Week 9 is upon us and the Texas Longhorns have some work to do. Figuring out how to readjust from last week’s loss to Georgia is their next step. Their first loss was bound to come, and now it is out of the way. The Texas Longhorns are looking ahead to their upcoming showdown this Saturday in Nashville, Tennessee. There will be a lot to keep an eye on during this game. No. 5 Texas vs. No. 25 Vanderbilt is on the horizon.
Prior Performances
Texas
Last week was a game the Texas Longhorns would like to forget. In addition to the fan drama, the game ended in their first loss of the season. The game was rough on the Texas defense, and the offense couldn’t get much started. This was nothing like the rest of their unstoppable performances this season. Coach Sarkisian took Quinn Ewers out to help break up the game. Arch Manning came in and made a brief impact before Ewers’ return in the second half. It wouldn’t be enough. The Georgia Bulldogs took down the Texas Longhorns and leapfrogged them in the AP Poll.
Vanderbilt
Week 6 was arguably the Vanderbilt Commodores’ most stunning week of 2024. Their upset of Alabama was a shocking performance. Vanderbilt roared past Alabama 40-35 when the latter was ranked No. 1 by the AP. Alabama had not lost to the Vanderbilt Commodores in approximately 40 years. Specific strategies that led the Vanderbilt Commodores to victory included Quarterback Diego Pavia and aggression.
Analysis
Quarterbacks
Vanderbilt Commodores Head Coach Clark Lea is preparing regardless of which Texas Longhorn Quarterback suits up. Lea says the Commodores are “preparing to defend the system,” despite both quarterbacks: “Certainly, we’re watching both and we’re talking about both, and we’re aware of both but I think the offense is the offense. I don’t think it’s going to change too dramatically, no matter who’s out there.”
Speaking of quarterbacks, Texas Longhorns Coach Sarkisian has spoken highly of Vanderbilt’s own. Diego Pavia has led the Commodores into the AP Rankings before their Texas showdown. After several strong performances this season, Pavia has made an impression on Coach Sark: “He’s the definition of grit. He finds a way to make plays whether it’s with his leg or his arm, he runs tough, he runs hard, he makes the throws when he needs to make them.”
Injuries
One of the Texas Longhorns’ biggest concerns going into this game is the injury report. The expected long-term injuries have not changed. Those players are still listed as “Out,” with the new addition of Derek Williams, Jr. The defensive back is out for the season due to an injury sustained against Oklahoma. The latest SEC injury report released hints at some potentially devastating developments for Texas. Defensive Back Andrew Mukuba has been designated as “Doubtful.” Key Wide Receiver Isaiah Bond is listed as “Questionable,” and Running Back Tre Wisner is “Probable.”
Considering how strongly they play for the Texas Longhorns, trouble may be on the horizon. The Vanderbilt Commodores seem to be facing quite a few similar troubles of their own. As far as injuries go, seven Vanderbilt players are designated “Questionable.” The three listed “Out” are Zaylin Wood, Mark Davis, and Grayson Morgan. How big an impact these injuries will have against the Texas Longhorns is yet unknown.
Final Thoughts
This week is set to be an exciting matchup of No. 5 Texas vs No. 25 Vanderbilt. Both teams are looking to prove themselves. The Texas Longhorns will look to improve after a somewhat disastrous performance last week. Vanderbilt’s starting quarterback is looking to contend with an injured Texas team. Both coaches are aware of what’s at stake here, especially Coach Sark. “It’s a very good Vanderbilt team, man. Coach Lea has done a tremendous job building this program.” Both teams are preparing to give it their all despite any injuries faced. The Texas Longhorns will work hard to turn things around in Week 9 against Vanderbilt.
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