Horns ready for ‘funky stuff’ from WVU Saturday

By Colby Gordon, Contributing Writer

Different in every way

Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger threw for two touchdowns in the Longhorns’ 28-14 win two years ago in Morgantown, but he said he’s a much-improved player from the freshman who also had a regrettable interception.

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“In every way I’m different,” Ehlinger said. “The game has slowed down so much that I can go through my reads with comfort and calmness instead of feeling I have to force something to happen because everything’s moving so fast. Now I know where my guys are going to be as I’ve taken a lot of reps and speed at that level.”

Offensive lineman Derek Kerstetter said his unit is also a better one from the line that played two years ago, but it’s taken a lesson from last year’s 42-41 home loss to the Mountaineers into this week’s preparation.

“We have to finish,” Kerstetter said. “You can’t lose close ballgames like that in the fourth quarter.”

Funky stuff

Though West Virginia isn’t running the 3-3-5 defense it has the last few seasons, center Zach Shackelford said the Texas offense needs to be prepared for multiple looks.

“They do some funky stuff,” he said.”It’s a good mix, but we’re ready for all kinds of stuff. They do a lot of stunts, slants, twists … We’ll have to be good with controlling our eyes and stuff like that.”

The Longhorns will be focused on defensive linemen and brothers Dante and Darius Stills, who are two of the top-three sack leaders in the Big 12.

“They’re really fast and quick off the ball,” Ehlinger said. “High-motor guys.”

“They’re really good at getting in on the line of scrimmage and they’re really good with their hands,” Shackelford said. “We’ll have to do a good job of tracking them and just be solid on our protections. They’re up there with some of the best we’ve faced. They’re very technique savvy and sound. They have some experience now, and they’re good players. I remember them from last year, so it will be a good challenge.”

Texas will play at West Virginia Saturday at 2:30 p.m. on ABC.

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