Hook'em Headlines
Fansided

Texas Football: 5 Improvements Longhorns Need to Make During Bye Week

By Tyler Brett

Sep 17, 2016; Berkeley, CA, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Shane Buechele (7) warms up prior to the game against the California Golden Bears at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Berkeley, CA, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Shane Buechele (7) warms up prior to the game against the California Golden Bears at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
Sep 17, 2016; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears wide receiver Melquise Stovall (1) scores a touchdown against the Texas Longhorns in the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears wide receiver Melquise Stovall (1) scores a touchdown against the Texas Longhorns in the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /

The loss to Cal was an embarrassing effort from the defense. Whether it’s a matter of scheme, execution, or communication, Texas must fix their defensive breakdowns.

Too often, Cal was able to spring receivers into the open field. In the second quarter, Melquise Stovall ran up the sideline without a Texas defender within 10 yards of him to score a 29-yard touchdown, cutting the Longhorn lead to 31-28. This was far from an isolated incident in this game and is something that has to change moving forward.

Following the game, Strong said the responsibility fell on the coaching staff. Senior safety Dylan Haines blamed a lack of communication between the players on the field. Whatever the issue, it’s not something that can continue. The Big 12 is filled with offenses who can stretch the field like Cal did. If the Longhorns don’t bring a better effort, their bid for a conference title will be short-lived.

Whatever steps the team takes, they need to find a way to tighten up the defense. Continued breakdowns like they have had in their non-conference schedule will be disastrous in Big 12 play.

Home/Texas Football