Longhorns believe it’s high time to flip script
Herman expects to turn close losses into some victories
AUSTIN — For nearly four hours, Texas and USC exchanged blows and traded mistakes and staved off defeat.
In double overtime, the underdog slipped.
USC defensive lineman Christian Rector stripped the ball from Longhorns quarterback Sam Ehlinger about 2 yards shy of the goal line, defensive back Ajene Harris pounced, and the Trojans emerged with possession.
The UT sideline became a panorama of shock and misery in the immediate aftermath. Coach Tom Herman gnawed on a piece of gum, grinding it into oblivion. Receiver Reggie Hemphill-Mapps plodded off the field in a daze. Ehlinger, helmet still fastened, beelined toward backup quarterback Shane Buechele to discuss what just happened.
Last year’s 27-24 loss to USC
was both a step forward and a sign of the frustrations to come. Four of the Longhorns’ six defeats came by no more than five points. Despite Herman’s best efforts, that trend bled into this campaign during a 34-29 season-opening loss to Maryland.
Saturday’s meeting with No. 22 USC (1-1) at Royal-Memorial Stadium is expected to be a tight affair. Even after a sluggish start to the season, Texas (1-1) senses it is ready to triumph in one of these close-fought tussles.
“Even some of our guys have said they can taste it,” Herman said. “They know how close to getting over that hump we are. I think that’s a feeling that they haven’t had here.
“We know we’re close, but we’re not happy or satisfied with only losing by whatever. We need to hurry up and start winning some of those games.”
A victory over the Trojans wouldn’t necessarily portend a total turnaround for Texas, but it would help assuage some concerns heading into a Big 12 slate that’s particularly brutal early on.
Defensive coordinator Todd Orlando needs to see more from his linebackers, a group still trying to find its way with 2017 Big 12 co-defensive player of the year Malik Jefferson now plying his trade with the Cincinnati Bengals. Offensive coordinator Tim Beck needs to manufacture ways to convert on third down after converting only 8-of-27 opportunities through two games. And while no one expected freshman punter Ryan Bujcevski to replicate what his cousin Michael Dickson did, more consistency would certainly help boost the defense.
Texas does have several factors working in its favor.
Ehlinger has developed an excellent rapport with leading receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey, and Collin Johnson absolutely torched USC last year. Graduate transfer running back Tre Watson has shown no lingering effects from surgery to repair a torn ACL. Center Elijah Rodriguez, right guard Derek Kerstetter and left guard Sam Cosmi held up well after shifting around to accommodate for the absence of Zach Shackelford (foot).
The defense has slipped somewhat, but Orlando praised his secondary, particularly the safeties.
“That was the one position that’s really hard in this package,” Orlando said. “There’s a lot of stuff going on for those guys, and I think they’ve done a really good job.”
As for USC, it simply isn’t the same overpowering presence it was in 2017.
Freshman quarterback JT Daniels is dealing with a bruised throwing hand and appeared rattled by all the pressure Stanford brought last weekend. The offensive line often looked overwhelmed and a step slow in that 17-3 loss, so expect Orlando to send multiple rushers to keep Daniels offkilter and uneasy.
The Trojans’ greatest strength, at least right now, is their defense.
Senior linebacker Porter Gustin is a 6-5, 260-pound specimen once described as a combination of “Captain America and the Incredible Hulk” by coach Clay Helton. Fellow linebacker Camerson Smith has already amassed 16 tackles, three tackles for loss, and one sack. And as a unit, USC ranks 18th in passing yards allowed, though its sieve-like run defense has surrendered 233.5 yards per game.
“We are aware and very cognizant of how good their defense is,” Herman said. “They’re athletic at every position, even their big guys are athletic. Their ends when they’re in nickel are really kind of outside linebacker hybrid-type guys, so they’re quick, they’re agile and they’re physical.”
Texas has the tools required to beat USC. As for added motivation, Herman said he felt no necessity to do anything extraordinary to get the juices flowing. After coming agonizingly close so often last year, the Longhorns understand it’s time to flip the script.
“We’re happy with our trajectory,” Herman said. “The guys are bought-in, and it’s a fun locker room to be around.
“We also know that we’ve got some more steps we need to take.”