Texas Football: 3 problematic Cyclones for the Longhorns

3) Problematic Cyclones for Texas football

The underrated standout 6-foot-4 and 245 pound junior Iowa State linebacker Mike Rose is someone that Herman and first-year offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich can’t overlook in this game. Rose is one of the most versatile and productive linebackers not just in the Big 12, but in the entire country this fall.

Dropping back into pass coverage against a tight end like senior Cade Brewer or sophomore Jared Wiley, or blowing up plays in the backfield, are both specialties of Rose. This is not necessarily a breakthrough season for Rose, as he was very productive and efficient for this Iowa State defense in each of the last two seasons.

In eight games played for the Clones this season, Rose was sensational and consistent. He registered 63 combined tackles (39 solo and 24 assisted), 8.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, four interceptions, and one pass breakup.

The good news for the Longhorns in facing Rose is that they usually do well against him. In fact, Texas is the lone team in the entire Big 12 that Rose doesn’t have a single career tackle for loss against. He doesn’t have a single tackle for loss, sack, interception, pass breakup, or fumble in two tries up to this point against the Longhorns.

The Longhorns still can’t overlook the strength that Rose brings for this defense in stopping the run, rushing the passer, and even dropping back into pass coverage at times. One area they can take advantage of in unsure tackling at times. He has 12 missed tackles on the season so far.