In order to be successful, Todd Orlando must get back to the basics

The Texas Longhorns defense has struggled mightily this season against quality competition. Against Power 5 opponents, Texas has given up an average of 36.5 points per game and 510 yards per game, though only 175 of those yards per game have come on the ground, with 335 coming through the air.

Most of the yardage the Longhorns have given up are due to having players out of position in both coverage and in their run assignments. Much of this is due to complex defensive schemes made on a week-to-week basis by the Texas defensive staff. If Texas is going to be successful against the rest of their Big 12 schedule, they are going to have to simplify, running more base defense on first and second down situations, and mixing in a few blitz packages in passing situations in order to get pressure on the quarterback.

Let’s go ahead and take a look at what the Texas base defense looks like against the run and how the secondary can protect against RPOs and play-action pass plays. We will also look at how Oklahoma used different formations and motion to get Texas players out of position and exploit them for big plays.

I have also provided some images below for those of you who would like to get a clean look at some of the scenarios provided in the video.

Although it may seem lengthy to some of you, this video is a quick glance at the defense, so I am sure there will be questions. Feel free to ask in the comments, and I will be sure to respond.