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Texas Longhorns: Five keys to victory over Notre Dame

By Michael Taglienti

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Oct 18, 2014; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway (98) reacts against the Iowa State Cyclones during the first half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Texas beat Iowa State 48-45. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports

5. Stout play from interior defensive line

Charlie Strong needs to get solid play from his defensive tackles against the Irish. Desmond Jackson, Poona Ford and Hasan Ridgeway will try to form a brick wall against the Notre Dame running backs.

If Notre Dame cannot run the ball, then they will become a one-dimensional offense which is much easier to defend. Run defense starts in the middle of the defensive line.

If the defensive tackles control the line of scrimmage, then the running backs will be forced to run wide where Texas’ speedy group of linebackers will be able to chase them down. A strong showing by the defensive tackles will also cause the offensive guards to stay in and block instead of releasing and going down field to block the Horns’ linebackers.

Edwin Freemen, Malik Jefferson and Peter Jinkens are a little on the small side but they can run like the wind. If the Texas defensive line can keep the offensive linemen off the second level of the defense, then the linebackers will fly around the football and make big plays. If the defensive tackles do not play well, the linebackers will be swallowed up by the Notre Dame offensive linemen and will be a non-factor in the contest.

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