorns had months to game-plan for Ohio State. They also had to avoid showing too much during the Texas State game. This time, they face a quick turnaround. The staff must prepare the team for UTSA without revealing too much for the next opponent.
Along with mentality, building depth is another key storyline to watch. If things go as planned Saturday, Steve Sarkisian should have his bench on the field by the end of the third quarter. For many freshmen, this could be their last chance to make an impact in front of the coaching staff this season.
Keep an eye on Texas’ young players Saturday. They will not only compete for rotation spots. For some, they could also be competing for their future spots on the roster.
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