Five keys to a Texas victory over Iowa State
If the Texas Longhorns hope to play in a bowl game this season, tomorrow’s game versus Iowa State is the first step. The Longhorns need at least four more wins to become bowl eligible. Taking care of business against the Cyclones is crucial.
Here are five keys to watch for tomorrow.
- Texas must play four quarters
This team has been guilty of only playing parts of a game. BYU, Baylor and Oklahoma were all games in which the Longhorns played hard in the first half, only to collapse in the third quarter and/or fourth quarters. Texas can’t afford to keep playing 30 or 45 minutes of football. This team needs to put together a complete game.
The defense has been left out to dry in several games. Still, Texas has one of the best defenses in college football. A stronger showing by the offense means more rest for this unit.
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- A more focused special teams unit
You can bet the special teams players worked extra hard in practice this week. Last week’s effort against the Sooners was pathetic. The coverage team was lousy on the kick return for a touchdown. Adrian Colbert’s early hit on the Oklahoma return man resulted in a field goal for the Sooners. William Russ narrowly avoided disaster when he dropped the snap on a punt deep in Texas territory.
It is probably safe to say this group will come out focused on doing its job. We shouldn’t see a lapse in focus or concentration this Saturday.
- Relentless pass rush
Iowa State does not have much of a run game. Because of this, the Cyclones have gone to an up-tempo offense at times. This could work in Texas’ favor if Cedric Reed and Co. can get off the ball quickly and get pressure on Sam B. Richardson. Iowa State is depleted along the offensive line. This is a game the Texas defensive line should dominate.
- Tyrone Swoopes continuing to develop
Swoopes has made tremendous progress since the BYU game. He kept his head up and downfield as he moved around in the pocket against the Sooners. He needs to continue this trend if Texas is seriously considering playing in a bowl game. The sophomore must make good decisions in the pocket. He can’t force throws when backed up deep in Texas territory. He simply needs to take what the defense gives him. Iowa State has a young, but talented secondary. A good showing by Swoopes and Texas wins this game.
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- Establishing the run game
Last week the offensive line opened up some running lanes for Malcolm Brown and Johnathan Gray. There weren’t many, but let’s just consider this baby steps for an offensive line that is gaining confidence each week.
Moving Taylor Doyle to center seems to have solidified the middle of the line. With Doyle at center, it did a pretty good job of neutralizing Oklahoma’s interior line. The group needs to build upon last week’s effort with something equal or better. It would be great if this is the game where Brown or Gray break loose for a big game.
Speaking of the running backs, Charlie Strong needs to hitch his wagon on Brown. The senior has looked good when he has found a crease. No one will ever mistake him for Jamaal Charles, but Brown’s downhill running style should help Texas move the chains. One way to minimize Swoopes’ chances of making a key mistake is to get the run game untracked early. Texas is due for a big game on the ground.