Longhorns wrapping up month-long stretch away from DKR, but they’re better for it

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Being out of town every weekend for a month can be taxing on a team, but it can also galvanize a group and bring players closer together. Texas head football coach Steve Sarkisian said that’s exactly what the long stretch away from DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium has done.

Technically, No. 22 Texas had a home game against Oklahoma, but of course, that was played at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas for the Red River Rivalry. The Longhorns haven’t walked out of the south end zone tunnel on the Forty Acres since clobbering Sam Houston 55-0 on Sept. 20, but if the time away makes them better, Sarkisian is fine with it.

“This is a little bit unprecedented to go on the road for a fourth-straight week, so we’re going to stay well-connected as a football team, and I credit our guys for doing that,” Sarkisian said. “This is going to be a big challenge, and we’re going to need all 74 guys who make the trip to contribute.”

It’s another challenge that the Longhorns have embraced this season, Sarkisian said, and it hasn’t stopped with the players.

“Every year, every schedule is different, and we don’t get to control that,” he said. “Our players and our staff have done a great job embracing this challenge. If we can get out of this thing 3-1, especially after dropping the first one, and then bounce back, it takes connectivity and focus.”

They’ll get a much-needed boost in the backfield with the return of CJ Baxter, who was listed as probable on the latest injury report furnished by the Southeastern Conference. It gives Sarkisian and quarterback Arch Manning a lot more flexibility and options in calling plays with both Baxter and Quintrevion Wisner healthy.

Sarkisian said Baxter has looked “better and stronger” during practice throughout the week after being out four games due to a hamstring injury. In the same breath, however, Sarkisian isn’t going to feed him like he’s been a workhorse the entire season.

“I don’t envision (Baxter) walking out of there with 20-something carries, but if he can play on regular downs and be effective, it’ll be beneficial,” Sarkisian said. “Cedric is a great leader, and the guys really respond to him. The fact that he gets to put his uniform on and play is going to mean a lot.”

They’ll be without center Cole Hutson again, who is out with a left leg injury. It’ll be critical for the offensive line to find some rhythm against Mississippi State on Saturday, because the Bulldogs aren’t very good at stopping the run. They allow an average of 164 rushing yards per game, so if the Longhorns can establish the ground game, that should give Manning the time he needs to find open receivers when he throws the ball.

If Mississippi State’s quarterback has a familiar name, that’s because he’s played against Texas for a long time. Blake Shapen was at Baylor for three years before he transferred to Mississippi State. He was injured when the Longhorns and Bulldogs met last season, a game won 35-13 by Texas at home with Manning at quarterback, filling in for an injured Quinn Ewers.

The game kicks off at 3:15 p.m. from Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Mississippi. It will air on the SEC Network.