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Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian expected to have the quarterback dilemma solved by now. Many Longhorn fans believed their quarterback of the future would emerge this season. Every Longhorn media member thought they knew which quarterback was best suited to lead this team.
Casey Thompson was the number one quarterback throughout the majority of the preseason. Thompson was the starter during winter conditioning, spring practice, summer conditioning, and throughout the beginning of training camp. Sarkisian bumped Card up to the No.1 spot after the team’s first scrimmage. Card was the opening day starter but was benched after he struggled during a loss against Arkansas. Thompson reclaimed his starting role and led Texas to three consecutive victories before sustaining a thumb injury against Oklahoma. After that injury, Thompson struggled in multiple games. Sarkisian recently said he intended to open up the quarterback position to a competition battle next season.
“I think that we have to open that job up,” Sarkisian recently said. “I think we have to let these guys compete to see the development. We're going to tear this thing all the way down and we're going start back at square one come winter conditioning and then into spring ball.”
Welcome to Sarkisian’s difficult task of strengthening the Longhorn quarterback room.
Let us start by saying the easiest way to improve quarterback production is with a better offensive line.
Texas entered Saturday’s games ranked seventh in sacks allowed (27) within the Big 12 and 80th nationally. However, Texas was ranked second in rushing offense within the Big 12 and 29th nationally. Having Bijan Robinson in the backfield is a major reason for that production, but the offensive line deserves credit for their run-blocking ability this season.
Sarkisian’s support staff needs to hit the refresh every five minutes within the transfer portal to find offensive linemen who can have an immediate impact in 2022. The Longhorns lose right tackle Derek Kerstetter, right guard Tope Imade, Denzel Okafor and Rafiti Ghirmai to graduation. Texas could use at least two offensive linemen who can compete for playing time, similar to the impact Calvin Anderson and Parker Braun previously had when they transferred to Texas.
Card finished with 51 of 83 completions for 590 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception. Thompson completed 165 passes for 261 yards for 2,113 yards, 24 touchdowns, and nine interceptions.
Allow me to defend both quarterbacks.
Card was not always decisive with the ball this season. He overthrew receivers. Card had happy feet in the pocket and did not always look comfortable. I thought Card’s best performance occurred during a road loss against West Virginia when he replaced Thompson.
To be fair, this was Card's first season as a starter. The preseason hype, Aaron Rodgers comparisons, and constant discussions about his NFL future contributed to unrealistic expectations on a quarterback learning his second offense in two seasons.
It is quite possible Card lives up to every expectation in the future. Nevertheless, Card was a first-year starter behind an offensive line that struggled in pass protection, and Longhorn fans must hope he learns from the teachable moments that occurred.
In addition, Thompson, another first-year starter, played with a severely injured thumb in his throwing hand that affected him more this season than Sarkisian or the quarterback were willing to admit in real-time. I was told the reason Sarkisian rarely mentioned Thompson’s injury during media interviews to avoid putting a target on his quarterback's thumb.
However, every Longhorn observer knows Thompson struggled to grip the ball after sustaining the thumb injury against Oklahoma, which explains why he was not consistent throughout the remainder of this season.
“Not to make excuses, but like I said, I did play the last six weeks with a thumb injury that was re-irritated three or four times,” Thompson said. “I think before that I was playing at a high level, being able to throw the ball … Typically, thumb sprains whether, it's ligament damage, partial tears, joint pain, usually it takes three to six weeks, from what I was told. That was six weeks ago, and today we're sitting here and it's still not feeling very well. I love to throw the football. I love to train, but I probably won't throw for at least four weeks. I'll probably take about a month off from throwing. Hopefully, it heals sooner than that and I can look up and say it's healed. My biggest plan is just to let those ligaments that have been sprained, let those heal. Then the joint inflammation as well. I'm really trying to focus on getting that down and getting my range of motion back. I'm not able to fully bend it or extend it, so I'm trying to work on that.”
Thompson was a first-year starter, similar to Card, and battled a thumb injury.
