Longhorns' Offensive Line Expected To Be At Full Strength vs. Alabama

Both DJ Campbell and Cole Hutson are expected to be active for Saturday's showdown in Tuscaloosa against the No. 3 Crimson Tide.

As the Texas Longhorns prepare to face the Alabama Crimson Tide on the road for what could be the game of the year, everything comes down to the little details. For Texas, its offense should be at near full strength. 

Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian told reporters Thursday during his weekly Zoom call that both DJ Campbell and Cole Hutson would be available to start at right guard against the No. 3 Crimson Tide (1-0). Campbell started last Saturday against Rice in a 37-10 win while Huston was ruled out after being "nicked up" during practice. 

“It's been pretty intense this week,” Sarkisian said, when asked about the offensive line’s work in practice. “If the games are anything like practice, we'll be OK.”

Campbell, a former five-star prospect from Bowie High School, pushed Hutson for starting reps during fall camp. Offensive line coach Kyle Flood praised the unit's depth, stating that at least eight players could start after progressing during spring practice. 

Campbell missed most of the second half for Texas after suffering a lower-body injury. Redshirt freshman Neto Umeozulu filled in for the remainder of the game and didn't allow a pressure in pass protection. 

As a unit, the No. 11 Longhorns (1-0) must keep Quinn Ewers upright against Alabama's forceful pass rush if they hope to claim revenge from the 2022 showdown in Austin. Ewers, who struggled early to build a rapport in the passing game, felt the pressure from Rice's front seven and was sacked twice in the first half. 

Last season, Ewers looked poised in the first quarter against the Crimson Tide. He connected with Xavier Worthy on a 46-yard pass, putting the Longhorns inside Alabama's red zone. A play later, Ewers' day was done after suffering an AC sprain in his right shoulder after taking a hit against Dallas Turner.

Alabama pushed its way back in the second half thanks to Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Byce Young, who connected with running back Jahmyr Gibbs for a 7-yard touchdown with eight minutes remaining. 

On the final drive, Young, who'd go on to become the No. 1 pick in last year's draft, evaded a sack on first down on a cornerback blitz from Ryan Watts to set up a game-winning 33-yard field goal from Will Reichard with 10 seconds remaining. 

"I thought we put up a great fight and yeah, it’s tough being on the sideline and watching your teammates get after it and you’re not able to contribute out there," Ewers said Monday. 

Hutson and Campbell won't be the only two players returning for reps in Titletown. Sarkisian confirmed that freshman running back CJ Baxter was expected to play after leaving Saturday's contest in the second quarter with a rib injury. 

Baxter, a five-star phenom from Orlando, Fla., became the first Texas tailback to start in his first game since Ricky Williams in 1995. He showed a combination of power and elusiveness in the first half, rushing for 38 yards on five carries, 32 of which came on a breakaway run in the second half. 

"Everything about him, he’s a very even-keeled guy," said Sarkisian. "He’s diligent in his approach to wanting to do things the right way. He’s a physical player. So in the end, my anticipation? He’s going to play."

Last season, Alabama held Texas to 79 rushing yards and a touchdown on 33 carries. In their season opener against Middle Tennessee State, the Tide grounded the rushing attack, allowing 78 yards on 26 carries. 

Kickoff from Bryant-Denny Stadium is scheduled for 6 p.m. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN.