AUSTIN (KXAN) — Being out of town every weekend for a month can be stressful for a team, but it can also motivate the group and bring players closer together. Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian said that’s exactly what the long drive away from DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium did.
Technically, the No. 22 Texans had a home game against Oklahoma, but of course, that was played in the Cotton Bowl in Dallas for the Red River Rivalry. The Longhorns haven’t exited the south end zone tunnel on the Forty Acres since beating Sam Houston 55-0 on Sept. 20, but if time away makes them better, Sarkisian is just fine.
“This is kind of unprecedented to go on the road for the fourth week in a row, so we’re going to stay in good touch as a football team, and I appreciate our guys for doing that,” Sarkisian said. “This will be a huge challenge, and we will need all 74 people making the trip to contribute.”
It’s another challenge the Longhorns have embraced this season, and it doesn’t stop with the players, Sarkisian said.
“Every year, every schedule is different, and we can’t control that,” he said. “Our players and staff have done a great job of meeting this challenge. If we can come out of this 3-1, especially after losing the first game, and then come back, it takes communication and focus.”
They will get a much-needed boost in the backfield with the return of C.J. Baxter, who was listed as probable on the latest injury report provided by the Southeastern Conference. It gives Sarkisian and quarterback Arch Manning more flexibility and options in calling plays with both Baxter and Quintrevion Wisner healthy.
Sarkisian said Baxter looked “better and stronger” in training throughout the week after missing four games with a hamstring injury. However, at the same time, Sarkisian is not going to feed him like he’s been a workhorse for the entire season.
Sarkisian said: “I don’t imagine that (Baxter) will leave there with 20 players, but if he can play regularly and be effective, that will be beneficial.” “Cedric is a great leader, and the guys really respond to him. The fact that he’ll be able to put on a uniform and play will mean a lot.”
They will be without midfielder Cole Hutson again, who is out with a left leg injury. It will be crucial for the offensive line to find some rhythm against Mississippi State on Saturday, as the Bulldogs are not good at stopping the run. They allow an average of 164 rushing yards per game, so if the Longhorns can create a ground game, that would give Manning the time he needs to find open receivers when he throws the ball.
If the Mississippi State quarterback has a household name, it’s because he played against Texas for a long time. Blake Chapin was at Baylor for three years before transferring to Mississippi State. He was injured when the Longhorns and Bulldogs met last season, a game the Texans won 35-13 at home with Manning at quarterback, replacing the injured Quinn Ewers.
The game kicks off at 3:15 p.m. at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Mississippi. It will be broadcast on the SEC Network.