Calling it now - Texas is about to run a completely revamped defensive scheme this fall and nobody is ready for it. The spring practice tape I've been watching shows something totally different than what we ran last year. More two-high safety looks, more simulated pressure, way less predictable on early downs.
Last season the Longhorns gave up 5.6 yards per play in conference games, which ranked 4th in the SEC. That's solid but not elite. The problem was third and long - opponents converted at nearly 38% on third and 7+. That has to change.
What I'm seeing in the spring is a shift toward more zone blitz concepts on passing downs. The staff is clearly trying to generate pressure without selling out and leaving the middle of the field open. If they can get the havoc rate up from 17% to around 20%, this defense jumps from good to dominant.
The portal additions on the back end are going to allow this to work. Texas has the personnel to play more matchup zone and still get home with...