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5 Takeaways From Texas Football Loss to West Virginia

By Tyler Brett

Nov 12, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Charlie Strong reacts during warm-ups prior to kickoff against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Charlie Strong reacts during warm-ups prior to kickoff against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 12, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns linebacker Malcolm Roach (32) tackles West Virginia quarterback Skyler Howard (left) during the first quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns linebacker Malcolm Roach (32) tackles West Virginia quarterback Skyler Howard (left) during the first quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports /

Since Charlie Strong took over the defense, there has been noticeable improvement on that side of the ball. While that didn’t translate to the win against West Virginia, the Horns continued to show growth on defense even without their leader, Malik Jefferson.

In the first four games of the season, Texas created just one turnover. In the last six games where Strong has been calling the defense, they have generated 16 turnovers, including eight interceptions. That is the most in the Big 12 since October 1. Additionally, Texas leads the Big 12 in sacks, recording 36 QB takedowns in 10 games this season. They are getting better at creating havoc for opposing offenses. They’ve held each of their last three opponents well below their season averages for points and yards.

There is still room for improvement of course. The secondary continues to get beat over the top too often and missed tackles are an issue. However, the defense is trending in the right direction since Strong stepped in. If that can translate into two or three more wins this season, it could be a deciding factor for keeping Strong in 2017.

The Texas defense was a serious weakness when the season began. They could not stop anyone and surrendered 45 points or more in four of their first five games. However, over the last five games, there has been a clear uptick in their level of play and it could make a difference in closing out the season strong.

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