Heading into the season, hype surrounded the Longhorn defense with pundits claiming this crew as one of the best in the nation. However, they struggled out of the gate, giving up 178 yards and nine points in the first quarter.

While steadying the ship for the rest of the game by forcing two interceptions that led to touchdowns, Texas faces a different style of offense in the Lobos.

`"We've gone from four or five wideouts (against Wyoming) to coaching against a triple option that looks like the modern day version of the wishbone," Texas coach Mack Brown said to ESPN. "It will be a week of discipline and assignment football that our defense will really have to try to figure out."

Texas is facing a struggling Lobos team that has gone a combined 3-33 over the last 3 years. Although New Mexico has been less than stellar recently, they put a 66-21 beat down on Southern University in their season debut, racking up 347 yards on the ground. Giving consideration to the level of competition, the Lobos will face a much tougher test against the Longhorns’ defense.

In facing the Lobos ground attack, the Longhorns have a stout front seven that should be able to wreak havoc in the backfield and clog running lanes.

On the other side of the ball, the Longhorns are going to run, run, and then run some more. With powerful tailbacks, Joe Bergeron and Malcolm Brown combining for 215 yards and three touchdowns against Wyoming, the Longhorns are going to pound New Mexico inside. The coaching staff seems focused on turning the offense into a run-oriented attack, which should bode well for the Longhorns as the Lobos have a weak front seven.

"It has to start with the run game," Harsin said to ESPN. "It is not going to start when you are backpedaling.”

However, David Ash continues to be the X-Factor on offense. In last week’s win against Wyoming, Ash had an average 20-27, 156 yards, and one touchdown game. Bryan Harsin is keen on keeping the offense as simple as possible, which works well for Ash as he needs to avoid mistakes again this Saturday.

But he isn’t alone. The wide receiver core needs to step up as well. Receivers Mike Davis and Jaxon Shipley combined for only 89 yards and a touchdown. In order for them to take the pressure off of the quarterback, Davis, Shipley, and Marquise Goodwin need to have an impact.

The Longhorns are just too strong and too talented for a struggling Lobos team.

The Longhorns have the defense to match against their offensive strength and have too much firepower in the backfield. Bergeron and Brown will wear down the defense as the game goes on, while Ash has another decent, but not spectacular start.

Prediction:

48-13 Longhorns