Texas Longhorns: Five keys to victory over Notre Dame

Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns running back Jonathan Gray (32) carries the ball under pressure from Baylor Bears corner back Xavien Howard (4) during the second half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Baylor beat Texas 28-7. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports

4. Jonathan Gray must rush for 80 yards

Jonathan Gray came to Texas as one of the most decorated high school running back of all time. He was a five-star recruit who set the national record in rushing touchdowns in high school with 205. He helped lead Aledo (TX) High School to three consecutive state championships.

Gray was one of the best running backs in the history of Texas high school football. He has struggled to live up to that billing in Austin.

A combination of injuries and a porous offensive line have combined to keep Gray from reaching his potential. He enters his senior season without reaching the 1,000-yard mark in any of his previous three.

At times, Gray looks like the all-world back he was in high school. He runs through arm tackles, makes defenders miss in the open field and displays breakaway speed. At other times he goes down at first contact and looks like he does not want to be on the field.

If Texas is going to get a win against Notre Dame then they are going to need Gray to grind out at least 80 yards on the ground. He does not need to average four yards per carry, he simply needs to give the Horns a viable running threat.

Notre Dame allowed an average of 171.2 rushing yards per game and 4.2 yards per rushing attempt in 2014. They lost their starting nose tackle Jarron Jones for the season to an MCL injury. The Irish should be vulnerable against the run. Texas needs Gray to grind out yards and move the chains for the offense.

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