For the most part, the 2013 Texas Longhorns football team has a respectable non conference schedule, at least compared to many of the other Big 12 teams this year.
I think there’s no question that in order for the ‘Horns to get back to double digit wins in 2013, winning all three non conference games is a must. Here’s some vital information to know about the 2013 non conference schedule and what the ‘Horns will need to do to win each game.
https://www.hornsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/USATSI_6712584_149008644_lowres.jpg John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
1. New Mexico State Aggies– August 31st.
This is far and away the easiest game on the Longhorns schedule and should provide a tune up for the next eleven games to follow. The New Mexico State Aggies went 1-11 (0-6) in the WAC last year and have brought in first year head coach Doug Martin. Last year, the Aggies only win came against FCS Sacramento State in their opener and then proceeded to lose eleven in a row.
There were a plethora of negatives that can be found on the 2012 Aggies team, but the defense may be the biggest reason for their woes. The defense gave up an average of 41.3 points per game in their eleven losses including an embarrassing 66 points in their final game against the Texas State Bobcats.
The Aggies may not have much of a chance at all in this game, but they do have at least one bright spot on offense. Wide receiver Austin Franklin racked up 1245 receiving yards and nine touchdowns as well as seven games with 100+ yards receiving.
These two teams have played each other four times with the Longhorns winning all four contests.
Offensive keys: I think it’s safe to say the Longhorns will be able to have their way with the Aggies defense. Last year, they finished 111th in the country in total defense. They finished 84th in the country in rushing defense and gave up 184.25 rushing yards per game. With the stable of running backs the Longhorns have, they should be able to run all over the Aggies defense.
Defensive keys: Try to limit Austin Franklin through the air. Franklin had a great year in 2012 despite the teams record and will likely do so again this year. Texas has the talent at cornerback to slow the 6-foot-2 180 pound junior down, but they need to put an emphasis on him because if they don’t he can be a legitimate down field threat.
https://www.hornsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/USATSI_6867138_149008644_lowres-374×250.jpg Jody Gomez-USA TODAY Sports
2. Brigham Young Cougars-Â September 7th
The last time these two teams met, the Longhorns narrowly escaped defeat in Austin by a score of 17-16. The Cougars weren’t happy about that and don’t think they’ve forgot about that game. That was a defensive battle in 2011 and this year should feature a similar game.
Last year, BYU finished a respectable 8-5, but like Texas, they are looking to get back to double digit wins that they were used to not so long ago.
The Cougars defense was one of the best in the country last year, but  they bring back only five defensive starters in 2013. Head coach Bronco Mendenhall seems to be able to develop defensive players well and their teams play smart, fundamental defense.
Despite being known as a defensive, power running type team, the Cougars had a 1,000+ yard receiver in Cody Hoffman last year. Hoffman caught 100 passes for 1,248 yards and 11 touchdowns for an average of 12.5 yards per catch.
On the defense, linebacker Kyle Van Noy was a household name last year when he racked up 22 tackle for losses and 13 sacks. Van Noy could be serious trouble for the Longhorns offensive line and running backs.
These two teams have met three times and BYU leads the series two games to one.
Offensive keys: The Cougars are sure to be stingy on defense. They have a good linebacking corps and seem to always force turnovers. Running the ball may be tough even with the talent the Longhorns have. I think wide receivers Jaxon Shipley and Mike Davis will need to come up big in this game and score some touchdowns early to give the ‘Horns some confidence against a scrappy BYU defense.
Defensive keys: Like New Mexico State, BYU has one receiver who stands out above the rest and thats Hoffman. If the ‘Horns can slow down Hoffman and force the Cougars to rely only on their running game, they’ll cause the Cougars offense to be one dimensional. Texas’ cornerbacks and safeties need to be ready for downfield passing with Hoffman, something that BYU usually doesn’t do.
https://www.hornsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/USATSI_6758010_149008644_lowres-381×250.jpg Crystal Logiudice-USA TODAY Sports
3. Ole Miss- September 14th
The Ole Miss rebels saw some improvement under head coach Hugh Freeze‘s first year in Oxford. The Rebels went 7-6 and beat arch rival Mississippi State in the Egg Bowl. The Longhorns didn’t have much trouble with them last year though.
Last year, the ‘Horns put 66 points of Freeze’s Rebels in Oxford and really embarrassed them despite scoring a respectable 31 points themselves.
This year, the Rebels will be looking to upset the ‘Horns in Austin behind second year starting quarterback Bo Wallace.
The Rebels return their leading receiver Donte Moncrief who caught 979 yards and ten touchdowns last year. They also return their second leading receiver Vince Sanders who had 504 receiving yards and four touchdowns in 2012.
The Rebels and Longhorns have met seven times with the ‘Horns winning six of those seven games.
Offensive keys: The Rebels are still a bit shaky on defense. They gave up 30+ points five times last year with their worst defensive outing coming against Texas. Quarterback David Ash played very well against them in 2012 and I’d expect the Rebels defensive coordinators to be keying in on Ash’s flaws. Last year, the Longhorns did just about everything right on the offensive side of the ball. I doubt the ‘Horns score 66 points on the Rebels again, but mixing a combination of power running with deep balls like they did last year was a good formula. I’d expect the ‘Horns to stick to that.
Defensive keys: Rebels quarterback Bo Wallace has an accurate arm and used it well last year after passing for 2,843 yards and 22 touchdowns. I’d expect him to improve on those numbers this year through the air with his top two returning starters. The Rebels could also improve on the ground. They return their top producing running back Jeff Scott who rushed for 846 yards and six touchdowns in 2012. I think they key for the Longhorns is forcing turnovers. That may sound obvious, but while Wallace had a pretty good year through the air, he also threw 17 interceptions. If Jackson Jeffcoat and the ‘Horns defensive line can put pressure on Wallace, their chances of winning this game will increase dramatically.
The non conference games this year get progressively more difficult and losing even just one of these games could break the ‘Horns season. The game against Ole Miss will get the most hype and will probably be the best game, but Texas better not be looking ahead when they play BYU or they may find themselves on the losing end of a defensive battle.
The Longhorns have the talent and returning starters to win all three of these games and will almost certainly be favored in all three. If the ‘Horns win these non conference games, it could set them up for a great season and prepare them for Big 12 play, only time will tell what will unfold in late August/early September.
