IT Roundtable: Keys to the game, season outlook, Texas vs. Mississippi State predictions

The Longhorns complete a month away from Austin on Saturday with their first trip to Starkville, Miss. since 1991 to face the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

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The Inside Texas staff offers keys to the game, players to watch, score predictions, outlooks, and more in the Roundtable.

What does Texas need to do to ensure success against the Veer and Shoot without Michael Taaffe?

Eric Nahlin – Defend the run with honest numbers and keep good coverage on Brenen Thompson. The corners need to have a good game.

Justin Wells – Stop the running game, something MSU can do, and limit the downfield passing and big plays. Derek Williams has this.

Ian Boyd – I think play it safe with two-deep coverages. Make Mississippi State prove it can win deep throwing against deep safeties or else make the Bulldogs prove they can run the ball on Texas’ big front. Mississippi State’s offensive front against the Texas defensive front shouldn’t be a battle the Bulldogs can win.

Joe Cook – The safeties have to tackle well and make sure runs that sneak into the third level don’t sneak into the end zone. The wide splits of the MSU offense will put pressure on corners outside, so safeties’ responsibilities in coverage are a little bit diminished. The real test will be getting lined up right and tackling backs who try to move up through the alley.

Charlie Williams – I need the defense, especially the secondary, to communicate and make sure everyone knows their job and is lined up before the snap.

Evan Vieth – Stopping the run up front even without the numbers advantages.

Paul Wadlington – They still need to disguise, but it’s important to stay on top of deep routes. It’s clear from watching film that that you can warn about their speed outside, but it’s another thing to experience it. Taaffe’s tackling and intuition will be missed. If we press outside, actually press with hands on or bail. Corners that squat “fake press” will be humiliated. Be aware of Miss. St. running on passing downs and going deep on running downs. Don’t be afraid to attack their OL. It’s vulnerable. Don’t act surprised by tempo and pace.

RT Young – I love watching Taaffe pre-snap, his communication is like a point guard. The defense will need to communicate clearly and have veterans step up in his absence.

What does progress look like for you from the Longhorn offense at Mississippi State?

Eric Nahlin – Progress comes in the form of a coherent, replicable offensive game plan. Everything else is secondary, even Arch Manning’s performance.

Justin Wells – Scoring touchdowns. But seriously, staying ahead of the chains, hitting the layups, and protecting the QB is a good start.

Ian Boyd – Conceptually, this offense needs to pare things down a bit and develop some mastery in a style of offense that takes into account the lack of quality O-line play we’ve seen this season. Sadly, Arch Manning can’t throw many bombs behind the protections we’ve seen this year. It’s time the gameplan reflected as much.

Joe Cook – If there are a good amount of opportunities in 3rd-and-managable, that will indicate Texas trudged downfield and was able to set up some deep opportunities in good offensive situations.

Charlie Williams – Progress means better execution and commitment to running the football when it’s working. I want to see balanced play calling, finishing drives with touchdowns, and starting fast.

Evan Vieth – I’m not sure I can ever fully trust this offense, but if Sarkisian can mold his play-calling into something more efficient for this 2025 team I’ll be pleased.

Paul Wadlington – Basic competence in any phase.

RT Young – First downs, completed passes, positive yardage!

What do you want to see from a running game that should include CJ Baxter?

Eric Nahlin – Touchdowns!

Justin Wells – More carries to the second level.

Ian Boyd – More outside zone to punish the slants and stunts everyone is running at the Texas offensive line. They also need running backs not named Tre Wisner to develop a feel for the reads of that particular run scheme.

Joe Cook – I’d like to see Baxter get more than what the run is blocked for in his opportunities and also help to make the most of checkdowns.

Charlie Williams – If he’s truly ready to go a commitment to giving him the ball at least 12-15 times.

Evan Vieth – Some change of pace for Quintrevion Wisner. I don’t expect him to play a ton, but we know Wisner could use more rest these days.

Paul Wadlington – The running game needs to major in OZ. CJ Baxter can pass protect and he can run for the yardage blocked. Some Texas fans have built up a mythical RB that doesn’t exist.

RT Young – Outside zone and a few runs over 10 yards

If Texas emerges from its road October 3-1 after Saturday, you’re feeling…

Eric Nahlin – Who knows how I’ll feel. Nobody should have felt great about the Kentucky win because it further revealed fatal flaws. On some level I do subscribe to a survive and advance attitude but survival becomes less likely with each offensive outing.

Justin Wells – Decent. What happens in November will tell us more.

Ian Boyd – Good, not great. Probably the two best teams on the schedule are still coming up and the Longhorns have zero margin for error after dropping both of the early games (at tOSU, at Florida) we all identified as being difficult. They also still have to beat Vanderbilt at home, which is a less obvious win that it appeared to be earlier.

Joe Cook – Like everything is still on the table. The process to get the results has been frustrating but to emerge from a month away from Austin with one loss would still render November meaningful.

Charlie Williams – Honestly, who knows? Even at 3-1, I don’t know what version of this team we’re getting week to week. The offense is too inconsistent, so it’s hard to trust what’s coming next.

Evan Vieth – Confused

Paul Wadlington – Ready for a potential 2-2 November, but hoping for 3-1?

RT Young – Cautiously optimistic about the rest of the season.

Score prediction

Eric Nahlin – 20-17, Texas

Justin Wells – 17-16, Texas

Ian Boyd – 20-17, Texas

Joe Cook – 24-17, Texas.

Charlie Williams – 26-19, Mississippi State.

Evan Vieth – 17-14, Texas

Paul Wadlington – 23-20, Texas

RT Young – 77-3, Texas (who knows).