40 Acres Sports

Fire the cannon. Make some noise with Big Bertha. They should have let light the tower orange as well. Watch the postgame celebration and relish the special group of seniors that played their last game at DKR Saturday night:

Follow along live with 40 Acres Sports on Twitter and below for our thoughts and analysis during tonight’s Texas game versus on ABC. We’ll be live right around kickoff so join us to discuss the game right around 7:00pm tonight.

Feel free to leave comments and questions using the live tool, but not all comments will be published. Read below for more notes on comments and how the live blog will work. Hook ‘em!

(continue to read full live blog …)

WTH?! (What the Heck?) moments are attempts to find the memorable and the off-beat perspective on Longhorns sports. Here are some interesting moments from the Texas’ game against the Sooners.

Pregame WTH Sooners?! What a sight to see when the Sooner band enters the playing field to a record crowd of 96,009 fans and an upside down Longhorn plastered right on the ass of a sequined OU baton twirler. Is it just me or did the OU band roll out the Oklahoma state flag a few years ago just to copy us? Nothing stirs up the emotions of the OU crowd like a powder blue flag with a twig and a peace pipe on it.

1st Quarter WTH Sooner Bench?! I know that we have Matthew McConaughey roaming our sidelines, but can you really be proud OU fans when you see Jim Ross on the bench. Yeah… that Jim Ross from the WWE with his signature black cowboy hat. You always want a fan on the sidelines that is remembered for wrestling match quotes like “that damn jezebel” or “this is a slobberknocker.”

1st Quarter (11:55) WTH McCoy?! I begin to see a trend developing with . Another first quarter turnover (fumble on the OU 31) by Colt that now has festered into three straight games. The great thing about Colt is his resilience to put mistakes behind him and press on. His toughness and running ability that many Longhorn fans would like to see more helped Texas throughout the game.

1st Quarter WTH Davis?! I need to give some credit to on adding a key wrinkle to the play book. The misdirection plays to open the game with a rush draw by Fozzy Whitaker helped put the Sooners back on their heels. One complaint is that the addition of TE to the game plan to thwart the oncoming OU rush was a reactionary measure when inserting the larger WR would be dictating the offense scheme to OU.

1st Quarter (11:55) WTH A. Williams?! I know everybody is aware of Aaron William’s first career sack on QB Sam Bradford that might have ended Bradford’s career at OU. The play that you may not have noticed was the touchdown saving tackle earlier of Demarco Murray which OU had to settle for a field goal. We all saw the whiff on WR Ryan Broyles which let the Sooners record their only touchdown of the day. The best way to make up for that was the fourth quarter “Stretch Armstrong” (1976 gel filled action figure by Kenner) interception of Landry Jones’ pass that he was trying to throw away.

2nd Quarter (4:52) WTH is a Muff?! Was there possession established by OU Dominique Franks or did UT dislodge the ball? Did Malcolm Williams fumble the ball at the one yard line or did he fumble it through the end zone for a touchback? I have never seen one play with so many interpretations. The rule needs to be changed next year so that a muff can be returned. I believe the refs got the call right.

2nd Half WTH Fozzy & Cody?! I saw great progress by running backs Fozzy Whittaker and with the workmanlike attitude of the Longhorn offense line in the second half to run for a total of 142 yards against the Sooners.

Whole Game WTH Horns Defense?! You cannot say enough good things about this unit. They continued to fight when the UT offense was sputtering most of the game. One of the main stats that Coach Blood looks for is creating turnovers (3 fumbles and 2 interceptions). Texas defense held Oklahoma to the lowest rushing yards total (minus 16 yards) ever in a Red River Rivalry game. Defensive MVP was .

Next up for the Longhorn football team is a visit to Columbia to take on Missouri at 7pm on October 24th.

One more game to tune up for the Longhorns before Big 12 play gets fully underway. The Longhorns are big favorites, but how to the editors of 40 Acres Sports see the game going?

Brian - Is this the coming out party? In the last non-conference game for the Horns I expect the Texas coaches to try to feature Newton and jumpstart the running game for the rest of the season. will start slow again but this time Greg Davis will go to hurry up in first quarter so he’ll play three good quarters of football instead of two. Defense comes up big against a UTEP offense that has been struggling against even average early season opponents. Texas 60, UTEP 14

Michael - The 2009 Longhorns have yet to live up to preseason expectations, and there’s little chance of that changing this afternoon against an uncommonly weak UTEP team. However, the offense has a golden opportunity to show that they really are the dominant, well-oiled machine that Texas fans expected them to be. Look for a healthier Colt McCoy to establish his passing dominance, hopefully with more deep shots to Malcolm Williams to take some pressure off of . With Tre Newton as the starting back, I’d like to see more running plays inside the box as well to get our offensive line some practice in being aggressive. Defensively, there’s still room for improvement. Look for to make his return at some point this afternoon, and Muschamp will most likely be working to tighten down the zone defense to eliminate some of the bend in the “bend and not break” scheme. Texas 52, UTEP 10

Ross - This game against UTEP needs to be the breather that all Texas fans have been hoping for. Colt McCoy had 4 TD passes last year against the Miners and we should expect the same this year. The emergence of Tre Newton as the starting running back should open up the middle of the field where opponents/linebackers have not respected the running game. This will be the momentum game that will help the UT players feel good going into the bye week. Texas 45 – UTEP 17

Predictions from Twitterverse

• kslonghorn 55-14 Texas – great showing by Chiles today
• paulwalker 49-14…
• dagr81210 Colt gets it going and for 4 quarters and Texas wins big Utep 7 TEXAS 46! Hook’em Horns!
• willifordj UT 48 UTEP 17. Tre Newton with 148 yds rushing and 2 TDs. Earl Thomas with 1 pick. Okafor with 1.5 sacks.
• Bill_Morrison 48-10 #UT; McCoy to throw for 3 TD’s, run for 1; SergioK w/ 2 sacks;
• marshallboone Texas 55 UTEP 13

Follow along live with 40 Acres Sports on Twitter and below for our thoughts and analysis during tonight’s game versus on ABC. We’ll be live right around kickoff so join us to discuss the game right around 7pm tonight.

Feel free to leave comments and questions using the live tool, but not all comments will be published. Read below for more notes on comments and how the live blog will work. Hook ‘em!

6:45	Brian:  Welcome to the 40 Acres Sports live blog. Participate in the conversation here and with 40AcresSports on Twitter.

6:48	suzhalliburton:  Deon beasley is in uniform for game. #ut

6:48	40acressports:  We’ll still be tweeting our analysis, add #40 to your tweets to have them embedded on the site. #UT

6:54	40acressports:  @kbohls Don’t think we’ll see 3 DL, Kindle + Robinson + E Acho, and 5 DB’s a lot also? #UT #40

6:54	atrubow:  Also, Penn State’s schedule is a joke (just to be fair), so #ut shouldn’t have to worry about them. But you never know with voters. #horns

6:55	meetattexas:  RT @40acressports: Make sure you’re following @atrubow, @suzhalliburton, @InsideTexas and of course @40AcresSports for live updates. #UT #40

6:58	Brian:  Almost kickoff. Are you guys ready for some football???

7:01	suzhalliburton:  Reason why #ut didn’t send out injury report was because everyone listed on monday’s depth chart can play.

7:02	Brian:  Hoping for a big enough win tonight to not have to ever see that Tech/Crabtree gamewinning play again. Is that too much to ask?

7:03	40acressports:  I sure hope so… RT @ChrisSanch: Last time theyll ever show the Tech highlights from last year #ut

7:05	40acressports:  @suzhalliburton That’s what I was thinking. Beasley’s 3 years of experience against Leach’s offenses is invaluable. #UT #40

7:07	[Comment From Derek] Whew. Is it game time yet? I’mready for this to be over.

7:09	Brian:  How much fun was it watching USC lose today? Let’s hope the Texas players come to play tonight and take care of business.

7:09	40acressports:  ABC/ESPN loves Tebow so much they’re pretending #UF is replaying last week’s game and is showing 2nd quarter game update. #UT

7:09	Brian:  Cheerleaders and UT band taking the field now…

7:11	suzhalliburton:  David mcwilliams, former coach of both schools, is tossing coin #ut

7:11	atrubow:  Good crowd noise tonight already. #Ut #horns

7:11	stevehabel:  Tech won the toss and will receive as Leach wants to get his offense on the field first. #ut #horns #hookem

7:11	suzhalliburton:  Tech wins toss. Will receive. #ut

7:12	40acressports:  RT @aTrubow: Good crowd noise tonight already. #Ut #horns

7:13	Brian:  Justin Tucker to kickoff

7:13	atrubow:  Welcome to Big 12 play. The season officially begins right now for #ut

7:14	40acressports:  Texas and Texas Tech finally underway. Remember to add #40 to your tweets to add them to our live blog: http://bit.ly/deTs6 #UT

7:14	stevehabel:  Late flag twarts good Tech runback. #ut #horns #hookem

7:15	Brian:  1st pass completed by TT. Tech going with hurry up offense.

7:15	40acressports:  Tx Tech cheating already on opening kickoff. Holding on return starts TT back at their 19 yd line. #UT

7:15	Brian:  post play penalty on somebody.

7:16	pnutbtrjelee:  are there any other Horns our there who think our Intrastate rivalry has officially shifted from A&M to Tech? #ut #40

7:17	40acressports:  Tech already with 2 penalties after dead ball late hit. I can already hear Leach blaming the refs. #UT #40

7:17	[Comment From Derek] Come on Muschamp. Slow them down at leAST!

7:18	atrubow:  #ut defense missing tackles left and right on this first drive. #horns

7:19	40acressports:  Texas defense looks overmatched on first drive. Let’s hope Muschamp can make VERY fast adjustments. #UT #40

7:19	Brian:  Even big time hit can’t cause first incompletion of night. Tech receiver bobbles and catches the ball. Argh.

7:20	atrubow:  Earl Thomas and Franks played on the same high school team. Thank you @suzhalliburton for that note. #ut #horns

7:21	40acressports:  Ball moved when his hands went near the ground but other angle shows he was underneath the ball. Right call. #UT #40

7:21	stevehabel:  Tech rolling through UT like a hot knife thru butter. #ut #horns #hookem

7:21	[Comment From JavaH] This is sickening to watch right now. How Tech is moving down the field.

7:22	Brian:  Penalty and false start breaks up Tech rhythm and Horns force 4th and 7. Will Tech fake FG?

7:22	chipbrownob:  Sergio Kindle just got a hit in the QB on third down, helping to force a FG. Texas Tech leads it 3-0 with 11:06 left in the first

7:23	40acressports:  Good pressure on QB on 3rd & long plus good coverage forces #Tech to kick field goal. I’ll consider that a minor victory. #UT #40

7:23	stevehabel:  First Potts incompletion ends drive but Tech field goal allows for 3-0 lead. #ut #horns #hookem

7:24	chipbrownob:  Matthew McConaughey got lots of pre-game love from Mack and Mike Leach with his girlfriend, love child and love child No. 2 on the way

7:24	insidetexas:  Tech’s first drive ends because a Kindle hit disrupts Potts’ 3rd down throw. Kindle doesn’t need a sack, just needs to stay in Potts’ face.

7:24	atrubow:  Was that a good drive for the #ut defense or not. I can’t tell. My first thought is not. #horns did put more pressure on TTU receivers late

7:25	stevehabel:  Potts 6-of-7 on opening drive. Three os the passes were thrown less than 5 yards. #ut #horns #hookem

7:25	suzhalliburton:  Happy to oblige w/orange trivia RT @aTrubow: Earl Thomas and Franks played on same hi school team. Thank you @suzhalliburton for that note.

7:25	chipbrownob:  Even with 102,000 fans in a game with all sorts of payback on the minds of fans, Godzillatron flashes a massive sign saying “MAKE NOISE!”

7:26	40acressports:  @aTrubow As bad as it started, a FG isn’t too bad. Now time to see if Muschamp can adjust and settle his DBs down. #UT #40

7:26	marshallboone:  WOW I’m really impressed by Texas Tech…and by impressed I mean HATE. #40

7:26	chipbrownob:  OG David Snow starts in place of OG Michael Huey (ankle), who was cleared to return this week

7:27	40acressports:  DJ Monroe REALLY wanted to run that kickoff back from 7 yards deep in the end zone. Mal Williams had to tackle him to get touchback. #UT #40

7:28	Brian:  Offensive line really got their butt whipped on that 1st down run. 2 or 3 Tech DL met McGee in   backfield.

7:28	chipbrownob:  Texas running right at end where Tech has lost Rajon Henley (injured) and is playing DT Richard Jones at DE

7:29	chipbrownob:  Dan Buckner just keeps making plays, held onto the ball after a big hit #ut #horns #collegefootball

7:29	Brian:  McCoy runs with the football. Couldnt tell if that was designed draw or if he just tucked it and ran when no one was open.

7:29	40acressports:  Great concentration by Dan Buckner to hold onto the ball after being hit hard on crossing route. Nice catch and 15 yd gain. #UT #40

7:29	40acressports:  Tre Newton already in the game for the Horns. good to see. #UT #40

7:29	chipbrownob:  Taylor Potts 6 of 7 passing for 57 yards on Tech’s first drive to a FG

7:30	chipbrownob:  Tech’s replacement end RIchard Jones just got around Adam Ulatoski to sack Colt McCoy with Tech just rushing 3 men #ut #horns

7:31	40acressports:  3 man rush by Tech easily gets around Ulatoski for drive ending sack. Oline not looking good early. #UT #40

7:31	suzhalliburton:  jones runs around ulatoski to sack mccoy #ut

7:32	stevehabel:  Slip by Shipley and sack of McCoy ends UT drive. Did that punt hit the Tech player? Sure looked like it. #ut #horns #hookem

7:32	insidetexas:  Malcolm Williams may not have that many chances on offense, but he’s been huge on special teams this season. #ut

7:33	alcep:  Annoying Tech fan in front of me! Let’s see if she’s still feeling it in 4th? #UT #40

7:33	atrubow:  Good point out by @cedgolden as Ulatoski got burned on that sack. #ut #horns

7:34	Brian:  Punt hit Malcolm WIlliams at the 6. Tech starts there instead of the 1.

7:37	40acressports:  Pressure by #UT defense definitely disrupting Potts. He threw that 3rd down ball right at E Thomas but he wasnt expecting it. Punt time. #UT

7:38	[Comment From JavaH] Now we are talking : )

7:38	suzhalliburton:  Texas’ rush was really good on last series #ut

7:38	atrubow:  Shipley just scared the crap out of BEVO, who stood up after the touchdown return. #ut #horns

7:38	insidetexas:  This is why you save Jordan Shipley as a punt returner for the games that matter. 7-3 #ut

7:38	40acressports:  LOOOK OUT BEVO!!! Here comes Jordan Shipley. Great defense follwed by Shipley punt return for the TOUCHDOWN! #UT 7, TT 3

7:39	suzhalliburton:  Shipley takes punt to the house then runs into bevo. Seriously. Bevo is now on his feet. #ut

7:40	stevehabel:  Watch out Bevo! Shipley almost runs over the legend after a 46-yd punt return for a TD. First the blitz, then the return. #ut #horns #hookem

7:40	40acressports:  Punt return touchdown is going to put #UT defense right back on the field. No time for Leach to adjust. Keep the pressure one! #40

7:40	40acressports:  @suzhalliburton Bevo having a busy day. First a dump on national TV this morning and now a touchdown celebration!! #UT #40

7:40	suzhalliburton:  Ask @cedgolden about how feisty bevo can get. He came out with horns swinging one game last year. Got away from his handlers.

7:41	40acressports:  Tech punter looked like an even pudgier version of myself there. No way he was stopping Shipley down on that punt return. #UT #40

7:41	suzhalliburton:  Just for some background, roy williams used to be scared of bevo. #ut

7:41	atrubow:  Shipley almost discovered a new meaning to GET YOUR HORNS UP. #ut #horns

7:41	[Comment From m] score?

7:42	Brian:  @M: Texas is leading 7-3 midway through 1st quarter.

7:43	Brian:  TExas corners giving wide receivers 15 yard cushions. Not sure how we expect that to work out.

7:43	atrubow:  Want to know why the SEC makes fun of the #big12. Look at the cushion the #ut secondary gives the Texas Tech receivers. #horns

7:46	40acressports:  Pressure on Potts work. Can Muschamp get to him consistently? Aaron Williams dropped another pick there. #UT #40

7:47	40acressports:  Wow. Thought we actually got a holding call against #TT linemen, but instead they called facemask. I’ll take it. #UT #40

7:47	Brian:  On the screen attempt, Earl Thomas came flying in to break up the pass. Fantastic diving effort.

7:48	Brian:  Lamarr Houston with a nice inside pass rush. Forces Potts to get rid of ball and gets big hit on hm.

7:48	40acressports:  Herbie making it sound like #UT has some of the worst fans in college football. Apparently we think McCoy and Kindle both suck. #40

7:49	[Comment From JavaH] I’m glad to see the D starting to step up!!

7:49	suzhalliburton:  Really impressed w/muschamp’s game plan. He’s playing nickel, getting big rush from line, with some LB blitzes #ut

7:50	Brian:  Tre Newton starts this drive at RB.

7:50	atrubow:  And just as I say that, the secondary steps up thanks to pressure from the defensive line. #ut #horns

7:51	Brian:  McCoy doesnt set his feet and throws ball well over John CHiles head. It would have been easy first down.

7:52	chipbrownob:  OG Michael Huey was in on that last series, repalacing starter OG David Snow

7:52	Brian:  Kindle hits QB and causes a duck but it still finds wide open Tech receiver.

7:55	40acressports:  true freshman DE Alex Okafor with great pressure but tries to pick up fumble instead of falling on it. 4th and WAY long for Tech. #UT #40

7:55	insidetexas:  Okafor, thinking touchdown. Can’t blame him, nothing but green in front of him. #ut

7:55	atrubow:  Now the defense is starting to play. Lamarr Houston and Earl Thomas are #ut best defenders. #horns. Impressive.

7:56	40acressports:  How awesome would it be if Leach didn’t punt on 4th and 41? NOW that would be pirate. #UT #40

7:56	marshallboone:  just fall on the ball…fall on the ball! FALL ON THE BALL!!!! (nevermind) #40

7:57	atrubow:  BYU getting rolled by Florida State. Another top 10 team going down? Is everything coming up #ut ?

7:57	40acressports:  it doesn’t matter if his arm was moving forward, ball went backwards. THats a fumble either way. Don’t understand this challenge. #UT #40

7:58	atrubow:  We have a Fozzy Whittaker sighting. And IT’S ON THE FIELD!!! #ut #horns

7:58	suzhalliburton:  Fozzy whittaker on field for first time in 09. #ut

7:59	[Comment From JavaH] LOL @ marshallboone

7:59	insidetexas:  Q package!

7:59	atrubow:  Not Fozzy. Sorry. It’s a DJ Monroe sighting. Boo on @atrubow. That guy’s an idiot. #ut #horns

7:59	suzhalliburton:  The Q lives. Who knew. #ut

8:00	40acressports:  WOOHOOO! THe @TitosVodka package with CHiles in at QB. CHiles runs zone read up the middle easily for huge gain. #UT #40

8:00	chipbrownob:  The Q Package lives …

8:01	stevehabel:  UT uses the Q formation and it works. Chiles sprints up the middle for 37 yards. Puts UT in FG range as the 1st qtr ends. #ut #horns #hookem

8:02	suzhalliburton:  And for those wondering the tech punter is russell erxleben’s son. #ut

8:02	40acressports:  @bevobeat If Horns get 7 here, I’m feeling good about defense so feeling good about game. Don’t want to settle for field goal! #UT #40

8:02	stevehabel:  No offensive TDs in the first qtr… what were the odds on that? #ut #horns #hookem

8:03	[Comment From Derek] Chiles looks much quicker now than he did as QB. I think he must have lost at least a little weight.

8:03	40acressports:  RT @stevehabel: No offensive TDs in the first qtr… what were the odds on that? #ut

8:03	stevehabel:  UT ran just 13 offensive plays in the first qtr. Tech had 22. #ut #horns #hookem

8:03	Brian:  First quarter: Texas 7, Texas Tech 3

8:05	Brian:  Colt had time to throw on 3rd and 11 but tries to dump ball off and doesn’t set his feet. Field goal attempt.

8:05	Brian:  Texas settles for field goal by Hunter Lawrence. Texas 10, Texas Tech 3.

8:06	insidetexas:  Horns held to a FG. 10-3 #ut. As long as the D keeps playing well the Horns will be fine.

8:06	stevehabel:  Lawrence FG from 43 yards gives UT 10-3 lead. McCoy is still not sharp…how long will he continue his senior slump? #ut #horns #hookem

8:07	40acressports:  Jordan Shipley is no Mack Brown: http://bit.ly/1dcpXn #UT

8:09	TAning:  RT @LIVESTRONGTEXAS: Colt can’t blame the altitude for overthrown passes this week @HookEmFans #UT #hookem #40

8:10	stevehabel:  Potts makes great throw with Jones bearing down on him. Pressure is the key to this game. #ut #horns #hookem

8:13	40acressports:  Good coverage by Aaron Williams on 4th down play but good Tech catch and they convert for the 1st down. Argh. #UT #40

8:14	atrubow:  Acho certainly knows how to strip the ball. #ut #Horns

8:14	insidetexas:  Texas forces a turnover after getting very close several times this half. #ut

8:14	40acressports:  Great pressure by front 4 and E Acho sniffs out screen play and forces fumble! Texas football! #UT

8:15	Brian:  Colt McCoy sneaks for the 1st down. Texas offense moving a little better this drive.

8:15	Brian:  And just as I say that… McCoy throws high AGAIN and is intercepted. Argh.

8:15	[Comment From Dee Burleson] where i can se the game free on internet???

8:16	atrubow:  Don’t let #ut coaches or fans fool you. Colt McCoy has not looked as accurate this year. He’s missing a lot more passes. #horns

8:17	[Comment From JavaH] Colt is killing us by himself : (

8:17	stevehabel:  The other Acho makes a great play to strip ball on screen. Then high pass by McCoy leads to INT. Ouch…wake up Colt. #ut #horns #hookem

8:17	insidetexas:  McCoy’s passes are a bit high, just like in the first half against Wyoming. Will need to get it down like he did against Wyoming. #ut

8:17	suzhalliburton:  Think colt mccoy is still too jacked up. His throws are sailing #ut

8:18	ChrisSanch:  I dont like speculation but does McCoy have a shoulder issue? Hes missed high last week and now #ut #40

8:18	stars_gal:  You’re killing me, Colt. #UT #hookem #40

8:19	chipbrownob:  Third straight game in which Colt McCoy has thrown an interception in the first half #ut #horns #collegefootball

8:19	atrubow:  You know what’s awesome? After this game against Texas Tech, we get the excitement of watching #ut take on UTEP!!!! #horns

8:20	40acressports:  Texas defense is carrying this team right now. Who would’ve thunk that 5 minutes into the game? #UT #40

8:21	TAning:  RT @40acressports: Texas defense is carrying this team right now. Who would’ve thunk that 5 minutes into the game? #UT #40

8:21	atrubow:  #ut should think about keeping this Will Muschamp somehow. His defense is playing great against Texas Tech.

8:21	chipbrownob:  Friend just text-messaged me: “Colt McCoy has one hour before the East Coast goes to bed.”

8:23	chipbrownob:  Colt McCoy is 5 of 9 passing for 41 yards and 1 INT, while Tech QB Taylor Potts is 19 of 28 for 120 yards. But UT D has held Tech to 3 pts

8:25	atrubow:  When will Colt learn to slide or get out of bounds. Answer: never. #ut #horns

8:26	40acressports:  Tech offsides on 3rd and 1.5 but no call by refs. Cody Johnson gets the first anyways. #UT

8:26	insidetexas:  Last drive: “Q package!” This drive: “Q package?”

8:26	[Comment From Mandy] What is the score

8:26	Brian:  @Mandy: Texas leads 10 – 3

8:27	40acressports:  So much for the Q Package. Chiles doesn’t concentrate on shotgun snap and fumbles it. #UT recovers.

8:28	40acressports:  With the way the defense has played, I pubt the ball on 4th down. No way I go for this. #UT

8:28	Brian:  Not a good punt by Justin Tucker. Only 20 yards or so. He could have backed Tech up deep but instead they’ll start near 30 yard line.

8:28	stevehabel:  That was one ugly rugby punt by Tucker…almost as bad as the showing by the UT offense on the last drive. #ut #horns #hookem

8:29	[Comment From ChrisB] Argh. COME ON COLT!

8:29	chipbrownob:  I thought Mack Brown and Colt McCoy had a talk last Sunday about having fun and relaxing …

8:30	[Comment From JavaH] @chipbrownob Apparently Colt wasn’t listening

8:33	40acressports:  Tech punt team? #ut

8:34	Brian:  Whoa. Tech punt coverage team just whiffed on chance to have Texas pinned at their own 1 yard line. That would have been way too eerie reminder of adsad last year.

8:35	atrubow:  If Colt wants the Heisman he has to cut down on these INTs. One per game won’t cut it. Yes, even one per game will hurt. #ut #horns

8:37	atrubow:  Hey, a Tre Newton sighting. Amazing that #ut would try to play the running back the week after he had the best game.

8:37	40acressports:  Good to see deep pass attemp by #UT, but I like that we took a shot to go to Williams. Little bit of contact mightve drawn flag too.

8:40	Brian:  QB draw by McCoy but V McGee whiffs on block and Colt only gets 5.

8:42	40acressports:  #UT trying everything on offense. True freshman Marquise Goodwin in at WR in first half. #40

8:42	atrubow:  And the #ut defense is officially winning this game for the #horns. Who would have thought that? Defensive struggle. #horns

8:44	suzhalliburton:  Never thought we’d see a defensive game w/tech and #ut. Strange

8:44	stevehabel:  Smith hauls in first catch for a UT tight end at 1:03 point of second quarter in third game. Who needs a TE? #ut #horns #hookem

8:44	atrubow:  E. Acho is a playmaker. That’s his second strip. #ut #horns

8:45	40acressports:  Some people questioned recruitment of Emmanuel Acho, just made ANOTHER great open field tackle. He’s got two forced fumbles tonight. #UT #40

8:47	40acressports:  Whoops. Refs screwed that one up. #UT defense was awake though they didnt top until the whistle and would have lit Potts up. #40

8:47	atrubow:  Definitely a knee-jerk reaction by the officials. #ut #horns

8:47	suzhalliburton:  Leach is leaving field to smattering of boos. #ut

8:48	stevehabel:  Pirate thinking for Leach…call time out to kneel on the next snap. Defense battle is offensive to many of the fans. #ut #horns #hookem

8:49	stevehabel:  How good is UT defense…carrying the game for the Horns for the second straight week. D wins games, folks. #ut #horns #hookem

8:50	texascmj5:  I wonder what kind of BS make up call Leach will get in the 2nd half for that didn’t-take-the-knee call #40 #ut

8:52	stevehabel:  Tech ran 42 offensive plays in the 1st half to UT’s 32. Outgained TX 156-124. Tech was -7 yards rushing. #ut #horns #hookem

8:52	atrubow:  McCoy has 70 passing yards at halftime and an interception. #ut #horns

8:53	stevehabel:  McCoy completed nine passes in the half for 70 yards. Potts was 24 of 34 for 163. TT had 9 FDs, UT had 7. #ut #horns #hookem

8:54	stevehabel:  18 of Potts’ 34 throws were within five yards of the LOS. He completed 15 of those short tosses. #ut #horns #hookem

8:55	stevehabel:  Ten players caught passes for Tech in the 1st half and 12 offensive players — including Potts touched the ball for TT. #ut #horns #hookem

8:56	stevehabel:  I would think that we are in for a lot of fireworks in the second half, friends. The difference will be the UT defense. #ut #horns #hookem

8:58	suzhalliburton:  Tech people think last time tech scored so few points in a half was last year’s ou game #ut

8:58	Brian:  Who would’ve thought we’d have such a defensive struggle on our hands after one half of play? Let’s hope we see 2008 Colt McCoy in second half after seeing 2007 Colt McCoy in the first half.

9:00	suzhalliburton:  Check that. Last time tech scored 3 pts in a half was in 06, in a 12-3 loss to tcu. It was harrell’s first year as a starter. #ut

9:04	40acressports:  RT @kbohls: A 10-3 game. Just like we expected. Yeah, after about two minutes after kickoff. Can these two defenses keep it up?#ut

9:04	suzhalliburton:  Tech hasn’t allowed a first-half offensive touchdown this season. Nice streak. #ut

9:09	40acressports:  DJ Monroe almost bursts through there. Nice return to start second half for #UT at 35 yd line.

9:10	40acressports:  #UT finally running some of their quick hurry up and screw it up. Either Colt or Newton went wrong way. #UT

9:10	suzhalliburton:  Official attendance is stadium record 101,297 #ut

9:10	Brian:  Nice 3rd down conversion. Colt passes to Chiles. He almost broke a tackle but he picked up about 10 yards, enough for first down.

9:12	insidetexas:  On Wednesday Mack Brown said we’d see some “new wrinkles” in the offense for the Tech game. …got to admit, didn’t think it’d be the Q.

9:12	[Comment From ChrisB] Come on Horns!

9:13	Brian:  Buckner whiffs on needed block and gets Colt hammered. Almost fumbled. Another 3rd and 5 for Texas.

9:14	[Comment From Derek] Like the hurry up. This worked well against Tech last year too.

9:14	40acressports:  Colt might have had something there on that 2nd down run attempt but Dan Buckner didnt know whether to block or run route. #UT #40

9:14	suzhalliburton:  #UT was getting into its jet offense and tech called a timeout with 11:45 to go in third quarter.

9:15	atrubow:  Big opening drive here for #ut. And, yes, I’m captain obvious. OK, here’s an opinion: Newton needs to be the starting tailback. #horns

9:17	40acressports:  Chiles is lining up 4 yards behind line of scrimmage, setting up possible double pass later? #UT

9:17	suzhalliburton:  Newton gets the first offensive TD. He scores on a 19-yd burst. #ut

9:17	atrubow:  Did I just say Newton needs to be the starting tailback? No, I couldn’t have. I’m never right. #ut #horns

9:18	insidetexas:  A running touchdown! …from further out than the one yard line! …and it wasn’t Colt McCoy! Weird. #ut

9:18	suzhalliburton:  On that call Leach was bothered by, you can’t simulate taking a knee. It’s against NCAA rules. #ut

9:18	40acressports:  RT @whitneyredman: Officials say, knee down simulation is an illegal move. One the knee is headed down, the play is dead. #ut #tech

9:18	chipbrownob:  The auditions are over … the job is Tre’ Newton’s.

