Week One is just four days away, and while Texas should cruise past Texas State on Saturday, this isn’t just some cupcake game to pad the stats. Texas State and head coach GJ Kinne are rolling into town ready to throw some curveballs that’ll actually prep the Longhorns for the beasts waiting later in the season. Seriously, if you’re not paying attention to what the Bobcats bring, you’re missing out on some crucial early tests for this Texas squad.
The Scrambling QB They’ll Hate to See Early
Alright, let’s talk about Texas State QB Brad Jackson. This dude is something else, a prolific thrower who’s totally in sync with his top two receivers. But his real superpower? Those legs. He’s got this insane ability to extend plays, whether he’s scrambling for a first down or buying precious seconds for a deep shot. That’s a huge challenge for the Texas defensive line; they can’t just go all-out attack mode. They’ve gotta play with patience, or Jackson will burn them. And the secondary? They’re gonna need sticky coverage, way beyond what a normal pocket passer would demand. When you look at the QBs Texas is set to face later, guys like John Mateer, Kamario Taylor, Sam Leavitt, and Marcel Reed, getting this kind of mobile QB test right out of the gate is honestly perfect. It’s a trial by fire, but the kind they need to sharpen up.
Two 1,000-Yard WRs and a Pace That Will Kill Depth
Here’s another thing nobody’s talking about enough: Texas State boasts the *only* team in FBS returning two 1,000-yard wide receivers from last season. Beau Sparks (5’11”, 181lbs) and Chris Dawn Jr. (5’9″, 175lbs) are an elite duo. They’re both shifty, incredibly effective after the catch, making defenders miss, and consistently creating explosive plays. That means the Texas cornerbacks need to bring their A-game in coverage, and every single defender has to make elite tackles once those guys get their hands on the ball. Texas’s schedule is stacked with smaller, shifty playmakers, so this duo is an early, critical test for those defensive skills.
And then there’s the pace. Texas State’s offense was 19th in the nation last year, averaging a play every 23.83 seconds. For comparison, Texas averaged 25.31 seconds per play. This is a massive concern for Texas fans, especially with question marks around depth at linebacker and safety. That rapid-fire pace, combined with the heat, is going to push Texas’s conditioning to its absolute limit and force more players into the rotation. It’s a killer way to get younger guys some much-needed early snaps, but it’s also a potential nightmare if that depth isn’t ready.
A Wildcard DC That Forces Sarkisian’s Hand
The wild card in this whole matchup is Texas State’s new defensive coordinator, Will Windham, who came over from South Alabama. After a terrible defensive showing last season, Windham is bringing a totally new approach. Sure, there’s tape from his time at South Alabama, but personnel often dictates scheme, so it won’t be a carbon copy. This means Sarkisian and the coaching staff are going to have to adapt their game plan on the fly. With new playcallers waiting at Ohio State, Tennessee, Florida, and Texas A&M this season, flexing those in-game adjustment muscles early is a huge plus. It’s a good chance to test their wits without putting the game at major risk.
This game on Saturday isn’t just about getting a win; it’s about proving this Texas squad can handle the specific, tricky challenges that are coming down the pipeline. Every snap against Texas State is a chance to sharpen their edge for the brutal schedule ahead. Don’t sleep on this Week One opener; it’s more important than you think.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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