40 Acres Sports

So far I have been pretty underwhelmed with the overall performance of the 6 Texas Longhorns taking part in the NFL combine. Colt McCoy performed pretty well in the 2 drills he took part in, coasting easily to a 4.79s 40 yard dash. Earl Thomas wasn’t among the fastest safties, but got some love from one NFL Network announcer who said he was the most instinctive safety he has seen in the last 8 or 9 years.

Below are the results so far. I will update when more information comes in.

Colt McCoy
40 yard dash: 4.79s (5th)
Broad jump: 9’6″ (4th)

Earl Thomas
Bench press: 21 reps (6th)

Sergio Kindle
40 yard dash: 4.71s (7th)
Bench press: 25 reps
Vertical jump: 36.5″ (7th)
Broad jump: 9’10”

Jordan Shipley
40 yard dash: 4.57s
Bench press: 16 reps (8th)

Lamarr Houston
40 yard dash: 4.85s
Bench press: 30 reps
Vertical jump: 33.5″
Broad jump: 9’6″

Roddrick Muckelroy
40 yard dash: 4.73s
Bench press: 19 reps
Broad jump: 9’2″

Adam Ulatoski
40 yard dash: 5.53s
Bench press: 24 reps
Broad jump: 7’10”

Fire the cannon. Make some noise with Big Bertha. They should have let [tag]Colt McCoy[/tag] 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 [tag]Kansas[/tag] 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

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.

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 [tag]Colt McCoy[/tag] will become the winningest college QB ever and sixth year senior [tag]Jordan Shipley[/tag] 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 [tag]Jordan Shipley[/tag] 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

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 Missouri Tigers.

WRs Jordan Shipley and Marquise Goodwin were part of resurgent offense. (Statesman.com)

Pregame WTH McCoy?! Great game by [tag]Colt McCoy[/tag] who finished with 26 of 31 for 269 yards 3 TD’s and 1 interception. He nailed it during the pregame stretching when he was yelling at the team “this is our house, from the very beginning… lets go.” Colt knew exactly what he was talking about by leading the team to three straight scoring drives to put the Tigers away.

1st Quarter (8:08) WTH Mack?! Gutsy call by Mack Brown to order up a fake punt on 4th down on their own 47 yard line. Texas was only up one score and the message that was sent to the Tigers was it was going to be the Horns day.

Start of the 2nd Quarter WTH Mizzou fans?! It was Mizzou’s homecoming that they claim to have started back in 1911. Never new a simple call from the office of the president at Missouri to come back and watch a football game was such a momentous occasion. Wow, way to fire up the football fans with bringing out former MU basketball player Steve Stipanovich (1,836 points & 984 rebounds from 80-83). Let’s bring out our stud UT LaSalle Thompson (1,463 points & 1,027 rebounds from 79-82) next time the Tigers come to Austin.

2nd Quarter (:51) WTH Herbstreit?! You may not be good at predicting winners on the Gameday set early that morning in Provo (3-6), but you sure good at predicting UT scores. Kirk Herbstreit was wondering what the score was last year between the two teams at half. As soon as Kirk remembered the score (35-3), UT [tag]Curtis Brown[/tag] broke through to block the Mizzou punt in the end zone which was recovered by [tag]Malcolm Williams[/tag] to make the score 35-7 (eerily similar).

Start of the 3rd Qt. WTH ABC?! Great call by the television truck to cue up the Dave Matthews song “Too Much” with highlights from the first half which was all Longhorns.

3rd Quarter (5:45) WTH Smith?! Mizzou’s outstanding defensive player Aldon Smith had a tremendous night (11 tackles and 2 sacks). Too bad he added a bone headed play by hitting Colt out bounds (personal foul – 15 yard penalty) which caused Mack Brown to hyperventilate with the franchise lying on the sidelines.

Whole Game WTH Offensive Line?! [tag]Kyle Hix[/tag], [tag]Michael Huey[/tag], [tag]Chris Hall[/tag], [tag]Charlie Tanner[/tag] and [tag]Adam Ulatoski[/tag] who started the game and the rest of the big uglies should be lauded for a physical and dominant performance with the Horns gaining 400 total yards and scoring 41 points.

Next up for the Longhorn’s is a visit to Stillwater to take on Oklahoma State at 7pm on Halloween night.

ESPN’s Big 12 blog is ranking the top 40 players in the conference and so far they’ve named three Longhorns between 27 and 40. The latest is tackle [tag]Adam Ulatoski[/tag] at number 27, here’s the write-up:

Why he was picked: Over his career, Ulatoski has become one of the most productive linemen in the Big 12. He’s started 30 games at Texas, with the first 16 in his career at right tackle before moving to left tackle before the Longhorns’ Holiday Bowl victory over Arizona State in 2007. He’s been the most productive lineman on Texas’ team the last two years.

We’ll keep track of the list and let you know where other Longhorns fall.

Other Longhorns

#32 – Earl Thomas
#37 – Chris Hall

Follow along below with our live thoughts and analysis during today’s Texas Longhorns game versus [tag]Baylor[/tag] on FSN. Participate in the discussion by following 40acressports on Twitter or by refreshing and commenting on this post.

