Tuesday Texas Q&A: Time to Build Momentum Against Kentucky

I’ve been looking forward to this Q&A just a tad bit more than last week’s. What a great bounce back after the game in Gainesville. Against OU, I was never worried about the defense. I wasn’t even worried about Arch Manning. The O-line and run game were the chief concerns and the line, along with running back Tre Wisner responded above expectations. Let’s lump the tight ends in there, too.

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Momentum is not a one-off. It requires continuation of a trend. Texas looks to continue its progress this weekend against Kentucky at night. Kentucky is bottom barrel in the SEC but it’s a real SEC program with a real SEC identity with real SEC body types and a real SEC crowd at night. Even Maker’s Mark can get the job done, especially at night.

Do you think the OL can sustain the level of success they had against OU, or did it mostly have to do with OU’s defensive line scheme? – Game Thread Man

I think they found something. The infusion of Nick Brooks is very big. I think the attitude is somewhat sustainable as well given all the (justified) criticism they’ve received. Nobody wants to be a governor on what Texas can accomplish. 

I still think the run game will have hit or miss games dependent on the defensive front it faces but it’ll be better overall. 

They need to find someone to relieve Tre Wisner’s workload.

I think Goosby is still gonna develop into a day 1 or 2 draft pick. Say Brooks is headed towards his ceiling. How many OL do you portal in to make sure Arch has a really good line for his money season? Do you think Baker can develop into a high level right tackle? I absolutely think you go find a center and a right guard. – John Coctosan

They need depth for next year, too. I think they have to take a guard, center, and tackle. That doesn’t mean the tackle has to be $1MM a year guy. Starter quality at guard and center to compete with what’s returning.

Can’t leave anything to chance next year. 

I kind of wish they’d move Nate Kibble to center.

I’ve enjoyed watching Arch grow up this year but also cant help but think is it worth potentially giving up a year with a championship level defense? As opposed to going and getting a Castellanos or whoever out of the portal. Also mindful all this could look drastically different if we get some OL help in the portal instead. – mmorr7

It’s a valid question but, man, Arch is the real freaking deal. You can’t pass on him for some yet to be identified 22-year-old. 

In most cases portal guys are more of a sure thing than high schoolers but the Joe Burrows of the world are few and far between. Arch’s upside is way, way higher than Castellanos. I mean, is Arch better than him now? That might be a stupid question, I haven’t seen FSU in recent weeks. 

But, to your point, look at all the NFL QB’s who are finding success away from the team that drafted them, namely Baker Mayfield, Daniel Jones, and Mac Jones. The portal is similar as guys find better teams/fits to play for.

It’s a good fail-safe for Texas when there’s an Arch or a Dia the decision is academic.

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Other questions include, what’s going on with safety Derek Williams? How about Daniel Cruz at center in 2026? Which players look like they’ll leave early? Where will the coaching staff look to address team needs in the portal? Who can absorb carries so Tre Wisner isn’t worn down like he was at the end of last year?

For those answers and many, many more, READ HERE!

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