The Daily Texan's Double Coverage 2021-10-29

T H E D A I LY TEXAN PRESENTS

Double Coverage VOL. 16 ISSUE 9 | Oct. 29, 2021

blaine young

/ the daily texan file

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No. 6 Michigan @ No. 8 Michigan State

Michigan

Michigan State

Michigan

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Michigan State

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Texas @ No. 16 Baylor

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Miami @ No. 17 Pittsburgh

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No. 1 Georgia @ Florida

Georgia

Florida

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Texas Tech @ No. 4 Oklahoma

Oklahoma

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Colorado @ No. 7 Oregon

Oregon

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No. 10 Ole Miss @ No. 18 Auburn

Auburn

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Ole Miss

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Auburn

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No. 12 Kentucky @ Mississippi State

Kentucky

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Mississippi State

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No. 20 Penn State @ No. 5 Ohio State

Ohio State

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UNC @ No. 11 Notre Dame

Notre Dame

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Week 5 Results

8–2

6–4

9–1

9–1

9–1

8–2

7–3

8–2

9–1

7–3

7–3

Overall Record

59–21

54–26

53–27

57–23

53–27

57–23

57–23

52–23

56–24

54–26

51–29

EDITOR’S NOTE

overall STANDINGS 1.

The Longhorns should be well rested after their bye week as they head into Week 9 on the road against No. 16 Baylor. If any fiber of Texas’ being hopes to assemble a bowl game appearance, the Longhorns desperately need a win after back-to-back losses to Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. Upsetting a top 20 team could prove to be essential for the Horns All eyes will be on Sark come Saturday morning in Waco.

T-2.

Matthew Boncosky, Hannah Williford

T-4.

Jenny DeVico Kaitlyn Harmon, Blaine Young

T-5.

Nathan Han, Payne Williams

Kaitlyn Harmon

Double Coverage Editor Kaitlyn Harmon

Myah Taylor Christina Huang,

3.

DOUBLE COVERAGE

6.

Vicente Montalvo

7.

Angelina Braese

Design Editor

Jenny DeVico

Photo Editor

Blaine Young

Copy Editor

Angelina Braese

Writers Nathan Han

Matthew Boncosky

Vicente Montalvo

Christina Huang

Hannah Williford

Payne Williams

Designers Isabella Waltz

Sally Parampottil Managing Editor Myah Taylor

DOUBLE COVERAGE

4

GAMEsTO WATCH

By Hannah Williford

|

@howdy_itshannah

No. 20 Penn State at No. 5 Ohio State Oct. 30, 6:30 p.m. CT, ABC

After a fall from glory in Week 8 against Illinois, Penn State has reached a defining moment in its season. A one-loss Ohio State team put together an impressive performance this season after a loss to Oregon in September, but Penn State will be the first in a series of challenging games ahead for the Buckeyes. Following this Saturday’s Week 9 performance, Ohio State will have to face top-ranked Michigan and Michigan State teams to cap off its season. The Buckeyes have been unbeatable on the offensive side of the ball this season, and are ranked No. 1 in the nation with talent on all fronts. While Penn State has held opponents to an average of about 15 points this season, this could prove fatal for the Nittany Lions, who couldn’t stop the rush against Illinois in Happy Valley.

No. 6 Michigan at No. 8 Michigan

No. 1 Georgia at Florida

Oct. 30, 11 a.m. CT, FOX

Oct. 30, 2:30 p.m. CT, CBS

Regardless of Saturday’s outcome, Michigan and Michigan State will make history this weekend. Both teams remain undefeated on the season, marking the first time the rivals will meet under this condition. Outside of a tight game with Nebraska in early October, Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines have sailed through the later weeks of the season. Michigan’s defense is ranked 11th in the nation, allowing an average of only 14.29 points per game. Meanwhile, Michigan State running back Kenneth Walker is ranked second in the nation for overall rushing yards, and could make the difference Saturday with a strong performance, causing mayhem and frustration for Harbaugh and the Wolverines.

