Texas’ disappointing season ended on Tuesday night against Colorado. As he always seems to do, Tom Herman had his team prepared and ready for a game of bowling. The Longhorns took Colorado out of the water, especially in the second half.
For what could have been the last time, Sam Ehlinger was the titular quarterback at the University of Texas. Due to a shoulder injury suffered in the first half, the defender was unable to be expelled the way he deserved. Fortunately, Casey Thompson stepped in and played a show in just over an entire room.
Defensively, it was another encouraging performance by Chris Ash’s group, especially with top starters Joseph Ossai, Ta’Quon Graham and Caden Sterns. Young players like Alfred Collins, Jerrin Thompson and Jett Bush had opportunities to make statements.
Although it was not a declaration of victory on any subject, Texas looked good in its final against Colorado. However, Herman and company still have some issues to work on before starting the 2021 season.
Here are the nails and failures of the Alamo Bowl 2020:
STUD: Running back Bijan Robinson
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What a performance of the true freshman. With only 10 runs, Bijan Robinson was able to run for 183 yards and a touchdown. He even went electric in the passing game, having two 37-yard receptions and a touchdown as well. When Robinson was on the pitch, he was easily the best player out there. Going into the next season, Robinson will be seen as one of the best running backs of the big 12.
DUD: Roschon Johnson
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Outside of his impressive 21-yard touchdown, it was confusing why Roschon Johnson was getting touches instead of Bijan Robinson. Except for the touchdown race, Johnson finished nine runs for 18 yards. He just wasn’t playing as explosively as we are used to seeing him. Free runner two on the list now, Johnson will be struggling to load if he continues to roll numbers like that.
STUD: Casey Thompson
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It was very confusing when Sam Ehlinger did not take the field to start the second half. The shoulder injury kept the Longhorns star out during their potential final game in a Texas uniform. Casey Thompson Reserve came on the scene and gave a show. His eight-out-of-ten performance with 170 yards and four touchdowns may have given him the edge in next season’s battle for position.
DUD: Offensive staff
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Tom Herman must think it is an absolute crime to play Jake Smith and Jordan Whittington at the same time. Arguably two of the most dynamic receivers in Texas, former top players are always replacing each other instead of playing together. On the running back, Roschon Johnson had the same number of loads as Bijan Robinson, despite having an average of 15.1 yards per load less. Herman and offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich have a skillful set of weapons on the offensive side of the ball. They need to get the best players out there, no matter what.
STUD: DeMarvion Overshown
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Now that Joseph Ossai is out of the NFL, DeMarvion Overshown is the best defensive player Texas has. Moving from security to the weak linebacker this season, Overshown was across the field against Colorado. He finished with five tackles, 0.5 which went to a loss, two quarterback hurries, a fumble recovery and an interception. Overshown’s game in the second half of the season changed the Longhorns’ defense.
DUD: 2021 advertising campaign
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As horrible as it is to say, we’ve all come this way before, during the Tom Herman era. The average season followed by a really solid performance in the bowl that turns into hope and expectations for the next season. Before we have any ideas of how good this Texas team can be next season, let’s see them prove it. With many young people playing on Tuesday against Colorado, the first step has been taken. Until games like TCU and Iowa State stop happening, the pre-season hype needs to be leveled off.