Texas Football: 3 reasons the Longhorns can upset Iowa State

Strides of Xavier Worthy and Marcus Washington can finally produce results

One thing that the Baylor and Oklahoma State defenses do really well that Iowa State is not as good, especially among the linebackers and secondary, is tackling in the open field. Baylor and Oklahoma State might not have the same notable defensive scheme as Iowa State or as much experience at certain levels, but they do have some better athletes for the most part.

And this is where Texas can really do damage to the Iowa State defense in the passing game. There are so many ways in which the Longhorns can beat the Iowa State secondary. But that means that the offensive line will have to hold up, and Thompson has to be accurate with his throws. In the last two weeks, Thompson’s completion percentage has dipped down to just north of 55.

That will need to get better for Thompson to get it done for Texas in the passing game this weekend.

Moreover, the top two targets for Thompson among the wideouts/tight ends in the Iowa State game are bound to be the duo of junior Marcus Washington and breakthrough true freshman Xavier Worthy.

Despite some inconsistencies in the last few weeks, Worthy found his stride again with a 100-receiving yard game and one touchdown against Baylor. If Thompson is able to get more accurate balls Worthy’s way this weekend, watch out for him to really make some things happen against Iowa State.

Washington did have his downfalls in the last few games. But he also put up some solid numbers and the offense at least gave him a chance to make plays at key items of late. It feels like Washington is close to a real breakout game, and there’s no better time for it to come than this weekend.

In practice this week leading up to the Iowa State game, the coaches and Washington’s teammates have spoken highly of his attitude and progress despite some struggles at times of late.