When it comes to a rivalry game, a victory is never guaranteed. Despite Georgia’s dominating performance this year and Florida’s lackluster 4–3 season, the Cocktail Party is not a game to miss. For the Bulldogs, Saturday’s afternoon matchup is an opportunity for a lights-out defensive performance and a redemption after last season’s 28-44 defeat. For unranked Florida, the Bulldogs’ trip to the Swamp could be a make-or-break situation for head coach Dan Mullen, who is skating on thin ice this season after a handful of disappointing performances against Alabama, Kentucky and LSU.

No. 10 Ole Miss at No. 18 Auburn Oct. 30, 6 p.m. CT, ESPN Two of the strongest teams in the SEC West will battle in what promises to be a tight game on Saturday. While the Alabama Crimson Tide remains the conference favorite, one-loss Ole Miss and two-loss Auburn have put up strong performances throughout the season. While the Rebels average over 40 points per game, head coach Lane Kiffin’s defense has allowed almost 30 points. The War Eagles put up 38 points against Arkansas in Week 7, and have had time to prepare with a bye week in Week 8.

Texas at No. 16 Baylor Oct. 30, 11 a.m. CT, ABC October has caused consistent heartbreak for the Longhorns. With two near-victories against ranked opponents Oklahoma and Oklahoma State –– which ended in devastating losses –– Texas is in desperate need for redemption.

The Longhorns will get yet another chance to prove their growth under new head coach Steve Sarkisian with a matchup against Baylor. Apart from a game of struggle against Oklahoma State in Week 5, the Bears have created a strong offense this season, scoring an average of 38.29 points per game. A strong performance by an erratic Texas defense will be essential for a Longhorn victory.

TEXAS

friday, october 29, 2021

WINS IF....

5

By Vicente Montalvo

| @VMont20

…the offensive line protects the pocket Junior quarterback Casey Thompson has had success connecting with receivers and scrambling for first downs when he gets ample time in the pocket. Against Oklahoma State, offensive line coach Kyle Flood decided to mix up the offensive line before and during contest.

The quarterback protectors cannot get weary and must play at peak performance on the road in Bear country. The O-line needs to give Thompson time to create and run through his progressions. Look to see how the O-line handles three or four edge rushers scrambling to sack Thompson. …Bijan Robinson doesn’t have to do it all

…it mentally moves past second half woes Having the week off could not have come at a better time for a Texas program that saw two games slip away.

In both contests, the Texas offense came out of the tunnel firing on all cylinders before cooling off in the second half and struggling to produce points. If Sarkisian wants to keep the season alive, the former offensive coordinator must get the team’s mentality right before the contest, especially for a team that has seen a change at the quarterback position. Look out to see how the Horns kick it into gear after the second half.

Longhorn Nation knows just how special sophomore running back Bijan Robinson is after having already surpassed 900 yards on the ground in seven games this season. The offense shouldn’t have to rely on Robinson to carry the offensive front and force him to have another big performance. Instead of being one-dimensional, Sarkisian’s offense needs to maximize upon the runpass option to keep the Baylor defense on its toes. If the Longhorn play-calling stays unpredictable throughout the game, Texas can celebrate its first victory in Waco since 2017.

Hey,

Austin!

loses IF... …the Bears run wild The Baylor offense relies heavily upon senior running back Abram Smith. The Abilene, Texas, product is coming off one of his best career games after tallying 188 yards on 27 attempts and three touchdowns against a stout BYU defense. The Bears are averaging the 22nd best rushing attack in the country, and they don’t look like they’re slowing down anytime soon. It doesn’t help that the Longhorn defense is not dominant at stopping the run, giving up an average of over 200 yards per game.

Baylor will try to establish the run game and will likely look to also establish the play-action pass as well. If the Texas defense fails to come out of the gates swinging to close the holes in Baylor’s run game, it will be a long afternoon for defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski. … Steve Sarkisian isn’t ready for the Baylor defense Baylor head coach Dave Aranda is known for his defensive coaching abilities.

Aranda gained national attention after helping lead LSU to a national championship title in 2020. In just his second year in Waco, Aranda has his defensive unit allowing less than 200 yards through the air on average, a statistic simultaneous with the running game. Sarkisian will need to be prepared for Aranda’s physical brand of defense, which Sarkisian has faced in the past as Alabama’s former offensive coordinator during Aranda’s defensive stint at LSU. If Sarkisian struggles to counter the defense and fails to find an offensive scheme that works, the Longhorns will be on their first three-game losing streak since the 2016-2017 season.

