Can Longhorns Win With Vertical Passing Against Baylor?

Xavier Worthy and AD Mitchell must be ready to let it fly Saturday evening at McLane Stadium.

Texas begins its quest to a Big 12 title Saturday when taking the field against Baylor at McLane Stadium. Which player is the one name to monitor? 

Quinn Ewers would be a wise choice, given his struggles against Wyoming. The emergence of Jonathon Brooks last week could be another option, especially against a woeful Bears' run defense that's allowed over 170 yards per outing on average. 

Jaylan Ford is looking for his second interception, Jerrin Thompson is itching for a pick-six and Byron Murphy could make another appearance as a fullback. 

All great options. None, however, could be in line for another record-setting day like Xavier Worthy. 

The preseason All-Big 12 receiver felt a bit of a sophomore slump last season after breaking Roy Williams' freshman single-season record in receiving touchdowns and yards. Then again, Texas primarily trusted Doak Walker Award winner Bijan Robinson to carry the load. 

The passing game has thrived at times this season between Ewers and Worthy. Not everything is perfect in Austin, but there's been an uptick in consistency. 

Through three games, Worthy has been targeted 25 times, totaling 16 grabs for 221 yards and two touchdowns. Five passes have come over 20-plus yards downfield. Six have come within the first 10 yards. 

Worthy has been known for his vertical speed, but his short-yardage burst is on display in 2023. Ewers has targeted the No. 1 weapon eight times behind the line of scrimmage. Seven of the eight have gone of positive gains, including a 44-yard touchdown last week in a 31-10 win over Wyoming. 

Ewers, who led the Longhorns to their most extensive since 2009 in Week 2 over Alabama, has been inconsistent with his deep ball accuracy. Last season, he was 7-of-42 on passes of 20-plus yards downfield when targeting Worthy. This season, he's 3-of-5 when going deep to No. 1. 

Part of the success that led Texas to a 34-24 against the Crimson Tide was the complimentary play of transfer AD Mitchell. A two-time national champion for Georgia, Mitchell opened up the vertical downfield threat thanks to his pure route-running. 

Ewers targeted Mitchell three times on plays over 20-plus yards downfield. One play led to a 15-yard pass interference call to set up a Ja'Tavion Sanders 50-yard scamper. The other led to a 39-yard house call with 8:23 remaining. 

Mitchell's consistency opens up the passing game for Worthy. It allows Ewers to survey the field, thus giving his No. 1 target more time to attack. There's room for improvement in the deep ball attack for the Longhorns, but Mitchell's presence makes it more relaxed. 

Baylor's 19th-ranked pass defense has been challenged this season against lesser competition. Texas State throttled the secondary with a three-touchdown day from TJ Finley. Utah, which played without two-time Pac-12 champion Cam Rising, averaged less than 6.0 yards per pass attempt. 

The Bears have yet to see an offense with weapons such as the No. 3 Longhorns, but the main point of emphasis is on Worthy. If he builds a rapport early, what happens late might not matter. 

Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.