Matchups to watch Texas vs. LSU: Manning-Baker, Texas-Death Valley
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Texas is closing in on a road trip to Baton Rouge to take on LSU. The Tigers need the win to keep their CFP hopes alive and a Longhorns win sets a clear path to the dance. Neither team has found consistency this season, meaning this is a game that’s likely to come down to a few key hinge points. For Texas, there are five matchups that could deliver them a win and an inside path to the CFP.
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Arch Manning vs. Blake Baker
Manning has seemed to find a rhythm the past two weeks, totalling 6 passing TDs and no INTs against Mississippi State and Missouri. Blake Baker and LSU’s defense will be tougher challenges, especially from a pressure perspective. The LSU front seven is loaded with NFL talent, all of which can impact the passer at a high rate. On top of that, Baker is not shy with blitzes, meaning Manning will need to thrive in the quick passing game. If Texas is going to make a CFP run, Manning needs to continue his clean play in Death Valley this weekend.
Texas OTs vs. Umanmeilen and Ross
Building off the pressure on Arch Manning, it’ll largely come down to Andre Cojoe and Melvin Siani to keep him upright. LSU’s duo of pass rushers, Princewill Umanmeilen and Jordan Ross have combined for 13.5 sacks this season, just one less than Colin Simmons and Rasheem Biles. The duo is capable of taking over this game and forcing the Texas offense back into their rut. It’s unlikely these two are kept from making an impact but giving Manning some time to operate is a must on the road.
Raleek Brown vs. LSU LBs
This is what will define the Texas run game going forward. The Texas OL has played better but much of the success on the ground has come from Raleek Brown’s elite ability. He has 12 forced missed tackles in the last three weeks, giving Texas a productive run game for the first time this season. This weekend, it’ll be TJ Dottery, Davhon Keys and possibly Whit Weeks to contend with, all of which are elite tacklers. If Texas wants any run game in this one, it’ll fall on No. 0’s shoulders.
Texas WRs vs. LSU Secondary
This is a true good on good matchup. Ryan Wingo, Emmett Mosley and Jermaine Bishop Jr. were all productive against Missouri and Cam Coleman is expected to return this week. For LSU, DJ Pickett, PJ Woodland and Ty Benefield are all possible first round picks in the NFL Draft. There will be multiple times the Texas wideouts will need to win 1-on-1 matchups downfield and if they can’t, you could see multiple passes going the other direction.
Texas vs. Death Valley at night
This is the battle every team faces in Baton Rouge. Texas has the benefit of handling two tough road tests, at Tennessee and Missouri, however this will be a different level. Tennessee’s atmosphere is incredible but the game did kickoff at noon, giving Texas a slightly easier environment to deal with. On Saturday, it’ll be a night game at LSU, the gold standard of college football atmospheres. It’ll be the toughest challenge to date and if Texas is going to get the win, it’ll require elite execution under pressure.
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This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Matchups to watch Texas vs. LSU: Manning-Baker, Texas-Death Valley