Key injuries shake up Texas' offensive line and backfield as they face Kentucky. Can the Horns overcome key absences and maintain momentum?
Texas will once again hit the road this Saturday to take on an unranked Kentucky team that is still looking for its first SEC win. While initial predictions have Texas as a clear favorite heading into the matchup, the SEC’s first official injury report of the week brings some cause for concern, despite whatever momentum the Horns may be heading into the game with.
The first name that immediately sticks out on the report is senior starting center Cole Hutston, who has officially been confirmed as out. While there have been no official reports on what is causing Hutson’s ailment, the loss comes as a setback after the Texas offensive line showed serious strides in the Red River Rivalry this past weekend. Hutson helped pave the road for the Horn’s 136-yard performance on the ground against an Oklahoma team that had only been allowing under 80 rushing yards a game heading into the matchup.
While Hutson may not have shown the highest level of skill compared to his fellow blockers, the senior's experience has proved to be a key part in the Horns’ young line being able to step up against one of the best defensive lines in college football. Expect other members of the line to rise to the occasion this Saturday in lieu of Hutson's absence.
“I think it’s the experience (upperclassmen on the offensive line) have where you can lean on those guys early in the season,” head coach Steve Sarkisian said. “But I’m seeing now more leadership out of Trevor Goosby. “I’m seeing a much more confident version of Brandon Baker…I think Nick Brooks is providing us a spark of energy, nastiness, and attitude which is helpful as well. All those components together helps make that unit kind of what they are right now.”
Another key name on the report is CJ Baxter, who is currently listed as doubtful. The talented back has yet to make an appearance on the field since tweaking his hamstring in Week Three against UTEP. While the news is disappointing for fans who were hoping to see Orlando-native return to action, there remains some solace in the fact that Quintrevion Wisner has seemingly gone back to his old self.
The absence of Cole Hutson and the uncertainty surrounding CJ Baxter’s return add a layer of intrigue to what might otherwise look like a routine SEC road test. The offensive line’s ability to adjust without its senior center will likely determine how smoothly the Horns can establish their ground game and, in turn, their identity. Fortunately for Texas, a developing core of young linemen and the return of Quintrevion Wisner provide reasons for cautious optimism. If the unit continues to build on the cohesion shown in the Red River Rivalry, the Horns should still have enough firepower and discipline to leave Lexington with a win.