4 takeaways from Texas's deciding win vs. UL-Monroe
Linebackers stand out
A few of the under-the-radar studs in this game for the Longhorns on the defensive side of the ball are from the linebacker position. Hill, second-year backer Liona Lefau, and super senior David Gbenda each made big plays in their own right that held a quality ULM ground game at bay tonight.
Hill, Lefau, and Gbenda each contributed at least a few tackles, a defensive stop, and at least one tackle for loss.
Anthony Hill Jr. with a pick-six negated by a block in the back call near the goal line. pic.twitter.com/Ryt3Ijv9en
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Hill was all over the place early in this game for the Longhorns, accounting for a quarterback pressure, a couple of defensive stops, and a sack all while being moved around in different matchups out in coverage and in the box at middle backer. He made one of the big plays of the game in the first half on an interception that would've been returned for his first touchdown if not for a block in the back call.
Lefau also played a big role for the Longhorns' defensive front at mike linebacker, coming up with multiple defensive stops, a couple of run stuffs, and a team-high seven combined tackles. He made a big impact on the pass rush, dropping back in pass coverage and defending the run effectively.
Texas's top four linebackers, including Hill, Gbenda, Lefau, and senior Morice Blackwell, are among the SEC's best top group at the position in the conference this season.