The Texas Longhorns play their first game with presumed temporary starting quarterback Maalik Murphy on Saturday. The opportunity for Murphy is as uncertain as it is exciting for those looking to see what the blue chip quarterback can accomplish.
Murphy has a rocket arm and is skilled at many different throws. Nevertheless, it would be wise to lean on the running game in his first career college start. To do that, Texas might need to launch the ball downfield early to free up running opportunities.
You beat aggression with aggression. If BYU is smart, it will aim to disrupt the Texas offense with an attacking style of defense. Perhaps they won’t. What you can expect is the Cougars will try to shut down Longhorns running back Jonathon Brooks and the Texas running game.
It’s reasonable for BYU to assume its opponent will want to run the football this week to protect its backup. We could see the Cougars dare Maalik Murphy to beat them. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian should take that dare on the first drive and attack downfield on the first possession.
Murphy can throw the long ball. Should he connect on the first drive it could garner adequate respect for the Longhorns’ offensive weapons at receiver and open up the running game.
With only one loss this season, Texas simply wants to get off the field with its goals intact. The Longhorns should want to run the clock and run the ball. A fast start for Maalik Murphy could be the key to accomplishing that objective.