Of course everyone wants to see the two starting running backs go wild again. And of course everyone wants to see if David Ash can improve. But here are some things beyond those I just listed that I will be looking for and you can too.
Texas is coming off its 13th straight home opener as they go into week 2 against the New Mexico Lobos. Last week the longhorns saw more of a spread attack but this week the Lobo’s triple option style offense is almost completely polar opposite from Wyoming’s in week 1.
Here are 5 things I’m interested in most for this game. (No particular order).
1.)Â How will the defense, specifically the inexperienced linebackers, handle this triple option style attack? This is a great test of their discipline, ability to make a play, and tackle well.
2.)Â I want to see if D.J. Monroe can continue to be a factor on offense. He will be a valuable weapon all season long if Harsin/Applewhite can continue to figure out creative ways to get him the ball, and if he can continue to produce. In addition to his speed, he ran with surprising physicality last game. I like it.
3.) Along the lines of Monroe, Daje Johnson could see his first action as a Longhorn and Jonathan Gray could build off his limited first performance and get some significant snaps. It’s only a matter of time before Gray gets used to the game speed and turns it on. His burst is unreal.
4.) I harped on the offensive line harder than most last week but again I want to see if they can continue to gel into a stronger unit. Come on Espinosa…
5.) We all know how bad the kicking game was last Saturday. But let’s say Fera isn’t ready to go by week 3 at Ole Miss… Can Nick Jordan or Nick Rose actually make a long field goal. I said this in a recent post, but the difference between Fera and the other kickers could be at least 1-2 wins this season.
Like the Horns, the Lobos are coming off a big day on the ground. Last week they racked up 350 yards and 5 touchdowns on the ground (just 70 yards in the air). But Texas is way too big, athletic, and talented for the Lobos to have anywhere near the same success. I expect another big day on the ground for the Longhorns.
*Side Note: New Mexico didn’t have a single turnover and only had 1 penalty flag last week. That’s impressive for any team.
Prediction: Texas 41, New Mexico 10
Join in on the conversation. What will you be looking for?
