Texas Longhorns: Last year’s loss no longer dwelled upon as Herman discusses USC, offensive injuries

By Will Leverett

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Following the first win of the season, Saturday’s 28-21 home victory over Tulsa, Texas coach Tom Herman addressed the media Monday. Here are some of the biggest takeaways from the presser.

No flashbacks to last year

In week 3 a year ago, a scrappy Longhorns team surprised many, taking Sam Darnold-led USC into overtime at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. While then-freshman quarterback Sam Ehlinger played one of his better games of the year, the night was defined by his fumble in double overtime that sealed the game.

While the heartbreaking loss lingered, Herman does not see Ehlinger allow the late miscue to be his primary source of inspiration in the rematch.

“Using previous mistakes as motivation, I don't see that in him,” Herman said. “I think he wants to beat USC to beat USC. He doesn't want to beat them to exact any kind of revenge or a tone for any kind of since or anything like that.”

Furthermore, this is a USC team that looks very different from the one that defeated Texas last season. With a new quarterback and a new face of the defense, Herman knows they still “have talent all over the field”.

Banged-up offensive unit

The Texas offense struggled to move the football in the second half against Tulsa, only scoring seven points on five possessions. With junior offensive lineman Zach Shackelford out with a foot sprain, the offensive line was shuffled around. Herman inserted redshirt freshman Sam Cosmi into the starting lineup at right tackle.

Yet Herman is confident in the young lineman as he faces his toughest challenge yet.

“He's going to have a big test this weekend especially,” Herman said. There's some different creatures that USC is going to be throwing at him, but I think we all feel comfortable that you can win with him.”

Herman also confirmed the Longhorns could also be missing several playmaking skill-position players, including receiver John Burt, who has yet to play this season, and freshman running back Keaontay Ingram, who ran for 64 yards and a touchdown against Tulsa before leaving with strained MCL. Herman said Ingram would be “doubtful” against USC.

Little concern with fan base

It is no question that Texas fans are growing anxious. After three years of mediocrity with Charlie Strong, the Longhorn faithful were ready to reposition themselves in national prominence with Herman at the helm. But two games into season two of the Herman era, and things may not be looking as hoped.

Yet the coaching staff understands the pressure stemming from the fanbase of a traditional powerhouse.

“Mack Brown told me when I got the job that this can be the greatest job in America, because there's tens of millions of people that care very passionately about what happens with their Longhorn football team,” Herman said. “It can be one that's difficult too for the exact same reason.”

When asked about the section of the fanbase that is displeased with the job he has done, the coach simply said that the pressure to win comes from the inside out.

“The expectations that are put on us from the outside are never going to meet or exceed the expectations that we put on ourselves.” Herman said. “I love our fans, absolutely love them and I hope they continue to stay as passionate about Texas football as they have been.”

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