Texas Football: 3 takeaways from disappointing loss to Arkansas

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Sep 11, 2021; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Texas Longhorns running back Bijan Robinson (5) is tackled by Arkansas Razorbacks defensive backs Greg Brooks Jr. (9) and LaDarrius Bishop (24) during the first quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

3. One-dimensional offense dooms Texas

Everybody struggled for the Longhorns on offense tonight. The play calling did them no favors either.

Third down was a crucial factor in this game, as Texas failed to convert on their first seven attempts on third down. A big reason why they could not convert was the play calling that was heavily reliant on the run game.

Hudson Card had eight pass attempts in the first half with three of them coming in the final drive of the half. Most of his pass attempts came on third down, as Texas was committed to running the ball on the first two downs.

This put a lot of pressure on Bijan Robinson and allowed Arkansas to stack the box and eliminate his playmaking ability. It also put extra pressure on Card, as he wasn’t allowed to get into a groove throwing the ball.

Sam Pittman even said at halftime that the Razorbacks had a pretty good idea of what Texas was trying to do.

Steve Sarkisian has had plenty of success as a play caller in the college level and in the NFL. Tonight, he tried to establish the run at all costs and the rest of the team suffered as a result.

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