Cowbell Corner

5 Stats That Show How Dominant Texas’ Defense Has Been

Mississippi State’s freshman QB to make collegiate debut against one of the best defenses in FBS

Taylor Hodges

Texas Longhorns defensive back Jordon Johnson-Rubell (23) and Texas Longhorns linebacker Colin Simmons (11) take down Louisiana Monroe Warhawks tight end Nate Sullivan Jr. (80) as the Texas Longhorns take on ULM at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024.
Texas Longhorns defensive back Jordon Johnson-Rubell (23) and Texas Longhorns linebacker Colin Simmons (11) take down Louisiana Monroe Warhawks tight end Nate Sullivan Jr. (80) as the Texas Longhorns take on ULM at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. / Mikala Compton/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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If Mississippi State’s football team was a ship, it’d be sailing into a storm that’s on the horizon.

The Bulldogs face two of the most dominant teams in back-to-back games beginning with Saturday’s game against No. 1 Texas in Austin. After a bye, the Bulldogs will travel to Athens, Ga. to face No. 2 Georgia.

And Texas hasn’t played just FCS and Group of 5 schools (cough…Ole Miss…cough).

The Longhorns have one of the best wins of the season when they beat then-No. 10 Michigan 31-12 without allowing any touchdowns. The Longhorns’ defense is a big reason why they’re ranked No. 1 and it’s been a dominant unit all season.

Here are five stats that show just how dominant Texas’ defense has been through four games:

2

That’s the number of touchdowns scored by Texas opponents this season and neither of them were scored by No. 12 Michigan.

211.8

That’s the number of yards allowed per game and is fifth-best in FBS. Only Tennessee, Ohio State, Indiana and Georgia have allowed fewer yards per game than the Longhorns.

And, yes, I’m just as surprised as you to see Indiana on that list.

42

That is the difference in points per game between the Longhorns and their opponents. Texas is averaging 47.5 points per game while allowing its opponents just 5.5 ppg.

21.82

That is the third down conversion percentage for offenses facing Texas. It’s the fourth-best rate in FBS.

4

That’s the total number of trips opposing offenses have made into the red zone against the Longhorns. Of those four trips, only two results in points scored and both times were field goals.

Read More Mississippi State Bulldogs On SI:

Mississippi State Football: 5 Longhorns to Watch Against Bulldogs

Mississippi State Football: Freshman QB to Start Against No. 1 Texas

Mississippi State Football: How the Bulldogs Can Show Progress Against Texas

ESPN FPI Projects Mississippi State Football to Win Only 1-2 More Games

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Taylor Hodges

TAYLOR HODGES

Award-winning sports editor, writer, columnist, and photographer with 15 years’ experience offering his opinion and insight about the sports world in Mississippi and Texas. Taylor has covered all levels of sports, from small high schools in the Mississippi Delta to NFL games. Follow Taylor on Twitter and Facebook.

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