(Photo : Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) ARLINGTON, TX – Defensive lineman T’Vondre Sweat (#93) of the Texas Longhorns celebrates with teammates after Texas defeated the Oklahoma State Cowboys within the Big 12 Championship at AT&T Stadium on December 2, 2023 in Arlington, Texas.
Texas Longhorns soccer could have one other shot at Washington Huskies after their Alama Bowl assembly final yr that the latter bagged.
The two groups are locked for the Sugar Bowl within the College Football Playoffs. This would be the Longhorns’ first look in CPF and the Huskies’ second.
While Washington seems to be the extra skilled (and seeded increased), the Longhorns are odds-on favorites to win the match.
Coach Steve Sarkisian’s squad is -4.5 favorites. There’s nothing to be hyped about, as Texas nonetheless has issues to repair of their squad.
First, the varsity obligations of gamers that restrict their time on the observe subject.
“You have to compartmentalize the month,” he mentioned. “For the first couple weeks, it’s about them finishing school and doing great there. We have to make sure our conditioning is on point, and then we have about eight practices before we send them home for Christmas.”
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As for the sport itself, listed here are some issues the coach can concentrate on to safe a spot within the subsequent stage of College Football Playoffs.
1. Linebacker subject
Sarkisian might exploit the crew’s lineback division given the battle by the Huskies in that place.
Jaylan Ford, David Gbenda, and Anthony Hill Jr., lately cited as a part of the Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year, have been delivering all-season lengthy, which is an issue for the Huskies.
Their upcoming opponents enable 4.2 yards per try per run and practically 85 p.c of the reps within the crimson zone.
2. Washington’s wrecking WR
The nationwide title can wait. Texas should first deal with the distinguished huge receivers of their Sugar Bowl opponents.
Rome Odunze, Jalen McMillan, and Ja’Lynn Polk stand out among the many relaxation within the WR place. ESPN College GameDay co-host Desmond Howard even hailed Washington as residence to the very best wider receiver prospects in school.
Michael Penix all the time has a subject day with any of those three. Last yr, he and Polk wrecked groups. The latter ran 700 yards in simply 22 catches.
Longhorns could have an opportunity at profitable if they will restrict this trio or disrupt Penix’s performs.
Xavier Worthy and AD Mitchell are nice WRs however cannot fold in massive moments. Worthy made 3 drops and solely 7 catches on 14 targets of their Alama Bowl towards Washington final yr.
3. Quinn Ewers’ deep ball and crimson zone
Michael Penix Jr., a Heisman nominee, is the higher quarterback on this tie. However, Texas’ Quinn Ewers might attain his degree quickly. The No. 1 general recruit within the Class of 2022 is now in his sophomore yr, and he has proven progress.
He missed two video games this season. Despite that, he transformed 70 p.c of his passes and threw for 3,161 yards.
There’s loads left to be desired on Ewers, although. He acquired sacked on 27.5% of his pressures, and the Huskies’ rusher will certainly goal him once more. It is value noting that he has thrown simply one in all his 21 TD passes whereas underneath strain.
Ewers must be protected to meet his potential on the sector.
Related article: 3 Problems Washington Huskies Football Need to Fix to Win National Title
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