The Texas Longhorns Defense is Elite

The Texas Longhorns may have fallen to Ohio State 14–7 in Columbus, but the performance of their defense proved they’re operating at a championship level.

Texas allowed just 203 total yards, 77 on the ground and 126 through the air, while holding the Buckeyes to an average of 3.8 yards per play. On the road, against one of the nation’s most explosive offenses, that’s elite production.

Where the Longhorns fell short was in creating game-changing plays. They didn’t register a sack, nor did they force a turnover. That lack of pressure and inability to flip the field kept Ohio State comfortable in a low-scoring battle.

Still, the foundation is there. Expect Texas to ramp up its aggressiveness going forward. With the talent on this roster, defensive playmaking is only a matter of time.

• Anthony Hill Jr., Colin Simmons, and Liona Lefau, along with a deep and talented defensive line, give Texas one of the most athletic front seven units in the country.
  
• In the secondary, Michael Taaffe, a preseason All-American, led the Longhorns with 9 tackles at Ohio State.
  
• Malik Muhammad helped contain top wideout Jeremiah Smith, holding him to 6 catches for just 43 yards and no scores.
  

That’s the type of performance that wins championships. If Texas can start generating sacks and turnovers, they’ll be one of the toughest defenses in America to move the ball against.

Next up, the Longhorns return to Austin to host pass-happy San Jose State and senior quarterback Eget Walker. Expect the defense to play with an edge and be amped up, flying around, and looking to create havoc.