Negativity continues to surround the Texas football program this season.
The stakes for this crucial Big 12 matchup in Stillwater on Saturday have now skyrocketed. Texas is understandably facing a must-win game against the sixth-ranked team in the country to keep their conference title hopes alive.
However, the issues stem much deeper.
The Longhorns are experiencing a mass exodus of highly rated recruits. Four-star athlete Billy Bowman, four-star wide receiver Phaizon Wilson and five-star quarterback Quinn Ewers have each decommitted from Texas within the last month.
The only way to stop the bleeding is to win football games. The battle with Oklahoma State is now a must-win game for head coach Tom Herman’s future in Austin. Uncertainty began to rise after back-to-back losses to unranked teams, but losing the state’s top recruits presents a larger issue.
Let’s take a look at three primary concerns heading into Saturday’s matchup between Texas and Oklahoma State.
Run game
Quarterback Sam Ehlinger cannot continue to be Texas’ leading rusher. Oklahoma State has a solid defensive unit, but they’ve surrendered 127.0 yards per game on the ground this season. The Longhorns starting running back — Keaontay Ingram — has 51 carries for 245 yards and no touchdowns this year. Although injuries have hindered Roschon Johnson and Bijan Robinson, the inconsistency running the football is an obvious concern for Texas moving forward.
Chuba Hubbard
Oklahoma State running back Chuba Hubbard is averaging 5.1 yards per carry this season. In conference play, Texas has given up 152.3 yards per game on the ground. Hubbard is without a doubt the most talented back that the Longhorns will face this year. In each of Texas’ losses, they’ve surrendered 217 yards per game on the ground — worst in the Big 12. Texas must find a way to slow him down if they hope to escape Stillwater with a win.
Tylan Wallace
Wide receiver Tylan Wallace is arguably one of Oklahoma State’s most dangerous weapons. He’s recorded 24 receptions for 401 yards and two touchdowns this season. However, he’s averaging 16.7 yards per reception. If Texas hopes to stay in this game, they must limit the big plays. Wallace has recorded a reception of 32 yards or longer in each contest this season — the longest being 55 yards against Kansas.