As Texas prepares to face off against Vanderbilt, there are three key factors that could determine the outcome of the game. Athlon Sports has outlined these three keys to victory for the Longhorns.
The first key is solid quarterback play. Texas will need quarterback Casey Thompson to continue his strong performance from the Alamo Bowl, where he threw for four touchdowns. Thompson will need to make smart decisions and accurate throws to keep the offense moving against Vanderbilt’s defense.
The second key is establishing a strong running game. The Longhorns have a talented group of running backs, including Bijan Robinson, who rushed for over 1,000 yards last season. Establishing the run early will help open up the passing game and keep the Vanderbilt defense on its toes.
The final key is winning the turnover battle. Last season, Texas had a -11 turnover margin, which was one of the worst in the Big 12. The Longhorns will need to take care of the football and force turnovers on defense to give themselves the best chance to win.
Overall, Texas will need to execute in all three areas to come away with a victory against Vanderbilt. If the Longhorns can get solid quarterback play, establish a strong running game, and win the turnover battle, they should be in a good position to start their season off with a win.
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