40 Acres Sports

Will Chris Hall and the Texas offensive line be celebrating against Alabama? (Image: Statesman)

A resolution in this article will be “a formal expression or opinion made” to win a football game. The Texas Longhorns will be playing for a national championship against Alabama on January 7th at the Rose Bowl. I have four resolutions that the Longhorns should follow in order to win this game. We are not going to make the obvious statements that the winner will be the one that can hold on to the ball, establish the running game, control the line of scrimmage, TOP, or have the ball last. Here they are:

1. To Be First

The Longhorn’s offense all season is based on tempo. The Longhorns need to rack up first downs in this game. If you remember the Fiesta Bowl last year the offense needed a full half to get going. You will notice that Colt McCoy and Greg Davis like to run the hurry up offense after a made first down. The Bama defense will need to pick it up and mismatches play a huge role in Texas moving the ball. The Longhorns for this entire season had 114 more first downs over their opponents.

2. To Add Wrinkles

No… we are not hoping the Longhorns age us during this game. Greg Davis needs to add some different play combinations to keep the Alabama defense guessing. We know that conventional running will not work. Greg introduced the double cross receiver run during the OU game and the shovel pass against UCF. Auburn pulled out a few rabbits to start the game against Bama. I am not suggesting trick plays but a change of pace to keep them guessing. Please Greg install the wheel route to Tre Newton at the right time which would be fun to see. Chris Hall and teammates please give Colt just a little time to execute a few of these plays.

3. To Have a Big Middle

The middle that I am referring to is Roddrick Muckelroy and Lamarr Houston. These two men need to step up big time to make Alabama one dimensional. The two closes games (biggest I would argue) of the season where we saw the Sooners rush for -16 yards and the Huskers run for 67 yards. Alabama will want to impose their will with Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson running the ball. The “Goonies” (nicknamed by Lamarr) need to have the defensive effort that we all talk about when we speak of the 2006 National Championship game.

4. To Not Be Offensive

We need to get back to the non-offensive touchdown results that we had for most of the season. The timeliness of the 2 non-offensive TD’s that we had versus Oklahoma State would suffice (I can wish?!). We need the special teams to come up with a game changing punt return, punt block or kick return to electrify the crowd. The defense stepping up with an interception or fumble return for a touchdown can make the other team question their offensive decisions which affect play calling and team confidence. We do not have to win the turnover battle - just do something with it!

Fire the cannon. Make some noise with Big Bertha. They should have let Colt McCoy 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 Kansas on ABC. We’ll be live right around kickoff so join us to discuss the game bright and early at 7:00pm Saturday.

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!

6:58	Brian:  Just a few minutes before opening kickoff of Texas vs Kansas. Saturday November 21, 2009 6:58 Brian

7:00	jacksonj:  TEXAS!!! #ut #40 Saturday November 21, 2009 7:00 jacksonj

7:00	40acressports:  RT @mikefinger: James Brown, who just got a big hand for being inducted into #UT hall of honor, looks like he could still beat Neb by 3 TDs. Saturday November 21, 2009 7:00 40acressports

7:01	suzhalliburton:  This is not a late-arroiving crowd tonight. #ut Saturday November 21, 2009 7:01 suzhalliburton

7:02	LilLadyLonghorn:  FIGHT #40 Saturday November 21, 2009 7:02 LilLadyLonghorn

7:03	[Comment From bobcathornbobcathorn: ]  we need some pics from the game ya’ll (on twitter). Show us the excitement… Saturday November 21, 2009 7:03 bobcathorn

7:03	Brian:  Really disappointed I couldn’t make it to the game today. Special group of seniors playing their last game at home for the burnt orange. Saturday November 21, 2009 7:03 Brian

7:04	Brian:  Glad to hear the crowd is there early and loud for to see the seniors off in style. Saturday November 21, 2009 7:04 Brian

7:07	[Comment From bobcathornbobcathorn: ]  Missing the game, but not the parking… Saturday November 21, 2009 7:07 bobcathorn

7:07	Brian:  Anyone think Charlie Weis makes it through the year? What about the week? Saturday November 21, 2009 7:07 Brian

7:08	suzhalliburton:  As expected, colt mccoy got a huge ovation, followed by jordan shipley. Chris hall bit his lip to keep from tearing. #ut Saturday November 21, 2009 7:08 suzhalliburton

7:08	stevehabel:  Senior night intros are done — we’ll miss those guys, they gave their hearts to the Horns…how great would it be to see them go out on top Saturday November 21, 2009 7:08 stevehabel

7:10	40acressports:  Okay, senior festivities are over and team is on the field. Sentimentality can wait until the 4th quarter. Go Horns! #UT #40 Saturday November 21, 2009 7:10 40acressports

7:14	Brian:  Game is underway. Good kickoff coverage and KU will start around 20 yard line. Saturday November 21, 2009 7:14 Brian

7:14	insidetexas:  Ready for kickoff here at DKR. Fans pumped for last home game of the year. #ut Saturday November 21, 2009 7:14 insidetexas

7:15	40acressports:  Best WR screen coverage by Horns ever? Earl Thomas tackles KU WR behind LOS for the loss. #UT #40 Saturday November 21, 2009 7:15 40acressports

7:16	40acressports:  Fantastic to see CB Aaron Williams back on the field for the Horns. #UT #40 Saturday November 21, 2009 7:16 40acressports

7:18	40acressports:  Horns always start the game with a mediocre drive on defense before Muschamp adjusts. KU on the other side of the 50. #UT Saturday November 21, 2009 7:18 40acressports

7:20	insidetexas:  Kansas coming out in the option and having some success moving the football. #ut Saturday November 21, 2009 7:20 insidetexas

7:21	stevehabel:  Kindle lays the wood to KU’s Opurum and knocks him out of the game…so much for that ABC key to the game. UT looking for a big stop here Saturday November 21, 2009 7:21 stevehabel

7:23	Brian:  Earl Thomas almost with big pick but can’t hold onto his first contact and then tip in the air lands near him but he doesn’t find it. Saturday November 21, 2009 7:23 Brian

7:23	Brian:  Kansas going for it on 4th down and 4 has to use first timeout of the game. Huge play for Kansas right here if they want any shot. Saturday November 21, 2009 7:23 Brian

7:23	[Comment From bobcathornbobcathorn: ]  Earl Thomas - if you ever need a loan, ride to the airport, borrow a book, hit me up. Dude is MONEY! Saturday November 21, 2009 7:23 bobcathorn

7:26	atrubow:  It was nice to see Jordan Shipley honored at senior night for the 37th straight year. #ut #horns Saturday November 21, 2009 7:26 atrubow

7:27	insidetexas:  Texas stops Kansas on fourth down at the UT 42 to take over on offense. Momentum now in Texas’ hands. #ut Saturday November 21, 2009 7:27 insidetexas

7:27	40acressports:  Big 4th down for Kansas is denied as #UT gets tons of pressure on QB Reesing. Turnover in downs. Saturday November 21, 2009 7:27 40acressports

7:27	[Comment From bobcathornbobcathorn: ]  Reesing was “hearing the footsteps” on that one Saturday November 21, 2009 7:27 bobcathorn

7:28	Brian:  @bobcathorn: I think Reesing was FEELING footsteps. Saturday November 21, 2009 7:28 Brian

7:29	Brian:  3 and out by the offense, bad punt coverage and Kansas is right back at midfield. Saturday November 21, 2009 7:29 Brian

