Texas Football: Keys to victory in home matchup with Iowa State
The Texas Longhorns face a tough matchup this week with the Iowa State Cyclones. Albeit, the degree of difficulty shouldn’t be that high for the Texas defense.
While the Iowa State offense might be the worst in the conference, defensive coordinator Jon Heacock’s defense is probably the best. Led by Will MacDonald and O’Rien Vance, the Cyclones have stifled opposition this season.
Despite their defensive dominance, the Cyclones are on a three-game losing streak and 0-3 in conference play. In their last two games, they fell to Kansas by three points and Kansas State by one. Their reliable performance on defense has been thwarted by a complete lack of explosion offensively.
Let’s look at how Texas can escape the game with a win.
No free points
Syndication: The Oklahoman
Texas has to protect the football on Saturday. They have done a great job so far, despite their lack of forced turnovers by the defense this season. Iowa State’s offense should struggle to score points against the Longhorns. Steve Sarkisian’s offense and special teams units must play smart football and not make things easier for the Cyclones.
Patience on offense
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Iowa State’s defense could easily frustrate Texas on Saturday. The Cyclones don’t concede much to their offensive opponents. Fortunately for Texas, Matt Campbell’s offense probably isn’t going to run away with the game. Steve Sarkisian should be able to play complimentary football until his team’s talent wins out.
Take away Xavier Hutchinson
Bryon Houlgrave/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK
Xavier Hutchinson can be a serious mismatch for smaller cornerbacks. Unfortunately for Iowa State, Ryan Watts is not small. Watts is perhaps the perfect answer to stopping Hutchinson who could receive the lion’s share of targets on Saturday. If Texas can take him away, it could be game over.
Tight coverage
Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
We discuss tight coverage often, but it’s extremely relevant this week. Texas can ill afford to concede anything to Xavier Hutchinson, and they have a cornerback in Ryan Watts who could match Hutchinson step for step. Games like Saturday are why you get a player like Watts. This week could be his opportunity to win a game for the Longhorns.
Take deep shots
Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman via USA TODAY NETWORK
There are deep shots to be had against Iowa State despite their 3-3-5 defensive scheme. Texas should not shy away from challenging the Cyclones downfield with calculated deep throws.
Soften the defense with Texas tight ends
Syndication The Oklahoman
Jahleel Billingsley returns this week with Ja’Tavion Sanders playing tight end at an elite level. Iowa State cannot match the Longhorns’ speed on the outside or in the backfield. Jon Heacock’s preoccupation with Xavier Worthy and Bijan Robinson could open things up for Ja’Tavion Sanders again this week.
Trust Bijan
Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
Texas has a number of offensive weapons that can threaten the Iowa State defense. In the end, they should look to Bijan Robinson to close out the game.
