Texas Needs Arch Manning, Young Stars To Step Up Against Florida

The Texas Longhorns have spent the week trying to put their Red River Rivalry collapse behind them. Saturday's meeting with Florida offers a chance to move forward, but only if several key players deliver better performances.

No. 7 Texas (4-1) returns to Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium after a stunning 27-24 loss to Oklahoma, a game that exposed offensive inconsistencies and costly mistakes. Against a Florida defense struggling to stop opposing passing attacks, quarterback Arch Manning has an opportunity to get things moving in the right direction.

MORE: Texas Gets Injury Boost As Florida QB Aaron Philo's Status In Doubt

Manning threw for 260 yards and three touchdowns against Oklahoma, but his two fourth-quarter interceptions helped turn a 17-7 halftime advantage into a devastating defeat.

Through five games, Manning has thrown for 1,122 yards, 10 touchdowns and five interceptions. Those numbers aren't terrible, but the expectations surrounding Texas' quarterback remain considerably higher.

Florida's secondary could provide an opportunity for a breakout performance. The Gators rank last in the SEC against the pass and have surrendered 37.5 points per conference game.

The Longhorns also need more production from their young offensive playmakers.

Freshman running back Derrek Cooper provided a spark against Oklahoma, rushing for 41 yards on eight carries. His ability to attack the perimeter could complement Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown while giving Steve Sarkisian additional flexibility.

Wide receiver Jermaine Bishop Jr. deserves a larger role, too.

Bishop caught his first career touchdown against Oklahoma, hauling in a 15-yard pass from Manning that tied the game late in the fourth quarter. His speed could create problems for Florida's vulnerable secondary.

Defensively, Texas faces a different challenge.

Florida running back Jadan Baugh has rushed for 672 yards this season, making edge defenders Lance Jackson and Zina Umeozulu particularly important. Both must prevent Baugh from bouncing outside and creating explosive runs.

Linebacker Rasheem Biles, who recorded 12 tackles against Oklahoma, will be critical in stopping Florida's short passing game and limiting yards after the catch.

Cornerback Kade Phillips also faces a demanding assignment against receiver Dallas Wilson, who leads Florida with 376 receiving yards and three touchdowns.

The Gators could also welcome back Vernell Brown III, who has 17 receptions for 271 yards and two touchdowns but remains questionable after returning to practice.

Texas defensive end Colin Simmons summed up the Oklahoma disappointment with a telling observation.

"I think Texas beat Texas," Simmons said.

That's precisely what Sarkisian must prevent Saturday.

The Longhorns have enough talent to rebound, but talent alone won't eliminate turnovers, missed assignments or inconsistent execution.

MORE: Texas Longhorns Offer Rising Florida Defensive Lineman Josiah Taylor

With Florida looking to end its own two-game losing streak, Texas needs its veterans and emerging stars to respond.

Kickoff is Saturday at 11 a.m. CT on ABC.