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Texas football is one of 19 teams across the FBS that has started the 2024 season unbeaten, but not every perfect start is created equal. Taking a look under the hood at the statistics fueling the success can often provide more insight than a win-loss record is capable of purveying.
So, are these Longhorns (5-0, 1-0 SEC) legit? Here’s a look at five stats that tell the story of their season so far.
Texas is No. 2 in the nation when it comes to big plays
Coaches around the country tout turnovers and explosive plays among the two biggest factors in deciding the outcome of a game, and the Longhorns have exhibited particular dominance in the explosive play category.
Texas has ripped off 36 plays of 20 or more yards so far while allowing just nine such plays on defense.
That puts the Longhorns at plus-27 for the season, which ranks second-best in the country behind only Miami.
“That was something we talked a lot about this offseason,” Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said Monday. “How do we become a more explosive offense to create those yards and chunks? That has shown up.”
DEEP DIVE: Texas football film study: Is Longhorns’ run D a problem? And what clicked for Arch Manning?
Texas wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. , right, celebrates his touchdown catch with wide receiver Ty Boatright during last week’s win over Mississippi State at Royal-Memorial Stadium. The Longhorns are 5-0 entering this bye week and play Oklahoma next week.
Texas football is averaging 5 yards per rush
Sarkisian said this week that he wants more from his running game, adding that he has challenged his wide receivers to devote more effort to their run-blocking.
“Our longest run (against Mississippi State) was by Tre Wisner down our sideline,” Sarkisian said. “And if you go back and watch that play, you see the effort from DeAndre Moore. On that play, he went and…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/texas-football-five-stats-tell-230902319.html
Author : Austin American-Statesman
Publish date : 2024-10-01 23:09:02
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