Texas RB Jaydon Blue is recovering physically and mentally after a week off and is ready for Oklahoma

Jaydon Blue wants everyone to know that he was focused on keeping the football after his two fumbles against Mississippi State.

The Texas running back was open and professional about admitting his mistakes and moving on. No. 1 Texas (5-0, 1-0 SEC) needs its top running back to keep an eye on ball security ahead of its Red River rivalry matchup against No. 18 Oklahoma.

“Yeah, that was a big focus (during the week off) to make sure I get those things sorted out in the next few games,” Blue said. “I know that in order to be as successful as I want to be, I have to keep at it.”

What can a running back do to emphasize that?

“Obviously your instinct is to carry a ball around this week if you fumble twice as a fullback in this game,” Blue said. “But I did a pretty good job of sticking to it today (in training) and I’m making sure it’s a big focus for me.”

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Texas coach Steve Sarkisian was instrumental in helping players overcome their mistakes and create teachable moments. Take right tackle Cam Williams, for example. Williams had three penalties in the first quarter against Michigan. But Williams has recovered and is enjoying a great season.

Sarkisian went hard against backup quarterback Arch Manning in his two starts. Manning was exceptionally good at long throws and decision-making, but the coach was still hesitant about him late in the fourth quarter against Louisiana-Monroe.

The Texas coaching staff wants players to learn to take responsibility and adapt. As a player, can you endure hard training? Blue is no exception.

Still, the Horns have options if the problem recurs. Quintrevion Wisner or Jerrick Gibson are viable options if Blue can't secure the football against Oklahoma (4-1, 0-1 SEC) or anyone else.

Blue played in the game last year but had no carries. “I’m excited,” he said. “I know how big this game is given the rivalry these two teams have had in the past. I’m just focused on getting better and focusing on today.”

Healthy competition throughout the season can bring the Horns to championship level. According to Sarkisian, Blue and Wisner are probably still his two best options in the backcourt.

“I thought they had a good week,” Sarkisian said. “I thought Jaydon trained really well. I thought the ball didn't matter, the guy had an ankle injury and sometimes training leading up to a game is limited. But he looks really healthy. He practices quickly. I feel very comfortable with him.

“Those two guys are going to be in the game and I feel comfortable with each of them in the game because we can execute and do things at a really high level.”