7:29	[Comment From bobcathornbobcathorn: ]  OOOOO! Spanish lessons Saturday November 21, 2009 7:29 bobcathorn

7:30	Brian:  @Bobcathorn: Haha. More unrelated #40 tweets tonight than any previous game. Saturday November 21, 2009 7:30 Brian

7:30	livestrongcb:  Love it when a surprise party works! Happy #40 to my great friend Ryan…. Saturday November 21, 2009 7:30 livestrongcb

7:30	insidetexas:  Well, so much for that. Saturday November 21, 2009 7:30 insidetexas

7:32	40acressports:  Chykie Brown with huge sack on 3rd and long. Sergio Kindle holds OT and Chykie came untouched. #UT football. Saturday November 21, 2009 7:32 40acressports

7:32	[Comment From bobcathornbobcathorn: ]  I kinda like it - random #40 postings… Saturday November 21, 2009 7:32 bobcathorn

7:33	suzhalliburton:  Sergio kindle just hugged chykie brown in case chykie wantes to celebrate his sack. #ut Saturday November 21, 2009 7:33 suzhalliburton

7:34	suzhalliburton:  Clark ford got a piece of punt. He’s a former walkon celebrating his senior day. Memorable play for him. #ut Saturday November 21, 2009 7:34 suzhalliburton

7:34	stevehabel:  KU may have had their best drive of the game…much like what we saw last week against Baylor. Expect a UT score on this drive, with Johnson Saturday November 21, 2009 7:34 stevehabel

7:36	40acressports:  Marquise Goodwin on the loose! Takes the WR screen 34 yards on opening play of series. Nice block by Shipley and the OL on the play. #UT Saturday November 21, 2009 7:36 40acressports

7:37	atrubow:  Is Cody Johnson the #ut version of Jorvorskie Lane? #horns Saturday November 21, 2009 7:37 atrubow

7:38	insidetexas:  41-yard TD from McCoy to Kirkendoll, 7-0 Horns. #ut Saturday November 21, 2009 7:38 insidetexas

7:38	40acressports:  Touchdown James Kirkendoll! #UT offensive line gives Colt plenty of time for stop and go and hits Kirk in stride for the 41 yd score! Saturday November 21, 2009 7:38 40acressports

7:38	[Comment From bobcathornbobcathorn: ]  #UT makes it look so easy…and I know it’s not…wow. Saturday November 21, 2009 7:38 bobcathorn

7:38	Brian:  Texas 7, Kansas 0 Saturday November 21, 2009 7:38 Brian

7:39	atrubow:  Is that Kirkendoll’s best play of the year. It was a nice route. I say yes. #ut #horns Saturday November 21, 2009 7:39 atrubow

7:39	stevehabel:  Easy as pie — Shipley draws double coverage in the slot and fres up Kirkendoll down the sideline for 41-yrd TD pass. 7-0 UT Saturday November 21, 2009 7:39 stevehabel

7:39	Brian:  This is Kirkendoll’s first start since the OU game. Saturday November 21, 2009 7:39 Brian

7:41	[Comment From bobcathornbobcathorn: ]  You got it stevehabel. Nice call. Saturday November 21, 2009 7:41 bobcathorn

7:42	Brian:  Earl Thomas with great open field tackle ends the Kansas drive. Came over and knocked KU WR out of bounds short after screen play. Great effort and tackle Saturday November 21, 2009 7:42 Brian

7:43	[Comment From bobcathornbobcathorn: ]  theonlychloe - pretty cute Saturday November 21, 2009 7:43 bobcathorn

7:43	Brian:  @bobcathorn: Seriously there was like 1 per game previous weeks. There’s already been 10 tonight. Next time I’ll leave any comments from attractive women instead of deleting them. Saturday November 21, 2009 7:43 Brian

7:44	stevehabel:  UT defense holds on great play by Thomas to cut down Meier before he gets to the marker. Look for another UT score here. Saturday November 21, 2009 7:44 stevehabel

7:45	40acressports:  If you’re going to name your child after a Texas city, don’t make it Lubbock. Even Amarillo would be better. #UT #40 #KU Saturday November 21, 2009 7:45 40acressports

7:46	40acressports:  Texas taking shots at Kansas defense. ABC announcers talking about #UT going deep, I think we’ve done it more already than most games. Saturday November 21, 2009 7:46 40acressports

7:46	tehkathryn:  RT @40acressports: If you’re going to name your child after a Texas city, don’t make it Lubbock. Even Amarillo would be better. #UT #40 #KU Saturday November 21, 2009 7:46 tehkathryn

7:47	Brian:  Not a great pass right there by Colt but luckily it was attempted in Jordan Shipley’s direction. First down for the Horns. Saturday November 21, 2009 7:47 Brian

7:48	bobcathorn:  I agree with @40acressports - deep early and often… Saturday November 21, 2009 7:48 bobcathorn

7:49	insidetexas:  You know what would be nice? Blocking. Saturday November 21, 2009 7:49 insidetexas

7:49	[Comment From bobcathornbobcathorn: ]  lol - Thanks Brian Saturday November 21, 2009 7:49 bobcathorn

7:50	40acressports:  Not a good play by Colt on the fumble. Knew the pressure was there, has to get rid of the ball earlier. Just throw it away. #UT #40 Saturday November 21, 2009 7:50 40acressports

7:51	atrubow:  Nice to see #ut going deep and stretching the field. As for the running game … well, it’s not Baylor out there. #horns Saturday November 21, 2009 7:51 atrubow

7:51	stevehabel:  McCoy not as fast as he thought as he get’s caught from behind and fumbles. UT defense wheting its appetite. Saturday November 21, 2009 7:51 stevehabel

7:52	Brian:  Curtis Brown and Sergio put a double hurt on KU WR. Curtis hit him low than Serg got a piee while he was inthe air. Saturday November 21, 2009 7:52 Brian

7:53	[Comment From AnthonyAnthony: ]  LAMARR!!!! Saturday November 21, 2009 7:53 Anthony

7:54	Brian:  Lamarr Houston ends the first quarter with a long sack to set up a 3rd and very long for Kansas. Saturday November 21, 2009 7:54 Brian

7:54	stevehabel:  I am convinced M. Houston will be a long-time pro…he has a great motor and shows explosiveness and speed for a 300-lb’ er. Just got a sack Saturday November 21, 2009 7:54 stevehabel

7:54	Brian:  End of 1st quarter: Texas 7, Kansas 0 Saturday November 21, 2009 7:54 Brian

7:56	Brian:  Chykie Brown beat deep easily on a 3rd and 18 pass?? Saturday November 21, 2009 7:56 Brian

7:59	Brian:  Kansas field goal is good. Texas 7, Kansas 3 Saturday November 21, 2009 7:59 Brian

8:00	insidetexas:  Kansas gets a field goal off the Colt fumble. 7-3 #ut Saturday November 21, 2009 8:00 insidetexas

8:01	stevehabel:  Kansas’ big 3rd down pass to Briscoe sets up 27 yrd FG to cut the UT lead to 7-3. Will UT try to establish run game now? Saturday November 21, 2009 8:01 stevehabel

8:03	suzhalliburton:  Senior day forgettables. Mccoy, shipley both have fumbled #ut Saturday November 21, 2009 8:03 suzhalliburton

