Defensive Communication Top Priority For Longhorns vs. Kansas

Steve Sarkisian is looking to eliminate big plays from Jalon Daniels and the Jayhawks' offense.

What's the key for Texas to secure its second Big 12 win of the season against No. 24 Kansas? Who serves as the breakout player for the Longhorns' high-tempo offense? 

Actually, sights aren't on the offensive side of the ball Saturday at Royal-Memorial Stadium. Everything is predicated on trench play, mainly to make the Jayhawks' offense one-dimensional and obsolete. 

During his weekly Thursday Zoom press conference, Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian mentioned how elements from Kansas offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki's play concepts could create problems for the defensive front. Discipline is arguably the most significant concern heading into Saturday's game. 

"We’ve got to have great communication so that we’re tight on a string and that everybody’s working well together, that everybody trusts their keys and what they need to do, and that they can trust the guy next to him that he’s going to do what he’s supposed to do," Sarkisian said. "That’s always important, especially when you start talking about option football.”

No. 3 Texas (4-0, 1-0 Big 12) must eliminate the leg of Jayhawks quarterback Jalon Daniels if it hopes to coast its way to a victory. That's easier said than done, as evident by his production last season. 

Daniels, a preseason favorite to win Big 12 Player of the Year, scored seven touchdowns last season with his legs. He's yet to find the end zone through three games in 2023, but has kept drives alive with four runs of over 10-plus yards. 

Game plans are never identical. Every offensive personnel can run similar concepts as other teams, but the execution, verbiage, and play style often differ. Sarkisian, however, compared Kansas' offense to a familiar foe in Kansas State. 

Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) carries the ball forward during the Texas Longhorns football game against the Kansas Jayhawks / USA TODAY Sports

The Wildcats, who claimed their first Big 12 title since 2003 last season, relied heavily on their ground game led by dual-threat quarterback Adrian Martinez and all-purpose runner Deuce Vaughn to open the passing game. Martinez, who split reps with Will Howard, ended up finishing with only 52 rushing yards. Vaughn totaled 73 yards on 19 carries.

Texas, who held on the 34-27 victory in Manhattan, still must be weary of the passing game. Martinez threw for over 320 yards and two touchdowns. Vaughn scored on a 29-yard reception in the first quarter and three receivers totaled at least three catches for over 50 yards. 

Kansas (4-0, 1-0 Big 12) features enough talent in the passing game to provide similar concerns for the secondary at any moment.

“Kansas is unique to themselves in what they do," said Sarkisian. "The best thing that we had to prepare for Kansas was having to defend them the past two years, quite frankly.”

It's not just about eliminating Daniels' legs, either. Sarkisian praised Jayhawks running back Devin Neal for his versatility as a runner and pass-catcher. Through four games, Neal has totaled over 500 yards of offense and six TDs.

"I think he has 11 catches on the year as well for almost 200 yards," Sarkisian said of Neal. "They have the scheme to do all the other things with the play-action pass and whatnot.”

Kickoff Saturday is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.