Alabama Football: Against Bama what Steve Sarkisian could, should and must do

The Texas Longhorns football program faces a reality check against Alabama Football in Austin. On top of already being a decided underdog, recent injuries have moved the Longhorns from a long shot to pull off an upset – to no shot.

A short list of the difficulties facing Sarkisian and the Longhorns begins with the loss to injury of three key players. The impact is significant according to Andrew Miller of Hook’Em Headlines,

"Maybe the worst weekend in a long time in any fall camp for the Texas football program in terms of injury news …"

As the result of one scrimmage the Texas Longhorns lost to injury:

• Senior running back Roschon Johnson
• Redshirt Senior offensive lineman Junior Angilau
• Redshirt Sophomore wide receiver Isaiah Neyor
• Junior defensive lineman/edge rusher Alfred Collins
• Junior defensive back Jahdae Barron

Some of the Texas players may be out for the season. None of them are projected to return for the Alabama game.

Four of the five Texas players were expected to be starters, with Johnson being RB2 for the Longhorns. The next in line to replace Angilau is a true freshman.

Steve Sarkisian has another problem. So far, quarterback, Quinn Ewers has been unimpressive. He was thought to be one of the best young, QBs in the nation in the coming season. As rated by Athlon, among the 131 FBS quarterbacks, Ewers was No. 29. It now appears Ewers will be unable to win the starting job over Hudson Card for the Texas opener against ULM.

At this point, Sarkisian has to decide which of his QBs is less likely to crumble under what will be frequently heavy pressure from the Alabama football defense. If Sark thinks Ewers will become his starter after a few games as a backup, it might be unwise to throw him to the Crimson Tide wolves. Based on the recent scrimmage performances, Sark might want to rotate Card and Charles Wright against the Alabama Crimson Tide.

To make matters worse for Sarkisian, Alabama transfer, wide receiver, Agiye Hall has been indefinitely suspended. Hall was arrested for a misdemeanor, property damage violation. Reports are Hall destroyed a wheel boot on a vehicle with a tire iron. Though not a good decision by Hall, the mistake should not result in a lengthy suspension. He might miss the ULM game, but suit up against the Crimson Tide.

Facing Alabama Football what Sark could, should and must do

One advantage for Texas and Sark is Nick Saban hates to run up scores. Another is no opposing head coach knows Alabama’s defensive schemes better than Sarkisian. Sark could have some success scheming against Pete Golding.

What Sarkisian should do is try to slow down the game with a disproportionate dependence on running back Bijan Robinson. Mix that with quick, short passes and the Texas offense might fashion a few drives or at least burn some clock.

The must-do for Sarkisian is managing expectations. Texas is not going to beat Alabama. It might get ugly. The worst thing for the Texas program would be a lot of big talk in advance of the game.

Texas fans might consider the plus-side to the recent injuries. At least they provide an excuse for losing to the Crimson Tide.