Texas Q&A: Rampant Consternation Ahead of Massive UT-OU Game

Every game between Texas and Oklahoma is big, but this one feels like the most important in quite some time. The Longhorns entered the season ranked No. 1 but find themselves out of the Top 25 just five games into the season. Meanwhile, the Sooners are trending in the other direction and have risen to No. 6 in the country with notable wins over Michigan and Auburn.

It’s only UT’s second week of conference play but it’s already must-win after dropping the conference opener against Florida.

To add to the intrigue, questions abound over whether Sooners transfer quarterback, John Mateer, will be able to play after injuring his hand and having surgery after the narrow win over Auburn.

The Texas-OU Internet is already quite chippy and many Texas fans are assuming the worst despite the Horns being 1.5 point favorites.

Questions were pretty predictable but justifiable.

I fear this is going to be an unpopular thing to ask on this board, but does Texas need their own version of Jim Nagy?

I am asking because I am struggling to understand how Sark misjudged this offensive line and felt that we didn’t need to take anyone out of the portal. Maybe he just missed it? He’s got so much on his plate – I don’t think it is a crazy idea to start building out a “front office” to take the load off of Sark. – Joemalcom

I wouldn’t say that but you’d like for there to be more conflict, “Team of Rivals,” on offense. How all those coaches could look at the OL and think they were good is tough to believe. I guarantee you they didn’t all feel that way. 

If Sark had an independent OC, that OC almost certainly would have said he needed some OL help.

Anthony Hill game? Seems like he’s an ideal spy regardless of who the QB is. – csmith3

Texas has typically been really good against mobile QB’s by alternating spies. Any three of the linebackers can get it done, probably most obviously, Ty’Anthony Smith.

After OL, what position groups need retooling this offseason? RB, WR, DB? – Tony 9795

RB for sure. 

If you read Ian’s piece it’ll melt your brain. Sark’s preferred offense relies on run-game to set everything else up. The two biggest issues on the team are what would set the whole offense in motion. Further, these were concerns that were widely held outside of the program. Again, going back to last August they should have been guaranteed to take a RB. 

If someone breaks out at WR they’ll be good there for next season. 

They might need a safety and linebacker on defense, but otherwise, they won’t need to spend much.

Do you still believe Sark can win us a natty? I’m starting to think he has a ceiling as HC that is playoff good, but never natty good. – utah_horn

Peter Principled at the semifinals and de facto runner-up last year. That would be an odd place to meet your ceiling. Unless your name is James Franklin.

Given the magnitude of this week, the conversation is at 10 pages and still going. READ HERE!

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