Last week the Texas Longhorns got a boost to the offense when they welcomed back slot receiver Jake Smith. He led the team in receptions and even scored a touchdown in the loss to Texas Christian. The offense has been the best unit on the team through three games but were shorthanded. Smith looks to have an even better game against the Oklahoma Sooners in the Red River Rivalry game on Saturday.
The other slot receiver and running back hybrid in Jordan Whittington is now expected to make his return against Oklahoma. Whittington injured himself in the opener against the UTEP Miners. With Smith and Whittington both down the team had to rely on walk on Kai Money and transfer Brendan Schooler. With Whittington back, the team gains another weapon for the offensive attack against the Sooners.
In his media session on Wednesday, offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich was asked about Whittington’s availability for the game. “We plan on him going and to what degree,” Yurcich continued “that will be determined.”
Texas OC Mike Yurcich on Jordan Whittington: "We plan on him going, and to what degree, that will be determined."
— Joe Cook (@josephcook89) October 7, 2020
Given the injury concerns on with the running backs, Whittington could be used in that capacity as well. Bijan Robinson didn’t see the field except for one kickoff return against TCU and Roschon Johnson dinged up his shoulder. That left Keaontay Ingram as the lone healthy running back late in their last game. With Bijan back at practice and a healthier Roschon, the Longhorns can mix in Jordan a bit as well.
Against the Oklahoma Sooners the team needs all hands on deck for this one. It is hard to call a game in week four a “must win” but they really need this game. For confidence of the team and confidence in their head coach Tom Herman. The Longhorns can’t afford a second-straight conference loss when they are already behind three other teams in conference standings.