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DOUBLE COVERAGE

LONGHORNS IN THE nfl NFL 6

By Payne Williams | @paynewilliams5

copyright courtesy of texas athletics, and reproduced with permission

copyright courtesy of texas athletics, and reproduced with permission

elisabeth dillon/ the daily texan file

TREY HOPKINS POONA FORD ADRIAN PHILLIPS CINCINNATI BENGALS

At the forefront of the Cincinnati Bengals’ offensive line, Trey Hopkins helped pave the way to the Bengals’ unexpected and dominant victory over their AFC North rival, the Baltimore Ravens.

After a relatively quiet day in the Bengals’ backfield, the former Longhorn opened a giant hole for running back Joe Mixon late in the fourth quarter, leading to a 21-yard scamper and score to put a final stamp on the divisional match. The Cincinnati center and seventh-year vet faced a stout Baltimore defensive line, but held his own in the pass coverage. Behind Hopkins and the rest of the offensive line, quarterback and former Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow saw a clean pocket on Sunday, leading him to throw for a NFL career high 416 yards and three touchdowns. After Sunday’s dominating victory over one of the AFC’s best, Cincinnati has put itself in the conversation as one of the top contenders in the conference.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

In addition to Diggs’ performance on Seattle’s defense, Poona Ford proved solid on the Seahawks’ defensive front. The former Texas defensive lineman was second on the team in total tackles, but made his presence known through a clutch tackle-for-loss and goal-line stop to help force a New Orleans field goal. Seattle had been pushed to its own one-yard line and faced the task of stopping powerhouse running back Alvin Kamara from reaching the end zone.

However, on second and goal, Ford slipped through to deliver the stop in the backfield and forced a third down and eventual field goal. Seattle, which drops to 2–4 with the worst record in the NFC West, has struggled since the injury of NFL great quarterback Russell Wilson. The Seahawks look to get back on track next week with a visit from the Jacksonville Jaguars.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

In the most lopsided victory of the 2021 season so far, safety Adrian Phillips and the New England Patriots defeated the New York Jets 54-13 in a commanding performance on both sides of the ball. Phillips, who entered the 2014 NFL Draft alongside former teammate Hopkins, boasted the second-highest record of solo tackles on Sunday with five. The former Longhorn was all over the field on Sunday displaying his speed coming off the edge. The Garland, Texas, product proved his ability to cover space and make open field tackles playing offball. Phillips is PFF’s 12th-ranked safety in the league, and he plays an important role on a strong Bill Belichick defense and a play-making secondary.

elisabeth dillon

/ the daily texan file

QUANDRE DIGGS SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Several former Longhorns were showcased in Monday night’s NFC matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and the New Orleans Saints. Longhorn Quandre Diggs tied for a team-high five solo tackles including a few potentially game-saving tackles for Seattle in the open field. Unfortunately for Diggs and the Seahawks, New Orleans secured the 13-10 victory to advance to 4–2 for the season. Diggs and strong safety Jamal Adams provided ample protection down field, not allowing any big plays past the duo and making tackles across the field. The Monday night primetime special featured five former Texas players.

friday, october 29, 2021 TEXAS FEATURE

By Nathan Han

NEXT GENERATION aylan Ford and Alfred Collins are the next generation of Texas defenders.

In a college football world where fifth and sixthyear seniors take over starting jobs, the sophomore linebacker and defensive lineman got their first crack at significant playing time this season against Oklahoma State on Oct. 16.

Collins started in his second career game after senior defensive end Jacoby Jones suffered a season-ending foot injury that required surgery. Ford replaced linebacker DeMarvion Overshown early in the 24-32 loss to the Cowboys after the senior left due to a concussion.

And the two second-year players didn’t just take the playing time from injuries — they earned more playing time moving forward with their breakout performances, especially in the run game. Older teammates of the duo on the defense certainly think so as well. “(Alfred) has stepped up a lot,” senior cornerback Josh Thompson said. “You can see

J

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@NathanHan13

MEET THE FUTURE OF TEXAS DEFENSE.

his maturity these past two weeks, coming in and playing a big role on the D-line … ( J a y lan) came in and played

with heart.

