Oct 14, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Sam Ehlinger (11) runs against Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kenneth Murray (9) in the fourth quarter at the Cotton Bowl. Photo Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
AUSTIN, Texas — For the first time this season, Texas coach Tom Herman was not asked during his Monday media availability who his starting quarterback would be that week.
True freshman Sam Ehlinger has grabbed the position and won’t let go, even though he’s listed as the “or” starter along with sophomore Shane Buechele on the Longhorns’ depth chart.
Instead, Herman was queried about the toll that Ehlinger, who is the Longhorns’ second-leading rusher with 271 yards despite not playing in two of the contests, is taking week to week.
“I worry about it — we don’t want our quarterback carrying 20, 22 times,” Herman said. “Now if you’ve got to have it to win the game, you know, we’re going to do whatever it takes to win the game.”
Ehlinger has become the heart and unquestioned offensive leader of this team. He had 278 yards passing with a touchdown and a gutsy 106 yards on the ground on 22 bone-crunching carries against Oklahoma on Saturday.
The Sooners won 29-24, but Ehlinger continued to show his moxie and swagger, especially in the running game.
“Sam is like a wild horse right now that you’re trying to tame him a little bit,” Herman said. “But you don’t want to take away his energy and one of the things that makes him so effective. There’s always a fine line in dealing with guys that can make those plays with their feet.”
Ehlinger has completed 85 of 156 passes (54.5 percent) for 1,178 yards, with six touchdowns and three interceptions.
Texas (3-3, 2-1 Big 12 play) hosts No. 10 Oklahoma State (5-1, 2-1 Big 12) on Saturday at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.
