Iowa State Football: Texas’ Biggest Playmakers

Defensively, Texas has seen as many struggles as most Big 12 schools have this season. But that doesn’t take anything away from how improved they are on offense this season. They’ve jumped up from 28.1 points a game to 40.3 points a game, and have improved statistically on offense in every category. Iowa State will have their hands full on defense once again

Johnathan Gray has emerged as another threat at running back for Texas. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-US PRESSWIRE

#14 David Ash (Sophomore quarterback)

It’s hard to realize that with all the criticism Ash has gotten, this is just his second season with Texas. Despite the potential for another deadly “McCoy to Shipley” combo with the previous Longhorns’ younger brothers, Ash has improved dramatically from a year ago with an 11.2 percent better completion rate, 11 more touchdowns, and three less interceptions.

#24 Joe Bergeron (Sophomore running back)

Along with an enhanced passing attack, Bergeron is one of the weapons in the running game that’s hard to bring down. He’s the perfect short-yardage back and he will be used promptly in the red zone like Jeff Woody would have been had Woody been healthier.

#32 Johnathan Gray (Freshman running back)

Gray’s emerged as a dangerous back with consecutive 100-plus yard games. The Longhorns will need to utilize both backs; ISU’s run defense isn’t the best in the conference but it’s more reliable than their passing defense as of late.

#1 Mike Davis (Junior wide receiver)

Davis will be they key receiver that the Cyclones will need to prevent from making a big play against them. He only has six more receptions and one more touchdown than Jaxon Shipley, but has 360 more receiving yards on the season. Even more dangerous is him coming off his best game yet against Texas Tech with four catches for 165 yards and two touchdowns.

#4 Kenny Vaccaro (Senior safety)

The defense has obviously been poor all season long, but Vaccaro has been stellar all season long. He’s second on the team with 65 total tackles (38 solo) by a margin of 14. On top of that, the safety has two interceptions, 3.5 tackles for loss,  two passes broken up, and a forced fumble.

Brian Spaen is the lead editor for Clones Confidential. Keep up with the latest sports fails and disdain toward the Big Ten by following him on Twitter.

Read his other work on the Oregon Ducks blog, Autzen Zoo, and Lacrosse the Web.