BYU Roundtable: How long can the Longhorns survive without Quinn Ewers?

In this week’s staff roundtable, we delve into predictions, Arch Manning, and more.

The Texas Longhorns managed to secure a victory in Houston, but not without losing their QB1 and sustaining injuries to the defense. Are you more worried about Quinn’s shoulder sprain, or the lingering injuries in the secondary that have sidelined Ryan Watts and Jalen Catalon, as well as limited Jahdae Barron?

Daniel Seahorn (@DanielSeahorn) – Quarterback holds the most crucial position on the field, so it’s tempting to prioritize that. However, I’m going to focus on the secondary depth. That group struggled significantly on Saturday, and I believe those struggles also extend to the coaching staff on the sidelines. They need to show significant improvement if Texas wants a chance at making it back to Arlington for a potential rematch with OU.

Gerald Goodridge (@ghgoodridge) – The instant impact of the injuries in the secondary was evident against Houston. The Cougars took advantage of the secondary’s struggles with their “find grass” offensive approach. In terms of proportions, there is more room for error at the quarterback position compared to the secondary. However, once Texas faces teams that can stretch the field, we’ll be keeping a close eye on the secondary again.

Cameron Parker (@camerondparker) – I’m going to go with the secondary because I believe the Longhorns’ running game will be strong enough for Maalik or Arch to rely on. The secondary has struggled in two straight games, and if it weren’t for a bad spot and a poor throw by Donovan Smith on 4th down, Texas could be coming off back-to-back losses. PK had to rely on a walk-on and a pair of true freshmen, and Houston exposed them. I think they can handle BYU without Watts, Catalan, and Barron, but Kansas State could present a real challenge.

Sark stated on Thursday that Maalik Murphy will start against BYU since Ewers is officially out. Do you want to see Arch Manning get some playing time? Or should they stick with Murphy?

Daniel – Unless they are dominating BYU or Murphy is struggling, I believe Maalik will be the starter for the entire game. Randomly inserting Arch into the game without a plan could be detrimental.

Gerald – I would like to see Arch Manning get some playing time, but only if Texas has a significant lead in the fourth quarter. Rotating quarterbacks is rarely effective, but giving Arch garbage time reps would be beneficial.

Cameron – Based on Sark’s comments this week and his history with quarterbacks, I don’t expect to see Arch on Saturday (unless it’s a blowout). I think that’s the right call. It will be Murphy’s first career start, so let him gain confidence and work through the ups and downs.

Does Ewers’ injury change your expectations for the rest of the season? Can the Longhorns still make it to the Big 12 Championship game without him?

Daniel – Ewers’ injury tempers our expectations until we see what Maalik can bring as the starter. Maalik is confident and talented, so it’s possible that Texas can still make a run. However, we need to see how things play out this week.

Gerald – Personally, I believe Texas can defeat BYU by relying on the running game. The outcome against Kansas State, on the other hand, will likely be determined by Texas’s run defense. Sark’s apparent confidence in Murphy suggests that we should wait and see before making judgments.

Cameron – With or without Ewers, I am slightly concerned about Kansas State’s two quarterbacks, Will Howard and Avery Johnson, facing a potentially depleted defense. Despite the injuries, Texas should be the favorite in every game moving forward, as they have the most talented roster. In my opinion, the expectation should still be reaching the Big 12 Championship.

Will Texas avoid an upset against BYU, or will the ghost of Taysom Hill haunt the Longhorns?

Daniel (6-1) – I believe Texas will heavily rely on the running game to protect Murphy in his first start, while also taking strategic shots downfield to keep the defense honest. My prediction is Texas 27, BYU 20.

Gerald (6-1) – This game will showcase Jonathon Brooks. Texas will win 35-14 against BYU.

Cameron (5-2) – Texas 31, BYU 13. The Cougars forced five turnovers against Texas Tech and only managed to score 27 points. The Longhorns must avoid a similar performance, especially with a young quarterback. Let Jonathon Brooks and Cedric Baxter take charge and prepare for Kansas State.

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