Breakout rushing attack fuels Texas offense capable of running through College Football Playoff field

AUSTIN, Texas — When the lane opened and Jaydon Blue reached open grass to finish a 77-yard touchdown run that gave 5-seed Texas a game-deciding, 38-24 fourth-quarter lead, Blue called the moment a “sign of relief.”

Nothing happened easily for Blue this season. Due to bouts of fumbles and stretches of ineffective play, Blue lost his starting job. His 146 yards and two scores in a first-round College Football Playoff win over 12-seed Clemson (10-4) represented a reversal of fortunes.

You could say the same of Texas’ offense overall.  

Despite likely draft picks at quarterback (Quinn Ewers), offensive tackle (Kelvin Banks, Cam Williams) and weapons all over the place across the wide receiver and running back room, Texas’ offense has suffered through bouts of inconsistency all season despite ranking 35th nationally in yards per play. There were 49-point explosions like Texas managed against Florida. There were also the days — like four of Texas’ last seven SEC games — where the Longhorns failed to clear the 20-point barrier. 

Many of the critiques of Texas this season have focused on its quarterback situation. Quinn Ewers vs. Arch Manning. You know the trite storyline. But a much bigger issue has been the Longhorns’ inability to consistently establish the run against high-level competition. 

Look at Texas’ rushing production in its two losses and only other truly close games this season: 

Georgia (Regular season): 29 yards (1.1 ypc)Vanderbilt: 104 yards (3.1 ypc)Arkansas: 139 yards (3.4 ypc)Georgia (SEC Championship Game): 31 yards (1.1 ypc)

See a pattern?

It’s why Texas coach Steve Sarkisian challenged his team entering the playoff and on the heels of yet another dud of a rushing effort against the Bulldogs in Atlanta. 

“We need to…

Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/breakout-rushing-attack-fuels-texas-offense-capable-of-running-through-college-football-playoff-field/

Author : Chris Hummer

Publish date : 2024-12-22 03:41:00

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.