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Texas Football: 5 Keys to Victory vs Notre Dame

By Tyler Brett

Nov 7, 2015; Austin, TX, USA; University of Texas Longhorns tight end Dominic Cruciani (48) carries out the American flag before the game against the University of Kansas Jayhawks at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Austin, TX, USA; University of Texas Longhorns tight end Dominic Cruciani (48) carries out the American flag before the game against the University of Kansas Jayhawks at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 10, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) is sacked by Texas Longhorns defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway (98) defensive end Bryce Cottrell (91) and Naashon Hughes (40) during Red River rivalry at Cotton Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) is sacked by Texas Longhorns defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway (98) defensive end Bryce Cottrell (91) and Naashon Hughes (40) during Red River rivalry at Cotton Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Control the Line of Scrimmage

Texas’ upset bid has to start up front. Both offensive and defensive lines have been reinforced with talent from the freshman class and they will need to step up to help the Horns prevail in this one.

Offensively, Charlie Strong has called this Notre Dame defensive front “of the most physical” the team will face all year. Texas has put together an o-line group that could be one of the best in the Big 12 by season’s end. But health will be a factor for this group. True freshman center Zack Shackleford stepped up and seized the starting job during the spring and early fall camp but has been limited with an ankle injury. This group will have to come together quickly to stop Notre Dame’s talented defensive front and open up holes for the running game to get this offense on track.

Defensively, Strong is still haunted probably by the way his defense got gashed by the running game last season and against Notre Dame particularly. The Irish rushed for 214 yards and two touchdowns in their 38-3 win last season, pushing the Texas front around all night long. On top of that, the pass rush failed to develop as Malik Zaire looked very comfortable completing 19 of 22 passes for 313 yards and three touchdowns. This time around, Texas needs to create havoc up front, shutting down running lanes and pressuring the quarterback.

If Texas gets manhandled in the trenches like they did last season, it will be a long night for the Longhorns.

Next: 4. Establish the Run

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