Texas Football vs Texas Tech: 5 Keys to Longhorns Victory
By Tyler Brett
As good as Tech is passing the football, they’ve had their issues defending the pass. If Texas can keep them off-balance utlizing play-action passes, it could open up opportunities for big plays down the field.
Coming into this game, the Red Raiders rank No. 9 in the Big 12 in pass defense, allowing 304.6 yards per game. They also rank second-to-last in opponent passer rating (144.91), yards per attempt (8.0), and interceptions (4). Additionally, opposing quarterbacks have enjoyed a lot of success against this secondary, completing over 60 percent of their throws.
Enter Shane Buechele. The true freshman has continued to grow and develop over the last eight games and currently ranks No. 4 in the Big 12 in passer rating. He’s completing 63.9 percent of his passes for 2,013 yards with 17 touchdowns and six interceptions. He’s enjoyed his most success, however, when he’s been able to utilize the play-action.
Against Tech, getting defenders out of position with play-action is going to open up throwing lanes even wider. Buechele will be able to push the ball down the field and into the hands of Texas’ emerging playmakers at receivers who can eat up yardage in a hurry. This will allow the Horns to attack Tech with a balanced and effective offensive gameplan which should sustain drives and put up enough points to hang with the Red Raiders high-scoring offense.