Jaylan Ford, he goes out and competes every day in practice and we all see that. That’s why, when he gets in, nothing really falls off with us and we trust him.”

“Oklahoma State was that first game I really played with (Jaylan),” junior linebacker Ovie Oghoufu said. “He really showed me he knows what he’s doing out there. He’s very aggressive, and he has bad intentions … (Alfred) is another one. I really like playing with (Alfred Collins), we’re usually on the same side. He’s playing real free. He’s getting to the ball. He’s

hannah clark

/ the daily texan file

blaine young

bouncing the ball to me, and we’re both making a lot of plays.”

The Longhorns limited the Cowboys in the first three quarters — largely due to Ford and Collins — before the dam broke open in the fourth quarter.

Collins blew up run play after play with his penetration into the backfield. The 6-foot-5inch defensive end is listed nearly 70 pounds heavier than the other defensive ends at 302 pounds. Junior Jett Bush, Collins’s backup, is listed under 240 pounds, at 236. Starting defensive end Ray Thornton is listed at 238 pounds.

Collins’ strength and size showed against Oklahoma State. Head coach Steve Sarkisian said setting an edge with the ends and outside linebackers was a priority in the run defense. Collins created the push at the line to “set the edge” consistently while also flashing impressive speed and agility for a lineman his size.

In a two-point conversion in the fourth quarter, Ford made the biggest play of his short Texas career — making a tough, aggressive open-field tackle to keep the Longhorns ahead 24-22.

All in all, Ford finished with a team high 12 tackles, while Collins notched two tackles for loss.

Sarkisian said Collins made strides and earned playing time heading into the Oklahoma State matchup. He was similarly

/ the daily texan file

complimentary of Ford after the game.

“I thought Jaylan Ford did a nice job,” Sarkisian said after the Oct. 16 loss. “He stepped in and made plays.”

Breakout performances from the two youngsters on the defense doesn’t just bode well for the Longhorns this season.

While Sarkisian said Overshown returned to practice from his concussion, the junior linebacker is a likely candidate for the 2022 NFL Draft. Texas already has thin linebacker depth, and the emergence of Ford, a three-star recruit, as a starter could significantly bolster the position group as it goes through some leaner seasons.

Collins has already emerged as a starter. And while defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski prefers to play a 2-4-5 defense with hybrid defensive end/outside linebackers like Oghoufu, Bush or Thornton rather than a more traditional defensive end like Collins, the coach showed an ability to adapt to his personnel against the Cowboys.

Texas had a tendency to play a 3-4 defense more often on several downs against Oklahoma State, and Collins shifted to the outside on others, proving to be just as capable of a pass rusher on third-and-long downs.

Collins’ and Ford’s performances are not on the decline anytime soon. On the contrary, 95’s and 41’s careers are just beginning.

Texas could certainly use them.

8

BIG 12

POWER RANKINGS

1. OKLAHOMA SOONERS The Oklahoma Sooners are ranked No. 4 in the nation, behind SEC powerhouses Georgia and Alabama. Heading into Week 9, the Sooners are 8–0 on the season and are well on their way to a potential playoff run. After benching starting quarterback Spencer Rattler, freshman Caleb Williams has taken the reins of the Oklahoma offense, tallying 787 yards and eight touchdowns in just five games. The Sooners offense is averaging 41.5 points per game and has a 70% fourth down conversion rate. Oklahoma has struggled on the defensive side of the ball and could face a major shakeup in its hopeful playoff run with future opponents in ranked Baylor, Iowa State and Oklahoma State programs to close out the season.

2. BAYLOR BEARS Ranked 16th nationally, a 6–1 Baylor team is making an impressive case for itself as the Big 12’s No. 2. The Bears have collected 418 total tackles and 17 sacks on the season. Heading into Week 9, Baylor has secured four victories with a more than 10-point finish. Starting quarterback Gerry Bohanon has accounted for 1,563 yards over the course of five games and a completed passing rating of 65.9%. The Baylor running game has a combined 1,675 yards and 20 rushing touchdowns. The Bears are in search of being bowl eligible for consecutive seasons for the first time since 2015 and 2016.

