Keys to a Texas win vs. Ole Miss: Beat the blitz, win turnover battle

As Texas prepares to face Ole Miss, the Longhorns require a victory to maintain their shot at the College Football Playoff. For Texas to turn their recent two-game losing streak around, they must win multiple facets of the game, some of which they’ve faltered at recently. Here are the four keys to Texas securing this win and securing their CFP hopes:

First, Texas must contend with the blitz. Quarterback Arch Manning and the Texas offense have been unable to withstand the pass rush from teams like Florida, Tennessee, and Oklahoma. Given Ole Miss’s history of employing a blitz-heavy defense, Manning will need to find answers early and force Ole Miss to reconsider their aggressive blitzing. If they fail to do so, Texas’ offense will continue to falter.

Second, Texas needs to dominate on 1st and 2nd downs. The offense has struggled throughout the season in these phases, but the defense has also been susceptible in these critical moments. To rectify this, the offense should aim for 3rd and 3-5s instead of the more daunting 3rd and 8-10s. The defense, on the other hand, must capitalize on short fields by forcing turnovers or creating easy scoring opportunities.

This requires quick decision-making from Manning, a solid run game, and effective blocking from the offensive line.

Third, Texas must curb turnovers and maintain field position. In the last two games, the Longhorns have struggled with turning the ball over and failing to capitalize on advantageous field positions. The defense has been left defending short fields due to offensive errors. Sarkisian should rely on his defensive strengths and avoid attempting risky plays before the midfield.

The offense must avoid mistakes, and the defense must be relentless in taking the ball away, providing the offense with crucial momentum throughout the game.

Lastly, Texas must leverage the crowd to their advantage. This game presents a unique atmosphere for Steve Sarkisian and the Texas team. The local fanbase is passionate, and their support can significantly impact the team’s performance. If the offense makes an early, impressive impact, the crowd will rally behind them, creating an elite atmosphere.

Conversely, a sluggish start from the offense could turn the home crowd’s advantage into a disadvantage. The Longhorns must deliver a strong offensive performance to earn the support of their fans, but they must first provide the crowd with a reason to cheer.