Despite its offensive struggles, Oklahoma has consistently found ways to make life difficult for opposing offenses. Georgia’s 41-point performance might suggest otherwise, but Oklahoma’s four turnovers contributed to 17 of those points, including a defensive touchdown.<\/p>\n
Through four games, the Sooners have allowed just 238 yards of total offense per game, including 122.5 passing yards.<\/p>\n
They’ve also recorded 28 tackles for loss and 13 sacks while holding opponents to a 23.1% conversion rate on third down.<\/p>\n
Those numbers paint a concerning picture for a Texas offense that has struggled with consistency and is coming off a game in which Arch Manning was sacked six times.<\/p>\n
That’s exactly why establishing the run is so important for Texas. If Oklahoma can take away the Longhorns’ rushing attack, Arch Manning probably won\u2019t have much fun at the fair.<\/p>\n
Texas Can’t Find Consistency on the Ground![\"Texas](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/01m4cqqg7hh1f2abp675.jpg\" "\\"Texas")
<\/p>\n
Sep 19, 2026; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns running back Hollywood Smothers runs for yardage while defended by UTSA Roadrunners safety Joel Rogers during the second half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Scott Wachter-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n
Through four games, Texas is averaging 147.3 rushing yards per contest and 3.64 yards per carry.<\/p>\n
But those numbers become considerably less encouraging against stronger competition.<\/p>\n
Against Ohio State and Tennessee, Texas managed just 202 rushing yards on 77 attempts, averaging 2.62 yards per carry.<\/p>\n
The struggles were particularly evident in Knoxville, where Texas finished with just 61 net rushing yards in its 20\u201317 victory over Tennessee.<\/p>\n
Manning’s six sacks accounted for 33 yards lost, contributing to Texas’ poor rushing total. But the Longhorns also struggled to sustain drives, converting just three of their 12 third-down opportunities.<\/p>\n
Texas’ third-down conversion rate has steadily plummeted, falling from 73.3% against Texas State to 56.3% against Ohio State, 41.2% against UTSA and eventually 25% against Tennessee.<\/p>\n
Without consistent production on early downs, Texas risks facing obvious passing situations against an Oklahoma defense that has already proven capable of pressuring the quarterback.<\/p>\n
Establishing the run would give Steve Sarkisian greater flexibility in his play-calling while helping the Longhorns sustain drives and avoid placing the entire offensive burden on Manning<\/a>.<\/p>\n Oklahoma Has Shown Vulnerabilities<\/p>\n Despite its impressive defensive numbers<\/a>, Oklahoma hasn’t been impossible to run against.<\/p>\n The Sooners are allowing 115.5 rushing yards per game and 3.2 yards per carry.<\/p>\n Michigan rushed for 152 yards and two touchdowns against Oklahoma, while Georgia averaged 4.96 yards per carry and scored three rushing touchdowns.<\/p>\n All five rushing touchdowns the Sooners have surrendered came in those two losses.<\/p>\n Texas has the personnel to challenge Oklahoma on the ground.<\/p>\n Hollywood Smothers<\/a> and Raleek Brown have combined for 394 rushing yards on 89 attempts, averaging 4.43 yards per carry.<\/p>\n But individual production hasn’t always translated into a consistent rushing attack.<\/p>\n Against Oklahoma, the challenge is generating enough yardage to keep the Sooners from anticipating what’s coming next.<\/p>\n Texas doesn’t need 200 rushing yards or a handful of explosive runs to win Saturday.<\/p>\n But it does need to consistently move the chains, keep Oklahoma guessing and avoid putting Manning in situations where the Sooners know exactly what’s coming.<\/p>\n Against Oklahoma, simply committing to the running game won’t be enough. Texas needs to make those attempts count.<\/p>\n Sign up to\u00a0our free newsletter<\/a>\u00a0and follow us on\u00a0Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0X<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Instagram<\/a>\u00a0for the latest news.\u00a0<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/assets.minutemediacdn.com\/platform\/google_discover_icon.svg\"){kind=icon}
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