Steve Sarkisian Unveils Offensive Game Plan Under New Texas Longhorns QB Maalik Murphy

Steve Sarkisian is planning on keeping similar play designs with Maalik Murphy at QB.

The Texas Longhorns might have a new quarterback running the show Saturday against BYU, but Steve Sarkisian hopes to keep much of the offensive identity the same.  

During Thursday's Zoom meeting with reporters, Sarkisian said the hope would be to keep a similar offensive gameplan under new quarterback Maalik Murphy in his first career start. And optimism seems high that changes won't be necessary since Murphy has all the tools Sarkisian looks for in a starting quarterback. 

“Everybody has their own strengths and weaknesses, and our job is to try to play to their strengths," said Sarkisian. "We’re going to run our stuff but tailor some things to what Maalik does well.”

Murphy, the redshirt freshman who finished Saturday's 31-24 win over Houston following Quinn Ewers' injury, has everything needed to be successful, minus the reps. He's come in for mop-up duty at times, but a majority of reps come throughout the week in practice. 

He's impressed teammates, according to the third-year Longhorns coach. Murphy's command in the huddle has won over the locker room, and apparently, so has freshman phenom Arch Manning. 

Of course, the No. 7 Longhorns (6-1, 3-1 Big 12) aren't looking for moral wins, but real ones. After falling late against No. 5 Oklahoma in the Red River Showdown, there's no room for error if Texas hopes to keep its College Football Playoff hopes alive. 

Even Murphy has to be on point. Perfect? Not entirely. One could argue he simply needs to be above average. But Sarkisian also believes those surrounding Murphy must rise to the occasion, too. 

"All the players know Maalik is making his first career start," said Sarkisian. "We need to play well around him.”

Murphy playing up to his standard could be enough to swing momentum Texas' way against the Cougars (5-2, 2-2 Big 12) at Royal-Memorial Stadium. Anything above average should be considered a bonus. 

Texas Longhorns quarterback Maalik Murphy (6) looks to pass the ball during the third quarter against the Houston Cougars at TDECU Stadium.  / Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

Sarkisian, a former quarterback at BYU, understands that first starts come with a learning curve. Murphy needs to control the variables and keep the game small. Focusing on little details comes first, followed by everything else. 

"I don’t expect Maalik to go out Saturday and play perfect. That wouldn’t be realistic," Sarkisian said. "What we try to do is put him in the best position to have success, then navigate our way through the ebb and flow of a football game, which is how every game goes.”

Murphy, who finished 1-of-2 passing for seven yards in Week 8's win over Houston, will test BYU with his arm. The power is there; ask anyone who watched the California kid make a routine 65-yard touchdown pass to Johntay Cook in the spring game for further evidence.

For now, Sarkisian will trust the passing game with Murphy at the helm. Weapons in Adonai Mitchell, Xavier Worthy and Ja'Tavion Sanders should benefit the young quarterback to keep comfortable moving the sticks. 

What happens if the passing game gets out of line? Sarkisian plans on finding different avenues to help Murphy regain his confidence and rhythm. 

"[It] could be utilizing the run game. That could be utilizing some advantage throws. That could be moving the pocket," said Sarkisian. "There’s a variety of things that we could do there to get him back into rhythm if he does get out of it."