Texas Longhorns look for an answer to their third-quarter struggles in SEC play

During SEC play, Texas football often found itself halfway home to a conference conquest.

But as most football fans know, a game on the collegiate level lasts for 60 minutes so what the scoreboard says while the home team's band is performing at halftime isn't permanent. Those numbers are simply a placeholder.

That has proven to be the case for Texas (5-2, 2-2 SEC). Despite taking leads into the halftime intermission of all four of its SEC games, the Longhorns have lost twice and had their two wins come down to a last-second heave into the end zone.

Why haven't all of these halftime leads translated into wins? Well, let's start with what is happening to the UT offense in the third quarter.

Over its four SEC games, Texas has been outscored by a 31-3 margin in the third quarter with those three points coming Sept. 26 at Tennessee . The Longhorns have averaged 0.8 yards over 30 third-quarter rushes - five of which were sacks - while UT quarterback Arch Manning has gone 10-of-20 for 103 yards. Texas had gained six first downs in those third quarters, punted 10 times and committed one turnover.

Are those numbers out of the norm? Overall, the Longhorns are scoring 25.5 points per game in conference play. Texas is averaging 3.5 yards over its 140 rushes - 15 of which are sacks - while Manning had thrown for 846 yards while completing 65 of his 100 passes. Mac Chiumento has punted just 13 times outside of the third quarter.

"We've just got to do our 1-11. If one thing goes wrong, you can see what happens out there," tight end Michael Masunas said.

What adjustments are the Texas Longhorns making at halftime?

The Longhorns' second-half struggles might lead one to wonder what's happening in the Texas locker room during halftime. So what is happening in the Texas locker room during halftime?

Earlier this month, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers told reporters that halftime breaks for football players may not be what people envision . Sure, some adjustments are made and meetings are held. For the most part, though, players use the time to catch their breaths.

On Monday, Texas coach Steve Sarkisian was asked about his halftime routine. Sarkisian shared that the staff huddles for a quick meeting where he points out a few things that are going well and a few things that need to change. Some adjustments are made, some film is reviewed and some plays are drawn up for the second half. The coaches will also chat with players.

Sarkisian conceded that this routine may not be currently working for the Longhorns. That may lead to some adjustment to the way that Texas makes its halftime adjustments.

"I'm not opposed to making subtle tweaks and changes to what we do at halftime," Sarkisian said. "There'll be probably a couple things we do different this Saturday night at halftime to get ourselves ready to go, ready to play to start the second half."

On Saturday, the 11th-ranked team in the Associated Press poll will play its third straight home game when Mississippi State (4-3, 2-3) comes to town. In SEC play, the Bulldogs have been outscored in the third quarter in four of their five conference games. So that may give the Longhorns a chance to get right when it comes to their third-quarter issues.

"It's frustrating. We'll get it right, though," Manning said.