Horns return home hoping to prove signs of growth
AUSTIN — It’s been four long weeks since Texas last played at Darrell K Royal-Memorial Stadium.
Over those 28 days, UT (22, 1-0 Big 12) nearly stunned then-No. 4 USC in a doubleovertime thriller, lost All-American left tackle Connor Williams to a potentially season-ending knee injury, got quarterback Shane Buechele back from a shoulder injury, opened Big 12 play with a laborious 17-7 win over Iowa State, handed over the starting right tackle gig to true freshman Derek Kerstetter and developed into arguably one of the best defensive units in the conference.
For UT, this game against Kansas State (3-1, 1-0) can prove something a 56-0 win over lifeless San Jose State couldn’t: that the demons from the Maryland debacle have been fully — or at least mostly — expelled.
“I think there’s a little added pep in our step this week knowing that we’re home for the first time in what feels like forever,” coach Tom Herman said. “Our guys are excited. It’s been a while.”
The Longhorns, despite three straight solid outings, are still searching for themselves. They’ve cycled through a few different masks this season, particularly offensively, but so far nothing has stuck.
There have been transient glimmers of hope on that side of the ball, but the unit has largely struggled to stand on its own under the weight of so many injuries, especially on the offensive line.
Mounting injuries
Center Zach Shackelford was the latest, rolling his ankle during Wednesday’s practice. The team expects him to play. Junior Terrell Cuney is prepared to step in if duty calls.
To compound matters, Buechele is again dinged up.
The sophomore spent several days in a walking boot after completing 73.1 percent of his passes for 171 yards, one touchdown and one interception against Iowa State. Buechele was also whacked in the back of the head and, shortly after, pulverized on his lone scoring toss to running back Toneil Carter.
He endured the last few practices with the ankle heavily taped. If Buechele is too hobbled or ineffective, UT could turn back to Sam Ehlinger. And assuming his hand is fully healed from the 19 stitches inserted last week, expect to see more Jerrod Heard in wildcat packages.
“Sam is 1-1 as a starter, with the one loss being 42 seconds away from a win at the Coliseum against USC,” Herman said. “I think all of us in this program believe in him and believe that he can win us football games.”
K-State won’t make easy prey regardless of who Herman starts under center. The Wildcats, led by linebacker Trent Tanking and defensive tackle Will Geary, pace the Big 12 in total defense, passing efficiency defense and scoring defense.
But since getting beaten in the opener, UT’s defense has started to resemble a more cohesive force. Leaders like Malik Jefferson and Charles Omenihu are playing with a pleasing mix of recklessness, intelligence and trust.
Orlando stressing focus
Still, defensive coordinator Todd Orlando warned his players against soaking in all the accolades they’ve received. Last season, KState ran for 240 yards against essentially this same collection of talent, with quarterback Jesse Ertz going for 78 yards and two scores in a 24-21 win.
“The number one thing to understand is that if you do your job, the ball will find you and you don’t have to try and go outside to find the football,” Orlando said. “I think we’ve done that a couple of weeks in a row so I think there’s more trust in it. Sitting there and being unified as a group and saying it’s OK if Malik makes a play or I make a play. I think at the end of the day, it’s just the trust factor.
“You can put a string together and people are coming up and patting you on the back and saying this because it’s been a while since we’ve done something like this. To me, it’s to be seen. And with a team like this, that has a mobile quarterback and a big O-line that prides itself on being physical, it’s a really great test for us.”
With No. 3 Oklahoma and No. 15 Oklahoma State looming on the schedule, this is a test the Longhorns can’t afford to fail. Fortunately, they’ll get to take this one at home.