He still led the Big 12 in touchdown passes thrown without starting in every game. In addition, Thompson surpassed the 2,000-yard passing mark for the season during the second
quarter against Kansas State, becoming the 14th Longhorn to accomplish the feat and 24th time in Texas history. Former Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger completed 158 of 275 passes for 1,915 yards, 11 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in nine games during his first season at Texas.
Sarkisian suggested he is open to another quarterback battle next season. That battle can include his current quarterback, a transfer, or incoming freshman Maalik Murphy.
Hello, Quinn Ewers.
Sarkisian could search the transfer portal for a quarterback, but those players want an opportunity to start. It could be difficult for Sarkisian to find a quality transfer quarterback who is willing to play behind Thompson and/or Card.
Texas walk-on quarterback Ben Ballard finished this season as the third-string quarterback, while Charles Wright is still developing.
However, if Sarkisian tries to convince both quarterbacks to return for another battle, especially in the transfer portal era, Thompson or Card could entertain playing for another program. Sarkisian cannot afford to have a quarterback room with only one quarterback who played in 2021, plus a true freshman and walk-on behind the passer who decided to stay.
“At the end of the day, that's the era that we're in,” Sarkisian said. “We’ve created free agency in college football without long-term contracts where guys are bound to them. I think every case and scenario is going to be different. Not only are we trying to recruit those two guys to stay, we've got to recruit other players to come in because clearly the situation we're in right now, we don't have the depth at that position that's needed moving forward, which is tough to do in this age of college football because it's easy to leave. Every guy wants to play. There's only one ball, there's only one quarterback. Hopefully, they believe in the development of the position and the way we do it. I think it [has] withstood the test of time. It's been proven for multiple decades now. That they believe in the coaching and the training that we're giving them. But ultimately, across the board, we need to play better and more consistently at that position if we want to be the team that we think we're capable of being next fall.”
Thompson did not disagree with Sarkisian.
“I heard what he said. A lot of people sent it to me. We'll have a conversation after the season. I do know coach Sark is very good with his planning and his overall coaching strategies. I know for sure he said we need more out of the quarterback room and the quarterback position. I don't disagree with that.
“I think that we need more depth at that position. I also think that we need a little bit more out of me. I think that we need a little bit more out of Hudson. I think that we all have to be better. But quarterback specifically, I think that we could be a little bit more consistent.”
The transfer portal is risky for both quarterbacks.
Thompson has worked with four offensive coordinators during his tenure at Texas. Tim Beck was Thompson’s first offensive coordinator, followed by Tom Herman, Mike Yurcich, and Sarkisian. If Thompson transferred, that would be three different offenses in the last three years, and five offensive coordinators during his college career. Spending two consecutive years in Sarkisian’s offense could benefit Thompson.
If Card left, he would be forced to learn a third offense in the past three seasons (Yurcich, Sarkisian, and a new system). Card is young and unproven, meaning he would likely enter a quarterback battle at another program, and that may not be appealing. In addition, Card is currently recovering from a high ankle sprain and will miss an undetermined amount of winter conditioning sessions.
“I'm open to competition. I'm not ever scared of that," Thompson said. "And I'm always confident in my abilities, as you guys know. We'll have to see what happens in the offseason and we'll see what decision that he [Sarkisian] makes.”
Funniest Things You Will See This Week
Imagine trying to pull this off in Walmart
This is for those who fried a turkey without burning down your home
Is this a clear sign she should file for an annulment?
Sports On A Dime
1. Tope Imade on losing his mother and the impact it had on him: “I’ve had plenty of talks with Coach Flood about this. One thing y'all know about coach Floyd when I came back the last week of spring ball. The day of the spring game, you know, we're warming up whatever I'm at tackle. He comes up to me and is like, she's watching. I was like what are you talking about? He [said] your mother. I'm like, wow. Keep in mind I've only known this guy two months because I went home Spring Break didn't come back. I've only known him for January and February. For him to say that to me, anything you need Coach Floyd, I’ll do that for you. We're getting ready for our spring game, for him to come up to me and say that …. Football, that can take a backseat. There are bigger things in life than just football. I lost my mom. He gave me time the whole spring off to cope with that. There are much bigger things. Losses, no bowl game, I'm just happy to be here. I'm happy to talk with you guys. Most people don't have to do this. People don't get the opportunity to do this. There are much bigger things, man. I'm not tripping off anything. Not losses. People may say I don't care about the team just because I am who I am. But I care about the team to make it better even when I'm gone.”
