Texas Football: 5 keys to success in 2018

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AUSTIN, TX – NOVEMBER 24: McLane Carter #6 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders looks to avoid the tackle by Gary Johnson #33 of the Texas Longhorns in the third quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 24, 2017 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

4. Limit the slip-ups at home

There were too many instances of the Horns disappointing at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in 2017. Falling short against the Texas Tech Red Raiders, Maryland, and Oklahoma State in heartbreaking fashion last year is something that can’t happen this fall.

The good news for Texas is that the home schedule stacks up nicely this year. Drawing Oklahoma State, Kansas State, and Texas Tech at home last season didn’t prove too advantageous for the Horns. Yet, all those opponents come on the road this year, where Texas has been successful in the past. That is aside from Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan, KS.

Key homes games on tap for Texas this season include West Virginia, Iowa State, USC, and TCU. There’s some huge chances for Texas to knock off some of its best competition on the 2018 slate. All four of those teams could be ranked when they come to Austin this fall.

Texas cannot fall to someone like the Baylor Bears this season, which would be similar to losing to Texas Tech in 2017. The Horns should be favored frequently at home this year, if it can get off to a hot start in the first three weeks of the season. Win at least five games at home this season, and the Horns are in a great place to compete for a spot in the Big 12 Championship Game.

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