Plain and simple, the Longhorns were outplayed by Arkansas in Week 2. However, that does not mean the season is over or that goals are out of reach.
Far from it.
Texas is still learning under this new coaching staff, and continuing to figure out what works for them and what doesn’t. Steve Sarkisian has made an adjustment at quarterback, and given junior Casey Thompson a chance to lead the team. For anyone that thought Texas was going to go undefeated in their first season under Sarkisian was delusional, because the team is full of inexperienced players getting their first crack at being key contributors.
The Arkansas loss was an embarrassment, and a game that the Longhorns very well could have won if there were better in-game adjustments made. The offensive line was atrocious, and at times made it seem like the defense had 16 people because of their poor play.
The defensive front seven may as well have just let Arkansas run past them every play, and just attempt to chase them, because they were getting abused up front. However, this Rice game could not have come at a better time, as Texas should have no problems dismantling an overmatched Owls team.
Sarkisian mentioned that his team took the Arkansas loss hard, as they should, but it also adds extra fuel to the fire moving forward. The Texas social media department put together a great video of the team’s mindset of moving past adversity ahead of the Rice matchup.
Turn the page. đ¤ pic.twitter.com/AvHLdAZTOF
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) September 17, 2021
I fully expect them to have that page turned, and unfortunately for Rice, they will likely be on the receiving end of a Texas sized beatdown.