There are hardly any words to describe the last 6 months. Tirelessly watching the end of the NCAA basketball and NBA seasons, only to run into baseball, draft drama, and recruitment announcements. The Olympics provided some excitement for a short time, but we’ve finally reached the end of summer. Football is back.
It’s time to see what Mack Brown and the RISE team have worked on over the past 6 months. This article is all about my expectations and hopes for this 2012 season, and I can sum it up in just a few sub titles: The QBs, Defense, Offense and the ever as important Kickers.
The QBs
One obstacle Texas fans were hoping to get past sooner rather than later, was the unfortunate back-and-forth between Longhorn quarterbacks Case McCoy and David Ash. Ash was announced last week as the starter for the upcoming season opener against Wyoming. I’d have to agree with Mack Brown on this one. Last season, McCoy seemed to have energy on the field and could eventually find his man through a scramble. However, I saw Ash as having one key component; composure. This allowed him time, and the ability to hook up with two of arguably the best wide receivers on the field, Mike Davis and Jordan Shipley. Ash has an arm like no other, and I expect him to show out against Wyoming, while making for great conference games against Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, and TCU. I can’t quite say the same against Oklahoma. We’ll call that in October.
Defense
This is the season for senior Kenny Vaccaro. I expect him to light up the back field. I think Safety, I want to think Vaccaro. Many teams liked to pick on junior Carrington Byndom, but he is projected to be one of this season’s game changers for the Horns.
I think defense was most impressive in the bowl game against UCLA. Diligence was shown against Texas A&M. Manny Diaz has an impressive group. It’s all about what he does with it.
Offense
Wild Fozz is no longer in the starting lineup for the Horns. However, that doesn’t mean automatic weakness in the running game. Malcolm Brown and Joe Bergeron look to bring back the days of Selvin Young and Jamaal Charles. Now, understandably, those are big shoes to fill. The power is there, but the key is to keep your eyes focused on the openings from the offensive line. Eyes up.
On the other end of the offensive field are the starting WRs. The McCoy to Shipley days may have ceased, but David Ash keeps Jaxon Shipley as a hot target. Mike Davis can go get it. Also seen last season, Shipley has an arm. I can’t wait to see what OC Bryan Harsin has up his sleeve. We can’t get too carried away with trick plays though. We’re Texas: home of hard hitting football.
Kickers
Justin Tucker made for some of the toughest extra point and FG attempts in his career at Texas, including the historic last win over A&M in the foreseeable future. This season without Tucker? I’m worried. If the spring game was any indication of what to expect this season, junior Anthony Fera has his work cut out for him. FGs can win games.
This has been the longest, and arguably the most anticipated wait for Texas fans. Is Texas an AP Top 10 team this season? September will tell, and it’s no picnic. Ole Miss and Oklahoma State await the Horns, and there will be much to prove. Oklahoma State isn’t the same team it was last season, but it’s nothing to take lightly in Stillwater.
The best advice comes from Bryan Harsin himself: “Commitment versus routine, gentlemen.â€
