The
Texas Longhorns are looking to rejoin college football's elite this fall after two subpar seasons (13-12 overall). Although head coach
Mack Brown is under contract through the 2016 season, he is no doubt feeling quite a bit of pressure to "right the ship," as Longhorn supporters are beginning to grumble a bit.
Brown, now in his 15th season at the helm, kept his coaching staff fairly intact, hoping that 2012 will be the year that everything "clicks," leading to a
BCS Bowl berth.
2011 TEXAS LONGHORN SEASON REVIEW
At most BCS schools, an 8-5 W-L mark would be acceptable, but this IS Texas, and anything less than double-digit wins is unacceptable. 2011 started off in typical fashion, winning their first four and rising to #10 in the national polls prior to their annual meeting in Dallas with Oklahoma. Unfortunately (for UT), the much-anticipated matchup turned disastrous, with the Sooners spanking Texas to the tune of 55-17. Things got worse a week later when Oklahoma State paid a visit and paddled the Longhorns, 38-26. Texas bounced back with wins over Kansas and Texas Tech, but followed those victories with another two-game skid, losing to Missouri and Kansas State,. One more shellacking was to follow as Baylor and Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffith III doubled up the Longhorns, 48-24.
Longhorn losses were minimal in the
2012 NFL Draft, with LBs
Keenan Robinson, Emmanuel Acho and DL Kheeston Randall being selected between rounds 4 through 7.
2012 TEXAS LONGHORN OUTLOOK
Returning QBs David Ash and Case McCoy combined over 2,000 yards last season, but neither signal-caller is a shoo-in as starter. McCoy had the better numbers, but Ash may have slightly better long-term potential. One of them needs to step up. Malcolm Brown had a decent freshman campaign (742 yards, 5 TDs) and looks to increase both his workload and production. WRs Mike Davis and Jaxon Shipley provide good targets, while the offensive line is stellar, as Brown has focused on bringing in some elite recruits.
Losing two LBs hurts, but the Longhorns have the luxury of simply promoting skilled replacements. Up front, the Longhorns feature two of the best DEs in the nation, Jackson Jeffcoat and Alex Okafor, while SS Kenny Vaccaro is poised to join the ranks of recent standout Texas DBs such as Earl Thomas and Michael Hough. The only concern on defense is depth.
NEW FACES IN TEXAS
The Longhorns may have fallen short on the field during the past two seasons, but their recruiting efforts in the same period have been second-to-none. RB Johnathan Gray was one of the nation's most sought-after preps, and along with returnees Brown and Joe Bergeron, should give Texas one of the nation's most potent ground attacks. WRs Cayleb Jones and Marcus Johnson should contribute, while OL Kennedy Estelle is expected to start from Day 1. Another Malcolm Brown begins his career at UT this fall, this one a DT who has all of the tools to dominate.
SCHEDULE
Texas opens their 2012 schedule with home games against Wyoming and New Mexico, then they travel to Ole Miss. Following an open date, the Longhorns then face what will be their "make-or-break" segment: A trip to Oklahoma State, home against new Big 12 member West Virginia, the annual war with Oklahoma, then back home against Baylor. After that four-game stretch, Longhorn Nation will undoubtedly have a good idea of how the 2012 season is shaping up. So pull out your burnt orange
Texas Longhorn merchandise and buckle up your seat belts, 2012 should be an interesting year.
