Texas Not Lacking Talent

August 9, 2006 by Steve Hanway

Previewing Texas

Over the last decade, no conference team has delivered more heartache to the Huskers than the Texas Longhorns. Whether it was upsetting Nebraska in the glory days or embarrassing them in recent seasons, Texas has shown a knack for hitting the Huskers where it hurts. So nothing would be sweeter than to beat the defending national champions in front of the home crowd at Memorial stadium. While the Longhorns have some areas of concern in 2005 (none greater than the loss of quarterback Vince Young), they won’t be lacking for talent.

The Longhorns bring back two-time All Big XII offensive tackle Justin Blalock, All Big XII defensive end Tim Crowder, second team All Big XII running back Jamaal Charles, and second team All Big XII defensive tackle Frank Okam. Add to the mix another half dozen honorable mention All Big XII performers in linebacker Robert Killebrew, safety Michael Griffin, defensive ends Brian Orakpo and Brian Robison, wide receiver Billy Pittman, and running back Ramonce Taylor. It’s enough to make a Husker fan heartsick.

So whichever new Longhorn quarterback wins the starting job, he will be surrounded with talent. Slowing the Texas run game will be a tall order, as will getting yards against a very athletic defense. If there’s one bit of hope for Nebraska it’s that they might gain an advantage in special teams. Texas loses both their starting kicker and punter of a year ago (and neither had been a standout in the conference anyway). The Nebraska defense must not only slow the Longhorn run game but must also find a way to get pressure on their new quarterback. Offensively, the Huskers must find a way to protect Zac Taylor. Whether or not Texas comes into the game undefeated or with a few losses on the record, a win would be huge for the Huskers. Not only would it allow the Huskers to keep pace in the North division, but would provide a major boost of confidence going into the final stretch of the season.

In the good old days, you’d take the Huskers over anyone when the game was in Lincoln. But the Longhorns have won two straight in Memorial stadium and bring a team at least as good as the one they had in 1998. A win goes a long way toward re-establishing the Husker mystique. But this may well be the toughest opponent on the schedule. With few predicting a perfect season for the Huskers, it’s hard to say that Nebraska will win. But if we’ve learned anything over the years, it’s that Nebraska always has a chance in Memorial stadium. This game will define the season. Do the Huskers take a major step forward in re-establishing their dominance at home or will they watch another superior team walk out with a win?

Any way you slice it, a big game against a big-time program. Should be exciting.

More 2006 Previews: Louisiana Tech, Nicholls State, USC, Troy, Kansas, Iowa State, Kansas State, Texas, Oklahoma State, Missouri, Texas A&M, Colorado

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