40 Acres Sports

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

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

(continue to read full live blog …)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Follow along live with 40 Acres Sports on Twitter and below for our thoughts and analysis during today’s game versus [tag]UTEP[/tag] on FSN. We’ll be live right around kickoff so join us to discuss the game right around 2:30pm this afternoon.

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

(continue to read full live blog …)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7:13	Brian:  Justin Tucker to kickoff

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

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

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

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

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

7:15	Brian:  post play penalty on somebody.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7:41	[Comment From m] score?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7:59	[Comment From JavaH] LOL @ marshallboone

7:59	insidetexas:  Q package!

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

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

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

8:00	chipbrownob:  The Q Package lives …

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9:21	Brian:  Tech starts at 40 yrd line

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9:46	[Comment From Wally] Go texas

9:46	[Comment From nate] whos winning

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

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

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

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

9:47	[Comment From nate] whos wining

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9:54	Brian:  Texas go for it on 4th?

9:54	Brian:  Nope. Punt team.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10:00

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

10:00

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

10:00

[Comment From Chris] Great punt

10:00

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

10:01

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

10:01

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

10:03

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

10:04

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

10:05

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

10:05

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

10:05

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

10:05

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

10:05

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

10:05

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

10:05

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

10:06

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

10:06

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

10:06

Brian:  Texas really really really needs 6 here.

10:06

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

10:07

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

10:07

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

10:08

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

10:08

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

10:09

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

10:09

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

10:11

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

10:12

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

10:13

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

10:14

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

10:14

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

10:14

Brian:  Texas 31, Texas Tech 17

10:15

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

10:17

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

10:17

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

10:18

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

10:19

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

10:21

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

10:21

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

10:22

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

10:22

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

10:23

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

10:25

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

10:26

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

10:26

Brian:  Tre Newton running well.

10:28

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

10:29

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

10:30

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

10:30

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

10:32

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

10:32

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

10:33

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

10:35

40acressports:  Run that clock. COme on!!

10:36

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

10:36

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

10:38

40acressports:  brent Musberger sneezing. #UT

10:39

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

10:39

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

10:39

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

10:39

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

10:40

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

10:41

suzhalliburton:  That’s the game.

10:41

insidetexas:  Final: Texas 34, Texas Tech 24

10:41

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

10:42

[Comment From Mandy] Score

10:42

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

10:45

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

10:47

Brian:  Final Score: Texas 34, Texas Tech 24

10:48

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

10:48

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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.

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

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

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

1. Colt McCoy is a bad ass.

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

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

2. McCoy has targets to throw the ball to.

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

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

3. Texas will pressure the quarterback.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Watch practice highlights from today’s practice courtesy of MBTF over on CBS College Sports.

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.

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