Deep Dive: Fixes Texas needs against the San Jose State Spartans

Texas showed some weaknesses last week. What do we need to see against San Jose State to feel better moving forward?

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The video transcript presents an in-depth discussion analyzing the Texas Longhorns football team’s recent performance against Ohio State and what lessons can be applied moving forward, especially in preparation for three upcoming “beatable” opponents, with a particular focus on San Jose State. The hosts emphasize the need for Texas to demonstrate dominance and explosiveness on offense, particularly through a more effective running game and improved quarterback performance from Arch Manning. They explore potential strategies to boost Manning’s confidence, such as scripting plays that address his previous inaccuracies, and debate whether to aggressively push his passing attempts early in the game or integrate him more gradually.

The conversation also delves into the running back position, suggesting that exploring different personnel like Christian Clark and Jerrick Gibson could unlock additional explosiveness beyond the reliable but limited output from Tre Wisner and Cedric Baxter. Offensive line play is highlighted as a critical component, with an emphasis on consistent physicality, better footwork, and the need to excel in gap blocking rather than merely “getting a hat on a hat.” The discussion touches on the challenge of balancing multiple blocking schemes (zone vs. gap) and the resulting inconsistency in execution, particularly in the red zone.

Regarding the receiving corps, the hosts express uncertainty about their true capabilities, noting that Ohio State’s elite defense masked whether Texas’ receivers can consistently get open. Against San Jose State, which tends to throw deep and run timing routes, the quarterback and receivers should have more opportunities to excel.

On defense, the focus shifts to the secondary’s challenge in countering San Jose State’s downfield passing bias, with special attention on the slot receiver, Danny Scudero, who is compared to quick, shifty receivers from Texas Tech’s past. The discussion explores defensive personnel decisions, such as whether to deploy nickel or dime packages and how to handle risky matchups involving inexperienced players like freshman Graceson Littleton. The hosts debate the balance between challenging players to develop confidence and minimizing exposure that could reveal vulnerabilities to future opponents like Oklahoma.

Finally, the analysis acknowledges San Jose State’s relative lack of size and reliance on hybrid linebackers but warns against oversimplifying their defense, emphasizing the importance of leveraging Texas’ size and athleticism without falling into a predictable, one-dimensional offensive approach. The overall message is that Texas must improve execution, physicality, and confidence across all phases to capitalize on upcoming opportunities and build toward a more dynamic, multi-faceted offense centered around Arch Manning’s development.

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