Sarkisian Excited to See Texas RB CJ Baxter 'Cut Loose' vs. Alabama

Steve Sarkisian expects C.J. Baxter to be cleared for Saturday's showdown against the No. 3 Crimson Tide

CJ Baxter took the first reps in Texas' win over Rice Saturday and didn't disappoint, rushing for 38 yards on five carries before being sidelined for the second half due to a rib injury. 

He won't be sidelined when the No. 11 Longhorns take the field at Bryant-Denny Stadium against Alabama. 

During his annual Thursday Zoom call with reporters, third-year coach Steve Sarkisian said Baxter is expected to see reps against the No. 3 Crimson Tide after returning to practice Monday. 

“CJ looked great,” Sarkisian said. “Fired up for him to go cut it loose this Saturday.”

Baxter, a five-star phenom from Orlando, Fla., was the first running back to see reps in a 37-10 victory over the Owls Saturday in front of a packed Royal-Memorial Stadium, becoming the first Texas true freshman to start since Ricky Williams in 1995. 

The Longhorns (1-0) boast one of the more dynamic rushing rooms in the country, headlined by Baxter, sophomore Jonathon Brooks and sophomore Jaydon Blue. 

Brooks and Blue finished with more yards and touches, but it was Baxter's 32-yard scamper in the second quarter that gave fans visions of previous start tailbacks like Williams, Cedric Benson, D'Onta Foreman and reigning Doak Walker Award winner Bijan Robinson. 

Sarkisian described Baxter's injury as a "rib issue" following the game. Reps could be limited for the freshman against the Crimson Tide's potent front seven, but it all depends on how his body feels heading into Saturday's game. 

© Scott Wachter, USA TODAY

Sarkisian said that Baxter's debut was promising, but he'll have his first significant test in front of a hostile fan base that reaches capacities inside Bryant-Denny Stadium of over 102,000. 

“I’m sure there’ll be a little bit of a transition maybe early in the game from the speed of the game, the physicality of the game, and, obviously, the environment," said Sarkisian. "But I’m not really concerned about him performing because that’s just who he’s been throughout his time with us.”

Baxter's young and still developing into his own, but his work ethic in practice has made coaches and defensive players pay attention to his explosiveness in the open field. Sarkisian mentioned that while playing on the road will be a first, there isn't a reason to think he can't produce. 

"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 week against Middle Tennessee, Alabama (1-0) mitigated the ground game, holding the Blue Raiders to 78 yards and 3.0 yards per play. Seven players recorded a tackle behind the line of scrimmage. Chris Braswell, Deonte Lawson, and Quandarrius Robinson each totaled a sack. 

Texas' ability to produce the hard yards should provide challenges for the Crimson Tide. Brooks can flourish in space as a runner but also has exceptional hands. He scored the season's first touchdown on a 37-yard pass from Quinn Ewers, and totaled 52 rushing yards on 12 carries. 

Blue saw a team-high 56 yards on 10 carries and totaled three first downs. Keilan Robinson and Savion Red combined for a yard on carries. Even Ewers got in on the action, scoring the team's lone rushing touchdown during the third quarter. 

Last season, Alabama ranked 30th national in run defense, holding opponents to 130.8 yards per game. 

Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN.