The exact minute that the 2009 Texas Longhorns football season will start is no longer a mystery. The kick-off time for the team’s season opener against [tag]Louisiana-Monroe[/tag] has been announced. The game will be September 5th at 6pm and will air only on FSN pay-per-view. The lack of a free TV option is disappointing but not unexpected when you start every season with a cupcake.
Update: From Statesman.com (9/2/2009):
Here’s what we know so far about ordering the pay-per-view telecast of Saturday’s opener against Louisiana-Monroe:
You’ll have to wait until later this week to order it from a conventional digital cable outlet, including Time Warner. The Texas athletic department also still is waiting for more channel information from DirecTV and Dish Network. For AT&T U-Verse customers, the viewing channel is 103. Cost is $40.
Update: Current PPV TV info:
- AT&T U-verse Ch. 103
- Time Warner Cable Austin Ch. 437
- DirectTV Ch. 785
- Dish Network Ch. 466
- More info
Texas head coach [tag]Mack Brown[/tag] was on ESPN SportsCenter this weekend talking about preseason rankings, expectations, going undefeated, and of course the [tag]BCS[/tag]. Watch:
The 2009 college football season is quickly approaching and with it brings the annual ritual of naming the [tag]Red River Rivalry[/tag] as one of the top games of the upcoming season. This time it is ESPN blogger Bruce Feldman putting the [tag]Texas[/tag]/[tag]Oklahoma[/tag] match-up at the top of his list for “must-see” games of the year:
1. Texas vs. Oklahoma, Oct. 17
You won’t find a better QB battle this year than when Sam Bradford and Colt McCoy get together. It’s no stretch to think the Heisman, the Big 12 title and possibly a BCS title game berth will be on the line here. Oh, and there’s also the jilted feeling from the Longhorns for being passed over by the Sooners last year, a team they beat in this one in 2008. The Sooners, who have lost three of the past four, need to reassert themselves in the rivalry.
Can Texas make it through their schedule and back to the Rose Bowl for another MNC?
It’s about that time to start sizing up the college football season, so here’s my rundown of games on the Longhorns schedule, in order from easiest to hardest. These rankings take each team’s projected strength, plus the location and timing of the game.
12. [tag]Louisiana-Monroe[/tag] (Sept 5)
Why they’re here: Because this is a gimmie game. Don’t kid yourself; this is the Glass Joe on our schedule. In their two games versus big-time teams last year (Auburn and Ole Miss) the Warhawks were outscored 93-0. Best of luck fellas!
Why they’re not higher: Because they finished 4-7 last year and the game is at home. Seriously, the Christians walking into the Coliseum to face Lions had more of a chance. On the bright side, this may be our first glimpse at the QB of the future Garret Gilbert.
11. At [tag]Wyoming[/tag] (Sept 12)
Why they’re not here: Okay, this team is also Glass Joe… but playing at home in what should be the biggest game in their history. Sorry that’s all I got.
Why they’re not higher: Because the got pounded by the “big boys” in the WAC last year (TCU, Utah, BYU) by a combined score of 129-14. Bite the curb, and tell us how it tastes. We’ll try and not make you look too bad in front of your parents.
10. [tag]UTEP[/tag] (Sept 26)
Why they’re here: Yes, they are a small conference school, but they have a coach who guided his previous team to two Rose Bowls. Don’t underestimate the importance of coaching in college football.
Why they’re not higher: Because when you move past the coach, this is still the same team we beat 42-13 in El Paso last year. And there won’t be any chicks giving their boyfriends hand favors on the mountain to distract our defense this year.
9. [tag]Central Florida[/tag] (Nov 7)
Why they’re here: They gave us a hell of a tussle in their place a couple of years ago. More than any “gimme” in the schedule, they probably believe they can beat us. Plus, given where they fall on the schedule (between Oklahoma State and Baylor) our boys could be due for a letdown.
Why they’re not higher: Because they lost to UTEP by 45 points last year. THE END.
8. Colorado (Oct 10)
Why they’re here: Because their coach is pretty damn good, and they play division one football there. Not intramurals brother…
Why they’re not higher: Because we smoked their ass last year, and this team traditionally is not great away from Boulder. Seriously, look it up: the school’s biggest three wins since joining the Big 12 have either come at home or on the a neutral site. Danger Dan Hawkins, danger!!!
7. At [tag]Missouri[/tag] (Oct 24)
Why they’re here: Because last year at this time, people were picking them as a National title contender. Sure they lost a bunch of talent, but I’m sure Pinkle has a bunch of talent ready to shine, right?
Why they’re not higher: Wrong. Sorry, but Chase Daniels was special (for Missouri at least) and Jeremy Maclin and Chase Coffman are NFL talents. So far, Missouri hasn’t shown the ability to reload and keep pace in the Big 12.
6. [tag]Texas Tech[/tag] (Sept 19)
Why they’re here: Because they beat us last year, and are always a tough out. Tech is the most hit-or-miss team in the country: when they’re off they can lose to SMU, when they’re on they can beat Oklahoma or Texas…
Why they’re not higher: at home. Sorry, I should have finished that thought. Look it up, Tech’s biggest wins in the last few years have come in Lubbock. Factor in that they will be working in a new starting quarterback, and the timing of this game is the final nail in the Red Raiders coffin. Don’t underestimate the “revenge” factor working in Texas’ favor.
5. At Texas A&M (Nov 26)
Why they’re here: It’s the Aggies; they have one good game in them a year and they always seem to save it for “t.u.”. They also will be playing at home and have the benefit of the 12th Man, plus they have a former NFL coach at the helm and a better-than-you-think reservoir of talent.
Why they’re not higher: Because the reservoir doesn’t run THAT deep. Look at the rankings, the Ags recruiting fell off mightily during the Fran tenure (or as they call it on Texags.com “the Dark Ages”). Plus the fact that the Horns seniors are 1-2 versus the Ags will provide a little extra motivation. A+M will really need the 12th Man… hell, they might even need to grab a 13th and 14th while they’re at it.
4. At [tag]Baylor[/tag] (Nov 11)
Why they’re here: Because the Bears have the fastest collection of skill players in the Big 12 (no really!), and now their Freshman All-American QB Robert Griffin has a full year starting under his belt. If you recall, the Bears battled back to tie the score at 14 in Austin last year before Texas pulled away. I just have the feeling that Art Briles has one major upset in him next year… and A&M doesn’t count.
Why they’re not higher: Because playing Baylor on the road is only slightly more difficult than playing them at home. Waco is basically a stone’s throw from Austin, relatively speaking, so the crowd will be 40% Horn fans at worst. Plus, Colt McCoy’s girlfriend will be in attendance, so he’ll be extra motivated. Wouldn’t you be?
3. [tag]Kansas[/tag] (Nov 21)
Why they’re here: Because Kansas is good, that’s why… potentially REALLY good. Todd Ressing is a top 10 quarterback nationally, and Kerry Meier and Dezmon Briscoe form the conference’s best 1-2 punch on the outside. The Jayhawks’ falloff last year can directly be attributed to the defense, which should be much improved this fall.
Why they’re not higher: Because the game is in Austin and an improved Kansas squad is still a notch below what the Horns will line up with. The Texas D, playing without All-American Brian Orakpo, shut down the Jayhawks last season holding them to a season-low 7 points. Plus the timing of this game likely means the Horns will either be locked in on a BCS berth, or at the very worst trying to salvage the Cotton Bowl; regardless, it is unlikely they will have their guard down coming into this game.
2. [tag]Oklahoma[/tag] (Oct 17)
Why they’re here: This is always the game of the year in the Big 12 conference, but with all the late season debate and hoopla last year, this game’s intensity has been ratcheted up to another level. The Sooners are they only team quite in UT’s weight class on the schedule, and like it or not, they’re won the last three conference championships. The offense is manned by Heisman winner Sam Bradford and All-American Jermaine Gresham (who’s caught three touchdowns in his career versus the Horns), and their defense looks both deep and talented. Plus they have Ryan Reynolds back, who’s like the greatest football player ever!
Why they’re not higher: No, really he’s not. This is still the same defense that Colt hung 38 on last season, and Greg Davis seems to have Brent Venerables’ number. The Sooners’ also lost four starters on the offensive line along with their top two receivers, so Bradford won’t likely duplicate his numbers from last year. And to be honest, all the extra motivation is on Texas’ side: they beat OU, OU gets the BCS title shot and Bob Stoops crows and taunts by taking some less-so-subtle shots at Mack Brown. It’ll be a battle, but Texas looks to be a little stronger than 08, whereas OU looks to have taken a slight step back.
1. [tag]Oklahoma State[/tag] (Oct 31)
Why they’re here: 26. That’s the combined halftime deficits the Horns have faced their last two trips to Stillwater. I don’t know if it’s something in the water or what, but our boys always seem to stumble through the first half, only setting the stage for a thrilling comeback. This team is too good for us to spot double digits in the first half, plus the Horns will be coming off one huge game (Oklahoma) and one somewhat tough road game (Missouri) the two previous weeks; can they be at their best three weeks in a row?
A lot of things about this scenario bring back memories from Lubbock last year.
The Big 12 and SEC dominate my Top 25, holding 8 of the top 10 spots. Ohio State continues their over-hyped season by barely beating Ohio at home. Oklahoma and Missouri are proving they have the offense to keep up with anyone. And East Carolina is probably the surprise of the season, jumping all the way up to #12.
Agree or disagree? Please let me know in the comments.
