The Texas Longhorns need a win in a bad way this weekend. As the 1-2 Longhorns limp in to their Big 12 opener against the defending conference champions from Kansas State, their starting quarterback is ready to get back on the field. Quarterback David Ash has been cleared to play and will get the start for Texas on Saturday in Austin.
Ash was knocked out of a blowout loss at BYU two weeks ago and did not play last weekend against Ole Miss, resulting in another loss. Ash was treated for a head injury with concussion symptoms. Keeping him out of the game last week was a safety measure to insure he is not being rushed back on the field at risk of more threatening head trauma. Now that he has been cleared to play we will see if Ash can generate any spark for the Longhorns.
Case McCoy will return to the back-up role for the Longhorns, and at least for now that 1-2 combo under center appears to be the situation moving forward. Mack Brown had suggested earlier in the week that changes could be made under center if Ash was not available. That suggested freshman Tyrone Swoopes could get in to the offense. The plan was initially to preserve the eligibility of Swoopes by redshirting this season, but Texas may get in to a position where getting the dual-threat quarterback option may be necessary. With Ash back, it appears unlikely we will see Swoopes get a chance to give the offense a shot in the arm.
At least for now.
There are some other roster decisions that need to be made for Texas before kickoff on Saturday. Wide receiver Mike Davis is day-to-day with an ankle injury. Offensive tackle Josh Cochran (shoulder) and guard Mason Walters (knee) are also listed as day-to-day by the Longhorns. All are considered questionable for the Big 12 opener and will be game-time decisions. Texas will already be without tight end Greg Daniels and running back and receiver Daje Johnson.