Texas Football vs Texas Tech: 5 Keys to Longhorns Victory
By Tyler Brett
Texas has made great improvements in recent weeks generating turnovers. Texas Tech currently ranks No. 9 in the Big 12 in turnover margin at -5 for the season. The Longhorns need to win the turnover battle in this game to keep Tech’s offense off the field and set up their own offense with quick-score opportunities.
On the season, Texas has gained 11 turnovers. 10 of those turnovers have come in the last four games when Charlie Strong took over defensive play calling. The team has become more aggressive in attacking the football on defense, and it has paid serious dividends. Through the first four games, Texas was -4 in turnover margin. In the last four, they’re +4.
Tech has had a turnover in all but one game this season, including interceptions in each of their last five games. Their aggressive offensive style can lead to some risky decisions. Texas has to be ready to take advantage of these dangerous plays by making Tech pay for them with turnovers. The Texas secondary has made major strides in this department, recording a pick in three of their last four games after failing to snag an interception in the first four games of the year.
To win this game, the Longhorns are going to have to prevent Tech’s offensive momentum by creating turnovers. If they can shake the confidence of the Red Raider offense and provide short fields for their offense, it will be a major advantage for Texas.