8:04	bobcatbaseball:  RT @JimBobBreazeale: I think even Mangino’s sperm is obese. - lol, I should stop. #ut #40 Saturday November 21, 2009 8:04 bobcatbaseball

8:05	40acressports:  Texas offense has good yardage but is still looking for some consistency tonight. No run game at all. #UT #40 Saturday November 21, 2009 8:05 40acressports

8:06	40acressports:  McCoy!! Shipley!!! Touchdown Horns!! #UT Saturday November 21, 2009 8:06 40acressports

8:07	insidetexas:  Shipley breaks free for a touchdown on the roll out from McCoy. 14-3 #ut Saturday November 21, 2009 8:07 insidetexas

8:07	suzhalliburton:  Shipley just tied school record for most touchdowns for a receiver. #ut Saturday November 21, 2009 8:07 suzhalliburton

8:07	Brian:  What a play. Good play call. Good throw by McCoy, good catch by Shipley, and good block by Malcolm Williams. Saturday November 21, 2009 8:07 Brian

8:07	Brian:  Texas 14, Kansas 3 Saturday November 21, 2009 8:07 Brian

8:08	40acressports:  RT @suzhalliburton: Shipley just tied school record for most touchdowns for a receiver. #ut Saturday November 21, 2009 8:08 40acressports

8:09	stevehabel:  McCoy to Shipley for TD on great crossing pattern. Block downfield by M. Williams springs #8 for the score. 14-3 and the rout is on. Saturday November 21, 2009 8:09 stevehabel

8:09	stevehabel:  Biggest crowd in UT history tonight as 101,357 enjoy the final home game of 2009. Saturday November 21, 2009 8:09 stevehabel

8:09	40acressports:  Anyone notice that one week after determining Cody Johnson was the answer at RB, that Tre Newton is playing a ton tonight for #UT Saturday November 21, 2009 8:09 40acressports

8:10	Brian:  That might have been worst kickoff coverage of the season so far for the Horns. Is the team getting complacent with early lead? Lots of missed tackles there. Saturday November 21, 2009 8:10 Brian

8:11	suzhalliburton:  Doisregard tweet about shipley. Bad info Saturday November 21, 2009 8:11 suzhalliburton

8:13	[Comment From AnthonyAnthony: ]  Man I love Earl Thomas. Saturday November 21, 2009 8:13 Anthony

8:14	40acressports:  RT @stevehabel: Biggest crowd in UT history tonight as 101,357 enjoy the final home game of 2009. Saturday November 21, 2009 8:14 40acressports

8:15	bobcathorn:  I love everyone that loves earl thomas - thorpe, please. Saturday November 21, 2009 8:15 bobcathorn

8:15	40acressports:  Way too many missed tackles by #UT tonight. Muschamp is going to crush someone if it doesn’t improve. Saturday November 21, 2009 8:15 40acressports

8:16	bobcathorn:  The stadium looks very regal on tv. Like it’s sparkling. Saturday November 21, 2009 8:16 bobcathorn

8:20	Brian:  Another 1st and goal thwarted by Texas defense. Kansas again settles for a field goal. Saturday November 21, 2009 8:20 Brian

8:20	Brian:  Texas 14, Kansas 6 Saturday November 21, 2009 8:20 Brian

8:21	insidetexas:  Kansas moves down the field but is once again held to a field goal. 14-6 #ut Saturday November 21, 2009 8:21 insidetexas

8:22	bobcathorn:  This is big time college football. Nice to see. Saturday November 21, 2009 8:22 bobcathorn

8:22	suzhalliburton:  Official attendance is 101.357. Biggest crowd in school history #ut Saturday November 21, 2009 8:22 suzhalliburton

8:22	stevehabel:  Can’t beat Texas with FGs, but KU draws closer with 26-yrd kick. Muschamp is getting a little upset over there cause of missed tackles Saturday November 21, 2009 8:22 stevehabel

8:22	insidetexas:  Failed onside attempt by Jayhawks gives UT the ball in KU territory. #ut Saturday November 21, 2009 8:22 insidetexas

8:23	farrier03:  Now PLEASE put #40 in!!!! Saturday November 21, 2009 8:23 farrier03

8:23	40acressports:  Nice to see Marquise Goodwin back for the kickoff return instead of Shipley. Doesn’t get chance for return as KU muffs onside kick. #UT Saturday November 21, 2009 8:23 40acressports

8:24	bobcathorn:  @stevehabel - on the money, missed tackles are rampant. Saturday November 21, 2009 8:24 bobcathorn

8:24	Brian:  Texas 17, Kansas 6 Saturday November 21, 2009 8:24 Brian

8:24	insidetexas:  Horns get a field goal of their own. #UT up 17-6 Saturday November 21, 2009 8:24 insidetexas

8:24	suzhalliburton:  Lawrence hits 49-yarder on his senior day. Texas is up 17_6. #ut Saturday November 21, 2009 8:24 suzhalliburton

8:25	stevehabel:  KU’s ill-advised onside kick leas to a personal-best 49-yrd FG by Lawrence and a 17-6 UT lead. Let’s see what Muschamp had to say to the D. Saturday November 21, 2009 8:25 stevehabel

8:27	bobcathorn:  “Who invented the “hook-em” horns sign?” Trivia question of the week - on TV telecast Saturday November 21, 2009 8:27 bobcathorn

8:27	Brian:  Much better kickoff coverage that time. This series KU will have to go 80+ yards. Saturday November 21, 2009 8:27 Brian

8:27	suzhalliburton:  Lawrence’s 49 yarder was a career long field goal. #ut Saturday November 21, 2009 8:27 suzhalliburton

8:28	bobcathorn:  Wife digging the announcers - likes the #UT headbutt. Saturday November 21, 2009 8:28 bobcathorn

8:29	40acressports:  Blake Gideon is playing with some attitude tonight. Huge hit on crossing route and then he even enjoyed it for a minute. #UT #40 Saturday November 21, 2009 8:29 40acressports

8:31	LilLadyLonghorn:  Come on Texas….. Florida beat FIU 62 - 3 and Bama beat Chatt 45 -0…granted those were glorified scrimmages… but come on guys. #ut #40 Saturday November 21, 2009 8:31 LilLadyLonghorn

8:31	bobcathorn:  Guess who? Earl Thomas… Saturday November 21, 2009 8:31 bobcathorn

8:32	stevehabel:  Seems like the UT D learned a lot as KU gets nothing on next series in the face of UT rush and good secondary coverage Saturday November 21, 2009 8:32 stevehabel

8:32	40acressports:  Almost all the snaps are going to Tre Newton tonight. Barrett Matthews in at tight end for Texas too. #UT #40 Saturday November 21, 2009 8:32 40acressports

8:34	LilLadyLonghorn:  Ship’s got some serious “guns”….. damn….. can we say biceps? #40 #ut Saturday November 21, 2009 8:34 LilLadyLonghorn

8:35	insidetexas:  Touchdown Texas! Horns take control on Cody Johnson one-yard plunge. 24-6 Saturday November 21, 2009 8:35 insidetexas

8:36	40acressports:  Cody Johnson back in his usual role as short yardage back? Touchdown Texas on beautiful drive. #UT takes 24-6 lead. Saturday November 21, 2009 8:36 40acressports

8:37	bobcathorn:  Really feels like 2005 all over again, but this time our dude get’s the Heisman. Saturday November 21, 2009 8:37 bobcathorn

