Texas' perimeter emphasis boosts entire offense versus Rice
Try as they might versus Arkansas, and the Longhorns tried a lot versus Arkansas, Texas’ offense could not make consistent gains lining up behind the offensive line and running between the tackles. The effects of the failure to run the football seeped into other aspects of the offense and led to a dismal performance that only put 21 points on the scoreboard.
Rather than make changes to the starting five linemen immediately following the disappointing performance, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian and offensive coordinator Kyle Flood emphasized an approach where even small lapses received ridicule. The work done throughout the week, and a solid performance in Texas’ perimeter emphasis, showed up in the offensive line Saturday, when Texas ran for 427 yards in a 58-0 win over Rice.
“(Flood) was on them this week,” Sarkisian said following the game. “We weren’t just going to let the little things slide, and we challenged them on, never mind the result of the play or whatever it was. It was about, did you do your job exactly how it was supposed to be done and then beyond? That’s how the week was, that’s how we coached it in game, and we saw the results.”
There were still plays where Texas offensive linemen were beaten by Owl defenders, most notably on Casey Thompson’s first quarter interception. For the most part, the O-line played a better game compared to its outing against the Razorbacks.
Part of what helped them find more success were play calls that didn’t show up in Fayetteville. Last week, Texas ran outside zone only four times for 15 yards. Compare that to the 15 times the Longhorns ran it against Louisiana for 115 yards.
Sarkisian recognized getting the ball on the perimeter was beneficial for not just his offensive line, but for his team. That emphasis helped the offensive line help the running backs. Whatever the number of outside running plays was, it dwarfed the total run at Arkansas.
All the Texas running backs made plays running outside, and a few scored on plant-and-go runs. Keilan Robinson rushed 65 yards on an outside zone give, and Jonathon Brooks scored his first career touchdown running toward the perimeter behind the second offensive line.
The emphasis on the perimeter was also evident in how receiver Xavier Worthy received touches.
Texas tried to put the ball in the freshman from Fresno’s hands via slants, deep shots, and back shoulder throws. They also put him in motion and got him moving laterally and completed several two-foot pop passes to Worthy. He finished with seven catches for 88 yards and one score.
“I do believe in both aspects, whether it was the passing game or the running, we did try to get the ball a little bit more in space and not play as much internal football and get the guys the ball in space,” Sarkisian said. “I think we had success there.”
Sarkisian added he thought Texas succeeded running internally, but there was far more variety in Texas’ play calling displayed versus the Owls than versus the Razorbacks in both the run and pass game. The scoreboard at Darrell K Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium was lit up several times as a result.
“The ball on the perimeter is good, and I thought the runners ran it well,” Sarkisian said. “But again, getting the ball in space to the wide outs I think was effective, too.”
