The spotlight in Austin may be fixed on Arch Manning, but Texas’ biggest offensive question is sitting a little lower in the frame. The real issue for the Longhorns isn’t whether Manning has enough help around him. It’s whether the five guys in front of him can settle in fast enough to protect him.
That matters because Texas is trying to avoid another 23-sack season for Manning, and the answer won’t come down to raw talent alone. It’s about finding the best combination up front and giving that group enough reps together to build the kind of chemistry and cohesion that an offense needs.
Trevor Goosby’s bone bruise helped Texas catch a break, since the injury is expected to keep him out only a few weeks. But even a short absence carries weight this close to the opener against Texas State. Goosby had been projected to start at left tackle, and his missed practice time takes away a valuable stretch of preparation before the season begins.
That opens the door for Andrew Cojoe, who has been getting steady first-team work at left tackle. Still, with Goosby expected back relatively soon, the bigger concern isn’t simply who fills in. It’s what this interruption means for a line that is already in the middle of significant change.
The projected starting five mixes transfers, role changes and returning experience. Laurence Seymore, the Western Kentucky transfer, is expected at left guard and brings a strong pass-protection track record after allowing just one sack and eight quarterback pressures.
At center, fifth-year Connor Robertson gives Texas a veteran anchor and a familiar presence for Manning. After taking over against Kentucky, Robertson allowed zero sacks and quarterback hits in the eight games he played.
Arch Manning on Connor Robertson: “He’s my best friend. What a guy.
He’s got great juice. It’s definitely a benefit having such a close friend of yours as your center.
My brother was my center in high… pic.twitter.com/9zLsxETlLa
Brandon Baker is set to move from right tackle to right guard after starting 13 games there last season. He’ll need to tighten up the penalty issues after leading the team with 12, but he did not give up a sack. At right tackle, Wake Forest transfer Melvin Siani is stepping into Baker’s old spot after a season in which he also allowed zero sacks and only nine pressures.
That collection of credentials makes the line look capable enough for a team with championship expectations. The problem is the calendar. Texas doesn’t have a ton of time to let the group sort itself out, and Goosby’s absence trims even more from that window.
So the question in Austin isn’t whether Texas can put five capable linemen on the field. It’s whether Steve Sarkisian can settle on the right five and get them enough work together for them to function as one unit instead of five separate parts.
Texas State will offer the first test. SEC play arrives not long after, and the Longhorns won’t have long to figure out whether this front is ready.
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Texas Playoff Hopes May Hinge On These Few Crucial Names
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Rasheem Bile now carries added importance in that mix, because the staff has less room to shuffle pieces around than it did a few weeks ago. The bigger picture for Texas is simple enough: the ceiling remains high, but the path to it depends on how these crucial players hold up and how quickly the younger talent turns promise into production. [Read more 🡒]