8:37	suzhalliburton:  Johnson scores from 1-yard out. That’s his 12th touchdown of year. #ut 24-6. Saturday November 21, 2009 8:37 suzhalliburton

8:37	stevehabel:  Texas shows some more versatility with 59-yard drive. UT now has all of 19 yards rushing in the first half, the final 1 by Johnson on a TD Saturday November 21, 2009 8:37 stevehabel

8:38	40acressports:  ABC announcers think #UT fans should think its awesome that refs got call correct AGAINST the Horns? Really? Saturday November 21, 2009 8:38 40acressports

8:38	40acressports:  Love it. Going for the kill. Texas calling timeouts with 1 minute left and KU in 2nd and long. #UT Saturday November 21, 2009 8:38 40acressports

8:39	bobcathorn:  My wife just said same damn thing - lol @LilLadyLonghorn: Ship’s got some serious “guns”….. damn….. can we say biceps? #40 #ut Saturday November 21, 2009 8:39 bobcathorn

8:40	bobcathorn:  side block? Is that like side boob? Saturday November 21, 2009 8:40 bobcathorn

8:40	Brian:  @bobcathorn: Hope you’re right about the Heisman. Its going to be a close one. McCoy, Gerhart, Ingram, Spiller, and even Suh are all deserving. Saturday November 21, 2009 8:40 Brian

8:41	Brian:  And no, side blocks are nowhere near as awesome as side boob. Saturday November 21, 2009 8:41 Brian

8:41	[Comment From AnthonyAnthony: ]  Minute left, 1 timeout, plenty of time for Colt Saturday November 21, 2009 8:41 Anthony

8:43	bobcathorn:  ok to kick Saturday November 21, 2009 8:43 bobcathorn

8:46	40acressports:  Really hate that clock runs after defensive penalty. Why is offense punished for defensive mistake? #UT #40 Saturday November 21, 2009 8:46 40acressports

8:47	Brian:  Another long field goal for Hunter Lawrence with just few seconds left in first half. Saturday November 21, 2009 8:47 Brian

8:47	insidetexas:  Hunter Lawrence sends in another field goal to put Texas up 27-6. #ut Saturday November 21, 2009 8:47 insidetexas

8:47	Brian:  Texas 27, Kansas 6 Saturday November 21, 2009 8:47 Brian

8:48	stevehabel:  Penalty actually helps KU as Texas has to burn a TO rather than spike the ball and have more time on the clock. UT adds 47 FG, 27-6 lead Saturday November 21, 2009 8:48 stevehabel

8:48	Brian:  Half time. Saturday November 21, 2009 8:48 Brian

8:49	suzhalliburton:  Lawrence adds a 47_yarder with 7 seconds remaining for a 27-6 lead. Hunter has had his 2 longest FG of his career in this quarter. #ut Saturday November 21, 2009 8:49 suzhalliburton

8:58	stevehabel:  Texas has almost double the yardage of KU at the half, 268-136, even though KU ran 8 more plays than Texas. Most of it on passing. Saturday November 21, 2009 8:58 stevehabel

9:01	stevehabel:  McCoy is 18-of-22 in the first half, Reesing is 15-26. McCoy has the only turnover on a fumble. Saturday November 21, 2009 9:01 stevehabel

9:08	flowdreams:  ????????????????????#40?????????????… Saturday November 21, 2009 9:08 flowdreams

9:08	bobcathorn:  oh holy crap - ? Saturday November 21, 2009 9:08 bobcathorn

9:09	bobcathorn:  lol #40 best yet Saturday November 21, 2009 9:09 bobcathorn

9:15	djbadboy21:  Et le but des Red Wings…compte par le #40… Henrik Zetterberg! Go Wings Go! #fb Saturday November 21, 2009 9:15 djbadboy21

9:17	Brian:  I think flowdreams is big Texas fan. Saturday November 21, 2009 9:17 Brian

9:17	suzhalliburton:  I ask you, can Tim Tebow punt? (big wink) Colt McCoy is displaying all his skills tonight. #ut Saturday November 21, 2009 9:17 suzhalliburton

9:18	bobcathorn:  what about djhomeslice Saturday November 21, 2009 9:18 bobcathorn

9:19	suzhalliburton:  Shipley needs another 15 yards to break school, single-season record for yardage. He’s now second behind Roy Williams. #ut Saturday November 21, 2009 9:19 suzhalliburton

9:19	Brian:  DJ is clearly a Sooner. Saturday November 21, 2009 9:19 Brian

9:19	bobcathorn:  lmao Saturday November 21, 2009 9:19 bobcathorn

9:21	[Comment From Billy BobBilly Bob: ]  Flowdreams translation: Colt McCoy will punt to cap his Senior Day triumph. Saturday November 21, 2009 9:21 Billy Bob

9:21	40acressports:  Texas defense struggling for the first time in a long time tonight. Missed tackles, no pressure from front 4. #UT Saturday November 21, 2009 9:21 40acressports

9:22	suzhalliburton:  Sharp scores a 2-yard touchdown. That’s the fourth rushing TD allowed by #ut defense this season, but second game in row. Saturday November 21, 2009 9:22 suzhalliburton

9:24	atrubow:  This score is good for McCoy. Keep him in. Keep him throwing. #ut #hookem Saturday November 21, 2009 9:24 atrubow

9:25	Brian:  Texas 27, Kansas 13 Saturday November 21, 2009 9:25 Brian

9:26	bobcatbaseball:  @kbohls Kansas not rolling over for #ut. Is this a vote for Mangino? #40 Saturday November 21, 2009 9:26 bobcatbaseball

9:27	40acressports:  So much for that Kansas momentum. Colt McCoy play action, deep post to Malcolm Williams for a 68 yard touchdown. All very nonchalant. #UT Saturday November 21, 2009 9:27 40acressports

9:28	Brian:  Texas 34, Kansas 13 Saturday November 21, 2009 9:28 Brian

9:28	Brian:  It’s almost like ABC barely noticed that touchdown. No excitement at al lfrom announcers Saturday November 21, 2009 9:28 Brian

9:28	insidetexas:  We’ve still got a football game on our hands here, folks….oh, wait, Malcolm Williams just scored. Never mind. #ut Saturday November 21, 2009 9:28 insidetexas

9:28	suzhalliburton:  That was a quick answer to the KU score. McCoy hits Williams for a 68-yard touchdown. Texas is up 34-13. McCoy now has 318 for game. #ut Saturday November 21, 2009 9:28 suzhalliburton

9:29	stevehabel:  It’s just that easy…UT can do what ever it wants whenever it wants…they are just that good — 68 yrds to M. Williams makes it 34-13 Saturday November 21, 2009 9:29 stevehabel

9:33	40acressports:  Just slight threat of Tre Newton and a running game froze the safety and opened up that 68 yard touchdown pass. #UT #40 Saturday November 21, 2009 9:33 40acressports

9:33	Brian:  Curtis Brown really struggling tonight. Ofcourse, so is most fo the defense. Saturday November 21, 2009 9:33 Brian

9:33	bobcathorn:  Curious playcalling Saturday November 21, 2009 9:33 bobcathorn

9:34	Brian:  After doing whatever they wanted to throwing, KU playcalling got cute. Saturday November 21, 2009 9:34 Brian

9:35	Brian:  No choice but to kick field goal there since its 4th and 21. Anything shorter needed for conversion and I assume Kansas goes for it. Saturday November 21, 2009 9:35 Brian