2. Imade’s message to the media after his interview this past week: “I just want to say one thing. With football, I come in because I love what I do. And for you guys all around me, y'all come and ask us these questions because y'all love what you do. This is probably my first and last time doing this. I just want to say thank you, guys. And even though some of y'all may be critical, some of y'all may support us, whatever it may be, I don't care. Y'all still get up and do with y'all love. I just want to say thank you guys, I appreciate you guys, and it means a lot. Hook ‘Em. Thank you, guys. This was awesome.”
3. One last note on Imade. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in corporate communications in May 2020. Imade earned a master’s degree in marketing from McCombs School of Business in May 2021. He applied for a master’s degree in finance and IT management but would have been forced to miss fall camp this year. Instead, Imade chose to pursue a master’s degree in sports management. Imade will chase his NFL dream, but his dream job is to work for Disney in marketing or management.
4. Sarkisian’s response when asked if he wanted Texas to participate in a bowl game with a 5-7 record: “I mean, I think, one, I'm not big on the hypotheticals as you guys know, but I get it. We'll figure that out if we get that bridge to cross. Clearly, we're a banged-up football team right now. We'll see where we're at. We'll see what the opportunities are. There's nothing like playing another game. We love the game of football. There's nothing like it, but we'll figure that out if that presents itself.”
5. Sarkisian on linebacker Jaylan Ford’s performance against Kansas State: “I thought Jaylan played well. He obviously had the really nice big hit there. I think it was the third quarter. From experience, I think that he's finding his way more and more. Obviously, I’ll have to look at the tape and see what it was. We went into this game without our two starting inside linebackers, without [Luke] Brockermeyer, without D-Mo [DeMarvion Overshown], and so other guys got opportunities, and Jaylen was obviously one of those. Happy for him. Hopefully, there are things for him to build on moving forward.”
6. Roschon Johnson’s performance in the season finale is something every Longhorn fan can be proud of. We expect Bijan Robinson to enter the NFL draft after next season and is easily a day one or two selection. However, Johnson looks like an early day three pick who could have a long career in the NFL.
7. Dallas Morning News columnist Chuck Carlton captured these shots by former Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops.
Fox Sports’ Big Noon Kickoff panel took a critical look at Steve Sarkisian’s first year at Texas before Friday’s 22-17 win over Kansas State.
Former Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops offered an especially harsh assessment when reminded of Sarkisian’s “all gas, no brakes” motto.
“You don’t need brakes when you run out of gas,” Stoops said to laughter from the panel. “I’m going to preface my comments with by no means do I believe Steve
Sarkisian should be fired whatsoever. But the previous four years they won seven games, eight games, 10 games and seven games. And they won every single bowl game four years in a row. Now they come in and they’re 4-7?
“This is a complete disaster. The administration, the coaches, the players, they’ve got to all own up to it. That’s their responsibility.”
After the Texas victory, Stoops offered a postscript. “I’m glad to see them win. I know you guys don’t believe me,” Stoops said, praising the second-half effort.
“All that being said, they’re still 5-7. They still had a six-game losing streak. So, it didn’t go away beating a seven-win K-State team.”
8. Nick Saban’s rant makes me wonder if this is what life was like on the 40 Acres when 10-wins was considered a disappointing season? Ketch has told me about those glory days, but I arrived here in 2014 and cannot imagine what those first-world problems
9. This is one of the most epic fights in boxing history. Enjoy reliving this iconic fight.
10. The football season for my Cedar Park Wolves came to an abrupt end during a 65-14 loss against Katy Paetow. However, good luck to Lago Vista, Lake Travis, Vandegrift, and Westlake during the remainder of their respective playoff runs.
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