Texas offense faces line test at Missouri
Eric Nahlin says Steve Sarkisian should emphasize quick passes, RPOs, Arch Manning’s legs and running backs in the passing game.
| Kickoff | 12:00 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Venue | Memorial Stadium |
| Spread | Texas -2.5 |
| Total | 42.5 |
| TV | ESPN |
|---|---|
| Streaming | the ESPN app |
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Follow the full play-by-play and box score →Texas heads to Missouri on Saturday with its offensive line at the center of the matchup, according to On3 Texas writer Eric Nahlin. His assessment is that Steve Sarkisian must build a plan to limit the effect of the line’s continuing problems rather than expect a complete repair within one week.
Nahlin pointed to Ole Miss as a partial model after the Rebels ran effectively against Missouri and limited the Tigers’ rushing attack. For Texas, he identified ball security, explosive plays and enough rushing success to create manageable third downs as the offensive priorities.
Those elements also affect Arch Manning. Nahlin linked easier victories to Texas protecting the ball, producing big plays and staying ahead of the chains. Under those conditions, he wrote, Manning has looked more like the quarterback Texas saw during the second half of last season.
The suggested adjustments include more designed runs for Manning, a larger quick-passing menu, additional RPOs and greater use of running backs as receivers. Those calls could help Texas punish pressure. They could also reduce the burden on an offensive line that has struggled with assignment certainty and stunt recognition.
Nahlin also argued that the line’s issues reach beyond individual blockers to the offense’s overall approach. In his view, relying heavily on deep-shot concepts creates added risk when protection is unreliable. Quicker answers would reduce that risk against Missouri.
The stakes extend into the College Football Playoff race. Nahlin agreed with the view that Missouri enters an elimination game. Texas is approaching the trip with similar urgency because it does not want to finish 9-3 and depend on outside results or the selection committee.
Why it matters
Texas’ line problems threaten an offense that needs better ball security, explosive plays and manageable third downs. Nahlin views Missouri’s game as a CFP elimination spot and reports that Texas is treating it with similar urgency.
What to watch next
Texas plays at Missouri on Saturday, when Sarkisian’s plan must account for the offensive line’s continuing problems.
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