X-factors to watch in Texas’ game against Colorado State [VIDEO]

Photo Courtesy: Sara Diggins/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK

Today, the Texas Longhorns open their season against Colorado State. With a number of storylines entering this season, all of the noise will be put to the test on Saturday as the Longhorns look to silence the doubters. Today, our Devon Messinger and Dylan DeRaud name their X-factors to watch out for in the YouTube video above.

Messinger’s X-Factors:

Offensively, Jaydon Blue is my pick for the X-factor in Texas’ season-opener against the Rams. Following injuries to CJ Baxter & Christian Clark, the success of the season might very well fall upon the shoulders of Blue. Furthermore, if Blue is efficient on Saturday, Steve Sarkisian will be able to rotate his fair share of running backs into the game, thus helping to improve the group’s experience level.

Defensively, keep your eye out on Texas’ edge rushers. While the Longhorns secondary did not have a great year last season, the team’s edge rushers could have been more productive as well. As a result, players such as Ethan Burke and Trey Moore will be the ones to watch against Colorado State as they look to set the tone. If the Longhorns are able to tally a handful of sacks, the team will be well-positioned to walk away from Saturday’s game with a win.

DeRaud’s X-Factors:

If Colorado State hopes to pull off an upset against Texas, the performance of their front seven will be crucial. Texas has playmakers all over the field who can take control of the game early, so Colorado State’s defense needs to step up to keep the game competitive. The key will be getting consistent pressure on Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers. If Ewers has time in the pocket, he has the ability to pick apart the defense and put the game out of reach by halftime. 

This puts a significant spotlight on edge rushers Mukendi Wa-Kalonji and Nuer Gatkuoth, who are stepping in to replace the 13 sacks left behind by Mohammad Kamara. These two will need to generate pressure off the edge to disrupt Ewers’ rhythm and force him into quick decisions. If Wa-Kalonji and Gatkuoth can make Ewers uncomfortable and force him into mistakes, Colorado State will have a much better chance to slow the game down and stay within striking distance. Their ability to get after the quarterback will be the deciding factor in whether the Rams can keep this game competitive.