Texas football is playing its biggest game of the season on Friday against No. 13 Iowa State. Let’s take a look at these two teams before this all important matchup.
Texas offense
This offense started out the season being the backbone of the team, now things have changed. This offense has had many opportunities to blow out opponents since the first bye week. Sam Ehlinger hasn’t played as well as he did the first few weeks. He started out this season being talked about as a potential Heisman winner. Now, he’s just trying to get the Longhorns to the Big 12 Championship game.
The running game has helped out with Ehlinger’s struggles, mainly because of Bijan Robinson‘s performances. The Longhorns are hoping to get Keaontay Ingram back for this game. He should also contribute to the running game as well.
Texas defense
This defense has turned things around after its struggles in the first few games. What was once considered a weakness to the team has now become its biggest strength. With the offense struggling these last few games, this defense had to pick it up, and it did in a big way. Now the Longhorn defense will have its biggest test of the season as Texas hopes to makes it to the Big 12 Championship.
Iowa State offense
The biggest threat the Longhorns will be facing in this game is Cyclones running back Breece Hall. He’s been playing outstanding this season and already has over 1,000 yards so far. Hall is clearly in the game plan every week, and the Cyclones are going to make sure he gets as many touches as possible. This is going to be a key to the game and pulling off the upset.
Cyclones quarterback Brock Purdy has struggled this season. This is their weakness and the key to beating Iowa State. The Longhorns defense must force Purdy to beat it. It has done it in the past before. The last time the Longhorns played another dominant running back this season was Oklahoma State’s Chuba Hubbard. They slowed down Hubbard, and now they must stop Hall.
Iowa State defense
This defense knows how to get to the quarterback and force some turnovers. Ehlinger has taken a lot of hits this year. We don’t know if he’s been injured from those hits, but something is clearly off with his play these last few weeks. If he’s injured, the extended break gave him the opportunity to get healthy and maybe it’ll help the Longhorns get the win. Ehlinger must keep an eye on Cyclones linebacker Mike Rose, who has four interceptions this year. The offensive line must focus on blocking defensive linemen Jaquan Bailey and Will McDonald IV because they both have six sacks this year.
Texas football is going to win this game with a final score of 45-42. After that, all it has to do is beat Kansas State and Kansas. Its possible if the Longhorns win out they’ll be playing Oklahoma for the Big 12 Championship. If it happens, the Longhorns have a chance at sweet revenge.
