We now tune back to our regular scheduled programming, but if you want some expansion talk here ya go. Still unsure how Wyoming was able to get Texas to travel to Laramie last year, and had the gal to compete for the first half. Texas is coming off of their BCS appearance where they lost to Alabama, and without star quarterback Colt McCoy. The upside to that is freshman Garrett Gilbert was put in the most pressure packed situation he will ever face until Texas makes a return to the title game.
Losing McCoy to the NFL is a big blow as well as his favorite target Jordan Shipley, but the biggest blow could be the three offensive lineman that have moved on. A reconstructed offensive line will make the running game tougher to get off the ground which has suffered the past where Colt McCoy was their leading rusher.
The expected lead back is Tre' Newton who was the teams leading returning runner and managed only 552 yards with six touchdowns, or the other is touchdown machine Cody Johnson who had 12 to go along with 335 yards. The running game is a real issue, but head coach Mack Brown is expected to return to a more running offense instead of a shotgun passing offense. That could help the running game be better by focusing it, possibly.
Finding play makers in the passing game will be huge, because while their expected starters -- Malcolm Williams, John Chiles, and James Kirkendoll -- are experienced but none are super stars. Williams was the second leading receiver had 80 less reception and 900 less yards then team leader Shipley. Now, Texas should be fine with their offense this year with their star studded recruiting classes, but they will not be national title worthy this year.
The defense takes a hit as they lose seven starters from the 2010 season and must replace defensive back Earl Thomas, but the Longhorns have depth and should have the best secondary in the Big XII. The Big XII is an offensive league which could hurt the Longhorns against Nebraska who is supposedly having an improved offense, or Texas A&M who might have a shot to beat Texas this year.
The Longhorns will be a Big XII title contender, as usual, but a national title shot will take a very good year by the young players. An early prediction on the bowl game for Texas looks to be the Cotton Bowl, and an outside shot of a BCS bowl.
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