Tag: texas longhorns vs byu cougars

Texas still needs to fix red zone problems despite dominant victory

No. 7 Texas wins 35-6, but finishing drives continues to be a problem.

On Saturday, the No. 7 Texas Longhorns defeated the BYU Cougars to improve to 7-1 on the season.

During the 35-6 rout of the Cougars, Texas’ defense was the main storyline.

BYU’s offense, averaging 28 points per game, was limited to just six by Texas in the game. The Longhorns also had three takeaways during Saturday’s matchup.

Although the defense won the game, finishing drives seems to still pose a problem for Steve Sarkisian and the Texas offense.

During the second quarter, quarterback Maalik Murphy was sacked and fumbled the ball. Despite it being his debut start and a missed block, it was still a missed opportunity.

Moving on to the third quarter, Texas managed to drive down the field from their own 21-yard line but was stopped on fourth down at the BYU two-yard line.

On their missed red zone opportunity, the Longhorns put together a 64-yard drive but failed to convert on 4th and 1, resulting in another turnover on fourth down.

The Longhorns have been struggling to finish drives lately, which can be attributed to the new quarterback play. If they want to remain undefeated and qualify for the Big 12 Championship game, they will need to address this issue moving forward.

Maalik Murphy officially named starter for Saturday by Sarkisian

Steve Sarkisian officially names starter for Texas’ matchup vs BYU.

We have a starting quarterback for Saturday. While Texas fans waited in suspense for a decision on Thursday, head coach Steve Sarkisian finally gave us an answer. Maalik Murphy will be the starter against BYU.

After Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers was injured last Saturday, redshirt freshman Maalik Murphy was put into the remainder of the game. It appears he will stay in that position for the foreseeable future.

The redshirt freshman from California has an elite arm and exceptional power, and he showed his skills off during the Orange vs White game in the Spring. Many think that Murphy has the best arm on the team.

Don’t expect Steve Sarkisian will limit the playbook for Murphy. The team thinks as highly of the Longhorns signal caller as many of his supporters outside the program. We could see it on full display on Saturday.

Murphy is set to make his first collegiate start on Saturday when No. 7 Texas hosts BYU.

By the numbers: How No. 7 Texas compares to the BYU Cougars

Taking a look at the overall comparisons between No. 7 Texas and BYU to see who has the edge for Saturday’s game.

The No. 7 Texas Longhorns are set to face off against the BYU Cougars on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CT. The Cougars hold a record of 5-2 with conference wins over Kansas and Houston.

Texas fans shouldn’t take this game lightly, even if BYU doesn’t seem as menacing as they have in previous years.

With quarterback Quinn Ewers considered week-to-week, the offense will likely be in the hands of Maalik Murphy, a redshirt freshman who has seen minimal playing time.

Without Texas’ starting quarterback, how should the Longhorns attack BYU’s defense?

The obvious answer is running the ball. Texas running back Jonathon Brooks has been on a tear, and with freshman CJ Baxter getting healthy, expect a solid one-two punch from the talented backs.

With Murphy getting his first career collegiate start, head coach Steve Sarkisian will have to formulate a game plan that suits the inexperienced signal-caller and can get the offense rolling early.

With that being said, let’s take a look at the overall numbers between No. 7 Texas and BYU to see who has the edge.

Meet Texas QB Maalik Murphy, the presumed starter while Quinn Ewers is sidelined

Meet Maalik Murphy, the Texas quarterback who will fill in for Quinn Ewers as he deals with a shoulder injury.

During Saturday’s game against Houston, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers sustained a shoulder injury and is now considered week-to-week according to head coach Steve Sarkisian. Continue reading “Meet Texas QB Maalik Murphy, the presumed starter while Quinn Ewers is sidelined”