This Texas running back needs chances for carries for the Longhorns to win the Red River Rivalry

AUSTIN (KXAN) — In Steve Sarkisian’s mind, if a certain running back is getting meaningful action in the Red River Rivalry, then it’s going to be a good day in Dallas.

Jerrick Gibson, the Longhorns’ running back who Sarkisian loves to use in short-yardage packages and situations, didn’t have a carry in the 29-21 loss to Florida. It wasn’t because Sarkisian doesn’t trust him; it was due to the nature of Texas playing from behind and needing as many options as possible for the passing game. Gibson doesn’t typically factor into that, so he stayed on the sideline.

Sarkisian would love to get Gibson in the game against No. 5 Oklahoma because that means the offense is executing the game plan.

“The game last week clearly didn’t go as we intended, and we simply didn’t have any short-yardage opportunities,” Sarkisian said. “When it turns into a pass-happy game and you’re throwing the ball, you’ve gotta have your pass-catching and pass-protecting backs out there. It’s a good sign for us when Jerrick is out there, so hopefully he gets more opportunities.”

To go with that, the offensive line needs to respond to last week’s subpar performance. Texas rushed for a season-low 52 yards against the Gators, and Sarkisian said they should have given more credit to the entire Florida defensive front going into the game, rather than just the defensive tackles. With that in mind, Sarkisian said the offensive line has practiced great throughout the week, and he thinks the unit is ready to put its best foot forward.

“We’ve got a good plan, and they understand the plan,” he said. “They are playing fast, confident and physical. All signs point to us being in a much better space this week than we were last week, but then again, we have to go out and do it on Saturday.”

Texas probably won’t have its full complement of runners again this week. CJ Baxter is listed as doubtful on the injury report distributed by the Southeastern Conference, but of course, that could change leading up to Saturday’s 2:30 p.m. kickoff. The report will be updated at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, with the final report coming 90 minutes before kickoff.