3. OKLAHOMA STATE COWBOYS The Oklahoma State Cowboys find themselves entering Week 9 with a 6–1 record with one loss coming to Iowa State in Week 8. The Pokes are ranked No. 15 in the nation and have accounted for 1,499 total passing yards and 1,123 total rushing yards. Under head coach Mike Gundy, the Cowboys have 440 total tackles on the season and are in a comfortable position for a bowl game with remaining opponents in Kansas, West Virginia, TCU, Texas Tech and Oklahoma.

4. TEXAS LONGHORNS Ranked third in the nation for total rushing yards, sophomore running back Bijan Robinson is a defining piece of the Texas team. The 4–3 Longhorns have faced a heavier schedule than other Big 12 opponents with a tough matchup against Arkansas in Week 2 and have endured a change at the quarterback position. The Texas defense has 512 total tackles on the season — almost 100 more than ranked Baylor and Oklahoma State. Texas is putting up numbers and showcasing talent but is having a hard time getting the job done. The Longhorns will finish the season fighting for a bowl game.

5. IOWA STATE CYCLONES With senior quarterback Brock Purdy under center, the Cyclones have a collective 1,812 total passing yards on the season, the fourth-most comparable to the Sooners’ 2,188 total passing yards. With the run-pass option, the Cyclones are 5–2 on the season and have 1,190 yards on the ground — fifth in the Big 12. The Iowa State defense has accounted for 439 total tackles on the season, and faces future opponents in West Virginia, Texas, Texas Tech, Oklahoma and TCU.

By Kaitlyn Harmon

|

DOUBLE COVERAGE

@kait_harmon

6. TEXAS TECH RAIDERS News released Monday relayed the firing of Texas Tech head coach Matt Wells, calling the rest of the Red Raiders’ 5–3 season into question. The Texas Tech offense has favored the air over the ground, and quarterbacks Henry Colombi and Tyler Shough have combined for 2,156 total passing yards. Tech has allotted the fourthmost yards on defense and has struggled with the secondary. What happens next to the Red Raiders is unknown with remaining opponents in ranked Oklahoma, Iowa State, Oklahoma State and Baylor teams.

7. TCU HORNED FROGS The Horned Frogs are searching for just their second conference win come Saturday against Kansas State. With a 1–3 conference record and a 3–4 overall record, head coach Gary Patterson and team rank fourth in total offensive yards but fifth in receiving yards. The Horned Frogs have struggled closing out wins at home and on the road, and have struggled covering the run-pass option against other Big 12 opponents.

8. WEST VIRGINiA MOUNTAINEERS With a win over the Horned Frogs on the road, the Mountaineers are 3–4 overall and 1–3 in conference play. In the Big 12, West Virginia ranks seventh in total offensive yards with 2,753 yards on the season. Senior quarterback Jarret Doege has accounted for 1,701 of West Virginia’s offensive yards and ties 38th nationally in passing yards.

9. KANSAS JAYHAWKS The Kansas Jayhawks are 0–4 in Big 12 play and 1–6 on the season. Kansas was almost convincing in pulling off an upset against Oklahoma in Week 8, but ultimately lost 23-35. The Jayhawks defense has 441 total tackles on the season, but has struggled to keep opponents within a touchdown or two, giving up the most yards on defense of any Big 12 team.

10. KANSAS STATE WILDCATS Kansas State is 1–3 in conference play and 4–3 overall on the season, but have only allocated 22 touchdowns and 1,465 passing yards. While the Wildcats utilize the run-pass option and are fourth in the Big 12 for total defensive yards given up, Kansas State simply has not been able to provide convincing enough performances to be worthy of a better position.

friday, October 29, 2021

9

HEISMAN WATCH

By Ethan Ferguson | @ethan_ferguson6

Entering Week 9 of the college football season, discussions are beginning to circulate as to whose name will be added to the list of long-standing residents of the Heisman House.

The last Longhorn to become enshrined into the Heisman Trophy circle was running back Ricky Williams in 1998. In 2005, former Texas legend quarterback Vince Young came inches away from winning the Heisman, fall-

Bryce Young Alabama quarterback Bryce Young continues to be the frontrunner in odds to win the Heisman come December. With 2,453 yards and 26 touchdowns this season, Young has the second-best quarterback rating at 88.5.

