This week, the Horns take on the big guns of the SEC. That’s right, the hard-hitting, in-your- face, upfront stronghold that is the modern day SEC. However, what an initial thought would be when you describe the SEC as strong, hard-hitting football,  might be Alabama, or LSU. Not very many minds would think the University of Mississippi.
The Horns and Rebels will face off in Oxford, MS in front of a crowd much smaller than you would see at DKR in Austin, TX. However, this doesn’t take away the importance of this week being a defining week for the team, and the potential for a statement to be made in the polls.
The SEC is known for it’s power on the offensive line. The ability to protect the QB, make holes that make for an impressive run game, and stopping the run is of upmost importance. More than anything, this game will be a test of the Longhorn defense. Not very many teams in the Big 12 Conference are powerhouses with running the ball. Ole Miss has experience with playing teams that make this a focus. On the other hand, the Rebels aren’t  exactly a statement piece for the SEC, and instead had it’s last winning season (9-4) in 2009 under a coach no longer over the program. They are currently coming off of a 2-10 season under first-year head coach Hugh Freeze.  Junior QB Bo Wallace (who was noticed by the UT program) is looking to lead the team and make the most out of what it does best. The Rebels focus on small passes and taking opportunities to turn them into more impressive gains. I’m sure this is on coach Mack Brown’s list of what to look out for. Chipping away at the defense could be in the plans for Ole Miss. Fortunately, I don’t think it’s anything that won’t be adjusted and accounted for as the game progresses. If anything, Ole Miss might tire itself out.
Stopping the flags and actually letting the players play football, is another thing the SEC gets to enjoy more often than not. This might give safety Kenny Vaccaro, lineman Jordan Hicks and defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat the opportunity to truly show out and represent the maturity in the defense.
What Texas does have on it’s side is the experience of the spread offense and down-the-field style of the Big 12. This will force the Rebels’ defense to work harder in covering the field, than what it’s used to. David Ash needs to keep with what he’s been doing in the games against Wyoming and New Mexico (completing passes, passing for over 350 yds., and no interceptions), and take that confidence to Oxford. Points from the offensive end of the ball, special teams, and defense would just be over the top…and perfect for Texas fans.
Besides an opponent in what is arguably the nation’s best conference, Texas fans have something else to be pumped for, a Saturday primetime slot on ESPN.  The team is ready to show it’s improvements and confidence in the playmaking. I’ll be watching. We’ll see you in Oxford. Horns up.
