Texas Longhorns: Five keys to victory over Notre Dame

Aug 30, 2014; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive back Dylan Haines (44) run with the ball after an interception against the North Texas Mean Green during the first half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

2. Win the Turnover Battle

The Longhorns will be playing in a hostile environment on the road. They cannot give Notre Dame extra momentum by turning the ball over.

Texas had one of the worst offenses in the country in 2014 when they only averaged 21 points per game. They are breaking in two freshmen offensive linemen in their first collegiate game.

It would be a reach to expect them to be vastly improved on offense. The Longhorns are going to need their defense to set the offense with short fields. If the defense can generate a couple of turnovers in the Irish’s side of the 50 they will stand a great chance of winning the game.

Texas quarterback Tyrone Swoopes cannot throw interceptions against Notre Dame if the Horns want to win. Swoopes threw nine of his 11 interceptions in five games. Texas was 2-5 in games that Swoopes threw an interception. They were 4-2 when he did not throw an interception.

Texas had an All-American at defensive tackle in 2014 in Malcom Brown. It is unrealistic to think that the defense will be as strong in 2015 as they were in 2014 when Brown was on wreaking havoc on opposing offenses. Texas will not be able to give extra possessions to the Irish offense and hold up on defense.

Next: Explosive Plays