Texas has protected Arch Manning well through three games, but Tennessee’s nationally ranked pass rush could become the biggest threat to the No. 1 Longhorns.
Texas has done a good job keeping Arch Manning upright through its 3-0 start. That protection is about to face its toughest test.
When No. 1 Texas visits No. 14 Tennessee on Saturday, the Longhorns’ offensive line will be matched against one of the most disruptive pass rushes in college football.
Tennessee enters the game ranked third nationally in pass-rush production, while Texas has surrendered only four sacks through three games.
That matchup could determine whether Manning controls the game or spends the afternoon trying to escape pressure.
The Texas quarterback has thrown for 664 yards through three games, leading an offense that has flashed explosiveness but hasn’t always looked smooth.
The Longhorns scored 59 against Texas State and 30 against UTSA, but Tennessee presents a different level of speed and physicality up front.
And Manning’s job gets harder if the Vols can create pressure with four rushers.
That would allow Tennessee to keep extra defenders in coverage, take away easy throws and force Manning to hold the football longer.
It also puts more pressure on Texas to establish Hollywood Smothers and the running game early enough to keep the Vols from attacking obvious passing situations.
For Texas, staying ahead of the chains matters almost as much as blocking the rush itself.
Second-and-long and third-and-long at Neyland Stadium can become a problem quickly. The crowd noise will complicate communication, and Tennessee’s defensive front will be able to time the snap more aggressively.
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian has consistently emphasized avoiding situations that make an offense predictable. Saturday will put that philosophy under stress.
If Texas handles the pressure, Manning should have opportunities against Tennessee’s secondary. If the Vols start winning consistently at the line of scrimmage, though, the game changes.
Texas has the No. 1 ranking and an unbeaten record. Tennessee may have the one defensive weapon capable of making all of that irrelevant.
