Texas Football: 5 keys to success in 2018

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AUSTIN, TX – NOVEMBER 24: Justin Stockton #4 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders is tackled by Charles Omenihu #90 of the Texas Longhorns and Malik Jefferson #46 in the second quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 24, 2017 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

1. Win battles in the trenches

The Texas offensive line had its numerous difficulties throughout the 2017 season. Meanwhile, the defensive line was much better throughout, and gave the entire defense for the Horns a steady presence to rely on. It was tough for most opponents to get anything going on the ground.

Texas also limited some very good passing attacks last season, including that of OU, USC, and Oklahoma State. The pieces are in place for that defense to be just as good, if not better, this season. Yet, the Texas defensive line does have some key pieces to replace to find that same level of success.

While the offensive line doesn’t see the same number of departed players than the front seven, it’ll need some help to get things going in 2018. Texas loses the former All-American offensive tackle Connor Williams to the NFL Draft, but Rice grad transfer Calvin Anderson can take his place.

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The other spots along the offensive line need to see a ton of improvement for both the passing game and the ground game to come along too. Ehlinger can’t be running for his life as much outside of the pocket and the running backs need more room to run at the line of scrimmage. It would be great for the defensive line to help the Horns win the possession battles too on most occasions.

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