Our whole line really gets to the ball quick. If a quarterback is the least bit indecisive, they're on top of him. Across the board, the numbers back Jackson's claim. All felt frustration as part of a 1997 defensive unit that struggled to stop thin air. Being able to run has changed the mindset around here.
Guys can make a lot more mistakes, but they've got the athletic ability and speed to make up for it.
Three times, Nebraska quarterback Eric Crouch fooled Texas defensive backs with play-action fakes and connected on deep routes to open receivers. Each time, a Texas defender closed a 10-yard cushion while the ball was in the air, saving apparent touchdowns. Although the completions averaged 40 yards, the drives wound up producing a combined three points. The bottom line shows a defense that surrendered 33.3 points per game in 1997 is allowing just 20.5 points per outing this year. Texas ranks seventh in total defense, allowing 286.5 yards per game.