#4 Texas Longhorns

In one of the most disappointing games in Longhorn history, Texas fans had to watch their back-up QB try to win the National Championship game for them after Heisman finalist Colt McCoy was injured on the first drive of the game. While the loss was devastating for the program, there were 2 people that left Pasadena last January with a slight smirk on their faces: Mack Brown and Garrett Gilbert.

Spring and Fall practice, along with summer workouts and late night film sessions are all great ways for a first-year starter to prepare. But is there any better preparation than a 3 hour scrimmage against one of the best defenses of the decade (Alabama 2009)? That’s an advantage that Garrett Gilbert, the new Longhorns starting QB, was blessed with after the McCoy injury. And while Texas lost the game, the experience and confidence that Gilbert gained are sure to pay dividends immediately in the 2010 season. A 5-star recruit in the 2009 class, Gilbert has a chance to splash onto the scene and be one of the best QBs in the Big 12 conference right away.

The running game has been a point of emphasis for the Longhorns in preparation for the 2010 season. Last year, they ranked a disappointing 61st nationally in rushing. Their leading rusher, Tre’ Newton, only had 513 yards on the season. Colt McCoy finished as their #2 leading rusher… never a good sign for an offense. Three players who have started (Newton, Vondrell McGee, and Fozzy Whitaker) are returning in the Longhorn backfield and that bodes well for the statistics. Mack Brown has also said in many offseason interviews that he will place Gilbert under center (vice the spread shotgun attack that McCoy made famous), which will allow for more “downhill running” out of the I-formation.

At WR, James Kirkendoll burst onto the scene last year with a breakout performance. His 48 receptions and 6 TDs leads all returning WRs. Joining him will be the lanky Junior Malcolm Williams and former QB-turned-WR John Chiles. The offensive line may be a point of contention for Texas, as only 2 starters return to a unit that (as stated earlier) underachieved in opening holes for its RBs.

Defensively, the Longhorns have made a habit of producing top notch talent year in and year out. 2010 should be no exception. Under the leadership of the always fiery “Coach-in-Waiting” and Defensive Coordinator Will Muschamp, Texas has elevated its already dominant play on that side of the ball. DE Sam Acho should continue in the line of great lineman to play at Texas. His size/speed/strength combination is similar to that of his predecessors Brian Orakpo and Sergio Kindle. Keenan Robinson anchors the middle at LB, and the secondary should be amongst the best in the country with S Blake Gideon, CB Curtis Brown, CB Chykie Brown, and Nickel Back Aaron Williams (a possible 1st round draft pick) leading the way.

The Texas schedule is once again conducive to a strong run at the always lofty BCS goals. They open the season with Rice and Wyoming before a 4 game stretch that includes games against Texas Tech, UCLA, Oklahoma, and Nebraska, with the later 2 being amongst the most anticipated 2010 matchups in the nation. They finish the season against 6 teams that should not be ranked, although in-state foes Baylor and Texas A&M should present a formidable challenge.

The Big 12 should be more competitive than its ever been, highlighted by the Big 3 (Nebraska, Texas, Oklahoma), but I see no reason why Texas wont earn a 3rd straight BCS berth. The back to back games against Oklahoma and Nebraska will be the difference between the Holiday Bowl and a BCS game.

Key Returning Players:
QB Garrett Gilbert
RB Tre’ Newton
WR James Kirkendoll
WR Malcolm Williams
OT Kyle Hix
DE Sam Acho
CB Aaron Williams
CB Chykie Brown
S Blake Gideon

Key Games:
Sept 18 - @ Texas Tech
Sept 25 - UCLA
Oct 2 - Oklahoma (in Dallas)
Oct 16 - @ Nebraska
Nov 25 - Texas A&M