Breaking Down The Texas Run Game vs. Washington

Washington isn't known for having one of the nation's strongest defenses, but they have found success in slowing down the run which could give Texas trouble.

When it comes to the defensive unit of the No. 2 Washington Huskies, it isn't one of the more stout defenses in the country.

In fact, they rank as the No. 90 defense in the country when it comes to total defense, as their secondary has been abysmal this season in stopping opponents passing attacks. However, you can't make it to the College Football Playoff unscathed with one of the tougher schedules in the country, and not have some sort of strength on defense. For them, what they lack in their passing defense, they make up for with their run defense. They rank as the No. 38 unit in the country in terms of rush defense, allowing just 133 yards on the ground per game, and limiting offenses to 4.26 yards per carry. 

However, that doesn't mean teams haven't used the run game effectively against them, and even without star running back Jonathon Brooks, Texas has a chance to do just that.

CJ Baxter  / © Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY

Losing Brooks down the stretch was a tough blow, but Texas has gotten a ton of production from their trio of reserves in CJ Baxter, Jaydon Blue, and Keilan Robinson. Each of them brings a different element to the offense, and over Texas' past three games have each taken a turn in leading the team in rush yards.

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According to PFF, Washington's linebacker duo are both effective in slowing down the run, meaning that Texas' offensive line needs to continue to create holes and allow Texas' backs to get downhill. One thing that all three have in common is that when they are in open space, they are hard to keep up with, it is just a matter of creating those opportunities and capitalizing.

Also, the more the run game succeeds, the easier things get for Quinn Ewers and the passing attack.