Three defensive key players for the Texas Longhorns on Saturday

For the Texas Longhorns to stay on track to challenge for a Big 12 Championship, they will need these defenders to guide them Saturday.

Ta’Quon Graham, Defensive Tackle

Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports

Much like the Longhorns need a big game from Joseph Ossai, the need just as much from Ta’Quon Graham up front. Stopping the run should be priority No. 1 for this defense once again. When you can make WVU one dimensional they have a much tougher task of winning the football game. In their two losses, the quarterback averaged 43.5 pass attempts per game compared to 35.5 rush attempts.

Last week Graham recovered the Ossai fumble and returned it into Oklahoma State territory to set up one score. He attributed five total tackles, one sack and finished second in tackles for loss with 3.5. He and Ossai were a handful for a depleted Oklahoma State offensive line. The Longhorns need that same effort from their experience duo up front.

Graham’s seven TFLs are fourth in the Big 12 Conference this season. As he continues to get into the backfield and be disruptive, it will only help their secondary who has struggled this year. If he is able to get into the backfield against WVU, he can help bottle up the run game for Texas.