Many of the highlight has been on Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning in 2025, however Friday may very well be Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Marcel Reed’s time to shine.
The Longhorns host the Aggies within the Lone Star Showdown on Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC. If the Longhorns’ struggling protection cannot rebound earlier than then, Reed might make a reputation for himself within the prime-time sport.
Why stopping Marcel Reed must be certainly one of Texas’ prime priorities in Lone Star Showdown
Texas’ protection has slumped over its previous three video games, permitting 34.3 factors per sport. Earlier than this stretch, the unit had surrendered 34 factors or extra as soon as.
The struggles could stem from the Longhorns dealing with cell QBs, reminiscent of Gunner Stockton (Georgia Bulldogs), Diego Pavia (Vanderbilt Commodores) and Taylen Inexperienced (Arkansas Razorbacks). All ran for a TD in opposition to Texas.
Just like the aforementioned QBs, Reed is a menace within the run sport. He ranks second on the crew in dashing yards (395 on 77 carries) behind working again Rueben Owens II (570 on 99 carries).
“You would most likely argue Marcel Reed is essentially the most dynamic of all these guys,” Sarkisian told the media Monday. “What [facing those QBs] prepares you for is the place we broke down after they damage us. How will we rectify that and repair that? So, we will return to that previous tape, whether or not it is from observe or from the sport, to see the place our points occurred in opposition to these [QBs], after which we will work on these issues in observe.”
The anticipated return of linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. must also make stopping Reed simpler for the Longhorns. Following the win over Arkansas, Sarkisian stated he believes the junior will play in opposition to the Longhorns’ in-state rival. The LB — who leads the crew in tackles (70) — missed one sport after breaking his hand in a 35-10 loss to Georgia.
Nonetheless, the Longhorns might be with out Ty’Anthony Smith, who ranks fifth on the crew in tackles (46), for the primary half of Friday’s sport. He was disqualified for concentrating on within the win over Arkansas, and his appeal has been denied.
It stays unclear if Texas is ready for Reed, nevertheless it should discover a solution to shut him down. The crew’s super-slim Faculty Soccer Playoff hopes might hinge on that.
Beating the undefeated Aggies (11-0, 7-0 SEC play) might give the Longhorns (8-3, 5-2) their finest shot at making the 12-team bracket. Plus, they do not need Texas A&M to have bragging rights till their subsequent assembly.
