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Texas Football: 13 Wishlist Items for 2017

By Rob Wolkenbrod

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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Oct 29, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Baylor Bears quarterback Seth Russell (17) scrambles against the Texas Longhorns defense at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Texas beat Baylor 35-34. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Baylor Bears quarterback Seth Russell (17) scrambles against the Texas Longhorns defense at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Texas beat Baylor 35-34. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Improve the Defense

Texas gave up over 30 points per game this past season, including allowing nearly 450 yards per game, an improvement from 2015 but still not appealing numbers. Enter new defensive coordinator Todd Orlando, who will be tasked with revamping this defense.

Orlando’s staple has been his rush defense, which saw him lead top defenses in this regard over the past few years at Connecticut and Houston. The Cougars were in the top 10 in rush defense in both seasons with Tom Herman, so is this a sign of what’s to come?

Getting the No. 77 rush defense to even rank at No. 25 isn’t going to be done overnight. That goes for the entire 2017 season as well. However, in a conference that has notoriously struggled to churn out quality defenses, even the slightest bit of improvement could go a long way for Texas. They were already heading in the right direction from 2015 to 2016, but next season could be the latest step in getting this defense to be one of the Big 12’s best.

Along with the offense adding new pieces, the defense stepping up could mean big things in 2017, something that could lead to a successful season. It won’t be easy, but there is hope for improvement.

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