Texas Football vs Texas Tech: 5 Keys to Longhorns Victory
By Tyler Brett
Perhaps the best way to beat Tech’s offense, however, will be to keep them off the field entirely. That will mean a healthy dose of D’Onta Foreman, the best back in college football. Foreman’s ability to grind out yards between the tackles will be a key weapon in this game.
This season, Texas Tech has not been able to slow down opposing running games. They rank No. 9 in the Big 12, allowing 213.8 yards while allowing a league-high 5.41 yards per rush and 21 rushing touchdowns. The only teams they’ve been able to keep under 170 yards rushing this season have been Kansas and FCS Stephen F. Austin. Three teams have rushed for more than 300 yards against the Red Raiders.
That should mean a big day for Foreman, though. The bruising junior is second in the nation averaging 157.9 yards per game. He’s rushed for 1,105 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging 6.39 yards per carry. Additionally, he’s riding a nine-game streak of 100-yards rushing, second longest in Texas football history. Last week, he became the first Texas rusher to go over 1,000 yards in a season since Jamaal Charles in 2007.
He will be the key for the Texas offense. He’s responded incredibly well to become the workhorse back for the Horns in recent weeks. he’s recorded at least 20 carries in every game he’s played but one this season and has multiple touchdowns in four games. He’s coming off a career day against Baylor where he rushed for 250 yards and two touchdowns on 32 carries.
If he gets his touches against Tech, he should surpass that. With him driving the offense down the field, it will provide much-needed rest for the Texas defense and prevent the Tech offense from getting into a rhythm. For the Horns to win on the road, finally, they need Foreman to carry them there.