Texas Longhorns Fight Injury Woes Ahead of Kentucky Showdown

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Texas Longhorns face a challenging matchup against the Kentucky Wildcats this weekend after recent player changes. Running back Jerrick Gibson has opted to redshirt, leaving Texas to adjust its lineup quickly.

In light of Gibson’s departure, coach Steve Sarkisian is expected to lean more on Christian Clark and James Simon in the running game. CJ Baxter, recovering from a hamstring injury, may also return, providing depth to the position as the Longhorns look to maintain their momentum following a victory over Oklahoma.

However, a more pressing concern for Texas is their kicking situation. Starting kicker Bert Stone will be sidelined, meaning that Mason Shipley will take over additional responsibilities. Sarkisian expressed confidence in Shipley, noting his previous performance against UTEP and Sam Houston where he handled kickoff duties effectively. “Mason does two things really well: His hang time is good and his ball placement is excellent,” said Sarkisian.

Statistics show that Texas’ special teams have improved since last season, now ranking fourth nationally in kick-return coverage, allowing only 10.4 yards per return. Yet, challenges remain as the Longhorns sit at 106th in kick return yards. Shipley has successfully executed 16 kickoffs for 993 yards this season.

The Longhorns’ overall special teams have been up and down. While they rank high in kick coverage, they are struggling in field goal efficiency. Sarkisian believes the unit is developing into a weapon as the season unfolds. “We’re starting to hit our stride on special teams,” he noted.

As for the game against Kentucky, this will be Texas’ first visit to Kroger Field. The Longhorns have a 2-0 all-time record against the Wildcats, including last year’s 31-14 win at home.

The Texas offense, despite a strong start to the season, has seen inconsistent performance. In their previous game against Oklahoma, quarterback Arch Manning and the offensive line must now prove they can adapt under pressure as they head into this critical SEC brawl. With injuries impacting the lineup, every player’s performance is vital as the Longhorns strive to secure a win on the road.

With kickoff approaching, the stakes are high for the Longhorns. They are eager to showcase their depth and resilience against a Kentucky team that will seek to capitalize on any Texas vulnerability.