Texas Football: 3 catalysts that can help upset OU
Bijan Robinson, RB
The one player that Texas can rely on no matter what is the star sophomore running back and Heisman contender Bijan Robinson. Through five games this season, Bijan leads the nation in missed tackles forced, total yards from scrimmage, ranks second in total touchdowns and second in rushing yards.
Bijan is making an impact all over the place for the Longhorns, hence why this offense has looked rhythmic throughout most of the season, barring the loss to the Arkansas Razorbacks last month.
It would be a bit surprising to see Sark give Bijan as many rushing attempts as he had last weekend. Bijan got the ball nearly 35 times on the ground and a couple more times through the air. With two more tough defenses on the horizon in the Oklahoma schools in the next couple of weeks, expect Bijan to get the ball more often now where Sark tries to scheme him open with room to run.
No matter what, an Oklahoma defense that has largely struggled against the run so far this season doesn’t have a bright outlook against this deep stable of Texas running backs. Sark is going to want to give the likes of Bijan, junior Roschon Johnson, redshirt sophomore Keilan Robinson, etc. the ball more often to keep guys like Nik Bonitto and Isaiah Thomas less focused on the pass rush.
Oklahoma also really has yet to face a running back like Bijan. Kansas State star all-purpose running back Deuce Vaughn is very good in his own right, but nothing like what Bijan brings to the table for the Texas offense.
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Teams have generally found the most success running outside zone and off-tackle type plays against this Oklahoma defense. That is something the Longhorns can do well with Bijan, Roschon, and quarterback Casey Thompson alike.