The Texas Longhorns enter a Week 4 matchup against the Sam Houston State Bearkats, another game where they’re significant favorites and should be able to take care of business.
At this point it’s about whether the Longhorns can blow out the opponent like they’ve been expected to the past two weeks, or if they’ll struggle at times and make it closer than it should be, especially early.
That’s yet to be seen, but we do know the backfield will remain shorthanded.
Texas has been without at least one key running back in most series early this season, and that will continue in Week 4. Standout C.J. Baxter went down with a hamstring injury last week against UTEP, and Steve Sarkisian told reporters this week that Baxter will be sidelined this weekend.
“On an injury note, obviously Cedric got hurt the first play of the game,” coach Sarkisian said on Monday. “Hamstring injury. We don’t think it’s overly significant, but he’ll be out this week from a precautionary standpoint to hopefully get him ready for SEC play.”
That’s a significant blow for the Longhorns and their struggling offense, but there’s still plenty of talent in the room to get it done against a team like Sam Houston State. On top of that, Arch Manning is dangerous with his legs and has, in some ways, been the most consistent rushing threat to this point.
Without Baxter, the Longhorns may need to lean more heavily on the pass game and give Manning more reps throwing the ball. That wouldn’t be the worst thing, because it’s the part of the offense that’s looked the worst so far and the part that needs to improve.
So while the Baxter injury is unfortunate — and the hope is he’ll be ready for Texas’ SEC opener against the Florida Gators on Oct. 4 — the short-term could be a blessing. The passing game will be leaned on even more in this final tune-up, and that’s exactly where Texas needs growth heading into conference play.