Texas Football: 5 Things Longhorns Should Improve vs UTEP

Sep 4, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns players are introduced before the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 4, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns players are introduced before the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 4, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; ATexas Longhorns linebacker Malik Jefferson (46) sacks Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 4, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; ATexas Longhorns linebacker Malik Jefferson (46) sacks Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

The Texas defense looked pretty good at times against the Irish, coming up with key stops when they needed them the most. But the one thing the Longhorns didn’t do against Notre Dame was create turnovers or generate consistent pressure.

As the season progresses, the ability to create turnovers and negative plays will have a major impact on the success of this team. Texas needs its stars on defense to come up with a game-changing play. The secondary got their hands on passes to knock them away against Notre Dame. Against the Miners, they need to show an ability to hang onto them and create quick-change opportunities.

The defensive line, meanwhile, needs to improve their pass rush. While Texas managed three sacks against the Irish, two of those were from defensive backs on blitzes. The defensive line managed just two quarterback pressures on the night and struggled to get pressure without help from a blitz. Bringing additional pressure should be a boost to the pass rush, not a requirement.

UTEP will provide the Texas defense to take steps forward on creating more negative plays. That will build confidence that will help this team against some of the tough competition coming up on their schedule.

Next: Tackle Better