2007 Opponent Preview…Texas
5 comments so far
July 27, 2007 by
Barring upsets, the Longhorns are probably the only team in the Big 12 that will be favored to win every game on their schedule. They bring back most of the key pieces of the top scoring offense in the conference and will still have a lot of talent for a defense that finished third in points allowed in the Big 12.
But Texas has a pretty substantial history of underachieving with talent. Even with Colt McCoy ailing, there’s no reason they should have allowed 42 points to Kansas State, a team that finished 10th in the Big 12 in scoring offense nor been held to seven points in Austin against A&M.
Texas had three other close games including their great escape in Lincoln, a shootout in Lubbock, and an Alamo Bowl squeaker. Much of the blame was given to the Longhorn secondary. Things don’t seem likely to be better in a hurry. The Longhorn secondary has only a single returning starter and when coupled with a new pair of defensive ends, their pass defense could definitely struggle.
It’s easy to imagine Texas sitting at 8-0 when the Huskers come to town. There’s probably not much chance that the Huskers will similarly be 8-0 so that means the Longhorns will again be the favorites. Texas has proven prone to the occasional upset, even at home. So the question will be whether Nebraska can be the team that catches Texas at the right time.
The schedule doesn’t help Nebraska, the Longhorns should be coming off some easy games against Iowa State and Baylor. Things get tougher for the Longhorns after their date with Nebraska as they must play at Oklahoma State, host Texas Tech, and close at A&M (a team that could conceivably be undefeated at that point). It would probably be easier for a team like OSU or Texas Tech to catch the ‘Horns by surprise. If the Huskers want to upset Texas, they are going to have to do it against a team that’s ready and waiting.
Did you enjoy this article?
Get Husker news by email
Follow us on Twitter
Related Stories: Texas
Post a comment
Gregory Morrow Jul 27 07
A really interesting team, this "we ARE the Joneses" school. They never intimidate, they just win, everytime they play Nebraska. They smoothly win the close ones, smoothly won in the blowout.
Like Oklahoma, defense is where they get it done. They just also happen to have top shelf talent on offense, too. Which is why, until somebody breaks out (or Brown retires) they just have too much overall talent to not be favored.
Their offensive design doesn't blow your mind- it's just loaded with playmakers. They break a few, then it's "game".
Mack Brown embraced the tradition and expectations, utilized the talent that's always been there and calmed people down.
Then started beating Oklahoma....
ze robertinho Jul 29 07
Too late to comment much, but I really think Big Red will take the Longhorns this year. Mark my word.
James Moore Jul 30 07
Well like last year if we play with USC & Texas then we can beat anyone on our schedule and in the postseason too. Needless to say it'll be a big game. A few things that worry me about this game: (1) Sweed's height on our DB's, (2)the ability of the O-Line to handle Texas' front 7. In order to run this offense you need to be able to do a lot of things really well & and above all else execute. (3) Also (with the exception of Purify) the ability to always get separation. Last year, Oklahoma & Auburn come to mind, we had a hard time getting WR sepatation from the DB's. Does anyone have a funny feeling that we're in for a great surprise against USC? Can't say why but I do.
steve Jul 30 07
Hi James,
I can't so far as to say Nebraska will go out and stomp USC but I will say that I get the same feel for USC that I did about Miami in 2001-2002. Namely, that aside from being smart and steady there was nothing I considered special about Ken Dorsey and I feel the same way about Booty. The Hurricanes were so completely stacked at every position that it made his numbers look good. But when did you watch those teams and say, "Wow! Can you believe what Dorsey just did?". I feel the same way about Booty. I don't see the guy going to the NFL and making anyone forget Brett Favre or Peyton Manning. Rather, he's not usually going to make the big mistake and every guy around him will make enough plays for USC to win (and usually easily).
That's why the defensive front seven can be such a great equalizer. If the Huskers can stuff the run on early downs and come after the quarterback (forcing him to be a playmaker) we can see if Booty really can be that transcendent player rather than just another good quarterback. Add to that the noise you'd hear in Memorial stadium if the game is close, and a "make Booty beat us" strategy might work as well as the "make Dorsey beat us" strategy worked for Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl.
That's the hope anyway.
ze Jul 31 07
Wow, I disagree rgdg. Booty. Maybe he's not the next Farve, but last year was his first year as a starter, only delayed by having to play 2nd fiddle to Leinhart--you know, of Heisman fame--(and Sanchez, I guess). I think he's an extremely solid QB, maybe that's understated, and will prove his meddle this year for sure. He loses some great receivers, but SC will just reload, albeit with less experienced 'ammo'. The QB position will be a clear advantage for SC vs NE this year as Keller(we assume) will be breaking back into it so early in the year while Booty will come in very seasoned.
Booty and SC made MI and CAL look bad last year, again with Booty in his first year.
I think he's on the Heisman watch list as well for '07.