Big 12 Preview | Texas No. 1
- Thursday, September 3, 2009 7:25 PM
- Written By: Jonathan Crowl
2008 record: 13-1 overall, 7-1 Big 12 Conference, co-Big 12 South champions
2009 projection: Chip or not, the Longhorns are the best team in the country, and my pick to win the BCS Title Game.
Reason to get excited: "... my pick to win the BCS Title Game."
Reason not to get worked up: High expectations leave no room for error. One loss could derail the Longhorns' season.
The gist: I wouldn't choose anyone other than Colt McCoy to be my quarterback, even though two others in the NCAA have Heismans. He's got more balance than either Sam Bradford or Tim Tebow. But he probably won't have to lead the team in rushing again this season as the running backs mature and take on a greater workload. Jordan Shipley will once again be McCoy's favorite target, and the attention he draws will create a perfect situation for sophomore wideout Malcolm Williams -- who has drawn comparisons to former Longhorn Roy Williams -- to become the star he's expected to be. The offensive line will once again be strong, let by tackles Adam Ulatoski and Kyle Hixx. Sergio Kindle leads the defense, playing both defensive end and linebacker. Lamarr Houston joins him on the line, and linebacker Roddrick Muckelroy returns after leading the team with 112 tackles. Defensive coordinator Will Muschamp's unit is solid overall but needs to improve on forcing turnovers.
Rallying point: McCoy. The senior says the right things, does the right things and could put together a memorable season if he can lead his team to a national title.
Cover your eyes: At the Red River Shootout. Losing to Oklahoma would be the ultimate suckerpunch to a team who watched the Sooners play in the BCS Title Game last year after beating them in the regular season.
For what it's worth: Texas' schedule this season is favorable, particularly the non-conference. The Longhorns have the benefit of sympathy running in their favor, this year -- expect the voters to give them an extra boost if they find themselves on the fringe of the title game. If they win the Big 12 Championship Game, McCoy will win the Heisman.