9:36	Brian:  Field goal wide left, Texas will have good field position. Saturday November 21, 2009 9:36 Brian

9:37	bobcathorn:  Crowd noticeably quiet on teevee Saturday November 21, 2009 9:37 bobcathorn

9:37	stevehabel:  Great pass and run by KU goes for naught as Ut defense bows its neck and forces 50-yrd FG attempt that’s wide left. Saturday November 21, 2009 9:37 stevehabel

9:38	[Comment From DerekDerek: ]  Let’s get Colt another 100 yards and a TD or 2. Saturday November 21, 2009 9:38 Derek

9:38	bobcathorn:  oh yeha, bail out… Saturday November 21, 2009 9:38 bobcathorn

9:39	Brian:  Should have been a facemask on the other end too. Ouch. Saturday November 21, 2009 9:39 Brian

9:39	Brian:  Offensive line is getting Colt killed tonight. Had lots of time that last play though. Saturday November 21, 2009 9:39 Brian

9:40	bobcathorn:  oh hell yeah, new top #40 Saturday November 21, 2009 9:40 bobcathorn

9:40	bobcathorn:  lol Saturday November 21, 2009 9:40 bobcathorn

9:41	suzhalliburton:  McCoy is giving Longhorn fans a show for his last game at Memorial Stadium. I haven’t seen him run this tough in awhile. #ut Saturday November 21, 2009 9:41 suzhalliburton

9:41	40acressports:  Gritches? #UT Saturday November 21, 2009 9:41 40acressports

9:43	Brian:  Good 3rd down conversion on blitz to James Kirkendoll. Saturday November 21, 2009 9:43 Brian

9:46	40acressports:  ABC announcers talking like #UT stunk it up 3rd quarter. The Horns had about 130 yards on 3 series in quarter, and drive is still going. Saturday November 21, 2009 9:46 40acressports

9:48	Brian:  End of 3rd quarter: Texas 34, Kansas 12 Saturday November 21, 2009 9:48 Brian

9:48	bobcathorn:  DYK: Arizona, never been to a rose bowl. Saturday November 21, 2009 9:48 bobcathorn

9:50	stevehabel:  Texas stalls after moving to the KU 18…three no-gain plays lead to Lawrence’s third FG of the game and a 37-13 Texas advantage. Saturday November 21, 2009 9:50 stevehabel

9:50	stevehabel:  If Ut wins — and it seems that they will — it will play Nebraska in the Big 12 championship game in Arlington Dec. 5. Get your tix now Saturday November 21, 2009 9:50 stevehabel

9:51	40acressports:  Texas A&M defense licking their chops? The same defense that gave up 60+ to KState and 65 last week to a bruised OU offense? #UT Saturday November 21, 2009 9:51 40acressports

9:52	suzhalliburton:  Earl Thomas, with his 7th interception, tied the school, single-season record for picks. #ut Saturday November 21, 2009 9:52 suzhalliburton

9:52	bobcathorn:  Earl - effin - Thomas. Saturday November 21, 2009 9:52 bobcathorn

9:53	40acressports:  Earl Thomas with the interception and Keenan Robinson levels 1 or 2 guys on the return. #UT CB Aaron Williams down injured. No bueno. Saturday November 21, 2009 9:53 40acressports

9:53	Brian:  Really hope this injury to Aaron Williams isn’t a big one. He’s been huge for the Texas defense. Saturday November 21, 2009 9:53 Brian

9:53	suzhalliburton:  Aaron Williams is down. Colt McCoy is out on the field, kneeling beside him. #ut Saturday November 21, 2009 9:53 suzhalliburton

9:54	40acressports:  Williams putting zero weight on right leg as he is helped off the field. S***. #UT Saturday November 21, 2009 9:54 40acressports

9:55	insidetexas:  Earl Thomas gets a pick, but Aaron Williams shaken up on the play…now helped off by trainers, favoring right ankle. #ut Saturday November 21, 2009 9:55 insidetexas

9:55	40acressports:  For the most part, I’ve really liked the offensive play calling by Greg Davis tonight. Even more impressive with OLine struggles. #UT Saturday November 21, 2009 9:55 40acressports

9:57	normalian:  ??????????? ????????????#40 http://bit.ly/3G9V4q ? Saturday November 21, 2009 9:57 normalian

9:57	insidetexas:  McCoy hits Kirkendoll for another TD #ut Saturday November 21, 2009 9:57 insidetexas

9:58	40acressports:  #UT beating KU by 30 but ABC doesn’t notice. Busy talking about how poorly they’re playing tonight & what will happen in #BCS if they lose. Saturday November 21, 2009 9:58 40acressports

9:59	suzhalliburton:  Texas fans — think it’s safe to buy tickets to the Big 12 championship game. Longhorns go up 44-13 with 11:43 to play. #ut Saturday November 21, 2009 9:59 suzhalliburton

9:59	stevehabel:  McCoy to Kirkendoll adds to TX lead a handful of plays after Thomas INT. A. Williams hurt right knee blocking for Thomas’s INT return… Saturday November 21, 2009 9:59 stevehabel

10:00

Brian:  Nice throw by Colt on out route, and nice job on the catch and then getting into the endzone by James Kirkendoll. Second TD of the game for him. Saturday November 21, 2009 10:00 Brian

10:00

Brian:  Texas 44, Kansas 13 Saturday November 21, 2009 10:00 Brian

10:01

[Comment From DerekDerek: ]  What’s the deal with abc? Why they talkin so much mess about TexaS? Saturday November 21, 2009 10:01 Derek

10:01

stevehabel:  It doesn;t look good…might be the injury that comes back to hurt the Horns as Williams is UT’s second best Defensive back. Saturday November 21, 2009 10:01 stevehabel

10:03

40acressports:  Really awful effort on kickoff tackle attempt by Earl Thomas. Touchdown by Kansas. #UT Saturday November 21, 2009 10:03 40acressports

10:03

suzhalliburton:  Briscoe brutalized the #ut kickoff team for a 98-yard return. It’s 44-20. This is the second-most points Longhorns have allowed in 09. Saturday November 21, 2009 10:03 suzhalliburton

10:03

stevehabel:  Briscoe returns kickoff 98 yards to give KU a little something to brag about. That’s a part of the UT game that always need help. Saturday November 21, 2009 10:03 stevehabel

10:04

suzhalliburton:  FYI — Shipley is six yards away from school record for most receiving yards in season. Betting both McCoy and Shipley will be back in. Saturday November 21, 2009 10:04 suzhalliburton

10:06

suzhalliburton:  terrific catch by Shipley for the record. #ut Saturday November 21, 2009 10:06 suzhalliburton

10:06

Brian:  Wow great catch by Shipley. That ball barely got in there. Saturday November 21, 2009 10:06 Brian

10:07

40acressports:  This #BCS talk is making me nauseous. I don’t know how ESPNs Brad Edwards sleeps at night profiting on such an unholy career. #UT Saturday November 21, 2009 10:07 40acressports

10:10

40acressports:  Texas only up 24 with full quarter to go, so now ABC gritching that Garrett Gilbert should be in there. Really odd slant by ABC tonight. #UT Saturday November 21, 2009 10:10 40acressports

10:10

40acressports:  RT @DavidHoustonVO: Shipley sets single-season receiving record, anncrs too busy with BCS babble to notice. #ut Saturday November 21, 2009 10:10 40acressports

