Texas beat UTSA 30-6 behind another dominant defensive effort, but Arch Manning and the offense left plenty to fix before the SEC opener at Tennessee.
Texas handled UTSA 30-6 Saturday night, but the final score covered up an offensive performance that should concern Steve Sarkisian heading into SEC play.
The biggest issue was Arch Manning.
Manning completed just 17 of 33 passes for 164 yards and two touchdowns, finishing without an interception but struggling badly with accuracy for long stretches. He also appeared too quick to abandon the pocket at times as UTSA generated enough pressure to make Texas’ passing game uncomfortable.
That may work against UTSA. It won’t be good enough next week at Neyland Stadium.
Texas did find stability on the ground. The Longhorns rushed for more than 200 yards, led by Hollywood Smothers, and repeatedly leaned on the run game when the passing attack stalled. Derrek Cooper also helped finish the night with a fourth-quarter touchdown run.
The offensive line deserves a mixed review. Texas allowed only one sack, but Manning rarely looked completely settled in the pocket. The run blocking was productive, although explosive runs were limited.
Defensively, there’s very little to criticize.
Texas held UTSA quarterback Owen McCown to 14-of-23 passing for just 70 yards, intercepted him once and never allowed the Roadrunners to find any offensive rhythm. UTSA finished with only six points and converted just one of 11 third downs.
Rasheem Biles set the tone immediately with an interception on UTSA’s first offensive snap. Hero Kanu, Ian Geffrard, Zina Umeozulu and Colton Vasek also helped control the line of scrimmage throughout the night.
Special teams provided another positive. Gianni Spetic drilled a 52-yard field goal, showing Texas has a legitimate weapon from distance, while the return game flashed potential.
Sarkisian’s team is now 3-0, but the stakes change dramatically Saturday.
Texas travels to No. 14 Tennessee for its SEC opener at Neyland Stadium, with kickoff set for 11 a.m. CT on ABC.
The defense already looks ready for that environment.
The question is whether Manning and the offense are.
Texas doesn’t need Manning to be spectacular every week. But against Tennessee, 17 completions on 33 attempts and repeated missed opportunities could turn a comfortable win into a very different kind of Saturday.
