What I want to hear from the Texas Longhorns in Monday's media availability

Every Monday, Joe Cook and I get the chance to talk with head coach Steve Sarkisian and about five players regarding last Saturday’s game and the upcoming matchup.

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Last week’s availability carried the vibe of “what-ifs” and emphasized the need for improvement after Texas’ 14-7 loss to Ohio State. This week, the conversation shifts toward progress from Arch Manning, defensive depth, and the importance of getting that first win.

With Texas fresh off a victory over San Jose State and UTEP traveling to Austin this weekend, here’s what we’re looking to hear from Sarkisian and the Longhorns players heading into the week.

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How do you address the penalty problems?

Since the start of fall camp, Sarkisian has talked at length about getting what he emphasizes as a head coach. He spoke often about reducing offensive pre-snap issues that had plagued scrimmages, and heading into Ohio State, he claimed the team had made major strides.

But on Saturday, Texas committed 12 penalties for 115 yards—spanning special teams miscues, offsides, and holding calls. The infractions weren’t isolated to one player, unit, or phase of the game. They were everywhere.

When the issues are that widespread, how does a coach effectively stress the best way to fix them? What does emphasizing alleviating penalties actually mean? That’s going to be one of Sarkisian’s biggest tasks this week.

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How do you get the ball to Ryan Wingo?

If Jack Endries and Parker Livingstone are going to continue carving up defenses, I don’t mind DeAndre Moore taking a step back in the offensive game plan. He can impact the game in multiple ways. But it becomes a real problem if Ryan Wingo continues to be a non-factor.

This was mentioned in our staff group chat: Sean McVay does an excellent job with the Rams of giving Puka Nacua easy opportunities to get involved, even when he’s the obvious first option. Look at the spots on the field where Nacua catches the ball—that’s intentional scheming.

Four of the first 10 plays were schemed for Nacua. Two short passes, an end-around and a 10-yard toss. Easy plays to get him in the groove

Wingo, meanwhile, is struggling with drops and hasn’t found a rhythm in either of his first two games. Sarkisian and Manning need to manufacture easy touches for him. That’s the path to getting him going, and it’s how Texas can prepare for tougher opponents down the stretch.

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Who impressed on Saturday?

The best part of early non-conference games is the chance for depth players to show out. Sarkisian leaned into that this week, integrating players who didn’t see much action against Ohio State early and often. That’s how Ty’Anthony Smith put together such an impressive stat line.

For as much as people roll their eyes at Sarkisian’s press conference talk, he’s usually deliberate in which players he highlights. He spent last year consistently bringing up Jelani McDonald for a reason. This year, it’s been names like Graceson Littleton, Livingstone, and Smith.

Expect him to come prepared with another list of players he wants to spotlight. Those are the names worth paying attention to—they’ll matter as the season wears on.

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What’s next in the run game?

Through two games, Texas’s rushing attack has been average. Longhorn running backs are averaging 4.4 yards per carry and under 2.6 yards after contact per attempt. Beyond that, Texas currently ranks 48th in the country in rushing EPA/play.

If Manning isn’t going to single-handedly take over games, the run game has to give him support. That raises key questions: Will Texas lean more heavily on gap or zone schemes? Which back will earn more touches? Will Sarkisian build out the screen and RPO game?

The answers here will play a huge role in determining how far this team can actually go.

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What does that first win mean for the team?

Texas players aren’t used to starting 0-1. None of the returners on this roster had ever experienced a season-opening loss until the Ohio State game, which made it sting even more.

These players are accustomed to picking up a win at DKR in Week 1. Now that it’s finally happened in Week 2, how does that shift their mindset? What does it do for confidence? Which players benefit the most from that momentum?

Texas now has two more winnable games before a bye week and then a big road test against a struggling Florida team. Even with Texas’ current problems, they’re in a far better spot right now heading into that game. I think the players know that.