10:11

40acressports:  Wow. Fantastic job by Tre Newton to tip toe in bounds for the score. #UT now up 51-20. Saturday November 21, 2009 10:11 40acressports

10:11

40acressports:  I’m guessing Colt and Jordan get one more play. Simple WR screen and then the 2 come off field together to ovation. #UT Saturday November 21, 2009 10:11 40acressports

10:11

stevehabel:  Newton tiptoes down the sideline for a 19-yard Td that should effectively end McCoy’s career at DKR. McCoy threw for 396 yards tonight. Saturday November 21, 2009 10:11 stevehabel

10:12

Brian:  Texas 51, Kansas 20 Saturday November 21, 2009 10:12 Brian

10:12

stevehabel:  Shipley now has the best receiving season in UT histiry and all that stands between UT and Pasadena is the Ags and Nebraska. Next stop: ARL Saturday November 21, 2009 10:12 stevehabel

10:17

40acressports:  Glad Earl Thomas didn’t take that to the house. Want one more play for McCoy and Shipley. #UT Saturday November 21, 2009 10:17 40acressports

10:21

jfoster640:  Thank you for a great 4 years in Austin Colt! #ut #40 Saturday November 21, 2009 10:21 jfoster640

10:21

insidetexas:  Texas puts in starters and then calls timeou to give McCoy his curtain call. #ut Saturday November 21, 2009 10:21 insidetexas

10:21

40acressports:  Texas sends seniors out with the offense, calls timeout and brings them off the field together. Chills. #UT Saturday November 21, 2009 10:21 40acressports

10:22

miggiesmalls:  “there went the winningest qb in fbs history” #colt #ut #hookem #40 Saturday November 21, 2009 10:22 miggiesmalls

10:22

40acressports:  Walkon senior QB Walker gets a snap. ABC announcers think it’s @sherrodharris Saturday November 21, 2009 10:22 40acressports

10:23

Brian:  Texas runs the ball on 4th and 8 and still gets the first down. Saturday November 21, 2009 10:23 Brian

10:28

jfoster640:  @suzhalliburton What happened to McGhee? Seems like he’s the forgotten man in the backfield. #ut #40 Saturday November 21, 2009 10:28 jfoster640

10:32

suzhalliburton:  On sidelines. John chiles is in street clothes, wearing a boot on his right ankle. #ut Saturday November 21, 2009 10:32 suzhalliburton

10:33

suzhalliburton:  Texas is in big 12 title game. It’s official now. #ut Saturday November 21, 2009 10:33 suzhalliburton

10:33

40acressports:  Mark Mangino tells Mack Brown to “win it all” #UT Saturday November 21, 2009 10:33 40acressports

10:33

40acressports:  RT @suzhalliburton: On sidelines. John chiles is in street clothes, wearing a boot on his right ankle. #ut Saturday November 21, 2009 10:33 40acressports

10:34

40acressports:  Congrats and thank you to the 2009 senior Texas Longhorns. Been a great run. 3 more to go for a title. #UT Saturday November 21, 2009 10:34 40acressports

10:35

jfoster640:  Final Texas 51 Kansas 20. Bring on those POOOOOOOOR Aggies! #ut #40 Saturday November 21, 2009 10:35 jfoster640

10:36

Brian:  Final score: Texas 51, Kansas 20 Saturday November 21, 2009 10:36 Brian

10:36

suzhalliburton:  Seniors are doing victory lap. Saturday November 21, 2009 10:36 suzhalliburton

10:36

Brian:  Thanks for joining us. Hook ‘em! Saturday November 21, 2009 10:36 Brian

10:36

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Sergio Kindle and the Texas defense will make Todd Reesing run for his life.

It’s the last home game for a group of Texas seniors that could go down as the best to play for the Longhorns. The redshirt seniors have national title rings from the 2005 season but are looking to keep winning so they can earn one of their own. Quarterback Colt McCoy will become the winningest college QB ever and sixth year senior Jordan Shipley actually has been on campus for an incredible 66 wins.

Will the seniors get their 43rd win today? Our predictions are below:

Brian - The Texas Longhorns are playing their best football of the year and the Kansas Jayhawks are playing their worst. When turmoil hits a team they either rally together or fall apart, with the allegations this week against Mark Mangino I’m guessing it’s the latter. Horns will win big with another strong defensive showing and one last special performance between senior buds McCoy and Jordan Shipley who will connect for two scores or more. Horns clinch Big 12 South title and the seniors go out in style. Texas 45, Kansas 13

Ross - I think I have one fat finger on the pulse of this game against Kansas. I think the Longhorns will send the Jayhawks back to their alcoholic… OK, that is a little too much. The turmoil surrounding the Jayhawks may galvanize the team to rally around their embattled coach. But that would be a concern if this game was in Kansas. The Longhorns are on a mission and the defense will ruin Todd Reesing’s homecoming. Texas 38, Kansas 10

More Predictions

• Inside Texas
• Orangebloods
• Statesman Prediction Contest

Follow along live with 40 Acres Sports on Twitter and below for our thoughts and analysis during today’s Texas game versus Baylor on FSN. We’ll be live right around kickoff so join us to discuss the game bright and early at 11:00am Saturday.

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!

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Roddrick Muckelroy may not be on the field to harass the Baylor Bears this season.

After hurting his knee jumping to celebrate a big play last week, Texas linebacker Roddrick Muckelroy is listed as “probable” on this week’s official injury report for Baylor. Normally you’d think that would mean we’d almost certainly see Rod against the Bears tomorrow, but since it is Baylor it might mean a week of extra space for his tweaked knee. I expect to see him in uniform but not in the game unless it’s an emergency.

The two other names on this week’s report are more familiar as defensive tackle Calvin Howell remains out with his concussion and true freshman offensive lineman Mason Walters‘ foot is still keeping him out. Those two players are likely to seek a medical redshirt later in their time at Texas and possibly receive an extra year of eligibility.

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 Buffs.

The Whole Game WTH Davis?! - I know that execution has a lot to do with our running game. I can see that it is difficult to sell to a UT offense lineman that firing out and hitting your man at the snap of the ball can be as successful as back pedaling and protecting the quarterback who is completing 73% of his passes. But Coach Greg Davis needs to stop falling in love with solving a non-existent running game (62 yards with an average 1.8 yards/carry) with throwing more. Texas was up against the 111th ranked run defense in the country with Colorado which does not bode well for our next meeting against OU. If we cannot stop the opponents’ interior run blitzes (thanks for trying with the shovel pass), we will not be going very far this season.

2nd Quarter (2:55) WTH McCoy?! - I know that you are not supposed to pull on Superman’s cape, but I do not like the trend that I am seeing. This scenario is occurring way too much with Colt McCoy giving up an early turnover for the opponent to jump on for a score. I now that he was rushed out of the pocket on this play but his handling of the football caused the fumble to end up in the Buffs hands. He cannot continue this type of results if the team wants to contend for the title.

3rd Qt & 4th Qt. (13:37 & 14:13) WTH Tucker?! - I know the coaching staff loves that fact that you’re ambidextrous with your feet, but Justin Tucker (28.8 yards/avg.) you have to be able to punt better than the 25 yard & 5 yard efforts respectfully that you gave on your rugby style kicks. I know that our lack of covering skills on kickoffs makes you feel that much better about your style.

