Texas Football: Notable numbers from the first two weeks for Longhorns

4 of 8

AUSTIN, TX – SEPTEMBER 08: Shamari Brooks #3 of the Tulsa Golden Hurricane is tackled by Josh Thompson #29 of the Texas Longhorns and Anthony Wheeler #45 at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

Yards per carry allowed

The pride and joy of the Texas defense last season rested on the run stopping. Texas allowed just three yards per carry last year, as even some of the best rushing teams in the Big 12 had little to no luck on the ground. Stopping the run against the Oklahoma State Cowboys, Oklahoma Sooners, Iowa State Cyclones, etc. this year will be huge.

The season opener saw the Horns hold the Terps in check on the ground, but Tulsa was able to find more room to run. Stopping the run was one was of the biggest keys to victory for the Horns in Week 1 and should be a continued theme from here on out. After the Tulsa game, Texas is now allowing four yards per carry.

Maryland did not have a single rusher that got over the 35-yard mark, including starting running back Ty Johnson and quarterback Kasim Hill. Then, Tulsa was able to find a few holes in Week 2 in the Texas front seven and Shamari Brooks managed 66 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Surprisingly, Texas had an easier time with Maryland than Tulsa.

And, since Texas is getting more production out of its own ground game this season, stopping the opposition can help control time of possession. We cannot overstate how important the strength of the front seven will continue to be this year along with the continued significance of the ground game coming through bigtime.

Home/Texas Football