Tomorrow night, the top-ranked Texas Longhorns will play the ULM Warhawks. In the YouTube video above, our Devon Messinger and Dylan DeRaud name their X-factors to watch.
Messinger’s X-Factors:
For me, the X-factor has to be Arch Manning. Obviously, last weekend’s performance against UTSA was phenomenal, with five all-purpose touchdowns. However, Manning is in a different scenario this week, marking his first career start. Luckily for Arch, his supporting cast has been one of the most productive in college football. Although, it must be mentioned that health at the running back position is a concern, meaning that Manning will have to shoulder more of the offense.
As long as Arch remains efficient with the football, and avoids the turnovers, the Longhorns will be well-positioned to cruise on Saturday.
DeRaud’s X-Factors:
A key X-factor in this matchup will be ULM’s ability to take away Arch Manning’s run-pass option. In his game against UTSA, we saw a more conservative playbook where Manning only threw 12 times but showed his mobility, running for 53 yards. Unlike his uncles, Arch can punish defenses that don’t put a spy on him or fail to set the edge. Inside linebacker Carl Glass, ULM’s leading tackler, will play a critical role in containing Manning. If Glass can stick to his assignments and the defensive line sets the edge, ULM will have a chance to take away a big part of the Texas offense. Allowing the Warhawks to have a shot at playing spoiler to the Longhorns.