Texas vs. Baylor tweets

• Final score is #UT 45, Baylor 21. Now to watch and hope for LSU and Oklahoma State. Geaux Cowboys! right after the game
• Bah. They call another one on Cody. Apparently the Big 12 didn’t get the point of complaints on non-calls. Two BS ones late dont count. during garbage time
• Damn. Big TD run by Chiles is called back because of holding on Cody Johnson well out of the play. during fourth quarter
• #UT offense doing much better job milking play clock today than we did last week with 90 seconds left. 🙁 during fourth quarter
• Disappointing effort by #UT defensive backups. K Robinson and N Brewster need to do better job taking on blocks instead of avoiding. during fourth quarter
• Ryan Bailey kicks FG instead of Hunter Lawrence. Might be seeing Bailey on shorter FGs now? #UT 45, BU 14 during fourth quarter
• Chiles fumbles 3rd down snap and forces FG. Hope Chiles keeps his head up it’s been fun to watch him play with more energy (and fun) lately during fourth quarter
• @kbohls agree about Baylor improvement. Think A&M is wishing they had hired Briles right about now? during fourth quarter
• Retweeting @suzhalliburton: McCoy’s final stats — 26 of 37 for 300 yds, five TDs, two picks. #UT during fourth quarter
• Colt is done and John Chiles is in at QB for #UT. during fourth quarter
• Sure hope this is Colt McCoy’s last series after that (late) hit. Get a score and call it a day during fourth quarter
• If I’m Baylor on 4th and 41 I throw deep and see if I can get a pass interference penalty called. during third quarter
• How do you lose Shipley like that? Wide open for TD catch. Great long drive with 2 4th down conversions. #UT 42, BU 14 during third quarter
• Very annoyed that FSN never shows play clock. Really odd that I think it hasn’t been put on screen once today. Malfunction or bad coverage? during third quarter
• V McGee running with a little extra pep and strength today as well. Good to see during third quarter
• FSN announcers are right (for once). Running game creates wide open B Collins for 40yd TD catch. #UT 35, BU 14 during third quarter
• Ulatoski out with elbow injury (hyperextension?) and tray allen in during third quarter
• #UT WRs need to do better job concealing holding on run plays. Tougher to get away with out in the open. during third quarter
• 2nd half is underway with great KO tackle. #UT defense could use some fan support but no one is in the stands. during third quarter
• Click to view first half…

Can Lamarr Houston get quick pressure on Harrell?

At this point in the season teams offer very few surprises. They are who they are. Guys like [tag]Colt McCoy[/tag], [tag]Jordan Shipley[/tag], [tag]Brian Orakpo[/tag], and [tag]Sergio Kindle[/tag] are going to be crucial for Texas to win their fourth straight high profile match up in Saturday night’s game against [tag]Texas Tech[/tag]. Beyond those guys there are a few players that fly under the radar that are equally responsible for the Longhorn success.

[tag]Brandon Collins[/tag]

The Texas offense has moved from a good offense to a great offense starting with the [tag]Oklahoma[/tag] game. The main reason has been the implementation of the four receiver set and the main reason the set is working is because of the solid play of sophomore receiver Brandon Collins. Wide outs Jordan Shipley and [tag]Quan Cosby[/tag] get all of the hype, but when tight end [tag]Blaine Irby[/tag] went down with a knee injury one of the young receivers needed to step up. There were a lot of potential suitors for the third receiver spot with freshmen [tag]Malcolm Williams[/tag] and [tag]Dan Buckner[/tag] expected to get the snaps because of their physical skills, but it has been the sure handed Collins that has emerged as an every game player. His skills are in the mold of Shipley and Cosby in that he can fit into tight spots in the middle of the field. He is smaller and quicker than Buckner or Williams who rely on speed more than quickness. Cosby leaves after this year and his spot will be in good hands with Collins.

[tag]Adam Ulatoski[/tag]

The big offensive tackle has struggled through injuries in previous seasons, but has been able to stay healthy and hold down Colt McCoy’s blind side. Overall, the offensive line has played great, especially in pass coverage, and a lot of the credit has to do with the play of the junior left tackle. In the win over Oklahoma, Ulatoski shut down Auston English and has done so to all the defensive ends he faced before and after. McCoy’s mistakes come when he is rushed, so if this offensive line can give the Heisman front runner the time to sit back and pass with a clean pocket the Texas offense will pick apart a porous Tech defense.

[tag]Lamarr Houston[/tag]

The Texas Tech offense makes it hard for edge rushers to impact the game by using enormous splits for their offense line. The best way to disrupt a passer is to get pressure into his face from the middle and with the philosophy Tech’s offense uses in regards to splits, up the middle pressure is the best and sometimes only way to get to quarterback Graham Harrell. Fellow defensive tackles [tag]Roy Miller[/tag] and [tag]Aaron Lewis[/tag] are more gap style inside players, so the ex defensive end Houston will be the man to provide pressure for the front if Texas hopes to provide it. The importance of the inside pass rush could pay dividends to the outside guys like Melton, Kindle, and Orakpo because Harrell will be forced to move around, and once he does the speed of the Texas ends will be able to force sacks and badly thrown balls. Texas used their inside guys against [tag]Missouri[/tag] before having to use them to focus on the run last week against [tag]Oklahoma State[/tag]. Look for Texas to use the Missouri game plan again this week.