3rd Quarter (12:32) WTH Muckelroy?! - Your tip of QB Cody Hawkins pass early in the 3rd quarter ended any type of momentum that the Buffs were trying to establish in the second half. Roddrick Muckelroy was clearly the defensive MVP with 11 total tackles and 1 crucial sack to start the fourth quarter.

The Whole Game WTH Shipley?! - Not only did you single handily put your stamp on the Horn’s offense ( 11 catches for 147 yds.) with incredible catches (1st Qt. 7:33 & 2nd Qt.:46) but you changed the momentum again with your ability to take it to the house (3rd Qt. 12:29) on a 74 yard punt return (thanks for blocking referee Cooper Castleberry) to end the Buffs hopes. You can start talking about Jordan Shipley in the same breath as Michigan’s Desmond Howard when he was starting his Heisman run back in 1991.

3rd Qt. & 4th Qt. WTH Punt return unit?! - Great job by the Longhorn punting unit to set up a back breaking return for at touchdown by Jordan Shipley and a crowd raising punt block by Marquis Goodwin that resulted in Ben Wells running it in for the score. We need more great special teams next week!

4th Quarter WTH Hawkins?! - Coach Dan Hawkins changed his Colorado family and his nuclear family at the same moment with the pulling of his son Dan Hawkins for redshirt freshman Tyler Hansen. The move came along with 5 false start penalties in the quarter which added to the Buffs accumulating 20 penalties for the game which resulted in 140 penalty yards. Thanks Coach Dan for pulling the plug on your season with your son who will definitely want to join you for Halloween festivities at your house later this month.

Next up for the Longhorn football team is Oklahoma at 11am at the Cotton Bowl on October 17th.

Here’s a brief description of the first installment of the “WTH?” on UT sports. WTH? (What the Heck?) moments are attempts to find the memorable and the off-beat perspective on Longhorns sports. This first edition covers some of the most interesting moments from Texas’ game against Texas Tech.

1st Quarter (7:02) - Texas Tech punt coverage team has the first WTH? when a short punt of 38 yards by Tech’s Donnie Carona ends up in the hands of an oncoming Jordan Shipley who makes every TT player turn and trail Shipley for a 46 yard touchdown. WTH Raiders?!

1st Quarter (7:00) - Two seconds later Bevo asks WTH? when Jordan decides to jump over the reins that supposedly holds on to this two thousand pounds of twisted steel and sex appeal… thank you Godzillatron moment. No Texas football player has ever ventured so close to one of the most revered mascots since the Tyler Rose. WTH Shipley?

2nd Quarter (3:30) - Justin Tucker, UT punter, asks “WTH?” when he fist pounds the television/time clock referee (this is the guy that has the orange gloves and wanders aimlessly out to the middle of the field). Why the heck are you interacting with him? 28 seconds later he precedes to girlie punt the ball 19 yards to the Raiders 30 yard line out-of-bounds. WTH Tucker?!

4th Quarter (11:59) - WTH were the referees thinking? The entire 101,297 DKR crowd was wondering aloud, with a few cuss words, what ref Tom Walker and his crew was smoking when an incomplete pass to Texas Tech’s Alex Torres was turned into a personal foul, late hit on Roddrick Muckelroy. And then they threw in a roughing the passer call to cover their asses. On top of that WTH?, the very next play, which was a 2 yard loss for Tech, the same refs missed a blatant jersey hold by the Tech offense in front of everyone. WTH Walker?!

4th Quarter (11:49) - WTH should be defined as “Where the heck is my helmet?” when QB Taylor Potts had his head handed to him by the most ferocious sack by Sergio Kindle. Play of the night!! WTH Sergio?!

4th Quarter (3:40) - “WTH?” is what the entire Texas Tech and Texas fan base said when Mike Leach decided to call a rushing play over right tackle that netted only five yards in the middle of the field. TT down by 10 points. WTH Leach?!

Final Score: Texas 34, Texas Tech 24

Next up the University of Texas at El Paso at 2:30pm at DKR - See you there!

KXAN NBC Austin had a great highlight package of Saturday night’s opening UT win against ULM. Some great field level angles of the game and interviews with coach Mack Brown, Colt McCoy, Garrett Gilbert and others. Don’t miss the blur that was DJ Monroe at about the 1-minute mark.

Check it out below:

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

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Vondrell McGee gets the opening week start, is he the answer at running back?

So we know what we know about this year’s team (channeling my inner Aflac commercial). Texas has a Heisman Trophy candidate at quarterback, experience at every position excluding tight end and Will Muschamp is a deity. We got it.

But what don’t we know? Even with the high expectations, there are some unanswered questions that could grow into concerns as the season moves forward.

1. Will a running back step up?

The same question was raised prior to last season. The question went unanswered all season, and Texas still was one second away from playing for a national title. Heading into the offseason, and into spring practice, the word was Cody Johnson had stepped up and was ready for 20+ carries a game.

That was four months ago. The week of the game, it appears the team is exactly where they were one year ago. Vondrell McGee will get the first look, Fozzy Whittaker is showing flashes of talent when he isn’t hanging out with the training staff and Cody Johnson is great in short yardage but not in shape enough to handle the load.

The loan difference is new comer Chris Whaley. The true freshman was given every opportunity to take the starting spot, but his weight and the adjustment to big time D-1 football is proving tough.

Texas may not have to run the ball to be successful, but Mack Brown sure wants to. If this team can establish a run game in Lubbock who knows what would have happened. McGee has the talent to be the lead back. The question is will Greg Davis stick with him consistently enough for him to prove it. I’m not sure Davis, or Brown, know the answer.

2. Can Texas play without a tight end?

If a team is going to have a string of tough injuries, it might as well all happen at one position. Especially at a position that last year’s group proved they didn’t need for the majority of snaps. But the loss of Blaine Irby, DJ Grant, etc., etc. may give Texas no choice but to play without a tight end.

Despite the success of last season’s offense, the Longhorns need to be able to line up with a tight end in passing and rushing situations. Without the option teams will know what kind of play is coming by the personnel that are on the field. Texas is too good for most teams on its schedule to compete either way, but in the big games the Longhorns need the flexibility. Especially with an offensive line that has proven to be road graders in the run game.

Dan Buckner has stepped up. And Greg Smith is still around to block and deflect balls to the other team. But neither is an all around tight end that can block and stretch the defense. The Longhorns offense works best with a pass catching tight end, so Buckner is the odds on favorite to win the job. But he has never had to block at this level, and it hasn’t been proven he can stay healthy while taking on defensive ends and linebackers on a play to play basis.

Texas will field a good offense either way, but without the threat of a tight end they simply can’t be one of the best two teams in the country.

3. Is the lack of depth at defensive tackle a real concern?

For most teams in the country this would be an easy yes, but in the Big 12 I’m not so sure. And how bad can the depth really be when you’re Texas? Most fans, and coaches, around the country would kill for Lamarr Houston, Ben Alexander and a couple of big time recruits to enter the season at defensive tackle.

Texas has been spoiled at the position over the last decade. It seems like every year Texas has two or three big guys in the middle that are sure fire NFL guys. The difference this year is the fans aren’t aware of the other two yet. Meet Kheeston Randall and Calvin Howell. These two young guys have the talent, and Randall has the years in the program to make a splash. Howell isn’t ready to compete every down, but he can help out in spots. That is four guys right there that can give you snaps, and one of them is an all-conference caliber player in a conference where maybe two teams try to run up the middle on a consistent basis.

