It’s clear that Orlovsky wasn’t a fan of Sarkisian’s vanilla offensive scheme to open the season. Through three quarters against the Buckeyes, the Longhorns had nearly twice as many rush attempts (29) as pass attempts (15).
Texas’ passing attack was conservative, with Manning entering the fourth quarter with 38 pass yards, averaging a paltry 2.5 yards per attempt. He didn’t have a completion over 10 yards until the 13:02 mark in the fourth.
It was a head-scratching philosophy from Sarkisian, who’s had Manning learning his offensive system for three seasons. If Manning were a true freshman, simplifying the game plan would have made sense. But for third-year quarterback, it was an unfathomable miscalculation.
Sarkisian will have a few weeks to give Manning free rein of the offense with a favorable remaining out-of-conference schedule. Next Saturday, Texas hosts the San Jose State Spartans (0-1), who are coming off a 16-14 home loss to the Central Michigan Chippewas. The Longhorns also play the UTEP Miners, who rank No. 129 in ESPN’s Football Power Index, and Sam Houston State Bearkats (0-2), who are allowing an average of 39.5 points per game.
When Texas gets into SEC play, Sarkisian will need a better strategy to get the most out of Manning, who will have several more opportunities to prove himself on the road.
Its toughest games are away from home. Texas opens conference play at No. 15 Florida on Oct. 4, followed a week later by the annual Red River Rivalry against No. 18 Oklahoma in Dallas.
In November, the Longhorns travel to No. 4 Georgia, which won both of last year’s meetings, including the SEC championship game.
Texas was voted No. 1 in the preseason rankings not for what this current group had accomplished but rather because of the potential of a roster brimming with talent, most notably at quarterback.
If Saturday’s plan was the best Sarkisian could orchestrate with an entire offseason to prepare, he might just squander it all.
