Texas Offense Stalls as Playoff Odds Plummet
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Following a second straight collapse against unranked opponents, questions mount over Steve Sarkisian's play-calling and the development of Arch Manning.
Texas suffered a 27-24 loss to unranked Florida on Saturday, marking the second consecutive week the Longhorns blew a double-digit lead to an unranked opponent, as CBS Sports first reported. Texas held a 17-3 lead in the first half before an anemic offense allowed Florida to secure the win.
CBS Sports reports that Texas now stands at 4-2, with upcoming matchups against No. 9 Ole Miss, No. 16 Mississippi State, No. 13 Missouri, and No. 22 LSU. Following the loss, CBS Sports projections show the team's playoff odds have dropped to 43 percent.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian stated after the game that the program would evaluate everything from an offensive perspective, including play-calling and the quarterback position. CBS Sports notes that prior to the Florida game, Texas ranked 117th nationally in yards per carry (3.66) and had the SEC's worst three-and-out rate at nearly 29 percent.
Concerns have also emerged regarding the performance of quarterback Arch Manning. CBS Sports reports that Manning's confidence appears shaken, and an SEC head coach told the outlet that Manning's performance is inconsistent. The reporting highlights that the offense has failed to fully utilize explosive players such as Hollywood Smothers, Cam Coleman, and Ryan Wingo.
While Sarkisian has a reputation as an elite offensive mind, CBS Sports suggests that loyalty to assistants like offensive line coach Kyle Flood and quarterbacks coach A.J. Milwee has been an impediment. Athletics director Chris Del Conte has previously issued a strongly worded statement earlier this season regarding accountability within the program.