Photo Courtesy: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
With a multitude of question marks going into Saturday’s game against the BYU Cougars, the Texas Longhorns will have to prove that they can handle the adversity at home. Today, our Devon Messinger and Dylan DeRaud name their X-factors to watch out for in the YouTube video above.
If you are also interested in seeing who the duo handed out their midseason awards to, simply click here.
Messinger’s X-Factors:
For the Longhorns, there is no need to overthink who might be the X-Factors for Saturday’s game against BYU. With a new starting quarterback replacing Quinn Ewers, running back Jonathon Brooks will be a huge X-factor to watch as he will face more pressure in carrying the Longhorns offense. Furthermore, with the continued struggles of the Texas secondary, this unit will be the key for the Longhorns on defense as they face a team that is pass-happy.
DeRaud’s X-Factors:
One element looms large as the potential game-changer in this Saturday’s game: BYU’s run game. The return of Aidan Robbins and his recent performance, where he worked to regain his rhythm, showcased the offensive potential that the duo of Robbins and LJ Martin possesses. Their 1-2 combo could present a formidable challenge to the Texas front seven.
BYU’s rushing game, which has struggled throughout the season, displayed a glimmer of promise in their matchup with Texas Tech, where they amassed 150 yards on the ground. While the Cougars currently rank last in the Big 12 with an average of 79 rushing yards per game, Texas boasts a formidable defense, allowing just 98.3 rush yards per game – the best in the conference. Should BYU manage to cultivate a potent running game on the road, it could serve as the X-factor, potentially leading to an upset by not only providing offensive consistency but also disrupting the Longhorns’ dominant defense, ultimately shifting the odds in their favor.
