Bobby Burton
Posted 32 minutes ago
Six games in, we have now reached the midway point in the season.
And some Texas players who have not seen much action (playing in four games or less) are making and/or contemplating decisions about redshirting and then possibly transferring.
Yesterday, we heard of one such player who is opting to take the redshirt with the intent of entering the portal in December. He will not play the rest of the season.
While we are not going to name the player until he or the team announces it, I can say the player is not a front-line player and really does not have a clear path to the field or to be a large contributor long-term at Texas.
Bottom line: these things are unfortunate, but they are bound to happen. Attrition is a natural part of college football.
**
Yes, the OL played much better. Yes, Tre Wisner was a shot in the arm to the run game. Yes, Arch Manning was efficient and smart.
But the unsung group on Saturday were the receivers for Texas, both the wide outs and the tight ends.
In talking with Coach Bob Shipley and Coach Bryan Erwin yesterday for Lunch With the Coach, they both preached about the receivers working harder to give Arch opportunities if and when the pocket broke down.
I remember two scrambles for Arch against OU very clearly. In both instances, he escaped the pocket and came near the line of scrimmage to his left.
And in both instances, the receivers —Ryan Wingo and DeAndre Moore — found holes in the coverage for Arch.
Those plays look easy, but they’re not. Not only was it a cross body throw for Arch, but it takes recognition from the wide receiver. Then they have to find a soft spot for their QBs.
Both times, the Sooners had three guys in coverage around Moore and Wingo, yet they found a way.
Coach Erwin also applauded the tight ends, saying the variety of looks that two tight end sets can give to an offense makes Texas tough to defend. As Jordan Washington, Spencer Shannon, Nick Townsend and Emaree Winston become more and more integrated and useful, the offense will only get better.
Don’t forget about this receiver group. They are improving game by game, too.
Roster guys, who we thinking? It’s someone who obviously hasn’t redshirted already.