9:19	Brian:  Tre Newton looks great on back to back runs. Texas hurry up offense had Tech on their heels and Newton strikes with 19 yard touchdown run. Great start to the second half. Texas 17, Texas Tech 3

9:20	40acressports:  Now lets get good kickoff coverage and see if #UT defense can keep up the great play. Come on Horns! #40

9:21	Brian:  Sheesh. How about a touchback? Our kickoff coverage has been mediocre at best.

9:21	Brian:  Tech starts at 40 yrd line

9:22	Brian:  Come on! Texas corners CAN’T miss tackles. Come on Chykie.

9:24	suzhalliburton:  and that makes five false starts on the o-line #ut

9:27	atrubow:  Just when you thought #ut would blow this game open …

9:27	atrubow:  Kindle didn’t just get there that time. He made the tackle. #ut #horns

9:27	40acressports:  Back to back big tackles by Chykie Brown and Sergio Kindle brings up 4th and 1 for tech. #UT

9:28	Brian:  Potts takes snap and sneaks for first down. Didnt get much but got just enough for 1st.

9:29	Brian:  Chykie Brown beat easily on post route as Tech answers Texas’ touchdown. Back to a 7 point game again. Texas 17, Texas Tech 10

9:29	atrubow:  It’s not good when your safety blitz doesn’t get past the line of scrimmage by the time the quarterback throws the ball. #ut #Horns

9:29	insidetexas:  Tech puts the ball into the end zone for the first time this game. D has been winning this game for Texas, now is when the Horns need O. #ut

9:29	[Comment From JavaH] What happen to the D from the 1st half????

9:30	chipbrownob:  Taylor Potts is putting on a show – 30 of 41 passing for 230 yards and 1 TD with no INTs. Texas leads 17-10 with 6:27 left in the third

9:31	suzhalliburton:  wondering why Muschamp has his safeties blitz from so deep, especially against an offense that by design, gets the ball off quickly #ut

9:32	suzhalliburton:  Leach calls an onside kick. Tech is offsides and Roberson recovers. #ut

9:32	Brian:  Crazy Dread Pirate Leach onside kicks but RB/LB Ryan Roberson recovers it. Add an offsides penalty against Tech and Texas is starting at the 50.

9:33	insidetexas:  How very…Tech. Too close for comfort on the onside. ..well penalty would have knock it out anyway.

9:34	suzhalliburton:  Some Q razzle dazzle. McCoy throws to Kirkendoll for 11 after lining up at receiver #ut

9:34	insidetexas:  Now THAT is inventive offense. #ut

9:34	40acressports:  Mightve had an even bigger play. Colt throws high on reverse pass to Kirkendoll and he can’t keep his feet. Might had at least 10 more yds.

9:34	Brian:  As much as I complained in first half. Offensive line looking good here in the 2nd.

9:36	40acressports:  Herbie just pointed out the Texas Tech safeties and McCoy finds wide open Dan Buckner down the seam. Down at the 1 yd line (maybe TD!?) #UT

9:36	40acressports:  Cody Johnson time. Come on big boy! Punch it in. #UT

9:38	insidetexas:  Horns needed that score. Texas up a much more comfortable 24-10.

9:39	Brian:  Whew. Texas back up 14. Much needed score. Horns take advantage of short field after onside kick attempt. Texas 24,Texas Tech 10

9:39	suzhalliburton:  Johnson, the touchdown hog, gives #ut a 24-10 lead. (JMO, Leach, that’s why you don’t try an onside kick so early).

9:39	40acressports:  Not much push by offensive line but CJohnson keeps legs churning and just barely crosses the plane for the TD. #UT back up 14.

9:39	Brian:  Let’s see that first half defense back this drive? Come on Horns.

9:40	40acressports:  After recovering onside kick, Ryan Roberson now makes nice kickoff coverage tackle. Finally… Tech back on their 15 yd line. #UT

9:41	Brian:  Scratch that. Wide open Tech receiver and then bad tackling. Tech big pass play and out to midfield. Crap.

9:41	[Comment From JavaH] @Brian Agree!!!!

9:43	40acressports:  Man Potts’ throws just seem to float in air forever. Come on Horns! #UT defensive backs look lost and tired. #40

9:44	40acressports:  3rd and 1. #UT defensive backs giving 15 yd cushion. Yikes.

9:44	chipbrownob:  Taylor Potts is 11 of 13 passing in the third quarter

9:45	insidetexas:  Tech responds with another TD (Thomas goes for the pick instead of the tackle). This is turning into a shootout. 24-17 #ut

9:45	chipbrownob:  Make that 12 of 14 passing in the third quarter. Potts just hit Lyle Leong for a TD, and Texas clings to a 24-17 lead

9:46	[Comment From JavaH] 1st half defense back went home : (

9:46	[Comment From Wally] Go texas

9:46	[Comment From nate] whos winning

9:46	atrubow:  Here’s the shootout we were waiting for. Why can’t #ut cornerbacks play physical defense from the line of scrimmage?

9:46	40acressports:  Earl Thomas might have gotten both hands on that TD pass. Nice catch by Tech WR for the score. Time for #UT offense to answer. Again.

9:46	atrubow:  Would this be impossible? #ut #horns

9:46	Brian:  @Nate: Texas Tech just scored to make it 24-17.

9:47	[Comment From nate] whos wining

9:47	Brian:  @Nate: Oh sorry. Texas is winning.

9:48	Brian:  Very nice catch by Dan Buckner. Big first down.

9:49	40acressports:  Something it seems all college players struggle with. Just because it’s a trick play doesn’t mean you force it. Colt throws into 4 DBs. #UT

9:49	suzhalliburton:  #ut is in the jet offense. Chains can’t keep up

9:50	Brian:  End of 3rd quarter. Texas 24, Texas Tech 17.

9:51	insidetexas:  Nice to see Monroe and Goodwin on the wings to provide speed, but not sure if the deep passing gane is consistent enough to utilize it. #ut

9:52	[Comment From Derek] Fourth quarter. Time for Texas to put their foot on Tech’s freaking throats and win this thing. Come on HORNS!

9:53	suzhalliburton:  Potts has thrown 48 passes. And it’s just the end of the third quarter. #ut

9:54	Brian:  Texas go for it on 4th?

9:54	Brian:  Nope. Punt team.

9:55	40acressports:  Tucker pins Tech inside 5 yard line. Tiime for some magic. Let’s go Muschamp! #UT

9:56	suzhalliburton:  Kindle gets big push on Potts and Earl Thomas gets redemption for Crabtree play. #ut

9:57	40acressports:  Did Earl Thomas keep his knee up?? INT by Thomas thanks to great pressure in end zone by Sergio Kindle. #UT touchdown or maybe at 20.

9:57	insidetexas:  He was down…but still, HUGE pick for Thomas coming off pressure from Kindle. #ut

9:58	40acressports:  Thomas MIGHT have barely kept his knee up but it looked like he probably didn’t. No way replay can overrule call on field. #UT ball at 20.

9:58	40acressports:  RT @ranriggs: A&M survives Utah State in a 38-30 slopfest. No updates yet on Fuller. See what Sherman says in the post-game presser. #gigem

9:59	40acressports:  HUGE mistake by Kyle Hix. Holding turns 2nd down at 13 yard line into 1st and 20 at 30 yd line. Shoot. #UT

10:00

insidetexas:  Remember that Quan guy? Who caught everything? Yeeeeaahh…

10:00

40acressports:  Ball right back to Texas Tech on interception of Malcolm Williams’ hands. SONOFA. #UT

10:00

[Comment From Chris] Great punt

10:00

[Comment From Chris] what outstanding pressure from the 4-man front… straight bull rush technique

10:01

[Comment From TexasFan1.11] Hey Whats the score guys

10:01

Brian:  @TexasFan: Texas just threw another pick. The Horns are winning 24-17

10:03

40acressports:  HUGE penalty call against the Horns. Turns 3rd and 19 into an auto first down. #UT

10:04

40acressports:  Muckelroy with some NECESSARY roughness on that screen pass. Big hit. #UT

10:05

40acressports:  How about that first sack of the YEAR!!>?? Kindle with the huge hit and fumble by Tech. TEXAS FOOTBALL! #UT

10:05

atrubow:  WOW! The Texas defense is laying the wood right now. #ut #horns

10:05

suzhalliburton:  Kindle gets his first sack of season and a forced fumble. Fumble hog Sam Acho gets his fourth of season. #ut

10:05

insidetexas:  Undetered by the refs attempting to turn this from a football game into a teaparty, Kindle gets his first sack with a HUGE hit.

