Can Chris Ash’s unit turn the corner
The Longhorns defense was a much improved unit a week ago than we have seen in recent weeks. They missed opportunity for three interceptions but the unit as a whole was better than they have been under Chris Ash for the three games previous.
Against the Baylor Bears rushing attack the defense allowed five first downs and 64 rushing yards. The three yards per carry was the worst output for a Texas opponent in conference play. The defense needs that kind of effort to corral the backfield trio of Spencer Sanders, Chuba Hubbard and L.D. Brown. The three have averaged 4.0, 5.1 and 6.1 yards per attempt this year.
The passing defense needs to be better as a whole as well. Against the Sooners high powered attack they gave up 6.2 yards per attempt. Against Baylor that number dropped to 5.7. That number grew due to the fourth quarter when Tom Herman took his foot off the gas. Through the first three quarters the Baylor offense had a total of 203 yards of offense.
Simply put, if Texas gains a lead on the Oklahoma State team this Saturday, it needs to push the throttle.