Hook'em Headlines
Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
Nov 14, 2015; Morgantown, WV, USA; Texas Longhorns running back D
Nov 14, 2015; Morgantown, WV, USA; Texas Longhorns running back D /

4. Establish the Run

Going hand in hand with controlling the line of scrimmage, Texas has to establish their running game to help this offense get into rhythm. Last season, they managed just 2.1 yards per carry as they accumulated just 60 rushing yards in South Bend.

This season, Texas knows what they have in the Smash Brothers, D’Onta Foreman and Chris Warren. Both backs emerged as two of the of most explosive and productive backs in the Big 12 last season but they were largely a non-factor against Notre Dame last season. The duo combined for just nine yards on six carries.

In this rematch, that can’t happen again. Sterlin Gilbert knows the importance of establishing the run with his bruising backfield duo and will be sure to call their number early and often. With Texas’ new spread stretching the Irish defense from sideline to sideline, there should be alleys to run through for Foreman and Warren to get them rolling.

Their contributions will pace this offense and take pressure off the quarterback, whoever that may be (more on that later). While everyone is excited to see Texas’ speedy receivers work in the open field, the first priority for the Horns has to be establishing their running game.

Next: 3. Explosive Plays on Offense

Home/Texas Football