Why Texas football sees importance in scrimmage

AUSTIN (KXAN) - In just a couple weeks, Texas football will be lacing up the cleats for real in the regular season opener against Ohio State. Up until that point, there's a lot for the coaching staff to figure out.

The Longhorns have wrapped up their second week of practice and Saturday marks an important step as Texas scrimmages.

"We need that information," said Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian. "We need to find out. We need to give guys opportunities to tackle because that's the only way we can get information on guys tackling and getting tackled."

Sarkisian added the Longhorns tackled for part of their Tuesday practice earlier in the week. And they have a calculated plan for the physicality of Saturday.

"They'll be portions of the scrimmage, that have been in the past, where we tackle. There will be portions of scrimmage where we thud and we'll stay up. That information is needed for the coaching staff and for the players."

Avoiding injuries is always top of mind for coaches as they get prepped for the season. For Texas, they've already lost a piece expected to contribute for the season.

With that being said, a scrimmage with tackling is a non-negotiable, according to Sarkisian and Texas.

"You have to do it because we have to play a real game August 30, too. And we're going to have to get some real people on the ground or that could be a long day. And we're going to get tackled by good people. You have to practice football to get good at football."