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

This weekend, the Texas Longhorns will take on the Vanderbilt Commodores in Nashville, Tennessee. In the YouTube video above, our Devon Messinger and Dylan DeRaud name their X-factors to watch.

Messinger’s X-Factors:

I am going to pick something a little different this weekend. In fact, my X-factor is not a person but rather a feeling (my apologies if that sounds very Matthew McConaughey-esque of me). This Saturday, the key to the game will be Texas’ confidence level on the offensive side of the ball. After a disastrous game against Georgia in which the Texas offensive line and quarterbacks took a beating, we will see how well they can bounce back.

DeRaud’s X-Factors:

The X-factor in this matchup will be time of possession. Time of possession has been key to Vanderbilt’s success this season, with all their wins coming from controlling the clock. In their win against Alabama, they had the ball for 42 minutes compared to Alabama’s 18, allowing them to dictate the game. However, in losses to Georgia State and Missouri, they couldn’t hold onto the ball as much. Against Texas, if Vanderbilt can sustain long drives and convert on 3rd and short, they’ll force Texas into a slower, uncomfortable game, which could be the deciding factor.