Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian was given a chance at his Monday press conference to say running back Jaydon Blue would retain his starting job after fumbling twice against Mississippi State in the Longhorns' most recent game.

He didn't take it.

When asked whether Blue or Quintrevion Wisner ― who replaced him against the Bulldogs ― would start against Oklahoma on Saturday (2:30 p.m., ABC), Sarkisian said both backs would play.

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"I feel comfortable with either one of them in the game, that we can execute and do things at a really high level," Sarkisian said.

Blue missed Texas' Week 3 win over UTSA recovering from an ankle injury, then returned to carry the ball 25 times against Louisiana-Monroe ― a workload he said he'd never experienced before.

On the season, Blue has rushed 51 times for 239 yards and four touchdowns. He's also been a productive receiver, with 11 receptions for 87 yards and a pair of TDs.

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"I don't want anybody to think like we're giving up on Jaydon Blue," Sarkisian said after Blue was benched in reaction to his fumbling issues against MSU. "But, in this game, sometimes you have to shift and you have to pivot and we were fortunate enough to have Tre Wisner healthy this week to step in. I thought he played a heck of a second half for us and really gave us a nice spark in the run game."

Against Mississippi State, Wisner racked up 88 yards on 13 carries. He's been slightly more efficient than Blue on the ground this season with much less volume, averaging 5.0 yards per rush to Blue's 4.7.

Despite avoiding the question of who would start, Sarkisian singled out Blue's practice performances last week for praise.

"I thought they had a good week," Sarkisian said. "I thought Jaydon practiced really well. ...The guy's coming off an ankle injury and sometimes you're limited in practice leading up to the game, but he looks really healthy. He's practicing fast. Feel very comfortable with him."

Texas football's lesson from previous Red River Rivalry games against Oklahoma

Communication is critical in the type of rivalry game Texas is preparing for this week, Sarkisian said.

The Longhorns (5-0, 1-0 SEC) hope that their veteran offensive line — which returned four of its five starters from last season — will make that easier against the Sooners (4-1, 1-1).

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"(In 2021), I felt like we got a little overwhelmed, especially when we were in their end of the field," Sarkisian said. "We had some false starts, some miscommunications and gave up some sacks. I think last year, we felt the brunt of it when Jake (Majors) got hurt I think maybe the second or third play of the game, and all of a sudden you're playing with Connor Robertson. Nothing against Connor, but you're prepping all week with your veteran starting center, and then you adjust. So I do think continuity is critical."

The Sooners have a defensive front that will test the Longhorns. Oklahoma is averaging 3.6 sacks per game, with R Mason Thomas' 6.5 sacks leading the way.

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This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas vs Oklahoma: Will Jaydon Blue start for Longhorns?