The Texas Longhorns (3-2) face the Oklahoma Sooners (5-0) on Saturday. And while Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables stated earlier this week he will not expect to have starting quarterback John Mateer playing in the game -- which could change at any moment -- you can expect Venables will have a strong defensive game plan.
Texas has struggled to move the football consistently this season. Alongside Ohio State earlier this year, Venables and company may end up being the most difficult defense the Longhorns have faced all year.
Venables' defense is suffocating on third downs. The Sooners are first in the nation in 3rd down defense, allowing conversions on just 17% of third down attempts. Texas ranks 117th out of 136 teams in offensive third down conversion rate with 33%. Barring a change in direction, the Longhorns could be in for a frustrating game on Saturday.
Staying ahead of the chains and getting into third down and manageable will be of great importance. Texas routinely found itself in third and long in its last game, against Florida, with several penalties backing up the offense.
The Oklahoma defense isn't immune to allowing the big play, even against teams with vulnerable pass protection. Auburn quarterback Jackson Arnold had just one long completion of 46 yards, but had the opportunity for more. Arnold just missed the open receivers. Despite his struggles, Arnold went 21 of 32 for 220 yards. He did so on a day when he got sacked 10 times.
The Texas offense still has much to prove after another lackluster performance against the Florida Gators. Starting quarterback Arch Manning fared about as well as could have been expected given the lack of pass protection in the game. Manning completed 16 of 29 passes for 263 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.
Saturday's loss to Florida was the worst performance for the Texas offensive line this season. Manning was sacked six times. Prior to the game, Manning had been sacked three times total in four games.
Despite all the sacks, Manning led the Longhorns in rushing yards with 15 carries for 37 yards. Texas running backs combined for 15 yards on 11 carries.
So where does Texas go to generate offense? It might have to get Manning out of the pocket more.
With Texas now on the brink of College Football Playoff and SEC title elimination, the Oklahoma game could see Manning reach his season high in rushing attempts.
The Longhorns will need to be picky about when to call long developing plays and prioritize quick game, if the Oklahoma defense will allow it. The Sooners may not allow it.
Most importantly, Sarkisian will need to bring more creativity. The offensive guru has called a seemingly vanilla offense this season, though it's hard to tell how creative he has been due to the lack of pass protection and time for plays to develop.
If Texas can trust its players not to false start we could see more presnap motion on Saturday.
It's uncertain if Texas will have an answer for the mismatches it has against Oklahoma this year in the Cotton Bowl. If there is an answer, Sarkisian is the coach to find it. Texas will look to get back on track against the Sooners in the annual Red River game.