Iowa State football: Scouting the Texas Longhorns offense

With starting quarterback David Ash out for his second game of the season and the impending weather coming in to Ames, it could be a rough start for the Texas Longhorns. But they still have enough weapons to give a young Iowa State Cyclones’ defense all it can handle.

Sep 21, 2013; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns running back Johnathan Gray (32) rushes past Kansas State Wildcats defensive back Ty Zimmerman (12) on his way for a touchdown during the third quarter of a football game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

Obviously, the running backs are always the important part of the Cyclones’ opponents, and they’ll be taking on Johnathan Gray who’s coming off of a career high 141-yard performance and two touchdowns against Kansas State a couple weeks ago.

The sophomore’s become the lead running back on the team, but don’t expect him to just get touches. Junior running back Joe Bergeron could be an impact along with Malcolm Brown who also had a season high 40 yards against the Wildcats.

Thanks to a stellar offensive line, the Longhorns have generally had their way running the ball. They had 145 yards and one touchdown in their last game in Ames, and had an even better day with 222 yards and two touchdowns last season.

Now that Iowa State doesn’t have to worry about a mobile quarterback with Case McCoy under center, they do have to worry about the wide receivers. Senior WR Mike Davis and junior WR Jaxon Shipley currently lead the team with a combined 482 receiving yards and four touchdowns — all the scores belonging to Davis.

The real question mark will be the status of Davis with his ankle injury. He missed the game against Kansas State and is currently listed as questionable for the game.

Don’t think that McCoy should be considered an easy quarterback to face even though he lost the starting job to Ash. In his last game in Ames, the Longhorns destroyed the Cyclones in the first half forcing three turnovers. McCoy provided accuracy completing 7 of 12 passes for 110 yards.

As much as people knock McCoy, he’s been a steady efficient passer usually being able to complete above 60 percent of his throws.