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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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Dec 5, 2015; Waco, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive end Shiro Davis (1) and cornerback John Bonney (24) and safety P.J. Locke III (11) tackle Baylor Bears running back Johnny Jefferson (5) during the game at McLane Stadium. The Longhorns defeat the Bears 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2015; Waco, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive end Shiro Davis (1) and cornerback John Bonney (24) and safety P.J. Locke III (11) tackle Baylor Bears running back Johnny Jefferson (5) during the game at McLane Stadium. The Longhorns defeat the Bears 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Improved Defense

Notre Dame absolutely shredded this Texas defense last season. Malik Zaire threw for 313 yards and three touchdowns, completing 19 of 22 passes, while the Irish rushed for 214 yards and pair of touchdowns on the ground. The Irish rolled up 527 yards of total offense while holding the football for 39:10, almost twice as long as Texas.

This season, the Horns are bigger, tougher, and more experienced. Jefferson leads a deep linebacker group that will be utilized a number of ways to confuse and disrupt the Irish offense. The defensive line added major beef in the trenches with National Signing Day haul that adds excellent depth to the defensive interior. Texas’ secondary is loaded with playmakers, ballhawks, and phenomenal athletes that will make life difficult on opposing passing attacks.

Charlie Strong teams are historically built on the strength of their defense. That makes last season’s performance, where the Horns allowed over 450 yards of total offense per game, all the more unacceptable. You can be sure that the coaching staff is putting their defensive playmakers in positions to succeed in 2016 and the Longhorns defense will play up to the phenomenal potential on the depth chart.

And speaking of playing up to potential…

Next: 1. Ready to Seize the Moment

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