Some of the Longhorns faithful collectively scratched their heads when UT coach Charlie Strong returned as the leader of the burnt orange nation. After posting two consecutive losing seasons, Coach Strong is in danger of a third stinker — a feat that hasn’t happened since ’38-’39. Obviously, the Texas powers-that-be hope to duplicate Coach Strong’s third year with Louisville, in which quarterback Teddy Bridgewater lead the Cardinals to an 11-2 record and a Sugar Bowl win.
However, the recent ACL tear of Bridgewater in a Minnesota Vikings practice was eerily symbolic of the Charlie Strong-era in Austin — the legs of Strong’s coaching career in Texas’ capitol will likely be shattered sometime this year.
Here are the key storylines going into Saturday’s game against Notre Dame.
1. Both teams will likely run a quarterback by committee system.
Brian Kelly will have no problem rolling out QBs Deshone Kizer or Malik Zaire. They’ll likely rely on the latter more, who destroyed the Longhorns last season 38-3, finishing with 19-of- 22 completions for 313 yards and three touchdowns.
UT’s plan is a little more muddled.
Shane Buechele was expected to be the true freshman starter, but senior Tyrone Swoopes could get the nod after performing better than expected in camp. Yes, this is the same Swoopes that went 7-of-22 for 93 yards in last year’s dud against the Fighting Irish. Let’s not forget Swoopes was 1-9 at Whitewright in his senior year and has a 6-8 record as a starter for Texas. He’s an accomplished practice player, but seizes up under game day pressure.
If Strong starts Swoopes over Buechele, expect the murmurs of his axing to reach a deafening roar Sunday night.
2. Both teams will engage in fast-paced offense
Notre Dame will start quickly and apply pressure to a Texas team that is 0-11 when opponents score first under Coach Strong.
On the opposite side of the field, new Longhorns offensive coordinator Sterlin Gilbert expects UT to average 80-85 plays per game under his spread offense, in comparison to around 60 last season. Coach Gilbert will rely heavily on powerful backs D’Onta Foreman and Chris Warren III, who will benefit from a defense that is spread more widely.
The Irish have struggled with top teams ranking in the top-15 in pace the last two years beneath defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder; Coach Gilbert ranked first in points per game with Tulsa last season.
3. Notre Dame will dictate the ground game
Notre Dame boasts a talented offensive backfield with running backs Tarean Edston and Josh Adams. Considering that the Irish only proven pass catcher is Tori Hunter Jr., expect plenty of rushes.
The Longhorns’ run defense is a concern; only three scholarship defensive tackles will return to a system that likes to play odd fronts to disallow big plays, causing defensive coordinator Vance Bedford to consider playing even fronts to allow for less room for the run.
UT has a banged up and inexperienced offensive line; injuries recently benched center Zach Shackelford, left guard Patrick Vahe, and right tackle Tristan Nickelson (whom could be back by the opener). Behind a strong defensive front, Notre Dame will pressure the ground game and dare whoever’s calling the snaps to beat them in the passing game.
4. Notre Dame kills Texas historically
Texas will open their game at home, but the site shouldn’t give them an advantage over the Irish; Notre Dame holds the 9-2 edge, winning five consecutive meetings against UT and the last four at Darrell K. Royal.