The Crimson Tide has lost just once this season by three points to an unranked Texas A&M team, and is now No. 3 in the nation heading into a bye week before facing LSU. The Tide has faced tough competition so far, including current No. 10 Ole Miss. Young has thrown just three interceptions in eight games, one in each of the first three matchups. In the past two weeks, the sophomore hasn’t contributed a turnover on offense.

Kenny Pickett Pittsburgh’s redshirt senior Kenny Pickett is finding his name in the Heisman discussion as of late. With 2,236 yards and 23 touchdowns, Pickett has thrown just one interception and is ranked third in the Heisman contention with a quarterback rating of 88.1. Pickett’s one interception came in Week 3 in a devastating three point loss to Western Michigan. However, the New Jersey product was able to convert for six touchdowns and 382 yards, proving himself Heisman-worthy early on in the season. Since then, Pickett has used his experience, knowledge and strong scrambling ability to win Pitt’s last four matchups against tough opponents such as Clemson in Week 8. Expect another strong performance from Pickett on Saturday as No. 17 Pitt takes on Miami at home and the redshirt senior looks to further solidify his Heisman odds.

ing behind USC running back Reggie Bush.

Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud, Michigan State running back Kenneth Walker III, Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder, Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson and Texas running back Bijan Robinson are all in the search for the Heisman. However, the race to New York is exclusive to four quarterbacks.

Matt Corral

Similar to that of Texas, the Ole Miss Rebels have found themselves excluded from Heisman Trophy conversations. The last Rebel to receive the invitation to New York was Eli Manning in 2003. Starting quarterback Matt Corral finds himself in a similar position to Manning, ranked second in the Heisman odds at Week 9 in the college football season. With 1,913 total yards on the season, Corral has 15 touchdowns and just one interception. The only loss Ole Miss has seen through Week 8 came from the hands of reigning national champions the Alabama Crimson Tide, whose star NFL wide receiver DeVonta Smith became a member of the Heisman club last December. Corral’s Heisman odds could be drastically altered against the No. 18 Auburn Tigers come Saturday as the race to New York is further established.

Caleb Williams After earning the starting position behind Spencer Rattler in Week 6 against Texas, Williams has shown immense promise, recently throwing his name into the Heisman conversation. Against Texas, the Sooners were down 7-28 at the end of the first quarter before head coach Lincoln Riley made the executive decision to bench Rattler. Opening up the second quarter with a 66-yard touchdown run, Williams was able to ignite a comeback win for the Sooners. Williams has thrown for 787 yards and eight touchdowns with one interception this season for No. 4 Oklahoma, having started in just two games. The true freshman has a quarterback rating of 95.6 heading into a Week 9 matchup against Texas Tech.

rocky higine / the daily texan staff

10

Examining the game plan:

DOUBLE COVERAGE

Sarkisian hopes to tweak play calling in face of veteran Baylor defense

By Matthew Boncosky

When media members voted in the preseason Big 12 poll, they predicted Baylor would finish 8th in the conference. Now over halfway through the season, the Bears sit tied for second place in the Big 12 with a 6–1 overall record.

While the Bears didn’t receive media attention before the season, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian knows that his Big 12 contender Baylor cannot be overlooked anymore as Week 9 approaches. Coming off two straight losses before their bye week, the Longhorns will have their work cut out for them if they hope to get back into the win column heading into an away matchup against the No. 16 Bears.

“This is going to take a really good week of preparation,” Sarkisian said Monday. “That’s a good football team we’re playing.”

Baylor hired head coach Dave Aranda in 2020, who brings a wealth of defensive experience to the Bears after previously serving as the defensive coordinator at LSU and Wisconsin. With a defensive-minded coach at the helm, the first thing that comes to mind when gameplanning for Baylor is the defense.

The 2021 Baylor defense — returning 10 starters from last year — currently ranks third in the Big 12 in yards allowed per game and second in points allowed per game. The veteran group knows how to work well in unison,

|

@mboncosky

something Sarkisian credited to Aranda’s “fantastic job” in implementing a strong culture and toughness in just his second year at Baylor.

The success of Aranda’s defense relies on the Bears playing tight, fundamentally sound defense with minimal mistakes.

Additionally, Aranda will throw several different looks at opposing offenses from base four-man rushes to simulated pressures and two-deep coverages. Aranda’s varied game plans allow him to react effectively to weaknesses that an opposing offense hopes to expose.

