TEXAS VS. K-STATE
Does Tom Herman have the right ingredients on offense?
AUSTIN —Without a doubt, Tom Herman knows offense.
And without a doubt, Herman knows now that Texas’ offense could use … something. A lot of things.
Blame it on the battered offensive line or the lack of a true dual-threat quarterback to run the offense or the lack of a consistent run game.
In a series of FBS stops in his rapid rise to Texas head coach, Herman found the right formula, from Rice to Iowa State to Ohio State to Houston, sometimes making it look easy. Texas (2-2, 1-0 Big 12) so far is a struggle heading into Saturday’s game against Kansas State (3-1, 1-0).
“It’s back to the drawing board,” Herman said.
In its last two games, against Southern Cal and Iowa State, Texas has scored 34 points in regulation and rushed for 209 yards, a 2.4 yard average. The offense ranks seventh in the Big 12. Starting quarterback Shane Buechele (sprained ankle) is in a protective boot.
“He won’t be 100 percent,” Herman said, “but a quarterback with an ankle probably doesn’t need to be 100 percent to be serviceable.”
So far, a resurgent defense has been enough for Texas. Whether that continues in a Big 12 world of quarterbacks such as Baker Mayfield, Mason Rudolph and Will Grier, who knows?
If you’re looking for a trend, the first seven questions Herman fielded at his Monday news conference focused on the offense.
He was quizzed several times on his two quarterbacks, Buechele and freshman Sam Ehlinger. “In regard to the quarterbacks, again, do I feel good?” Herman said. “We’ve got to get better.”
He said the quarterbacks are good enough to win and he doesn’t need a gifted runner at the position, as he’s had in the past.
Running backs Chris Warren III and Kyle Porter have to do a better job of making yardage on their own, Herman said.
“We’re not making very many people miss. If it’s blocked for 4 (yards), we’re going to make 4,” Herman said. “Where the great backs, if it’s blocked for 4 they give you 8 and if it’s blocked to 1, they give you 3 or 4.”
That will open the door for more snaps for freshman Toneil Carter, who caught a touchdown pass out of the backfield against Iowa State.
Herman acknowledged that it might be time to change expectations about an offensive line now minus two starting tackles, including All-American Connor Williams (knee).
“There’s nobody that’s slept less and pulled more hair out than (offensive line coach) Derek Warehime at this point,” Herman said.
For those wondering if Herman might take over the play-calling duties, think again.
While Herman spends a vast amount of a typical gameweek prep working with the offense, he views his game role as managing the game. Plus, he was always more comfortable as an offensive coordinator in the press box.
“I envy those guys that are head coaches and call plays,” Herman said. “I don’t know how they do it. They’ve got a different skill set than me, maybe.”