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5 Takeaways From Texas Football Win vs Texas Tech

By Tyler Brett

Nov 5, 2016; Lubbock, TX, USA; The University of Texas Longhorns mascot reacts on the sidelines during the game with the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Lubbock, TX, USA; The University of Texas Longhorns mascot reacts on the sidelines during the game with the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 5, 2016; Lubbock, TX, USA; University of Texas Longhorns defensive back Malik Jefferson (46) tries to block a pass from Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Patrick Mahomes (5) in the second half at Jones AT&T Stadium. UT defeated Texas Tech 45-37. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Lubbock, TX, USA; University of Texas Longhorns defensive back Malik Jefferson (46) tries to block a pass from Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Patrick Mahomes (5) in the second half at Jones AT&T Stadium. UT defeated Texas Tech 45-37. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

Texas Tech was bound to gain some yards in this game. They entered this game as the No. 1 offense in FBS, averaging over 600 yards per game. Texas’ defense had struggled this season, particularly with giving up long plays in the passing game. In this win, they were able to contain the Red Raiders, bending but never breaking.

Despite their poor showing earlier this season, the Longhorns’ secondary stepped up when they needed to. Texas challenged Mahomes on just about every throw and they limited him to “just” 367 yards, well below his season average. After allowing 16 points in the first quarter, the Texas defense allowed just two touchdowns the rest of the way. Twice they turned Tech away on downs and they finished the game with an interception in the end zone.

That is a stark improvement from the way the defense was playing early in the season. This defense was defined by getting beat over the top and allowing huge plays to gash them for long touchdowns. Poor tackling, bad communication, and lackadaisical play led to poor showings from the defense. But in this one, they took it to another level.

Texas has suffered through some frustrating growing pains with this defense this fall. Seeing them challenge and push back the most prolific offense in college football was a very welcome sight.

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