10:05

atrubow:  I’m starting to get confused exactly what is helmet to helmet? Anybody? Bueller? Bueller? #ut #horns

10:05

[Comment From Chris] Both teams are suffering from serious mental breakdowns

10:05

[Comment From JavaH] Texas is starting to lose it, get your mind back please!!

10:06

[Comment From Chris] What a hit by Muckelroy to blow up the screen.

10:06

[Comment From Chris] The physicality of Texas has just aqsserted itself. Muckelroy and Kindle on consecutive plays

10:06

Brian:  Texas really really really needs 6 here.

10:06

40acressports:  Kindle absolutely MURDERED Potts. Musberger wants them to play touch football. Bah. #UT #40

10:07

TheCBB:  @40acressports by rule that is an illegal hit #UT #40

10:07

missyleyva:  RT @40acressports: Kindle absolutely MURDERED Potts. Musberger wants them to play touch football. Bah. #UT #40

10:08

40acressports:  Wow. How about some holding calls against Tech please?? Another holding call against Texas.

10:08

[Comment From Chris] I don’t understand the argument for an illegal hit. He didn’t lead with the helmet, and it wasn’t helmet on helmet. He put his helmet on the ball

10:09

Brian:  Okay I get trying to use some clock here, but Texas has to score. 3rd and goal. Come on Colt.

10:09

40acressports:  Whoops. Like being wrong in this case. Just assumed it was hold, instead hands to face by Tech player gives #UT a 1st down.

10:11

justinscarb:  Kindle absolutely MURDERED Potts. Musberger wants them to play touch football. Bah. #UT #40 (via @40acressports)

10:12

Brian:  Huge 3rd down ladies and gentlemen. Let’s go Horns.

10:13

[Comment From Chris] Dangerous play call by Davis… TT didn’t need to respect teh run… But Colt converts with a laser to Buckner corssing at the end line.

10:14

Brian:  @Chris: I think if Tech had spread too far out Colt calls his own number there and runs draw up the middle.

10:14

40acressports:  Dan Buckner has become a MAN. How about that kid? Great job getting open in back of end zone and then catching Colt’s pass for TD. #UT #40

10:14

Brian:  Texas 31, Texas Tech 17

10:15

insidetexas:  McCoy hits Buckner in the back of the end zone, TD Texas. 31-17

10:17

[Comment From Chris] Curious call by Ruffin. Empty backfield, but he only sent four down linemen on the rush. COlt had time and picked apart the Tech zone

10:17

[Comment From Chris] @Brian. Indeed. The Raiders dropping back in coverage seemed to all by spying Colt, waiting for the draw. This allowed Buckner to slip across behind them

10:18

40acressports:  Sergio Kindle is now using his speed to run right around Tech tackles. #UT

10:19

40acressports:  Texas defense better keep up pressure on Potts. #UT corners palying super soft again giving up easy catches.

10:21

[Comment From Chris] I think it’s obvious that Muschamp has emphasized turnover creation. Players are really trying to strip the ball.

10:21

40acressports:  Keep complaining about cushion #UT is giving Tech wideouts, but every def coordinator Texas has had has done it. Chizik, Akina, Muschamp.

10:22

Brian:  Tech drives quickly down the field in little over 2 minutes and makes this a one score game again. Sheesh. Texas 31, Texas Tech 24

10:22

[Comment From Derek] This is killing me. Come on defense!!

10:23

suzhalliburton:  Texas defense doesn’t like to live with prosperity, giving up an 88-yard drive so that Tech could cut the lead to 31-24. #UT

10:25

[Comment From JavaH] @Derek It is killing me too : (

10:26

[Comment From Chris] Texas trades the long TD play for te long TD drive by playing conservatively.

10:26

Brian:  Tre Newton running well.

10:28

40acressports:  Finally a running threat. Opening up the passing game too. First time all night Shipley has been so open. #UT

10:29

[Comment From Chris] That delay was a tempo killer, but Chiles comes up with a good run after teh catsh

10:30

Brian:  Nothing doing on 3rd and 2. Texas will have to try field goal to stretch lead to 10.

10:30

[Comment From Chris] Herbstreit’s comparison to Emmit Smith is looking more and more astute.

10:32

insidetexas:  Texas held on third down after a pair of blocking breakdowns. FG good. Texas still up two scores with 3:49 to go. 34-24 #ut

10:32

40acressports:  Wish on 2nd & 1 and 3rd & 2 the Horns had just gone jumbo and stuffed Cody Johnson down Tech’s throats. #UT takes 10 pt lead.

10:33

Brian:  Nice rest for Texas defense, maybe front 4 can now go after the QB with some fire. Let’s go Kindle!

10:35

40acressports:  Run that clock. COme on!!

10:36

programwitch:  Been watching, Kiba, via @TheAnimeNetwork DirecTV onDemand. Didn’t see #40 in list. So I watched 41 anyway. Kiba big thumbs up.

10:36

40acressports:  Offensive pass interference is a HUGE penalty. Probably a 30 yd penalty. Ouch. Big break for #UT

10:38

40acressports:  brent Musberger sneezing. #UT

10:39

insidetexas:  Texas corners make up for previous drive in a big way. Turnover on downs. That’s all she wrote, folks. #ut

10:39

40acressports:  On most important pass of the night, Curtis Brown and Nolan Brewster with great coverage to break up 4th down Tech pass. #UT

10:39

[Comment From Chris] What a disappointing end to that drive. Tech loaded the box in anticipation of the run and their #52 easily beat a bad double team by the left side of the Texas line and met Newton at teh line of scrimmage.

10:39

[Comment From Chris] That was a bad breakdown by Ulatoski and the LG

10:40

40acressports:  Colt McCoy and the Longhorns in victory formation. Texas Tech now out of time outs. Just a couple more kneel downs. #UT

10:41

suzhalliburton:  That’s the game.

10:41

insidetexas:  Final: Texas 34, Texas Tech 24

10:41

40acressports:  Attention Brent Musberger, if you’re quoting Lou Holtz something is desperately wrong. #UT

10:42

[Comment From Mandy] Score

10:42

[Comment From Chris] Thre games in a row that Texas has failed to cover the spread. I think everyone must be wondering where the Texas offense has gone. Surely the loss of Quan Cosby can’t account for the entire difference. But this is an offense stil searching fr an identity and a rythm.

10:45

Brian:  @Chris: WHo gives a crap about the spread. See what happened to USC today? Just win baby! Texas offense looked much better in 2nd half and maybe, just maybe, found a running back in Tre Newton. Let’s hope they start off strong next time out instead of waiting till second half.

10:47

Brian:  Final Score: Texas 34, Texas Tech 24

10:48

Brian:  Thanks for participating. Big win for Texas. See you next week. Hook ‘em!

10:48

Notes: Comments on the article itself will be turned off till after the game. The Writer can view all comments sent to them but only they can publish your comments for everyone to see. The “autoscroll” feature ensures you’re always shown the newest content without having to refresh or scroll your screen. Subtle sound effects alert you to new content as the writer publishes it. You can turn these features on or off by using the controls at the bottom of the Live Blog.

So much for Internet rumors. Reportedly (by several sources) considered the biggest longshot of the three Longhorns in academic limbo to regain his eligibility, senior cornerback has been cleared to play by the NCAA. He is eligible to play this weekend against .

