Texas defense should be familiar with challenges posed by Kansas State quarterback

AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas defense will see another dual-threat quarterback in Wildcats’ signal caller Skylar Thompson, who comes into the game as one of the hottest players in the country after rushing for seven touchdowns in the last two games (wins over Oklahoma and Kansas) while being efficient in the passing game.

“The way he can get out and run is impressive,” Coburn said. “He had some amazing runs against Kansas.”

Though not as [s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level2)]proficient a passer, Thompson reminds some Texas players of their own quarterback.

“Both (Ehlinger and Thompson) are fierce competitors with really good arms who can get out of sticky situations with their legs,” Shackelford said.

Kansas State has a ball-control offense focused on running the ball and eating clock, so not allowing long drives will be key for the Longhorn defense.

“We have to beat them on third down,” Coburn said. “If they want to hog the ball, that will save us some energy.”

Texas hasn’t been good on third downs this year, which Coburn noted is a source of frustration.

“As a team we haven’t executed like we’re supposed to,” he said. “We had a meeting about that. We’ve been giving up plays that we shouldn’t. We’ve actually been in position, but we haven’t executed.”

No beating around the bush
The weekly press conference got interesting at times with players offering blunt answers to tough questions.

Quizzed on what it would take for the program to get the traction it needs to get back to the way it’s been elite in the past, Shackelford, who emphasized the team’s main focus was going 1-0 against Kansas State, noted, “That’s a good question.”

When Shackelford was asked what his biggest concern was, he quipped, “What I’m going to have for lunch.”

Posed the same question, Duvernay responded: “I’m not concerned at all. I feel like we’re fine right now.”

When Ehlinger was asked why running back Roschon Johnson wasn’t used more in the TCU game, he noted, “That’s out of my control.”
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