“If you hurt him somewhere, he has the answer in his toolkit to fix it,” Sarkisian said. “I don’t think you can play against Dave one dimensional.”

Sarkisian’s offensive attack has notably struggled in late-game situations when Texas has desperately needed to move the ball. His insistence up to this point has been to rely on simple concepts that he believes his players know how to execute well, pointing to first-half successes.

That hasn’t exactly worked out in recent losses to Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, and Sarkisian acknowledged that, when looking at the tape, his offense is capable of handling more elaborate play calling going forward.

Facing a Baylor defense that knows how to adapt on the fly, Sarkisian hopes to open up the playbook a little more and trust his offense’s preparation to execute. In situations when the perfect play call might be all that’s needed to swing momentum back into Texas’ favor, Sarkisian trusts that his team will get the job done.

“I probably didn’t give enough credit to our players to do that,” Sarkisian said.

“I think we need to stay down that course and line of thinking into the fourth quarter, even after we have a couple tough series that don’t go our way.”

blaine young / the daily texan staff

Opponents to Watch

friday, OCTOBER 29, 2021

11

By Christina Huang | @stina_huang

While a win against No. 16 Baylor is definitely possible for the Longhorns, four Bears could cause major issues for Texas.

Trestan Ebner

Senior running back Trestan Ebner has been vital to Baylor’s offense this season.

Although Ebner’s style of play is flashier than that of fellow running back Smith, the two are crucial to the Bears’ offense.

Ebner also has the ability to break through defenses and into the end zone. The duo of Ebner and Smith has allowed Baylor to lead the conference in rushing yards, yards per carry and first downs via rushing. Although Ebner has been known for his athletic abilities for years, Smith’s presence with him in the backfield has only boosted his stats. Texas must be able to stop both Ebner and Smith if the Longhorns wish to close out October with a win.

Abram Smith

copyright brinkley bounds, and reproduced with permission

Senior running back Abram Smith gave a dominating performance in Baylor’s win over BYU in Week 7. Smith rushed for 188 yards on 27 carries and ended with three touchdowns. His playing style is simple but effective; Smith is quick to find holes in opposing defenses and subsequently plows over defenders within his path. Smith is one of five running backs in the Big 12 who average over 100 yards per game. Despite his age, the senior is relatively new to the running back game. Most of Smith’s time at Baylor has been spent on special teams, but he was moved to the backfield this past spring. Smith is one of the major threats Texas should look out for due to his ability to run through defenses at a moment’s notice.

copyright matt ellett, and reproduced with permission

Dillon Doyle

Junior linebacker Dillon Doyle has shown that he can be a solid two-way player this season. Doyle played a major role on both sides of the ball in Baylor’s 24-14 loss to Oklahoma State. Doyle lined up as a fullback and acted as the main blocker to allow Smith to run for a 55-yard touchdown for Baylor’s trip to the end zone. Doyle finished the Oklahoma State game with 15 total tackles. During Baylor’s Week 7 win over BYU, Doyle caught a touchdown pass and also had a sack that forced the Cougars to settle for a field goal. Doyle has proved to be a danger both defensively and offensively and if the linebacker can keep up with his current pace of play on Saturday, then he could be a serious threat to both sides of Texas’ game.

Gerry Bohanon

copyright matt ellett, and reproduced with permission

Junior quarterback Gerry Bohanon has been quietly dominating all season. Bohanon has had an exceptional season with 114 completions for 1,563 yards and one interception. Bohanon’s only interception on the season came during the Bears’ win over BYU on Oct. 16.

The Earle, Arkansas product completed 18of-28 passes against the Cougars and accounted for 231 yards. Bohanon leads the Big 12 in passing yards and currently leads the conference with the most touchdowns at 18 on the season. The junior is also one of four quarterbacks in the country to have thrown for over 1,500 yards with only one interception. The Bears ended the 2020 season at 2–7 and currently sit at 6–1 overall. Bohanon’s consistency has been a major contributing factor to Baylor’s successful turnaround. Texas will have to stifle Bohanon as much as possible to secure another consecutive win in Waco over the Bears.

copyright matt ellett, and reproduced with permission

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