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[tag]USC[/tag]
I try not to give too much praise to USC, but they looked really impressive in their blowout win over Virginia. They truly look like the best team in the nation right now.
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[tag]Oklahoma[/tag]
Oklahoma’s offense looks unstoppable. They have already scored 109 points in 2 games, and haven’t trailed yet.
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[tag]Florida[/tag]
Tim Tebow and the Gators beat Miami for the first time in the last 25 years or so, and did it against a very athletic Miami defense.
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[tag]Missouri[/tag]
Talk about high powered offenses, Missouri looks like they can score at will. But the real question is if their defense can stop the other big-time teams.
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[tag]LSU[/tag]
Even with all the weather distractions, this team looked very impressive in its home opener. What will happen when their QB’s actually have to throw a pass longer than 10 yards?
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[tag]Texas[/tag]
Colt and the offense are on a serious roll right now. Their young secondary is struggling at times, but they should be able to pick it up.
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[tag]Georgia[/tag]
I feel this is one of the more over-hyped teams in the nation. But if they can make it through some of their tougher games I will have to move them up.
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[tag]Alabama[/tag]
Coach Nick Saban has things going well down in Alabama. They absolutely destroyed Clemson on national tv. I would not want to play against this defense.
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[tag]Auburn[/tag]
Auburn’s defense always seems to keep them in games. If they can just get someone who can play quarterback they might be able to do something this year.
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[tag]Ohio State[/tag]
Ohio State is probably the second most over-hyped team in the nation. Lucky for them, they play in the weak Big 10. Unlucky for them, they are about to get smoked by USC.
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[tag]Kansas[/tag]
Kansas is another tough team from the Big 12 North. Todd Reesing is one of the top quarterbacks in the Big 12 and has their offense off to a hot start.
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[tag]East Carolina[/tag]
ECU has been one of the big surprises so far this season beating Virginia Tech and destroying #8 West Viriginia. I don’t think anyone will overlook this team anymore.
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[tag]Texas Tech[/tag]
If Texas Tech actually played anyone in their non-conference schedule they might actually be ranked a little bit higher.
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[tag]Arizona State[/tag]
ASU always seems to be that overlooked team in the Pac-10. Coach Dennis Erickson has a solid football team here.
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[tag]Wisconsin[/tag]
Wisconsin is one of those boring teams that always has a solid season. If they weren’t in the weak Big 10 they would probably barely crack the top 25.
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[tag]Oregon[/tag]
Another high powered offense from the Pac-10. Their dual quarterback play seems to be working well. And Jeremiah Johnson has a ridiculous 10.1 yards per carry.
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[tag]BYU[/tag]
BYU squeaked by Washington thanks to the refs ruining the game. UCLA should be a tougher match-up.
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[tag]Wake Forest[/tag]
Wake Forest needed a last second field goal to beat an average Ole Miss team. Now they open their ACC season against Florida State.
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[tag]South Florida[/tag]
I was not happy with team since they delayed the coverage of the Texas/UTEP game. They are probably the best team in the Big East right now.
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[tag]California[/tag]
Cal is averaging 7.8 yards per carry as a team, including two touchdowns of over 80 yards. Their defense also held Washington State to only 3 points.
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[tag]Penn State[/tag]
Penn State has started off strong with an impressive running attack. I’m curious to see how they play on the road.
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[tag]Fresno State[/tag]
Fresno State has another solid team that dismantled Rutgers on their own field. Their real test of the season comes this weekend when they play Wisconsin.
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[tag]Vanderbilt[/tag]
Vanderbilt is slowing building their program into a tough match-up in the SEC. Georgia and Florida better not overlook this team.
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[tag]UCLA[/tag]
UCLA had an impressive second half comeback in week 1 against Tennessee. Who knew you could throw 4 interceptions and still be a hero. Their tough schedule probably won’t keep them here long.
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[tag]Utah[/tag]
Utah is a tough team to put a handle on. Their offense is usually stellar, but they really don’t play anyone. Their win against Michigan might look impressive if Michigan wasn’t so awful.
1. Texas Longhorns
Not a shocking number one choice from a Texas Longhorns website but the Longhorns have the best overall uniforms in college football by a mile. They are Sports Illustrated’s favorite and of course ours too.
Burnt orange is unique, you’re not going to find another team in the country wearing that color. The longhorn logo on the helmet is the best and most recognizable icon in college sports. It is a perfect representation of the university and the state.
The home uniforms with the burnt orange jersey are great but the all white road unis are classic, simple, and perfect. When Texas in their road whites faced off against Michigan in their home blue uniforms in the 2005 Rose Bowl it was as good as it gets. I’m going to go watch that game on DVD now. Hook ’em!
College football’s best uniforms
Posted January 31st, 2007 by Brian
Filed under: Basketball, Football, Media, Print, Quick Hits
Richard Justice is either joking or smoking something, he thinks A&M has passed Texas in football.
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