'Stand Tall': Longhorns Defensive Mentality With Victory Over Bears

Texas Longhorns' linebacker Jaylan Ford explains defensive preparation for the matchup against the Baylor Bears.

While the entire roster displayed complete domination over the Baylor Bears on Saturday with a 38-6 victory, the Texas Longhorns' defense was a stand out. Texas linebacker Jaylan Ford explained that its biggest successes on defense were a result of their improved communication.

"I think the biggest part, especially on defense, is communication," Ford said. "I think communication is the biggest attribute, the biggest advantage we have as a defense is just our natural ability to just communicate...everybody's on the same page."

© Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman

To defensively prepare for the Baylor matchup, Texas coach Steve Sarkisian would have his roster practice 'red zone lockout' drills. Ford and the defense would would try to keep Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers and the offense out of the end zone throughout the week. Ford thinks that the drill brings out the best in the team.

"Just having that competitiveness, and you know, iron type of mentality of going out there," Ford said. "We were practicing in 100 degree heat and so...we're doing the things that we practice. And it's almost like second nature for us."

Throughout the game, Ford had a 'red zone lockout' mentality of "they're not getting an the end zone, let's just stand tall."

However, the Longhorns' defense has not always been this dominant over their opponents. Over the years, the mindset of Texas' defense has not only changed, but improved. 

"I think our minds has changed tremendously," Ford said. "I think everyone that gets in that field had a better understanding of the defense, or the scheme that we're running now, compared to when we first got out there...I think that's just part of the confidence that everyone gets to go out there and play with knowing that we're gonna be a hard defensive stop and anybody that wants to line up against us ready for the challenge."