Sizing Up Texas

1 comment so far October 18, 2006 by Steve Hanway

With a few exceptions, Texas is not as imposing in terms of size as you might expect. Their top two running backs are not especially big (but they have a 270 pound short-yardage specialist that makes up for that). Other than 6’ 5” Limas Sweed, the wide receivers are not towering. The linebackers are fairly averaged size by conference standards, but the bad news is their entire defensive line goes 270 lbs. or more.

Looking at some numbers you see 72 tackles for losses, coupled with 64 quarterback hurries by the Longhorn defense. Translation: they have been in the backfield all day against the teams they’ve faced. All-American Justin Blalock is one of three seniors from guard-to-guard on the offensive line. The tight ends have not put up huge numbers, but have done enough to keep teams honest.

Of course, what depth charts won’t show you is speed, and this team has speed to burn. Running back Jamaal Charles is a top performer nationally in the 100-yard dash. Most of Texas players were highly rated recruits out of high school, which suggests if they don’t have great size, they must have a lot of speed.

The Huskers best chance is to exploit the matchups that do favor the Huskers. Maurice Purify is hard for anyone to stop. Marlon Lucky is more than a match for even a good defense. Zac Taylor can help Nebraska by delivering the ball accurately and on time. Kurt Mann needs to play like an all-conference center. Adam Carriker and Corey McKeon need to perform at an all-conference level. Ndamukong Suh and Rickey Thenarse need to continue to show the flashes of brilliance we saw at Kansas State.

On paper, the Huskers have a chance. In Memorial Stadium, the Huskers always have a chance.

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