Inside the Numbers: Texas' 2023 Spring Game
The 2023 Texas Longhorns football team arrived on campus Saturday for its annual Orange-White scrimmage. Big plays on both sides of the ball and an injury-free contest were the most notable positives from Saturday. Let’s look inside the numbers and stats after UT White defeated UT Orange, 21-10, at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin.
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The offense was led by Quinn Ewers and Maalik Murphy’s prolific passing, flashes carrying the rock from Jaydon Blue and CJ Baxter, one-handed catches from AD Mitchell and Xavier Worthy’s return to 2021 form.
The defense played well in spurts, including getting consistent pressure on the quarterback and stacking sacks. Between Alfred Collins, Anthony Hill Jr, and Ethan Burke, the defensive side of the ball had some solid stops and moments on Saturday.
OFFENSE —
Passing:
Quinn Ewers completed 16-of-23 passes for 195 yards and one touchdown.
Maalik Murphy went 9-of-13 passing for 165 yards and one touchdown.
QB1 and QB2 are pretty much established heading into the summer. Both were fantastic.
Arch Manning went 5-of-13 for 30 yards with a 57.8 QBR. Manning made a few nice throws and used his legs to move the chains. Still, he looked like a young prospect that is missing senior prom.
Rushing:
Jaydon Blue led all running backs with 52 yards on 10 carries, two catches, and a spectacular 31-touchdown run.
Savion Red chipped in 45 yards on nine carries, with a long of 21 yards, and two catches.
Cedric Baxter found the end zone early in the contest, with a 1-yard plunge, while notching 35 total yards in the air on the ground.
Jonathon Brooks was held out for precautionary reasons after having surgery at the end of the 2022 season.
Receiving:
Jordan Whittington was the smooth and steady veteran, grabbing 59 yards receiving on five catches, converting three first downs.
Johntay Cook led the wideouts with 87 yards through the air on three catches, highlighted by his 79-yard scoring catch from Murphy.
Deandre Moore was targeted early and often, and added 44 yards on five catches.
AD Mitchell tallied 58 yards receiving on six grabs, and had the play of the day with this one-handed scoring strike from Ewers.
Honorable Mention:
Walk-on running back Ky Woods was busy on Saturday with 21 yards on five grabs, and an explosive 35-yard pitch-and-catch.
DEFENSE —
Tackles/Sacks/PBUs/QB Pressures:
LB David Gbenda and safety B.J. Allen led the teams with eight tackles each.
LB/EDGE Jett Bush added six tackles and one sack.
EDGE Ethan Burke tallied five tackles and one sack, not to mention a handful of pressures.
LB Liona Lefau chipped in five tackles and one pass breakup on a play in the end zone with Gunnar Helm.
LB/EDGE Anthony Hill had three tackles, two sacks, and one QB pressure and flashed the ability to shoot gaps and get to the quarterback.
DB Xavion Brice mixed it up with five tackles from defensive back.
CB Terrance Brooks added two tackles, but it was his coverage on Xavier Worthy that stood out, including one play where he was step for step with Worthy and likely draws an offensive pass interference if officiated correctly.
DL Alfred Collins notched two tackles, one sack, and one tipped pass that ended up in Jaydon Blue’s hands.
DB’s Michael Taaffe, Gavin Holmes, Ryan Watts, and Austin Jordan each added a pass breakup.
EDGE Jmond Tapp kicked in two tackles, one sack, and another QB pressure.
