Texas Football: Why the Longhorn defense will stand stout this weekend

Everyone has been talking about the potent OU offense, but the Texas football defense will have what it takes to slow down Kyler Murray and company.

Led by Heisman hopeful Kyler Murray, this Oklahoma offense has been one of the most electric in the country. They are averaging nearly 50 points a game, and many are calling them the best offense in the nation, and Texas football faces them on Oct. 6.

We are here to tell you that this Saturday the Texas Longhorns defense will neutralize the Sooners potent offense and hold them to their worst performance of the season.

At the linebacker position Gary Johnson has been a standout in 2018 and seems to have fully adjusted to the pace of division one football. Johnson is second on the team in tackles with 32 and six of them have gone for a loss. Johnson’s sideline-to-sideline speed should help him keep up with Kyler Murray whenever he takes off. Containing Murray’s legs will be something the Texas defense must focus on.

The Texas secondary could be the most talented unit on this defense. They go nine deep but are led by the play of their two safeties, Brandon Jones and Caden Sterns. Jones, a junior, has been arguably the most consistent player on this defense. He has cleaned up some errors that found him out of position in his first two years in burnt orange. He is currently the teams leading tackler and is always around the ball.

Sterns, a true freshman, has already made his mark on this defense with three interceptions. He is the definition of a ballhawk and is always looking to make a game changing play.

These two safeties pair with the Longhorns two physical outside corners, Kris Boyd and Davante Davis. I expect Boyd to be matched up with Oklahoma’s number one receiving threat Marquise Brown. Brown has five catches that went for over 50 yards this season, but I believe Boyd will lock him down. The senior is about to play his 38th game in the burnt orange and white. Boyd is a seasoned veteran so he should be able make Brown uncomfortable and get him off his spot. Boyd’s physicality on the outside is something to watch for on Saturday.

At every level Texas has the pieces to be able to give this offense fits, it falls on if they execute or not.

Omenihu and Hager must bring their A-game off the edge. If Kyler Murray has time to stand in the pocket and dissect the defense he can be deadly. I expect Todd Orlando to bring pressure from all levels. This defense must make Murray uncomfortable.

Gary Johnson and the linebacking crew must be able to stand stout in the run game. When this Sooner team gets the run going their deep threats become that much more open. Johnson and company cannot allow this backfield to get to the third level.

Finally, the play of the secondary comes down to technique and will. Physically this group matches up very well with Oklahoma. Though, they must be sound in their technique or Marquise “Hollywood” Brown will be running down the sideline for a 75-yard touchdown. It is crucial that Jones and Sterns pick and choose when they are going to gamble. This game may ultimately come down to who makes the biggest play, the Texas secondary or the Oklahoma passing game.

The Longhorns have given up an average of just 15 points over their last three games. They have the mojo, and they must bring it to the Cotton Bowl this Saturday.