If that is the biggest question mark for the defense, Big 12 coaches are in trouble.

4. Are Keenan Robinson and Emmanuel Acho ready?

Roddrick Muckelroy won’t leave the field. Jared Norton is a senior, and will anchor the middle, but what about the other outside linebacker spot? And maybe more importantly, who will play in nickel packages?

The answer to both questions is either Robinson or Acho. It may be both. The two sophomores are battling for the starting spot with Robinson slightly out in front. Robinson is an aggressive player with the athleticism to play the pass as well as anyone in the linebacking unit. That strength may make him the starter because of the types of offenses Texas faces on a consistent basis. Acho is a smart player with the ability to blitz. Sounds like a Muschamp guy to me.

Norton has struggled on passing downs. He has also struggled with injuries this preseason. If one, or both, of these guys step up when the real games begin the Longhorns will be in excellent shape.

5. Can Texas replace the leadership of Brian Orakpo, Quan Cosby and Roy Miller?

Yes, Texas has Colt McCoy and Jordan Shipley on offense, but what about defense? Sergio Kindle is the best defensive lineman, but he is admittedly not the public speaking type. Muckelroy leads the linebacking unit, but he does it quietly. And the guys in the secondary are finally comfortable with the layout of the campus.

So who is the guy? Muschamp says Lamarr Houston and Earl Thomas. I think Houston emerges this season as one of the best players in the conference. And I think Thomas plays so well the chatter of leaving early starts, well early. And both of those predictions are based on Muschamp’s perceived leadership out of the two.

It is hard to be a great player without being a great leader. It is not impossible, but I think it is hard. Houston has the ability when he is healthy. Thomas has improved a ton from last year to right now. The talent is there, if the leadership competes with what the Longhorns have on the offensive side of the ball then the comparisons to the 2005 championship team may be fair. If no one steps up, Texas will drop a game they shouldn’t.

Will Keenan Robison blow up at linebacker in 2009?

Football has become a 24/7, 365 days a year sport. We talk about football in the fall. We watch the spring games in April. And we even follow recruiting with the fervor of a Saturday night in Baton Rouge.

But the one aspect of college football that is overlooked is the work done in the summer with 7-on-7 workouts. Vince Young and the 2005 Championship team proved that chemistry and timing built in the summer can propel a team to the top. After a near perfect season in 2008 Colt McCoy and the Texas football team are looking to duplicate the blue print of the last team to make it to the Rose Bowl and win.

The similarities of this year’s team to the 2005 squad are alarming and are sure to be talked about like McCoy and Jordan Shipley’s fishing plans.

Not all aspects of the game can be worked on over the summer without pads, but plenty can be accomplished. Even with more answers than questions lingering to enter this season there is room for improvement. And here are five questions that could be answered over the summer?

1. What will be the base offensive formation?

The lack of a viable tight end may force Greg Davis’ hand when it comes to “go to” formations. In the biggest games of the year, and when Texas needed to move the ball, they abandoned the tight end set for a four wide receiver spread. With McCoy’s accuracy and the depth at the receiver position having a tight end on the field may be a detriment to the team.

From a skill stand point there is no question the fourth receiver will be more talented than any healthy tight end on the roster, unless we assume DJ Grant can emerge as a catcher and a blocker in his first year at the position. Frankly, it would be unfair to ask that of Grant so the question becomes – is it more important to disguise your play calls by being multiple on offense with a tight end or is the talent difference so great that putting a tight end on the field is holding the team back?

I don’t know the answer, maybe Davis and McCoy don’t either, but a huge summer by the receivers combined with no progress from the tight ends might equal a wide open spread attack for the majority of the snaps.

2. Can Garrett Gilbert handle being the backup quarterback right away?

Anyone who has seen or followed the career of the incoming freshman from Lake Travis knows that all signs point to a successful career at Texas and beyond. But all the skill, and smarts, in the world don’t necessarily spell success as a true freshman. In a perfect world Gilbert will only see the field in controlled situations. The plan is to bring him along slowly at the end of games that Texas has in the bag.

The problem is Texas cannot be comfortable with Sherrod Harris as the primary backup. The coaches and the players love Harris but he has never shown he could carry the team if needed. And with the junior recovering from surgery Gilbert has the chance to secure the backup spot if he can prove he has what it takes on the field, in his head, and in the huddle.

Like it or not Texas is one freak play away from starting a quarterback with no experience. With Chiles at receiver the only real hope is Gilbert. There is no doubt the pressure and expectations will not be fair or realistic for the prodigy, but he should have never expected them to be. This is Texas; he’ll learn that soon enough.

3. Who will be the running back?

Realistically this could be a question that isn’t answered at all this season. Mack Brown and Major Applewhite have proven they’ll mix backs in and out as much as they deem necessary. And while they’ll do it again this year, one has to think the staff wants a “go to” guy. A lot of the inconsistencies last year can be attributed to the lack of familiarity with the backs and the offensive line. The running game can be about timing as much as anything and UT had none last year.

It is true that the full running game cannot be featured without pads, but Applewhite has shown he values pass protection and ball security over big play ability. Vondrell McGee, maybe the most complete runner in the backfield, learned this lesson the hard way when he was benched for the entire Fiesta Bowl.

McGee may be the best runner, but it is Foswhitt Whittaker that can excel in 7-on-7 drills because of his ability to catch the ball and run in space. If he can stay healthy and prove he is willing to block Whittaker may finally break out this season.

The other option is freshman Chris Whaley. All reports have the physical freak as being impressive. The coaching staff has all but said he’ll get his shot to compete, so if he can pick up the small things this summer he’ll have a huge chance this fall.

4. Who will start as the third linebacker?

Roddrick Muckelroy and Jared Norton have starting jobs locked up in the 4-3 alignment, but with Sergio moving to defensive end one of the outside linebacker spots are open. The two candidates for the position are Keenan Robinson Emmanuel Acho. Both can rush the passer and both can make plays.

The skill that may separate them, and determine who plays more, will likely who can play in pass coverage the best. This is where 7-on-7 comes into play. With the Big 12 becoming football version of the Blue Angels air show finding linebackers that can stop the run and cover the pass is invaluable. In his short time on campus Robinson has shown the ability to play the pass and that’ what puts him at the top of the depth chart at strong side linebacker.

Texas will play with five defensive backs a lot this season, and that means only two linebackers on the field. Norton, who is a prototypical middle linebacker in the 4-3, has struggled in the nickel formation so if Robinson plays well enough he may be alongside Muckelroy when teams are spread out.

5. Is the work ethic there?

For the first time in a long time Texas overachieved last season. It had more to do with expectations, but the Longhorns had a workman like feel that wasn’t the norm in the last decade. Will Muschamp has gotten a lot of credit for the attitude change, but more credit needs to go to the players and especially the leaders on the team. More than talent, UT lost some big time leaders in Quan Cosby, Roy Miller, and Brian Orakpo.

Those guys kept the young guys in check in practice, off the field, and in the locker room. Texas still has established leaders in Colt McCoy and Sergio Kindle and new leaders are stepping up like Earl Thomas. But until the team faces some adversity no one will know if the team has the backbone they showed in games against Oklahoma and Ohio State last year.

The 2005 team established that ethic in the summer with many players pointing out that they had worked too hard in June and July to let anyone beat them. If this year’s team comes out of the summer with the same feeling another special year could be on the horizon.