The playoff race heats up as Week 13 arrives. One of the most intriguing matchups this week will feature the Arkansas Razorbacks traveling to Austin to take on the Texas Longhorns. However, Texas may be in trouble as its best player might miss the game. It would be a significant setback to their barely alive playoff dream.

On November 22, college football insider Pete Nakos hopped onto X and shared the second-worst news possible for the Texas Longhorns: “Texas LB Anthony Hill Jr. is listed as doubtful and expected to miss tomorrow’s game against Arkansas, as @InsideTexas reported earlier this week.”

The domino effect would go wild if Anthony Hill Jr. does not suit up for the game tomorrow.

Anthony Hill broke a bone in his hand during the Georgia game last week. This is a massive blow because Hill is arguably the heart and soul of that defense. Head coach Steve Sarkisian had hoped he would be ready, but apparently, he was not. It looks like Liona Lefau, Ty’Anthony Smith, and Trey Moore are the guys who will need to step up and fill his very big shoes.

Hill has been everywhere on the field this year. The linebacker leads the team with 70 tackles and three forced fumbles. He has also been causing chaos in the backfield with 7.0 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks. He just has that knack for making NFL scouts take a little closer look and put an A+ grade on their evaluation paper. Remember that clutch interception against Georgia? That is the type of playmaking they will miss.

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Texas is already 9-3, with only a 20% chance of making the playoffs, according to most outlets. Arkansas is one of those teams you cannot sleep on. They might have a rough record at 2-8. But they fight hard and have gone toe-to-toe with nearly everyone they have played. They lost six of their games by a one-touchdown margin.

Their offense, led by dual-threat quarterback Taylen Green, who has 19 touchdowns and more than 700 rushing yards, can put up points in a hurry. Without Hill patrolling the middle of the field and making those crucial reads, the Texas defense is going to have its hands full trying to contain the Razorbacks’ dynamic attack.

The problem is that the Longhorns not only need the win, but they also need to win by a large margin. Plus, they must hope No. 8 Oklahoma loses to No. 22 Missouri and No. 9 Notre Dame loses to Syracuse. The chances of both teams slipping this weekend are slim, and losing Anthony Hill Jr. makes things even worse. Meanwhile, there’s another problem piling up for Texas, which could literally eat them alive.

Steve Sarkisian gets pressed about Texas Longhorns’ crucial problem

Penalties have been one of their most significant problems all season. They average over eight penalties per game, resulting in more than 65 yards of lost yardage. This has put them in tough spots throughout the year. It finally boiled over this week when a reporter pressed Steve Sarkisian about the issue.

Sarkisian responded bluntly, saying, “We’re getting called for penalties,” before being pushed again on why it keeps happening. Sarkisian then expanded on the problem, saying penalties are not all the same and need to be evaluated differently.

“What types of penalties are we getting, and then can they be rectified?” he said. He also explained that if the inevitable mistakes persist, “you’ve got to make some of those tough decisions.”

Sarkisian argued it is not as simple as asking, “What’s up with the penalties?” because the staff must examine when and how each penalty occurs. He said, “You’ve got to look deeper than just throwing a blanket over something.”

Despite his explanation, the penalty issue is still a genuine concern. Some flags, like holding or facemasks, are harder to avoid in fast-paced games. However, others, such as false starts, offsides, and illegal formations, come down to focus and discipline. Improved practice, a solid base, and more transparent communication can easily rectify these errors.

The Longhorns can’t afford to throw any penalties this weekend.