The few fixes Texas needs on offense to make a run to Arlington
By now, many may be able to recite the stats by heart.
Texas has scored a touchdown on just 11 of its 24 trips into its opponents’ red zone this season. That’s a 46 percent TD success rate, compared to the 62 percent Texas averaged a year ago.
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What’s more, Texas has scored 23 offensive touchdowns overall this season, which means more than half of all Texas TDs (12) have come from outside the 20-yard line.
Texas is clearly a big play offense, but seemingly lacks elite execution in the red zone.
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Another stat worth considering:
Bert Auburn is currently 12-17 on field goals this season.
Through six games, he’s averaging almost three attempts per game.
If that rate continues, Auburn will easily break the all-time Texas record for field goal attempts in a season set by Kris Stockton (30) in 1999.
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The offense, however, is moving the ball as well or better than at any time in the last 15 years.
Even the 2008 team averaged fewer yards per play (6.5 ypp) than 2023 Texas (6.9 ypp). In the last 25 years, only the 2005 national championship team averaged more (7.1 ypp).
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If Texas can fix, or even merely improve, its production in the red zone over the next six weeks, look out.
It felt like early in the season, the Texas defense might be carrying the team somewhat. Now, it’s clear the offense is starting to assert itself as well.
If the two sides can keep moving in the right direction, Texas will be a difficult out for any team remaining on its schedule because the Horns can beat opponents on offense or defense. Or both.
