What I'd like to see this week against KSU:
- KSU gives up yardage to good backs. Horns need to run the ball 45 to 60 times this week, depending on the number of plays. Brooks needs his 20 to 25 carries. I hope we have a personnel wrinkle for this game. I'd love to see something like Red motioning from the slot to the backfield and vice versa in some 2 RB sets, maybe even some inside zone with a pitch option. Not necessarily Maalik running down the line but having the option to hand it off or pull it and pitch it to an outside back. Blue and Robinson would be good options on that pitch. Get the ball in Red's hands this week. Maalik, when he's focused, has a great ball fake and he needs to use it this week. Go back and look at Brooks's last touchdown against Houston. One of the reasons that play worked is because Brooks was almost through the hole before Maalik let him have it.
- Johntay on the field a few more plays with Worthy, Mitchell, and Sanders. I realize this hurts our blocking on the outside, but a few more targets to open up the deep ball with more speed and athleticism on the field together.
- Extra attention this week in practice on getting Worthy in position to make big plays in the return game.
- Keep the passing game in check with RPO. Run it down their throats with options and make them pick their poison. Keep the passing game to 20 to 25 attempts, unless the RPO pass option is favorable. The objective should be to limit turnovers and negative plays and play defense. Don't allow KSU to exploit Maalik's lack of escapability or force him into mistakes.
In other words, give KSU a piece of their own medicine. They want to control the game, limit turnovers, and wear you down. With Maalik, keep it simple. If Texas wins the turnover battle and rushes for 225 to 250 yards, even if it takes 50 or 60 carries, they probably win this game.