From the official university press release:

The NCAA academic eligibility issues for University of Texas senior cornerback Deon Beasley have been resolved. Beasley will be eligible to play immediately, beginning with tomorrow’s Texas Tech game. There is no update on the two other players with unresolved NCAA academic eligibility issues.

Before his status came into question Beasley was working as the team’s fourth corner. No official information

It was already pretty much assured but the Statesman has confirmed that the three Texas players in academic trouble did not make the trip to for the game.

Cornerback Deon Beasley, receiver Brandon Collins and safety Christian Scott, who were ineligible for the Longhorns’ season-opening game against Louisiana-Monroe, also won’t play against Wyoming, a school spokesman said Friday.

Spokesman John Bianco said the three Longhorns did not travel to Laramie, Wyo., with the team.

Lots of rumors are swirling about all three players. A student-athlete’s academics are a sensitive subject so I don’t want to spread unconfirmed information (though it does come from good Orangebloods sources) but one of the three players is likely to be back, one is 50-50, and one has little chance of being eligible this season. No word on when official news will come from the NCAA.

Follow along below or with @40AcresSports on Twitter for live updates on the Texas vs. Louisiana-Monroe game tonight at 6pm…

(continue to read full live blog …)

Not the news you want to hear three hours before the opening kickoff, but three important Longhorn contributors will miss at least today’s game due to academic issues. Wide receiver , safety , and cornerback are out against Louisiana-Monroe today because of “unresolved academic issues”. All three players would have seen significant playing time today, particularly Collins and Scott. Fortunately receiver and secondary are two of the Horns’ deepest spots.

The academic issues appear to be with the NCAA requirement of progress towards a degree, and the reason the news is coming so late is that the players are likely appealing grade decisions to the university. This could be a one game issue or these guys could miss the entire season.

There were rumors about Collins and Beasley, but Scott surprising. He was getting a lot of love from the UT coaches and I find it hard to believe gives him so many first team snaps at safety if they expect him out long.

We’ll keep you updated.

Brandon Collins is expected to step up and give Colt McCoy plenty of WR options.

Maybe for the first time since 2005, the University of Texas has a legit shot at a national championship heading into the season. Sure last year was special, but at this time in 2008 the Longhorn fan base was not thinking championship rings.

It is all different one year later. In this two part series we look at the five things we know and the five things we don’t about this year’s team.

1. Colt McCoy is a bad ass.

There is no way around it. If McCoy leads this team to the national championship, and maybe picks up a Heisman trophy along the way, he will go down as the best, and most loved, quarterback in the history of the program.

McCoy has done everything a coach could want from a leader. And all reports have him playing at an elite level after a dedicated summer. Vince Young rallied Texas’ last national championship team with summer 7-on-7, McCoy did the same. Now it is time to prove it on the field. And there is little doubt that will happen as long as Colt stays healthy.

2. McCoy has targets to throw the ball to.

Sure, Quan Cosby is gone, but Malcolm Williams, James Kirkendoll and Brandon Collins may be better than the “Big 3″ of Roy Williams, Sloan Thomas and BJ Johnson. And we haven’t even mentioned Jordan Shipley.

Kirkendoll is going off this year. He will replace Cosby as the safety valve on third down situations when Shipley is demanding double teams. Williams showed his big play ability against Missouri and Texas Tech last year. The knock on the sophomore is his consistency, but when the lights come on, he has done nothing but impress. He looks the part on the field, and defensive coordinators have to account for his speed on the outside. Cosby was great, but he didn’t demand a safety to play over the top. Williams can force defenses to keep a man deep to protect against the fly pattern. That will open more holes for the running game, and open up more room for Shipley,

3. Texas will pressure the quarterback.

Apparently, Will Muschamp has taken off the gloves. In year two under the feisty defensive coordinator all bets are off. Muschamp has his players flying around the ball and blitzing on every down. Gone is Brian Orakpo, but Sergio Kindle is now a defensive end/linebacker/freak of nature. Add an underrated Sam Acho, a seemingly healthy Eddie Jones and an emerging superstar in true freshman Alex Okafor and talent on the edge is not a problem.

Also, Texas has linebackers and secondary personnel to blitz. Emmanuel Acho, Keenan Robinson and Jared Norton have received rave reviews for the blitzing ability. And last year, we saw the ability of Earl Thomas and Aaron Williams coming off the edge.

4. The secondary has transformed from the biggest question mark in 2008 to the strength of the defense in 2009.

The combination of Thomas, Williams, Chykie Brown, Curtis Brown, Deon Beasley, Blake Gideon and Christian Scott is almost laughable. For the first time in the Mack Brown era, a defensive unit has a chance to be dominating. Sure, Texas has had dominate players, and even dominate units, but with Muschamp leading the way, the Longhorns may field their best defense sine the 1980′s.

Texas has all but abandoned the 4-3 as its base defense. Texas runs the nickel because of the offenses in the Big 12. Thomas’ ability in coverage allows Muschamp to bring in Scott to play safety when Thomas lines up against the slot. The depth at cornerback allows Muschamp to bring in Brown or Beasley to keep Thomas at safety if the defense needs more speed on the field.

Bottom line – this group is nasty, fast and experienced. Muschamp can do whatever he wants with the front seven, I mean six, because he knows he has a safety net in the back. Not good for the rest of the conference.

5. Texas will have the advantage on special teams in virtually every game.

I know, I know, it is just special teams and that isn’t as sexy of a topic as scoring touchdowns or creating snot bubbles. But the third aspect of football should not be overlooked. Where would the program have gone if Dusty Mangum misses the field goal against Michigan in the first Rose Bowl? Do we win a championship the next year? Who knows? Do we beat OU last year if Shipley doesn’t take a kick to the house?

Texas has two reliable field goal kickers, a two legged punter and return guys growing out of their ears. Add to that the most prolific punt block team in the last decade and opponents have no time to relax.

At least one game a year comes down to special teams play. In 2009, that is to Texas’ advantage.

Aaron Williams was great on defense and electric with the ball in his hands. (Photo: MB-TF)

The Texas Longhorns gave us the first real look at what next year’s team is going to look like on Sunday for the Spring Game. Of course these games need to be taken with a grain of salt because both sides bring vanilla game plans. didn’t play very much, but the defense dominated for most of the scrimmage. Here are five things we learned from the game.

1. The secondary has grown up.

A few months removed from being the perceived weak link of the defense the Longhorn secondary dominated the offense the whole game. The defense played predominately out of the 4-2-5 and showed very little blitzes but they made plays. Last year the group had troubles creating turnovers but the safeties intercepted two passes, the first by against the second team offense. The second interception was the play of day, a pick six by off of . Thomas was far and away the best player on the field on Sunday. The sophomore was everywhere, he showed off his coverage ability, he was a sure tackler, and show off his speed by running down a kick returner. Texas has four safeties that could start and all of them have at least three years of eligibility left. The corners looked good too. and have an opportunity to leave campus as the best duo Texas has had at cornerback. Add and and this group is deep and athletic. couldn’t blitz as much as he might have liked last year because of the inexperience in the secondary, but the training wheels will come off this season. And it may just be scary good.

2. The tight end position is on life support.

It is true that this program has been spoiled at the tight end position in recent memory. It didn’t look like that was going to change with the emergence of . A horrific injury to Irby, a few injuries to the back ups, and a few misses in recruiting later and we’re left with the current situation. bobbled a ball to cause the first interception of the game and almost did the same later on. Right now it looks like Texas may have to use the four or five receiver set as their base offense this year when they really want to move the ball. Mack Brown is hesitant to abandon the run, but having a tight end on the field is becoming a liability. Irby is nowhere close to be being back, and there is no guarantee he will ever be the same if or when does get back. Maybe if gets healthy or one of the two incoming freshman come in ready to contribute the position has a chance. But as we stand right now Greg Davis really needs to think about using the offense he used in the second half against Oklahoma for the majority of the snaps. Luckily Texas has the receivers to play that set with no problem. In fact keeping one of them on the sideline in favor of the current tight end on the roster is a form of football dyslexia.

