After a potentially program-defining win against Alabama, it will be important for the Longhorns to remain levelheaded against Wyoming. Today, our Devon Messinger & Dylan DeRaud name their X-factors to watch in Saturday’s non-conference matchup.
To watch us discuss our X-factor picks for this weekend’s game against Wyoming, simply click on the video above.
Devon’s X-Factors:
Overall, it will come down to Texas’s mentality entering Saturday’s game. It is no hidden secret that the Longhorns are the more talented of the two teams, however a wrong frame of mind could make Texas suffer the same fate as Texas Tech. If Texas enters this game with the will to break the other team, the Longhorns will enjoy a successful Saturday.
Otherwise, in terms of specific X-Factors, watch running backs Jonathon Brooks, Jaydon Blue and CJ Baxter (if the freshman running back is healthy and good to go). So far this season, the running game has been slow to takeoff for the Longhorns, however that was to be expected thanks to a plethora of new faces. Saturday’s game against Wyoming will be important for the confidence level of this group heading into conference play. However, do not underestimate the run defense of this Wyoming team, which has been the team’s strength in recent years.
Lastly, keep an eye on Texas’s defensive ends and outside linebackers, such as Ethan Burke, Barryn Sorrell and Anthony Hill Jr., who will be tasked with keeping contain against a Wyoming team that features a dual-threat quarterback.
Dylan’s X-Factors:
The X-factor for Texas in the matchup against Wyoming isn’t a specific player or position group; it’s their mindset going into it. After a momentous win last week in Tuscaloosa that propelled the Longhorns up to number 4 in the AP poll rankings, the coaching staff and players will need to emphasize their preparation for this game. This has the makings of a trap game, and if Texas shows up sloppy in front of the home crowd, Wyoming will have a chance to make this game closer than it needs to be. Expect Sarkisian to have the team ready to go and to close this game out before the 4th quarter begins.
As I highlighted in my scouting report of the Wyoming defense, their weakness lies in the secondary. However, the best way to support an underperforming secondary is to create pressure up front with the defensive line. Making the front four of the Cowboys, led by 6 ‘4″, 290-pound defensive tackle Jordan Bertagnole, the X-factor for Wyoming in this game. Defensive Coordinator Jay Sawvel will be looking for ways to manufacture pressure with help from the linebackers, but the front four will need to win up front if they want to give their secondary a chance against an elite Texas receiving corps. Keep an eye out for the edge rushers Sabastian Harsh and DeVonne Harris, who could very well dictate how this game goes.
