The Texas Defense Holds the Keys to Victory: No Escape, No Explosive Plays

Texas’ path to winning the Red River Rivalry begins with its defense controlling the game. The Longhorns must pressure Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer without opening escape routes, tackle cleanly and prevent ordinary gains from becoming momentum-changing touchdowns.

The numbers show Texas has the foundation to do it. Entering October 10, the Longhorns allow 13.3 points per game, ranking 11th nationally and first in the SEC. They surrender 271.0 total yards per game, ranking 22nd nationally and fourth in the conference. Those are overall-season rankings, including nonconference games. 

Texas also allows just 99.3 rushing yards per game and 2.8 yards per carry, while holding opponents to 171.8 passing yards per game. Through four games, the Longhorns have recorded 15 sacks and allowed touchdowns on only three of 11 opposing red-zone possessions. 

Now those numbers must translate into disciplined football inside the Cotton Bowl.

Colin Simmons is the centerpiece. The edge defender enters the rivalry with 7.5 sacks and nine tackles for loss, accounting for half of Texas’ sack production. His ability to disrupt protection can put Oklahoma behind schedule, but this matchup demands more than chasing the quarterback. 

Simmons and the other Texas rushers must maintain their lanes. Racing beyond Mateer creates room for him to step up, collapsing too far inside gives him an exit around the edge. Texas needs a coordinated rush that compresses the pocket and forces him to throw under pressure.

The linebackers must finish what the front starts. Rasheem Biles leads Texas with 30 tackles and two interceptions, while Justin Cryer has 23 tackles. Their pursuit and positioning will be critical when Mateer attempts to turn a covered passing play into a first down. 

The assignment is straightforward, close the escape lane, arrive under control and tackle. A quarterback scramble on third-and-long can erase an otherwise excellent defensive series.

Behind them, Jelani McDonald, who has 26 tackles, and Graceson Littleton, who has an interception and three pass breakups, must help Texas eliminate explosive plays. 

That means protecting against the deep ball, communicating through motion and staying with receivers when Mateer extends a play. Texas cannot allow its secondary to abandon coverage because the quarterback appears ready to run.

Making Oklahoma drive the field also gives the Longhorns more opportunities to force mistakes. Texas has held opponents to 19 conversions on 56 third-down attempts, a 33.9-percent success rate. Winning early downs and containing Mateer would put that defense in position to finish possessions. 

Red River can change on one broken tackle or one quarterback escape. Texas has the personnel and production to dictate the outcome. To do it, the Longhorns must bring pressure with discipline, keep Mateer in the pocket and make Oklahoma earn its points one difficult snap at a time.