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Four matchups to watch in Texas vs. Houston

Joe Cookby: Joe Cook10/21/23josephcook89
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Matthew Golden (Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports)

The No. 8 Longhorns take on the Houston Cougars in H-Town today at 3 p.m., and a number of key matchups will be critical in determining the outcome. Here are four Inside Texas is keeping an eye on.

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Kelvin Banks and Christian Jones vs. Nelson Ceasar

The Senior Bowl will be watching how Jones and Ceasar fare against each other on Saturday as that battle was one of the matchups the organization highlighted from this weekend’s slate of games. While the veteran’s performance will be scrutinized by the fine folks in Mobile, Ala., how Banks will be just as important to the game’s outcome. There aren’t a lot of difference makers on the Cougar defense, but Ceasar is one of them. If the Longhorn tackle tandem can take care of business, it’ll help an O-line battling its way through various ailments.

Will Stone vs. Matthew Golden and Parker Jenkins

Texas has been effective on special teams this year, and much of that has to do with Stone’s kicking quality. He’s done directional kicks well and has also booted balls out of the end zone when that’s been his assignment. This year, 25 of his 41 kickoffs have gone for touchbacks. Whenever opponents do risk taking it out, they average just 15.44 yards per return, a figure that places the Longhorns at No. 17 in the country.

Golden and Jenkins have good return stats, and Golden has housed two kicks this season. Stone’s ability to kick it deep or place a kick between the numbers and the sideline could help the Longhorns avoid any mishaps in the third phase.

David Gbenda and Jaylan Ford vs. Donovan Smith

The Longhorn linebackers are familiar with their assignment. Ford logged 81 snaps last season versus Smith when he was the Red Raiders quarterback, and saw how the 241-pounder can make a difference with his legs. These two will have critical responsibilities not only in defending Smith’s ability to run, but also his ability to throw. Quick reactions will be essential if they have to break out of their drops.

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Texas cornerbacks versus Matthew Golden and Sam Brown

Golden lines up all over the field, but most of his opportunities come when he’s split out wide. The same goes for Sam Brown, the Cougars’ leading receiver. The entire group overseen by Terry Joseph will have to defend the routes and receivers in Dana Holgorsen‘s Air Raid often.

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