[tag]Aaron Williams[/tag]

In most cases freshmen in the secondary, especially true freshmen would spell certain disaster for a defense going up against the high powered passing attack of Texas Tech. At times in this week’s game the Longhorns will have three freshmen in their back five or six against maybe the best passing offense in the nation. Williams has played a lot of football this year, so inexperience isn’t as big of a problem as it may be in most cases, but with the nagging injuries to [tag]Chykie Brown[/tag] and [tag]Ryan Palmer[/tag] it looks like Williams will be counted on to step up big time. The true freshman from McNeil looks to have all the tools needed to be a big time player in the secondary, but no one knows if he is ready to play major snaps in a primetime game against two top 10 teams. My guess is he will be fine and that this secondary will be great for years to come.

[tag]Curtis Brown[/tag]

Curtis Brown is another young cornerback whose role has increased the last few weeks because of the injuries to the other cornerbacks and the styles of offenses the Longhorns have been facing. A lot of people on the outside of the program were concerned about Brown’s progress as little as three weeks ago, with many wondering aloud on message boards if it was time to move the athletic sophomore to offense. The former Gilmer star made a big play in special teams against OU in Dallas and since has played with the confidence a player in the secondary has to have. Coaches and players say all the time that what separates a lot of sports stars is plain old confidence. “Swagger” can turn a good player into an impact player overnight. The light has appeared to come on for Curtis and he’ll get plenty of opportunities to prove it Saturday night in Lubbock.

Position Rating: B
Starters: Adam Ulatoski, Charlie Tanner, Chris Hall, Cedric Dockery, Kyle Hix
Reserves: Tray Allen, David Snow, Buck Burnette, Michael Huey, Britt Mitchell

The Texas offensive line struggled through the 2007 season due to injuries and inexperience. Injuries to important senior players forced young guys to step in and play before they were ready. Those struggles last year should however prepare the group for 2008, as every starter has significant playing experience and nine of the top 10 guys have seen previous playing time.

[tag]Adam Ulatoski[/tag] and [tag]Kyle Hix[/tag] are entrenched as the starting tackles. Ulatoski is the most experienced player on the line but will be moving from the right side to the left to protect QB Colt McCoy’s blindside. Various serious and nagging injuries have prevented him from becoming the dominant tackle Texas fans thought he would be, but he’s still only a junior and he’s finally healthy so this could be a big year for Ulatoski. On the other side, Hix played in every game last year as a true freshman and started at right tackle in the Holiday Bowl. He was a top recruit in the state and expectations are high for him for this season and his career. [tag]Tray Allen[/tag] and [tag]Britt Mitchell[/tag] will be the primary backups at tackle.

The guard positions aren’t as set in stone. The current starters are [tag]Charlie Tanner[/tag] and [tag]Cedric Dockery[/tag] but there is also a lot of noise about sophomore Michael “Baby” Huey. Tanner and Dockery were the starters for most of 2007 and each is a consistently solid performer. Dockery once looked like he’d follow his brother Derrick to the NFL but missed significant time with a serious knee injury in 2006 and is hopefully finally at full strength now. The three players will likely all see good amount of playing time early on as the coaches see if Huey can unseat one of the veterans. True freshman [tag]David Snow[/tag] is the fourth guard on the depth chart and looks to have a bright future.

[tag]Chris Hall[/tag] looks to have finally found a permanent home. After spending time at all five positions on the line last year as a sophomore he’ll anchor the line this year as the starting center. His intelligence and experience at every position should let him excel as the quarterback of the offensive line. Talented backup [tag]Buck Burnette[/tag] needs to be ready in case Hall is required to shuffle around again this season.

They may not get the pub other positions do, but the offensive line is the most important piece of any good football team. After a rough 2007 season the line should be a strength in 2008. If they stay healthy it’ll mean more time for McCoy to pass and more holes for the running backs to run through, which in turn means a more consistent offense.

Related Links

• Quarterbacks preview
• Running backs preview
• Wide Receivers preview
• Tight ends preview
• Defensive tackles preview
• Defensive ends preview
• Linebackers preview
• Cornerbacks preview
• Safeties preview

Update: Download named rosters for NCAA Football 10. (7/23/2009)

NCAA Football 09 is less than a month away, the demo is up on Xbox Live and the Playstation Network, and player ratings are starting to make their way on to the Internet. EA Sports released the team top 25 and player ratings for all those teams.

I went through the list and put the players’ real names in where possible. I had trouble with a lot of the true freshmen in the game so if you know who any of the blank names are or if I made any mistakes please let me know in the comments. It really looks like EA did a poor job this year on the roster and depth chart. Hopefully it’s a little more accurate when the game is released.

You can download Excel files of the player ratings at the bottom of this post or check out the overall ratings for the Texas team below:

Downloads

• Texas player ratings
• Full top 25 player ratings