By Marcus Krum | College Contributor

It is time for take two of Tom Herman’s campaign in Austin.

The Longhorns kick off the season on Saturday morning against Maryland, who ran wild in a 51-41 victory over Texas in last year’s season opener. But with recent offseason events leaving the Maryland team in disarray, Herman will look to avenge the loss a year ago and open the season on the right foot.

Here are some keys to the Longhorns getting the win in this week one matchup.

Texas vs. Maryland details

Time: 11:00 a.m. CT
Date: Sep. 1, 2018
Location: FedEx Field in Landover, Md.

What TV channel is Texas vs. Maryland on?
Texas vs. Maryland will be broadcast on FS1. It can also be streamed live on FoxSportsGo.

How can I buy tickets to Texas vs. Maryland? 
Click here to buy tickets to the Texas vs. Maryland game at FedEx Field. 

Texas vs. Maryland Preview

Shutting out the noise

The season has not even begun, and the distractions are already building for Texas football. Tom Herman’s alleged connection to former Ohio State assistant Zach Smith’s strip club trip on a recruiting visit currently has no implications on the team itself, but the Longhorns must continue to drown out the noise and focus simply on the matchup with Maryland.

The Terrapins don’t come into the season without baggage of their own. A tumultuous offseason marked by the tragic death of a player has led to head coach DJ Durkin being placed on administrative leave as the school investigates culture issues surrounding the program.

As Texas heads into this matchup with a No. 23 ranking and 13 point favorites, it is time to put the blinders on. After dropping the opener to Maryland at home a year ago, nothing should be on the mind of the Longhorns but coming out of this game with a “1” in the win column.

Running early and often

In last year’s loss, Texas fell behind early and abandoned the run game. Quarterback Shane Buechele threw 52 passes, and the leading rusher for the Longhorns was Chris Warren, who ended up with only 6 carries for 31 yards.

This year’s run game will likely be by-committee, with graduate transfer Tre Watson and sophomore Daniel Young at the point. But even if the Longhorns find themselves in a hole, the game plan should not be to abandon ship too early.

Sophomore quarterback Sam Ehlinger would thrive in an offense that is able to keep defenders in the box, looking for the run. In his second season as offensive coordinator, Tim Beck has a better understanding of the athletes that Texas has in the backfield. He must utilize them from the start to get the offensive rhythm churning early.

Physicality up front

The Longhorns have two 310-pound holes up front. Connor Williams and Poona Ford, major contributors on each side of the line a year ago, both left Texas for the NFL following last season. The question that fills their absence is: can the Longhorns properly establish the line of scrimmage?

Calvin Anderson will look to fill the void left by Williams at left tackle on the offensive line. The graduate transfer from Rice looked more than capable in his last season with the Owls, only allowing seven total quarterback pressures according to Pro Football Focus. 

On the defensive side of the ball, senior Chris Nelson will start in place of Ford. Nelson has already had his fair share of experience with the Longhorn defense, and at 6’2”, 310 pounds, has plenty of size to eat up space in the middle of the line.