BYU vs. Texas: Previewing the Game with the Longhorns

We think we learned something about the BYU Cougars on Saturday. We know they can move the ball on offense between the 20s. And we know they handled a very big and strong offensive line. And we know they have deficiencies on special teams.

But we didn’t learn a whole lot about Texas. The Longhorns struggled for a half and change against a Rice Owls team which only won four games last season before putting the game away late in the third and fourth quarter.

So what can we expect from this matchup on Saturday?   

Y Offensive Versus Texas D

BYU moved the ball successfully against Ole Miss, but failed to convert in the red zone and left drives stalled due to miscues and poor execution.

Is the Texas defense better than that of Ole Miss? SEC honks are loathe to admit any school have a better defense than one of its own, but Texas has a ton of athletes on that side of the ball, and limited Rice to pretty much no offensive production.

But it’s also a very, very young group who has not been hit in the mouth by a physical line like BYUs. While there is a ton of speed on the outside, BYU should find success pounding through the middle of the line like it did against the Rebels.

It’s likely BYU moves the ball yet again, but Jake Heaps and co must finish drives with touchdowns to keep pressure on the Texas offense.

The BYU Front Seven Versus the Texas Running Game

We saw glimpses Saturday of what to expect from the Longhorns’ running game.

The Horns gained over 200 yards on the ground, and freshman Malcolm Brown averaged over five per carry on his way to 86 yards on the ground.

And there was some Wildcat thrown in there by Texas as well. And not the Wildcat BYU tried with Riley Nelson where it’s clumsy and ill-timed.

So the onus is on Jordan Pendleton, Kyle Van Noy and the rest of the defensive front to play soundly and be physical and fast like they were against Ole Miss.

If Texas has success running the ball early, this game could grind out and limit BYUs scoring opportunities.

BYU DBs Versus Mike Davis and the Receivers

Texas sophomore Mike Davis emerged as a serious big-play threat on Saturday as a star, catching just three balls but totaling over 100 yards receiving.

BYU defensive backs were rarely challenged on Saturday, so we don’t know quite what to expect. But we do know that Bronco cited lax coverage as something that needed work this week.

Texas did give up two sacks to a pretty lackluster Rice defense, so BYU ought to be able to get pressure on Texas QB Garret Gilbert.

But most importantly, the Cougar DBs must stay with Davis and Co. to limit the big plays.

Special Teams Versus Special Teams

Texas didn’t make any mistakes on special teams Saturday, but did recover a fumbled punt.

BYU, on the other hand, was throttled by special teams errors including shanked punts, a missed field goal, and poor return coverage.

This aspect of the game is likely to play a role on Saturday, and if the Cougars hope to win, they absolutely must NOT shoot themselves in the foot like they did against Ole Miss.

New Coordinators Versus New Coordinators

There are actually more similarities between these two teams than you may know.

Both programs are coming off disappointing seasons. Both have new OCs and DCs. Both have their own TV networks. Both have work to do in 2011.

But possibly no matchup will be as intriguing as new coordinator versus new coordinator—on both sides of the ball.

BYU offensive coordinator had his first shot at play-calling responsibility against Ole Miss and seemed to improve as the game went on. Texas’ Manny Diaz saw little to worry about against Rice, but it was, after all, Rice.

Head Coach Bronco Mendenhall does double-duty as the Cougars’ DC, and he saw plenty to be encouraged about against Ole Miss. His guys were relentless, fast and physical. Meanwhile, Bryan Harsin, a former Boise State offensive play-caller, showed he can pound the ball up the gut but isn’t afraid to mix in some trickery on offense.

All in all, this should be a great, close matchup.