For the first time since October 15th, the Texas football team will be at home versus TCU. The Horned Frogs have knocked out the other teams starting quarterback almost every game this year. So the Texas keys to victory are simple. Protect Quinn Ewers, protect the ball, don’t miss tackles defensively, and however many touches you believe Bijan Robinson should get add 10, maybe 15 more to that number. With number one tight end Duce Robinson and number one linebacker, Anthony Hill set to be in Austin. There’s no such thing as too much Bijan Robinson, Ja’Tavion Sanders, or resting defense with a ball control offense. The Texas defense was on the field for 99 plays against Texas Tech and 98 plays against Oklahoma State. They lost both of those games because, at money time, the defense couldn’t hold up. Texas must keep TCU in a 65 to 75 play range by either holding the ball or being so good defensively they can’t run 90 or more plays.

Texas Offensive Keys

We know the defense plays differently at home than on the road. We are going to find out if Quinn plays more explosively at home as well. The last two games for Texas Quinn Ewers is 37/80, that’s 46.25% as a passer. He has 516 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions in the last two games. If he has a game he’s capable of having then Texas may have a chance to withhold the second half burst TCU has been known for this season.

Steve Sarkisian has won two road games in his tenure at Texas. Bijan Robinson had 34 carries last year versus TCU and 30 carries this past weekend versus Kansas State. He had 209 yards against Kansas State just short of his career high 216 yards. Bijan Robinson was very protected by Tom Herman in an already shortened 2020 season. He was still under odd and frustrating rotations in 2021 under Steve Sarkisian. This will be the only November that matters in his career. Texas’ key to victory this week and month is they must ride their best player and just see where the chips fall.

TCU has knocked around opposing quarterbacks this season. The Texas offensive line didn’t give up a sack against Kansas State. The offensive line has passed block well this year and Kelvin Banks may possibly be looking at cracking All-American honors. He’s faced three players that are first round picks and answered the call every time.

Texas Defensive Keys

Whatever gifts Bijan Robinson may give to the Texas offensive line, should be given to the Texas defense as well. While Bijan was closing in on a career high in rushing. The defense was holding Duece Vaughn 73 yards on Saturday night. A performance that allowed Keondre Coburn to knock the ball loose, and may have allowed their own running back to win the Big 12 running title.

This defensive line is getting to the quarterback and most importantly, without much blitz help from the linebackers and secondary. Something Texas doesn’t do when playing mobile quarterbacks. This a challenge in a TCU offense that has a mobile quarterback and a huge receiver, Quentin Johnston. This is a Texas defense that has been stingy at home, but suspectable to this type of offense.

If Texas can stay healthy and play complimentary football, this defense can be disruptive. TCU has started slow, and Texas finishes games in an underwhelming manner. The Texas secondary can help alleviate the struggles but must have the focus to not allow receivers running wide open.

Texas vs TCU: Keys to Victory Conclusion

College Gameday will be in Austin for the second time this year. Texas can control its own destiny. They have all their goals ahead of them. TCU might come in and be in the top four of the college football playoff. Texas is favored by a touchdown and I think they can cover if Texas follows their keys to victory. Protect the ball, use your best player, open tackling execution, and secondary not losing receivers in coverage. Texas wins this game versus TCU 35-24 for their first win versus a top five team at home since 1999.

https://texassports.com/news/2022/11/6/football-espn-college-gameday-returns-to-austin.aspx

https://texas-talk.com/2022/10/26/how-texas-captures-lost-opportunity/