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Texas Football: 5 Reasons Longhorns Will Be Better Against Notre Dame in 2016

By Tyler Brett

Sep 5, 2015; South Bend, IN, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Tyrone Swoopes (18) scrambles out of the pocket against Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Romeo Okwara (45) at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame defeats Texas 38-3. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2015; South Bend, IN, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Tyrone Swoopes (18) scrambles out of the pocket against Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Romeo Okwara (45) at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame defeats Texas 38-3. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 26, 2015; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns running back Chris Warren III (25) reacts against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the second half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Texas Tech beat Texas 48-45. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2015; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns running back Chris Warren III (25) reacts against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the second half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Texas Tech beat Texas 48-45. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Understanding Their Strengths

Last season, Texas struggled early in part because they didn’t truly understand the strengths of their roster. The Smash Brother, D’Onta Foreman and Chris Warren, didn’t get their carries until midseason. Burt became a burner that could get beyond opposing defenses. Jefferson’s greatest strength, his pass rush, wasn’t part of the defense.

The team needed time to really feel out this roster and figure out how the pieces fit together. Now they understand the skill set of this roster and have brought in an offensive coordinator, Sterlin Gilbert, specifically to put those skills in advantageous positions. Understanding how your roster fits together is a huge component to building consistent success.

When these teams faced off last season, Notre Dame had the advantage of clearly understanding their strengths as a roster. That allowed the Irish to really hit the ground running and they didn’t stop until they secured a five-touchdown victory. This year, the Horns are better positioned to properly utilize their talents to get their offense rolling and to slow down the Irish.

And speaking of slowing down the Irish …

Next: Improved Defense

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