3. needs to be in shape

Both and found the endzone on Sunday, and each showed a few flashes of their potential with the ball in their hands. But Texas averaged less than 3.0 yards per carry. Before his hamstring injury in the second half of the spring coaches and insiders had been raving about Johnson’s progress both running the ball and dedicating himself to being in shape. The knock on Johnson has always been his weight, but right now the coaching staff has decided to worry more about his body fat. Johnson is going to be counted on as the every down back if he can prove he can handle it. Right now Whittaker offers the team the skills needed in a third down back as long as he can prove he’ll block blitzing linebackers. Where that leads McGee is anybody’s guess, but with a good summer and fall practice it couldn’t be a total shock to see him get the opening day start. The variable in the whole situation is incoming freshman . The big back from Madisonville just participated in the 100M at the Texas Relays and by all accounts the young man is an athletic specimen. The staff was so high on him as a running back, many experts project him to outgrow the position that they chose not to recruit another one. If he reports in shape and ready to take the punishment he will be given every opportunity to win the job. If all else fails the Texas offense may look like something from Lubbock. Is that a bad thing? I can’t decide.

4. Colt McCoy will have plenty of targets.

Texas’ leading returning receiver, and Colt McCoy’s roommate and fishing buddy if you haven’t heard, didn’t participate in spring practices to recover from injury the Longhorns fielded maybe the best trio of receivers ever at Texas. None of the wide outs are on the level of Roy Williams, but collectively this group may be better than the BJ Johnson and Sloan Thomas group. They weren’t as highly recruited but , , and all bring something different to the field and they work great in this offense. The quarterbacks struggled with the wind, and the secondary had seen all the patterns every day in practice, but it was obvious how much big play potential will be on the field at all times. Kirkendoll showed off his speed on a reverse, Collins works the middle beautifully and led the team in yards, and Williams can get deep whenever he wants. McCoy’s bugaboo has been the deep ball and twice he nearly missed huge plays on the outside deep down the field with Williams. One was completed but the ball was too far outside to be kept in bounds and the other was thrown a little too far in front of the streaking Williams. The sophomore just looks the part out there in his number 9 uniform. Williams, fellow receiver , and Aaron Williams just jump out at you from a pure athletic stand point when you look at their physique. Watching this group work has to put a smile on the Longhorn nation’s faces because they will be on campus for a few more years. That’s not even taking into account Buckner, , and the red-shirt freshman on campus. With the questions at tight end and in the running game the receiver becomes the most important position besides quarterback for this offense.

5. Texas football is in good hands.

Mack Brown has been the best thing that has happened to this program, and maybe to the University as a whole from an athletic standpoint, than anybody since Darrell K. Royal. With as good as Brown has been, head coach to be Will Muschamp has injected an energy into this program that needed a little jumpstart following the departure of Vince Young and the rest of the 2002 recruiting class. With one hire, and Brown deserves credit for making it and then realizing he couldn’t lose his personal energizer bunny on Red Bull, the stigma of Texas being soft or unmotivated was erased for the present future. Just a few years ago these Spring Jamborees were offensive exhibitions. Remember when the opening kickoff was returned for a touchdown every year? That won’t happen anymore. Muschamp has made everything competitive. He has given the defense pride, and more importantly, thanks to Brown he has given them stability. A stability that the offense has had the luxury of since Brown and Greg Davis arrived on campus. For the first time in a decade the defense is going to have a steady hand leading the way. With Muschamp the hand might not be steady, it may be pumping up and down, but I’ll take it.

Texas will enter the 2009 season with national yitle hopes after a stellar 2008 campaign. In fact, was pointing towards 2009 last offseason as the team he was looking forward to taking to his second title. Even with the anticipated success there are a few question marks on the field.

1. Will the offensive line play get better?

Texas struggled to run the ball late in games all of last year. Mack Brown wants that to change. So much so that all accounts point to the team spending most of the spring figuring out what needs to change. Outsiders point to scheme, but this is the same scheme that allowed , Selvin Young, and Jamaal Charles to rack up tons of yards in 2005. The difference is Kasey Studdard, Jonathan Scott, and Justin Blalock won’t be in the starting lineup. The big guys up front have been good, but not great, and with most of them now in their third and fourth year in the program there are no more excuses. Texas’ offensive lineman must play stronger at the point of attack for this offense to be as balanced as Brown wants it to be. The Longhorns may not have a true game breaker in the backfield, but they’re good enough to do damage if given the holes. If Texas can get a running game going the offense could be the best ever at Texas. Guys like , , and need to step up and be as dominant as most think they can be.

2. Who is going to step up at running back?

For most of the spring was running with the first team. Texas is looking to go under center more this year, and Johnson is clearly the best downhill runner on the roster, at least until reports. Unfortunately, Johnson got hurt and will miss the spring game on Sunday. The door could be no more wide open for the likes of , , , and . The staff knows what they have in McGee and Whittaker. McGee is explosive and a hard runner, but doesn’t offer the receiving and/or blocking skills position coach Major Applewhite stresses in his players. A lot of people feel like the staff wants Whittaker to be the guy because of his skill set, but the little guy just can’t stay healthy. There hasn’t been a huge buzz around Hills or Newton but an eye opening spring game could set them up for playing time in the fall. The fact is somebody needs to step up because the running game is the only thing holding this offense back.

3. Who will get to the quarterback?

We all know will be on one side, but who will be the other defensive end? Texas feels like Kindle will replace the production provided by soon to be multi-millionaire , but who will replace Kindle’s? Right now it looks like will get the start with and maybe even freshman getting looks on pure rushing situations. Defensive coordinator has Acho’s brother Emmanuel working at the buck end position along with starting inside linebacker . More than likely it won’t matter who is on the field, Muschamp won’t allow the defense not to get pressure. How much will Texas show in the spring game is a question that can’t be answered, but with a secondary that returns all but one contributor it is likely that Muschamp will unleash the hounds this year. The question is will he apply pressure because of his personnel like last year, or will he have to do it with scheme.

4. Who’ll play in the nickel formation?

For all intents and purposes the Longhorn defense is a 4-2-5. Texas says their base is a three linebacker set, but with the offenses they face in the Big 12 more times than not five defensive backs on the field. Going into the spring there were grumblings about the perceived battle between returning starter and the message board deity and who will get the snaps, but it looks like Muschamp has found an answer, and that answer is both. The speed and versatility of has allowed Muschamp to play him in the slot while keeping the brains of Gideon on the field while not sacrificing the athletic gifts of Scott. The cornerback situation appears to have already settled despite what anybody says. Right now and are locked in as the starters with and backing up. In the past it has been hard for underclassman to jump over guys with more experience but it looks like the talent of Williams is too much to overlook. The true sophomore to be has a chance to be one of the best defensive backs to come through the 40 acres if what the staff thinks about him is true. The whole formation depends on how Thomas does in the slot. If he can stay there, Texas can have three safeties on the field.

5. Who will step up and lead?

We know who the likely candidates are on offense. , , and would figure to take charge on that side of the ball. All three levels of the defense will lose the guy most pegged as their emotional leader. The defensive line lost and Brian Orakpo, the linebackers lost Rashad Bobino, and the defensive backs lost Ryan Palmer. If last year’s team taught us anything it is that leadership or the lack there of can never be overlooked. If you need any other evidence take a look at the Cowboys. From a talent perspective Kindle and would lead the charge, but both of those guys are quiet and low key by nature. has been said to be taking charge in the front seven and Thomas has it locked in the secondary. The team keeping the momentum and mentality of last year will ultimately decide if all the goals are met this season.