Four questions facing Texas

1. Will Texas get off to a quick start?

In three road games, opponents have outscored Texas 51-0 in the first quarter. And by now, it’s been hammered into dust that Charlie Strong’s Longhorns are winless when they don’t score first. That’s 0-11. So the first 15 minutes should be a good indicator of the shape this one will take. Key will be a quick start for quarterback Jerrod Heard, who this week said he’s putting the game on his shoulders.

2. Will D’Onta Foreman get more carries than Johnathan Gray?

Last week marked only the second time Foreman got more carries than Gray, the senior starter. Evidence suggests a shift is needed, as Foreman has rumbled for 100 yards — including a 93-yard touchdown against Kansas — three times in the last five games. His 6.9 yards per carry dwarfs Gray’s 4.0 average, though Gray is considered the better pass blocker.

3. Will Peter Jinkens record a sack for the fourth straight game?

Jinkens has 4.5 sacks over the past three games. On the season, he has 5.5 sacks. After getting a sack in the opener, he had gone five games in a row without one. He began to pick it up once defensive coordinator Vance Bedford increased pressure in the Oklahoma game.

4. Will DeShon Elliott build on his two-interception game against Kansas?

Elliott won’t be promoted to starter, but his arrival on defense is expected to go further, as Bedford said he’d like the freshman to take 30 snaps. That sounds all well and good, but in a close game it’s difficult to believe Bedford won’t stick with mainstays Dylan Haines and Jason Hall.