Will Texas be aggressive or play it safe defensively this week?

The primary objective must be stopping Deuce Vaughn.

The Texas Longhorns defense will have its hands full when they face the Kansas State Wildcats on Saturday. Coming off a dominant 48-0 win, Chris Klieman’s team should have the Longhorns’ full attention.

Pete Kwiatkowski’s defense will be asked to slow down the K-State attack. To do so, they will need to slow running back Deuce Vaughn.

Vaughn’s ability is well documented. Last week he ran for 158 yards on 22 carries. The short speedster is adept at making plays as a rusher and receiver.

Regardless of the method taken by the Texas defense, stopping the elite talent figures to be the primary objective for the unit. The only question is, will Texas make Adrian Martinez or Will Howard beat them through the air or concede the run?

Saturday’s game is a huge opportunity for Kwiatkowski and his defensive staff. With a strong performance, the defense could help lift the team back into the Big 12 championship race.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbz52bnpekkafqb player_id=none image=https://longhornswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

Contact/Follow us @LonghornsWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas news, notes and opinions.

Looking at what Texas will face against No. 13 Kansas State

Will Howard threw for 296 yards and four touchdowns against Oklahoma State.

The Kansas State Wildcats present another huge opportunity for the Texas football program this week. They also pose a significant threat to the Longhorns’ bid for a Big 12 title appearance.

Presently, the Wildcats sit at 6-2 with one loss in conference play. Texas is currently 5-3 with two conference losses.

Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman has done a great job building a contender this season. Behind a strong defense and running game, Klieman’s team is playing as well as any other team in the conference.

K-State backup quarterback Will Howard played well in relief of an injured Adrian Martinez against Oklahoma State. Howard completed 21 of 37 pass attempts for 296 yards and four touchdowns. Whether or not he plays or Martinez returns, the Wildcats will be able to fall back on a strong running game.

Deuce Vaughn led the K-State rushing attack with 158 yards on 22 carries against Oklahoma State. He will figure to play a significant role in his team’s offensive attack against Texas.

Here are a few challenges Texas will need to account for this week.