Texas Football: 5 Keys to Longhorn Victory vs Notre Dame

Texas Football: 5 Keys to Victory vs Notre Dame

By Tyler Brett | Sep 1, 2016

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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Sep 26, 2015; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns cornerback Holton Hill (5) returns an interception for a touchdown against the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the third quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Oklahoma State beat Texas 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Create Negative Plays on Defense

Last year, the Texas defense did very little to slow down Notre Dame’s offensive attack. They generated just a single sack and had zero turnovers. This year, they have to do more.

As the 2015 season went on, Texas’ defense rounded into form. They ranked No. 4 in the Big 12 in the sacks and No. 5 in turnovers. Those numbers need to improve to help this team win more games in 2016 and it needs to start against the Irish.

Notre Dame has an extremely talented offense that will sustain drives if they aren’t disrupted. Making the quarterback uncomfortable with pressure and generating short-fields for the offense with turnovers is crucial to getting the Irish offense off their mark and giving the Horns an edge.

This defense has leaders at every level capable of being difference-makers. They have to step up and make plays in this game for Texas to come out on top.

Next: 1. Quarterback Play

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