Just a month ago, Texas sat atop the national rankings, boasting a preseason Heisman favorite in quarterback Arch Manning and championship aspirations under head coach Steve Sarkisian. Now, at 3–2 and unranked, the Longhorns enter this rivalry with their season on the brink.
Offensive struggles have defined the slide. Texas hasn’t found a rhythm against top competition, ranking near the bottom among Power Four teams in pass protection and efficiency. The offensive line has allowed constant pressure, collapsing against a Florida team that ranks last nationally in sacks. The ripple effect has been clear the running game hasn’t gained traction, and the wide receiver corps has been largely ineffective compared to past groups loaded with speed and NFL-level talent.
In this week’s matchup, tha