No. 21 Texas learned that it’s hard to win without its top three skill players. 

Left without the two-punch running back duo of junior Bijan Robinson and senior Roschon Johnson, who both opted out of the bowl game in preparation for the NFL Draft, the Longhorns accumulated a mere 18 yards on 10 rushing attempts at the end of the first half, forcing redshirt freshman Quinn Ewers to throw more than he has all season.

The former five-star recruit tried to lean on sophomore wide receiver Xavier Worthy early on in the absence of its typically-prolific running back room, but struggled with finding the 2021 Freshman All-American on deep shots. While catching more than 70% of his targets in the first half, Sarkisian’s deep threat guy didn’t record a catch over 20 yards.

“It was just spotty in the run game early on,” head coach Steve Sarkisian said. “We just didn’t quite get the rhythm. The plan tonight was we knew we were gonna throw the ball more than we have (this season.)”

The game appeared to have shifted in favor of Worthy early in the third quarter. On Texas’ opening drive, the sophomore was the Energizer bunny the offense needed to march down the field for a quick score. After his 21-yard catch, the Longhorns found themselves in Husky territory for the first time since late in the first quarter. 

Soon after Worthy’s catch, redshirt freshman running back Jonathon Brooks caught a swing pass for a touchdown —Texas’ first of the game. In conjunction with junior running back Keilan Robinson’s seven yards rushing on that drive, running back production more than doubled between the first half and the first drive of the third quarter.

However, the offense moved back into a stagnant state of play by its next offensive possession.

Looking to answer Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr.’s first touchdown pass of the night, Robinson picked up where the running back room left off with a 15-yard reception to push Texas close to midfield. However, a false start and a four-yard rush later, Ewers was put into a 2nd-and-long situation, prompting Sarkisian to draw up plays dependent on Worthy.

The first target to Worthy was thrown into double coverage on that 2nd and 11, where the wide receiver would have to evade four hands for the catch. While Ewers placed the ball well, Worthy didn’t come down with it. Incomplete.

The second target to Worthy had every Texas fan in attendance on their feet. Ewers’ football seemingly dropped right into Worthy’s grasp like clockwork, but he didn’t get one hand on it. Incomplete. Fourth down.

“It’s tough,” Ewers said. “But I didn’t lose any confidence in him and I know he didn’t lose any confidence in himself. Stuff like that, it happens every now and then.”

Worthy and Ewers’ chemistry isn’t the sole reason for Texas’ 27-20 loss. Washington running back Wayne Taulapapa carved through the Longhorns’ defensive line, accumulating 108 yards on the night. The defensive line also failed to create negative plays, despite creating pressure on Penix throughout the game. 

Sarkisian credits Washington’s offensive line for its ability to keep its quarterback standing and able to make his throws and create opportunities for makeable third downs.

“(Washington) hadn’t given up many sacks coming into the game,” Sarkisian said. “We knew the game plan had to be to affect (Penix.) We(‘ve) got to keep finding ways to create a few more negative plays, which we had a hard time doing tonight.”

Despite Texas failing to play its brand of football, Sarksian is proud of how the Longhorns have improved from year one to year two. He believes that the 2022 squad was filled to the brim with competitors who always put the team in a position to win. 

“Comparing this season and last season, it’s night and day,” senior safety Anthony Cook said. “I’m just extremely happy to be a part of this program and thankful for everything this program has given me.”